You are a business owner who wants to prioritize people and planet over profits (without sacrificing success). That can feel lonely—but you are not alone! Join host Becky Mollenkamp for in-depth conversations with experts and other founders about how to build a more equitable world through entrepreneurship. It’s time to change the business landscape for good!
NOTE: Feminist Founders is a listener-funded podcast. Your contributions enable us to continue bringing you these important conversations. To support the mission and to receive bonus content from this episode, sign up for a subscription.In this episode of Feminist Founders, Becky Mollenkamp sits down with Chelsey Goodan, author of Underestimated: The Wisdom and Power of Teenage Girls. Chelsey shares her journey in writing the book, her commitment to intersectional feminism, and her work with teenage girls. The conversation delves deep into the challenges and opportunities of raising feminist, empowered young women, as well as the importance of healing our inner teenage selves. Becky and Chelsey explore how these themes apply not just to parenting but also to leadership and women’s empowerment in the workplace.Chelsey Goodan (she/her) is the author of the USA Today national bestseller, “Underestimated: The Power and Wisdom of Teenage Girls” (Gallery Books), which has been endorsed by Oprah's Book Club, saying: “If you have a teenage girl in your life, you need to read this.” Amazon's Editorial Director chose “Underestimated” as her "Editor's Pick, Best Nonfiction,” featuring it on CBS Mornings, and when Chelsey was on TODAY with Hoda & Jenna, they exclaimed: "We couldn't stop talking about your book." Website | Instagram | TikTok | LinkedInDiscussed in this Episode:Underestimated: Becky and Chelsey discuss the inspiration behind Underestimated: The Wisdom and Power of Teenage Girls, a book that challenges societal stereotypes and advocates for the empowerment of young women.Intersectional Feminism: The conversation highlights the importance of intersectional feminism, with Chelsey sharing how her book draws on the work of influential feminist thinkers like bell hooks and Maya Angelou.Empowering Teenage Girls: Chelsey offers insights into how we can support and empower teenage girls, encouraging them to embrace their emotions and develop self-trust.Feminist Parenting: Becky and Chelsey discuss the challenges of feminist parenting, particularly in creating a safe space for daughters to explore their identities and make independent choices.Healing Your Inner Teenager: The episode touches on the importance of healing the wounds from our own teenage years, including overcoming perfectionism, self-doubt, and shame.Communication Strategies for Leaders: Chelsey shares how the lessons she’s learned from working with teenage girls can be applied to leadership, particularly in creating psychologically safe environments where team members feel seen, heard, and valued.The Role of Social Media: Chelsey addresses the pros and cons of social media for teenage girls, emphasizing the importance of guiding them to use these platforms in empowering ways.Resources mentioned:Underestimated by Chelsey Goodan“Why Does Patriarchy Persist” by Carol Gilligan and Naomi Snider“Pleasure Activism” by adrienne maree brownDemocraSheA Call to MenSubscribe for More: For additional content, including a bonus conversation about Chelsey’s work with A Call to Men, subscribe to the Feminist Founders newsletter on Substack.
9/16/24 • 65:46
In this special summer-break episode of Feminist Founders, Becky Mollenkamp sits down with Sophia Apostol, host of the Fat Joy podcast and Fat Joy on Substack, to explore the intersections of visibility, body image, and safety in a world that often marginalizes certain bodies. This deep and insightful conversation touches on the challenges of being visible in a society that prizes thinness, the journey from body neutrality to fat joy, and the critical importance of psychological safety for business owners and leaders. Sophia shares her own journey towards body liberation and the creation of her impactful work, offering listeners a hopeful and empowering perspective on how to navigate these complex issues.Resources Mentioned:"What We Don't Talk About When We Talk About Fat" by Aubrey Gordon"Happy Fat" by Sofie HaganTruity's Enneagram TestCliftonStrengths (formerly StrengthsFinder)We Can Do Hard Things podcastConnect with Sophia Apostol:Fat Joy podcastFat Joy on SubstackInstagramSophia Apostol Coaching Support Feminist Founders:Feminist Founders is a listener-funded podcast. Your contributions enable Becky to continue bringing you these important conversations without corporate advertising. To support the mission, visit feministfounderspodcast.com and sign up for a paid subscription.
9/3/24 • 34:56
Feminist coach Becky Mollenkamp moderates a panel discussion on how to create win-win collaborations for your business with experts Michele Price and Babs Cheung.Learn more about the Feminist Founders Forums
8/26/24 • 23:30
Feminist coach Becky Mollenkamp moderates a panel discussion on wealth and equity with financial experts Natalie Bullen and Meg Wheeler.Learn more about the Feminist Founder Forums
8/19/24 • 30:54
Becky Mollenkamp is joined by Erica Courdae and Mai-kee Tsang to discuss hustle culture for Feminist Founders Forum.
8/12/24 • 31:43
Feminist coach Becky Mollenkamp moderates a panel discussion on love in its various forms and how it affects business owners with experts Faith Clarke and Jay Asooli.Learn about the next Feminist Founders Forum
8/5/24 • 37:50
Just launched! Check out Joy in the Breakthrough, a new podcast by Chicago leaders Connie Lindsey & Anna Valencia (and part of the Feminist Podcasters Collective). This show explores the peaks and valleys of life through cross-generational conversations with diverse leaders who have learned the power of being broken open in order to break through.
8/1/24 • 01:51
A panel discussion about breaking capitalist norms as business owners with Becky Mollenkamp, Andrea Jones, Jordan Maney, and Rachel Formaro.Learn about the next Feminist Founders Forum
7/31/24 • 30:42
Feminist Founders is on summer break between seasons. But we're not leaving dead air. Please enjoy this episode of Reaching Abundance with Virginia Elder in which Becky Mollenkamp shares how she approaches aligning a podcast marketing strategy with your values.Mentioned in the intro: "Don't Be Like Sticker Mule" post on Substack
7/24/24 • 53:12
Feminist Founders is on summer break between seasons. But we're not leaving dead air. Please enjoy this episode of Listeners to Leads with Alesia Galati in which Becky Mollenkamp shares how she approaches aligning a podcast marketing strategy with your values.
7/17/24 • 36:27
Please take a listen to this episode of The Mindful Marketing Podcast with Andréa Jones in which Becky Mollenkamp, Kathleen Oh, and Tara McMullin discuss how they are using Substack in their businesses.
7/10/24 • 49:34
Rest coach Jordan Maney recently joined Becky Mollenkamp for a discussion about burnout. Maney’s work specifically addresses the connection between burnout and apathy, particularly for empathetic individuals who care about making a difference.This powerful conversation emphasizes the need to recognize and value invisible labor, critiques the current solutions offered for burnout, and calls for a more comprehensive approach to recovery.Becky and Jordan also highlight the societal conditioning that discourages individuals, especially women, from seeking support and setting boundaries., and the need for collective approaches to address burnout.Key Points:Burnout is not solely an individual problem but is influenced by systemic factors.Apathy can be a result of burnout, leading individuals to feel overwhelmed and believe that someone else will fix the problems.The concept of burnout should extend beyond professional labor and include the recognition of invisible labor.Current solutions for burnout, such as self-care and quick fixes, are not comprehensive and fail to address the underlying issues.Recovering from burnout takes time and requires a shift in mindset, including letting go of overcommitment.Building a collective and seeking support are essential in preventing and recovering from burnout. The societal conditioning discourages individuals, especially women, from seeking support and setting boundaries.Shifting from an individualistic to a collective approach is crucial in addressing burnout and creating systemic change.Self-care involves self-management and self-advocacy, including setting boundaries and prioritizing one's needs.Creating lasting change requires engaging with community and recognizing that individual efforts alone cannot transform systems.Healing from burnout is a slow and ongoing process that may require seeking support from professionals who understand the complexities of burnout.Highlights:0:00 - Introduction and the Individualistic View of Burnout2:50 - Invisible Labor and the Need to Value It5:43 - The Ineffectiveness of Traditional Self-Care Approaches8:51 - The Time and Effort Required for Burnout Recovery10:56 - The Challenge of Letting Go and Setting Boundaries16:25 - The Importance of Collective Support and Community22:03 - Confronting Identity and Shifting Perspectives26:35 - Redefining Self-Care as Self-Management and Self-Advocacy28:32 - The Need for Comprehensive Change and Systemic Solutions32:31 - The Slow Roast of Burnout Recovery35:21 - The Role of a Lighthouse in Guiding Burnout Recovery36:39 - Conclusion and Call to Action
7/3/24 • 39:10
The journey toward liberation is messy AF, and Taina Brown and Becky Mollenkamp are here for it! 💥Join them for the Messy Liberation, a podcast about current events, politics, pop culture, and business through an intersectional feminist lens. Taina and Becky aren’t perfect activists or allies, so don’t expect polished and perfectly formulated conversations with 3-step solutions (that’s toxic capitalist BS anyway). 📣 Instead, listen in on their real-time, messy thoughts as they make sense of the world around them. If you’re sick of superficial approaches to business and personal challenges, then you’ll love the nuance they bring to every discussion.Messy Liberation will get you thinking, help you feel less alone in the mess of personal development and systems liberation, and educate and inspire you, no matter where you are on the journey.If you also want to create a more equitable world, check out Messy Liberation, available wherever you listen to podcasts, including Apple, Spotify, and YouTube. 🎧LEARN MORE:Taina Brown WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | THREADSBecky Mollenkamp WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | THREADS | FEMINIST FOUNDERS
7/1/24 • 01:37
In this conversation, Mahlena-Rae Johnson joins Becky Mollenkamp to discuss public speaking for introverted CEOs. Mahlena-Rae emphasizes the importance of understanding introversion, and dispels the misconception that introverts are shy. She outlines a three-step process for introverted CEOs to excel in public speaking (relax, relate, and release). She also highlights the need for introverted CEOs to prioritize self-care and recovery after speaking engagements.Connect with Mahlena on LinkedInKey takeaways:Introverted CEOs can excel in public speaking by focusing on storytelling and their purpose for speaking.Self-care and recovery time are essential for introverted CEOs after speaking engagements.Introverted CEOs may face imposter syndrome due to societal expectations of extroverted leadership.Event organizers can support introverted speakers by providing accommodations such as private green rooms and assistance with logistics.Creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for introverted speakers benefits all participants.Highlights:0:00 - Introduction and Background2:51 - Public Speaking for Introverted CEOs5:30 - Overcoming Shyness and Managing Vulnerability8:45 - Dealing with Perfectionism11:40 - The Importance of Recovery for Introverts14:47 - Imposter Syndrome and Introverted CEOs20:50 - Creating Accessible Speaking Environments23:38 - Providing Support and Guidance for Speaker
6/26/24 • 27:45
SUMMER BREAK: Season 3 of Feminist Founders is coming in September featuring new interviews with more inspiring leaders. During the summer I'm bringing you some special content, starting with this conversation with my friend, feminist life coach Taina Brown. She asked a few months ago if I’d be game for “Ask a Feminist Coach” as a series for Feminist Founders. Of course I said, “hell yes!” So we asked for some questions, and jumped right in to tackle three of the questions. Then we decided we liked it so much that we are going to turn it into something even bigger and better — a brand new podcast called Messy Liberation (coming out in July 2024). Until then, I hope you’ll enjoy this conversation (or the transcript below).
6/19/24 • 33:48
NOTE: Feminist Founders is a listener-funded podcast. Your contributions enable me to continue bringing you these important conversations. To support the mission, sign up for a paid Substack subscription at https://feministfounders.substack.com/ In this special episode of Feminist Founders, host Becky Mollenkamp switches roles and is interviewed by her friend and communication strategist, Arden Evenson. Arden dives deep into Becky’s transformative approach to business coaching, including breaking down capitalist, patriarchal structures and building businesses that support your values and the people who work with you.Becky Mollenkamp (she/they) is a feminist business coach who helps entrepreneurs make the leap from "small business owner" to CEO without acting out of alignment with their values.Website | Instagram | Threads | TikTok | YouTube | NewsletterDiscussed in this episode:How Becky’s business philosophy is outside capitalist normsThe problem with Corporate AmericaNavigating anti-capitalist financialsBecky’s approach to humane hiring and managementHow Becky talks to clients about marketing and salesThe importance of hustle-free operationsThe differences between managers and leadersA detailed description of Becky's coaching approachThe importance of aligning business practices with personal valuesResource mentioned:Sustainable Business BlueprintSpecial Thanks: A big thank you to Arden Evenson for hosting this episode and facilitating an insightful conversation.Learn more about accountability coaching with host Becky Mollenkamp at https://beckymollenkamp.com
6/12/24 • 69:54
NOTE: Feminist Founders is a listener-funded podcast. Your contributions enable me to continue bringing you these important conversations. To support the mission, sign up for a paid Substack subscription at https://feministfounders.substack.com/ SUMMARY: In this episode, Bianca Jordan, founder of Rebel Immigration, shares her journey from disillusionment with feminism to entrepreneurship. She discusses the impact of the pink pussy hat movement, her unconventional path from an MBA and JD to homelessness, and John Adams' influence on her legal career. Bianca delves into the necessity and tenacity driving her ventures, challenges in the legal industry, and misconceptions about immigration. She highlights racism in the immigration process and offers insights on how business owners can support immigrants. Additionally, she introduces her resources and approach to leadership.----- Bianca Jordan (she/her) is the founder and CEO of Rebel Immigration, a legal education and consulting company that provides marketing and growth strategy to solo attorneys.Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | ThreadsDiscussed in this episode:How the pink pussy hat movement turned Bianca off to feminismWhy an MBA and JD ended up unhousedJohn Adams’ role in making Bianca want to be an attorneyNecessity and tenacity (plus a sprinkle of spite) as drivers for entrepreneurshipHow lawyers responded to Bianca’s virtual law firm pre- and post-COVIDThe role Bianca’s mom played in creating her second business, Rebel ImmigrationThe many ways Bianca is challenging legal industry normsWhat made Bianca want to be like Elle WoodsThe many ways that Americans misunderstand immigrationRacism in the US immigration processHow business owners can help immigrantsThe low-cost resources available through Brazen Legal UniversityBianca’s newest offer, New Solo BlueprintHow Bianca approaches leadership of her small teamResources mentioned:“The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho“Shoe Dog” by Phil KnightGirl Scouts of the USALearn more about accountability coaching with host Becky Mollenkamp at https://beckymollenkamp.com
6/5/24 • 63:24
NOTE: Feminist Founders is a listener-funded podcast. Your contributions enable me to continue bringing you these important conversations. To support the mission, sign up for a paid Substack subscription at https://feministfounders.substack.com/ SUMMARY: Navruz Avloni, a formidable attorney defending civil rights across California, discusses her path from a childhood in communist Uzbekistan to litigating high-profile cases like Diaz v. Tesla, advocating passionately for victims of workplace discrimination. She shares insights on leaving a partnership to start her own firm, navigating a male-dominated industry with feminist values, and the complex impacts of the #MeToo movement on legal practices. Navruz's story is not only inspiring but also a powerful call to challenge systemic injustices and transform the legal landscape.----- Navruz Avloni (she/her) is a committed attorney and advocate who fights vigorously for important civil rights in courts throughout California. She is recognized for her ability to see the big picture in every case she litigates and for being a tenacious and passionate litigator for victims of sexual assault and wronged employees. She has a proven track record of obtaining favorable results for her clients in race discrimination, disability discrimination, sexual harassment, and whistleblower cases. In her over a decade of litigation experience, Navruz has represented clients in high-profile cases such as Kepnach, et al v. Four Barrel Coffee, Diaz v. Tesla, and Vaughn v. Tesla. Website | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedInDiscussed in this episode:Why Navruz is a proud and passionate feministHow a childhood spent in communist Uzbekistan played a role in Navruz’s career choiceChoosing to be a plaintiff’s lawyer vs. a higher-paid corporate defense attorneyWorking up to partner at a firm and then leaving to start her own firmHow Navruz is bringing her feminist values into a male-dominated industryWhy the legal industry, often deservedly, gets a bad reputation — and how Navruz is challenging those normsHow the legal industry often creates burnout (and the tools Navruz employs to avoid it)Why the legal system is the center of a feminist futureWhy so few victims of workplace misconduct take their cases to court. How the #MeToo movement did—and didn’t—change workplace lawsuitsBad apples vs. bad policies in workplace lawsuitsHow to avoid bad apples (and legal damages from them) in your own businessTips for avoiding common mistakes among even well-meaning employersThe importance of doing your best to fix an employer mistakeWhy Navruz typically won’t represent plaintiffs against small businessesResources:Patrick Lencioni on healthy workplace cultures“Dream Big and Win: Translating passion into purpose and creating a billion-dollar business” by Liz EltingEmpower WorkLearn more about accountability coaching with host Becky Mollenkamp at https://beckymollenkamp.com
5/29/24 • 54:23
SUMMARY: Nichole Beiner Powell-Newman, an unwavering advocate for intersectional wellness and CEO of Nichole Gabrielle and Co., LLC. shares her transformative journey from law to leadership consulting, and back to blogging. We delve into the challenges of disability in traditional workspaces, visionary steps towards truly inclusive workplaces, and creating liberatory communities. Nichole challenges us to consider how ableism might infiltrate our business practices and invites us to turn our professed values into actionable, everyday guides. Join us for a conversation that redefines community and courage in leadership.Nichole Alcántara Beiner Powell-Newman (she/her) is an intersectional wellness advocate, speaker and consultant. She seeks equity, belonging and liberation at the crossroads of race, gender, and (dis)ability, through courageous conversations about lived truths, collective healing/care, and through community-centered action. She enjoys creating spaces that allow vulnerable explorations of unbridled joy for those who hold multiple marginalized identities and cultivating communities committed to intersectional belonging.Nichole serves as the CEO and Co-Founder of Nichole Gabrielle and Co., LLC, a Leadership and Culture Consultancy focused on creating cultures of belonging for people with marginalized identities. Using the skills she's gained from years of facilitation work, legal practice, and her own experiences as a disabled and chronically ill Afro-Latina, Nichole is able to help companies tackle systemic inequities, have hard conversations, and create spaces where people feel safe and confident that they can be their full selves.When she’s not spending time in community, Nichole enjoys reading, spending time with her husband, Vince, and learning about new foods and places. Lately, you can find her reconnecting with her roots in food anthropology, studying yoga philosophy, or planning out the big, beautiful life she believes we’re all deserving of.Website | Instagram | TikTok | LinkedInDiscussed in this episode:Nichole’s exploration of feminism and womanism Why working as a lawyer and have a disability became incompatible for NicholeThe journey from lawyer to blogger to DEI consultant and back to bloggingFinding a truly liberatory yoga practice and how it helped Nichole shift her thinkingNichole’s vision for inclusive workplacesWhy return-to-work orders are ableist (and may not be financially wise)How ableism may be showing up in your businessWhy it’s liberatory to be in aligned communityThe problem with turning community into an industryHow to reimagine community through a womanist lensHaving difficult (and political) conversations as a business thought leaderTurning values from words on a website into a guide for every choiceScience fiction as a pathway to reimagining a more liberated worldResources mentioned:“All the Black Girls Are Activists” by Ebony JaniceMelanin and MoxieSpoon TheorySusana Barkataki“The Power of Sitting in the Mess,” Nichole’s Fearless Fire talkSins Invalid“The Myth of Normal” by Gabor Maté“Parable of the Sower” by Octavia ButlerFeminist Book ClubLearn more about accountability coaching with host Becky Mollenkamp at https://beckymollenkamp.com
5/22/24 • 66:45
NOTE: Feminist Founders is a listener-funded podcast. Your contributions enable me to continue bringing you these important conversations. To support the mission, sign up for a paid Substack subscription at https://feministfounders.substack.com/ SUMMARY: In this episode of the Feminist Founders podcast, we chat with Mai Moore, founder of Boss Me In, exploring her shift from corporate leadership to championing values-aligned networking for Gen Z women. We discuss creating safer spaces and the unique challenges anti-capitalist startups face. Mai offers impactful leadership tips for building inclusive communities and navigating the non-traditional paths of mentorship and funding. Her insights inspire entrepreneurs to lead with authenticity and purpose, aiming to transform societal norms and foster real change in the business world.----- Mai Moore (she/her) is an Award-Winning Social Impact Leader, Co-Founder of EYEJ: Empowering Youth, Exploring Justice; Founder of Setting Off Social Impact, and Boss Me In. Mai helped two tech start-ups go public; Travelzoo Inc. and United Online. She believes in diverse women, BIPOC persons, and our young people to help create a more equitable and inclusive world. Mai is from Cleveland Heights, Ohio.Website | LinkedInDiscussed this episode:Mai’s relationship with feminismWhy Mai moved from the C-suite to helping Gen Z women kick off their careersWhat founders need to understand about Gen ZThe challenging (and different) future that Gen Z professionals faceWhat is missing in many mentoring and networking programs and what makes Boss Me In differentHow Mai chose the name Boss Me InThe “no-mask” policy that appeals to Gen Z’s value of authenticityCreating truly inclusive communitiesSteps Boss Me In takes to create safer spacesThe importance of harm repair inside of communitiesPersonal growth and the ebbs and flows of finding values-aligned communitiesHow Mai deals with imperfect communitiesTips for finding truly inclusive communitiesFinding a mentor at any ageMai’s best tip for moving beyond the fears of getting visibleWhy founders need communityThe ways Boss Me In is challenging capitalist normsVC funding, KPIs, and burnoutWhat’s different about Boss Me In’s approach to fundingResources mentioned:Boss Me InEmpowering Youth, Exploring Justice“The Four Agreements” by don Miguel RuizLearn more about accountability coaching with host Becky Mollenkamp at https://beckymollenkamp.com
5/15/24 • 54:59
NOTE: Feminist Founders is a listener-funded podcast. Your contributions enable me to continue bringing you these important conversations. To support the mission, sign up for a paid Substack subscription at https://feministfounders.substack.com/ ----- Elisa Camahort Page (she/her) is a fractional executive and strategic consultant who launches and scales businesses, products, and authentic user communities. Elisa was co-founder and COO of BlogHer, Inc. In that role, Elisa had oversight of the practices, policies, and procedures that modeled how organizations can build community, grow a business, and support inclusion in words and action. Since leaving the company that acquired BlogHer, Elisa has consulted with organizations to define and deliver on content, product, community, and communications strategies and resource plans that are in alignment with their brand values. A frequent public speaker, LinkedIn Learning course instructor, and freelance writer, Elisa is also the host of The Op-Ed Page podcast and the This Week-ish and Optionality newsletters on Substack, as well as the co-author of “Road Map for Revolutionaries: Resistance, Activism, and Advocacy for All.”Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Threads | TikTok | FacebookDiscussed in this episode:Elisa’s relationship with feminism and how it evolved to be more intersectionalHow BlogHer was created to address the early days of bloggingHow values were more than something “laminated on the wall”Bootstrapping the rollout, and the growth pains of adding payrollPursuing Series A funding, and who shouldn’t go for VC fundingChallenges for women pursuing VC fundingWhy Elisa will not go for VC funding again (despite a decent first experience)How public and private funding negatively impacts decision makingChoosing to sell vs. securing another round of funding for growthManaging the transition period of a buyoutNavigating personal values while running a company that has grown beyond youThe benefit of having an odd number of ownersMale-dominated leadership of women-dominated productsWhy Elisa’s book wasn’t the one she originally thought she’d writeThe 20 years that destroyed worker trust, and how the pandemic shifted thingsRethinking employee mentorship modelsNew models for making money as content creators (ie, Substack)Resources mentioned:“Roadmap for Revolutionaries: Resistance, Activism and Advocacy for All,” by Elisa Camahort Page, Carolyn Gerin, and Jamia Wilson“The Man Who Broke Capitalism” by David GellesCenter for Reproductive RightsNational Network of Abortion FundsOur Hen HouseLearn more about accountability coaching with host Becky Mollenkamp at https://beckymollenkamp.com
5/8/24 • 70:09
NOTE: Feminist Founders is a listener-funded podcast. Your contributions enable us to continue bringing you these important conversations. To support the mission and receive bonus content, sign up for a subscription at https://feministfounders.substack.com/ SUMMARY: In this episode of Feminist Founders, Catharine Montgomery, founder and CEO of Better Together, shares her journey of building sustainable change. She discusses her unexpected start in entrepreneurship with VC funding and the social impact her agency aims to achieve. Catharine navigates the challenges of transitioning from employee to business owner, overcoming imposter syndrome, and modeling equity and social justice in her business practices. She emphasizes the importance of mentoring, networking, and finding clients who align with Better Together's values. Through her experiences, Catharine provides valuable insights for entrepreneurs navigating similar paths, highlighting the intersection of feminism, entrepreneurship, and social change.Catharine Montgomery (she/her) is the founder and CEO of Better Together, a communications agency that galvanizes positive change for purpose-driven organizations through creative strategies, messaging and branding. Catharine’s vision for Better Together is to build a more just, environmentally sustainable world centered around human and labor rights, access to education, and healthcare for all through collaborative and creative communication campaigns. After spending nearly 15 years working in public relations, Catharine knows what truly drives results and leaves a lasting impact.Website | Catharine’s LinkedIn | Better Together LinkedIn | ThreadsDiscussed in this episode:Catharine’s burgeoning and complicated relationship with feminismExiting a toxic work environment (and fighting back)How a chance encounter (and a lifetime of preparation) helped Catharine unexpectedly start her agency with VC fundingWhy Catharine decided to accept VC funding, despite being in an industry that isn’t known for relying on itHow mentoring and networking have helped Catharine as a newer entrepreneurBetter Together’s values and finding clients that share themMaking money and doing goodHow entrepreneurship helped Catharine overcome “imposter syndrome”The learning curve of going from employee to business ownerModeling equity and social justice in how she runs Better TogetherThe legacy Catharine hopes to create with Better TogetherResources mentioned:Touch4LifeNational Museum of African-American History and Culture“Unmasking AI” by Joy Buolamwini
5/1/24 • 56:33
NOTE: Feminist Founders is a listener-funded podcast. Your contributions enable us to continue bringing you these important conversations. To support the mission and receive bonus content, sign up for a subscription at https://feministfounders.substack.com/ SUMMARY: Today we are joined by Rachel Formaro, a seasoned entrepreneur who navigated the tumultuous journey from overwhelmed solopreneur to thriving CEO. Rachel shares her profound insights on transitioning from the solopreneur mindset to embracing empowering business leadership. We delve into the fear of delegating and the essential mindset shift necessary for sustainable business success. Rachel illuminates the distinction between leadership and management, advocating for values-driven decision-making and building a supportive work culture. She emphasizes the importance of investing in a team for sustainable business expansion and shares strategies for navigating short-term challenges while prioritizing long-term gains. Moreover, Rachel candidly discusses prioritizing self-care, overcoming imposter syndrome, and setting boundaries to maintain work-life balance during periods of growth. Join us as we explore Rachel's empowering journey of resilience, growth, and redefining success as a values-driven CEO.----- Rachel Formaro (she/her) is the founder, CEO and a senior consultant at Blu Pagoda. With more than 25 years of broad career experience, Rachel is a top-performing communications and business management professional. She is known for her creativity, compassion, and commitment to achieving results.While Rachel’s specialty is financial services, she also has experience with technology and consumer goods. She has assisted Fortune 500 with their business and communications challenges—particularly in the area of complex programs. Rachel has experience in both the United States and Canada and has assisted companies with initiatives in both countries, including mergers and acquisitions. Outside of her work at Blu Pagoda, Rachel loves being a mom, wife, cook and avid reader. She stays engaged with her local community through volunteering and is a board member with the Chrysalis Foundation for Girls and Women. Website | LinkedInDiscussed in this episode:Rachel’s relationship with feminism and how it became more intersectionalHer journey from Corporate America to self-employment, back to Corporate America, and finally starting Blu PagodaHow Rachel balances her anti-capitalist beliefs with serving clients in Corporate AmericaThe ways Rachel is trying to buck capitalist norms inside her businessGetting comfortable with the CEO title by redefining what it meansThe importance of enlisting experts to help you grow as a CEOModeling the self-care behaviors she wants her employees to feel empowered to doSetting boundaries around time and not making assumptions about others’ needsThe weight of responsibility for other people’s livelihoodsNavigating an economic downturn without losing sight of people-first valuesCreating a legacy and owning the word “philanthropist”Navigating aging and ageism as a woman business ownerResources mentioned in this episode:“Hood Feminism” by Mikki KendallSister.isClifton StrengthsDrive to Survive on Netflix“Rest is a Resistance’ by Tricia HerseyMoms Demand ActionChrysalis Foundation for Women and Girls“This Chair Rocks” by Ashton ApplewhiteLearn more about accountability coaching with host Becky Mollenkamp at https://beckymollenkamp.com
4/24/24 • 60:26
NOTE: Feminist Founders is a listener-funded podcast. Your contributions enable us to continue bringing you these important conversations. To support the mission and receive bonus content, sign up for a subscription at https://feministfounders.substack.com/ ----- Meg Wheeler (she/her) is the Founder of The Equitable Money Project, which offers financial education through its free Biz Money Library, CFO support through The Equitable Money Club, and done-for-you tax preparation, bookkeeping and CFO services to primarily marginalized business owners. She is a licensed CPA and financial literacy educator with a focus on helping online educators, service providers and small business owners set up, manage and master the financial aspects of their businesses. The Equitable Money Project prioritizes diversity, equity, inclusion and justice, and is committed to supporting marginalized and underrepresented business owners through accessible financial education. Meg ties her social justice activism and political work into The Equitable Money Project as part of her commitment to achieving economic equity for all. She is the host of The Disrupt Your Money Podcast and a former Democratic Candidate for the Massachusetts State Senate. Website | Instagram | TikTokDiscussed in this episode:Meg’s relationship with feminismWhy money is politicalPrivilege and generational wealth (vs. being rich)The role of ‘money mindset’ in financial conversationsWhy acknowledging privilege is so important for those working in the financial spaceSystemic barriers that contribute to financial inequityWhy Dave Ramsey and financial “gurus” like him are so problematicHow they do things differently at Equitable Money ProjectThe reason Meg’s gives away the bulk of educational materials for freeConditioning that tells women and others with marginalized identities that “they aren’t good with numbers”The power of money meetingsSeparating money from self-worthThe pros and cons of Profit First accountingWhy “be a radical giver” is part of Meg’s core valuesWhat Meg’s run for State Senate taught herThe power of talking to people in your communityHow Meg kissed Zac EfronResources mentioned:Disrupt Your Money podcastRich White Guys Make Crappy Financial Advisors (episode)Biz Money LibraryGallup study: Bill paying vs. financial decision making“Profit First” by Michael MichalowiczPay Yourself First (episode)Equitable Money ClubElevated AccessGirls Who CodeLearn more about accountability coaching with host Becky Mollenkamp at https://beckymollenkamp.comA full transcript of this interview is available at FeministFoundersPodcast.com
4/17/24 • 62:58
NOTE: Feminist Founders is a listener-funded podcast. Your contributions enable us to continue bringing you these important conversations. To support the mission and receive bonus content, sign up for a subscription at https://feministfounders.substack.com/ ----- Natalie Bullen (she/her) is a Sales Coach, Messaging Strategist and owner of Unapologetic Wealth. As a powerhouse coach and consultant, she positions her clients for wealth by accelerating their revenue with high ticket sales.Website | Instagram | FacebookDiscussed in this episode:Natalie’s relationship with feminism (and why she prefers “high achieving breadwinner”)How the “American Dream” failed Natalie, and how that fuels her work todayNatalie’s experience with bankruptcy and the stigma society attaches to itWhy wealth isn’t rigged, and the real reasons so many never achieve itGatekeeping and wealthOvercoming negative money storiesThe reasons Natalie will die on the “sell high-ticket offers” hillWhy a service-based business needs to be making money from Year 1A hobby vs. an abusive businessSales vs. abuseHow Natalie teaches sales differently than othersThe difference between being a producer and a visionaryWorking for free does everyone a disserviceThe money mindset blocks that keep people from making big salesWhy selling without first testing the marketing is dangerousWhat goes wrong in how most business owners attack growth and hiringDoing it all is a quick path to burnoutWhy Natalie is closing down her most profitable program (and what’s next)Resources mentioned:“To Sell Is Human” by Daniel PinkDowntown Rescue MissionLearn more about accountability coaching with host Becky Mollenkamp at https://beckymollenkamp.comA full transcript of this interview is available at FeministFoundersPodcast.com
4/10/24 • 68:59
NOTE: Feminist Founders is a listener-funded podcast. Your contributions enable me to continue bringing you these important conversations. To support the mission, sign up for a paid Substack subscription at https://feministfounders.substack.com/ ---------Vivienne Miles (she/her) doesn’t believe a traditional bio is authentic to who she came here to be. Instead, she shares experiences that don't define her, but that have given her a lens to see herself through and a foundation to define who she came here to be.Childhood abuse.An unplanned pregnancy at 20.Sexual assault and physical abuse in her 20s.An abortion at 30.Another birth at 34.A divorce at 22.A bankruptcy, foreclosure, and car repossession.$50,000+ in healthcare debt from depression and 12 suicide attempts before age 27.A model who posed in Playboy ad used her sexuality as a currency for a decade.Vivienne has grit and resiliency like no fucking other, but none of those things define who she is or how she interacts and engages in her life. With her Saturn Return, a giant beacon of light began to illuminate a path forward; one where she was no longer willing to tolerate abuse from boyfriends and addictions that kept her in low frequencies and shitty situations.Her vocation might seem shallow, but it’s full of her heart and a love language of healing, connection and unapologetic love, which transcends the four walls of her Co-Op Movement and Social Club.Website | InstagramDiscussed in this episode:Vivienne’s relationship with feminismThe meaning of her company’s name, Co-Op Movement and Social ClubHow Vivienne bought into diet culture early in life and eventually rejected itThe ways Co-Op is challenging diet culture norms in the fitness spaceWhy community is as important at Vivienne’s gym as movementHow Vivienne finds employees who share her valuesThe challenges of marketing a gym without shame-based approachesThe ways privilege plays into gym membership and participationHow ground-breaking it is to have a gym that isn’t focused on weight lossThe sustainability of her business model beyond her initial 5-year investmentWhy her business isn’t a passion project or charitable endeavor, and the importance of making moneyWhat helped Vivienne confront her privilege and set out to begin using it to create meaningful changeVivienne’s abortion storyThe journey from struggle to privilege and how the former inspired how Vivienne uses the latterHer partner’s journey to feminism and supporting her visionResources mentioned:Podcast Abundance with Virginia ElderJessamyn Stanley on Instagram“Loving What Is” by Byron Katie“Power of Now” by Eckhart TolleAimWell Kids in Kansas CityDebonie Lewis at Co-Op KCThe Loveland Foundation from Rachel CargleLearn more about accountability coaching with host Becky Mollenkamp at https://beckymollenkamp.comA full transcript of this interview is available at FeministFoundersPodcast.com
4/3/24 • 66:35
NOTE: Feminist Founders is a listener-funded podcast. Your contributions enable me to continue bringing you these important conversations. To support the mission, sign up for a paid Substack subscription at https://feministfounders.substack.com/ -----Dacy Gillespie (she/her) is a weight inclusive, anti-diet personal stylist who helps her clients reject fashion rules and ideal standards of beauty imposed by the patriarchy, white supremacism, and capitalism so that they can uncover their authentic style. Through their work building a functional wardrobe, Dacy’s clients make a mindset shift from thinking they need to wear what’s flattering to unapologetically taking up space in the world. After a lifetime of jobs in high-stress careers that didn’t suit her highly-sensitive, introverted personality, Dacy started mindful closet in 2013 in an attempt to create a more emotionally sustainable lifestyle. Her work has been featured in Forbes and Real Simple and she is a frequent podcast guest. Dacy is married and has two boys, ages 5 and 9. Making Space program | Website | Instagram | TikTok Discussed in this episode:Dacy’s relationship with feminism, and its evolution into intersectionalityWhy fashion is a feminist issueHow mindful closet evolved from a singular focus on minimalism into an anti-capitalist and anti-diet culture approach to style.Dealing with changing body size and positionality on the body hierarchy as a feministNavigating the balance of unlearning patriarchal beauty standards with still caring about your appearanceWhy “professionalism” is rooted in white supremacyThe reason Dacy called her newsletter “Unflattering”Trying to give yourself a title when you are challenging industry normsBody neutrality vs. clothing as creative expressionDacy’s public journey of sharing her body in 3DThe ethics of ethical fashion and sustainability Resources mentioned: “The Negotiation of Beauty” from Unpublishable by Jessica DeFino“The Body is Not an Apology” by Sonya Renee TaylorBecca Murray on InstagramMinimalist Machinist on InstagramAja Barber on InstagramDacy’s anti-racist small business plan“Fearing the Black Body” by Sabrina StringsJamaa Birth VillageDacy’s Making Space program Learn more about accountability coaching with host Becky Mollenkamp at https://beckymollenkamp.comA full transcript of this interview is available at FeministFoundersPodcast.com
3/27/24 • 71:00
NOTE: Feminist Founders is a listener-funded podcast. Your contributions enable me to continue bringing you these important conversations. To support the mission, sign up for a paid Substack subscription at https://feministfounders.substack.com/ -----Anna DeShawn (pronouns: anything respectful), is an Ambie award-winning podcast producer and host. She is a Chicago-born social entrepreneur who builds streaming platforms which center & celebrate BIPOC & QTPOC creatives. Media has always been her passion and in 2009 she turned that passion into a reality when she founded E3 Radio, an online radio station playing Queer music & reporting on Queer news with an intersectional lens. Most recently, she co-founded The Qube, a podcast production company and curated platform to discover the best music & podcasts by BIPOC & QTPOC creatives. Anna is an award-winning podcaster determined to ride media into its next era by utilizing digital media streams to tell the stories and play the music that deserves to be heard. Website | TikTok | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook Discussed in this episode:Anna’s relationship with feminismThe journey of building E3 Radio from side hustle to full-time gigHow Anna continues to honor Black women of history in her workWhy Anna avoided calling out queerness in the beginning of E3How all of Anna’s intersecting identities affect how she shows up in the world and in her workNavigating the early days of licensing music and being ahead of the technological curveBreaking barriers as a Black woman in the podcasting spaceWhat kept Anna going in the early days of speaking into the voidTreating every episode or project like it’s “the” episode or project that gets a “yes”The virality of sitting-on-the-toilet videosThe importance of relationships in funding, and generally in growing a business — and why every high school should teach networkingNever giving up and continually putting yourself out there as the key to growth and successLearning to pitch for fundingMaking financial preparations for leaving corporate and starting her businessWhy Anna’s mantra is “have the confidence of a mediocre white man”Adjusting revenue models based on market demands to create sustainabilityLearning to be fluid with what a business can be, and thinking before acting on new ideasThe problem of podcast search engines and how those marketing failures are excluding so many diverse voices from the spaceAnna’s mission to change podcast discoverability for marginalized audiences Resources mentioned:Rustin on NetflixTechRise and YouTube channelFifth Star FundsChicago Independent Media AllianceBlack HIV in the South podcastSecond Sunday podcast“Profit First” by Michael Michalowicz“The Big Leap” by Gay Hendricks Urban One study on flagging of Black culture podcastsAffinity Community Services Learn more about accountability coaching with host Becky Mollenkamp at https://beckymollenkamp.com A full transcript of this interview is available at FeministFoundersPodcast.com
3/20/24 • 66:53
NOTE: Feminist Founders is a listener-funded podcast. Your contributions enable me to continue bringing you these important conversations. To support the mission, sign up for a paid Substack subscription at https://feministfounders.substack.com/ ----- Geraldine DeRuiter (she/her) is the James Beard Award–winning blogger behind The Everywhereist.com and the author of “All Over The Place: Adventures in Travel, True Love, and Petty Theft” (Public Affairs, 2017) and the upcoming “If You Can't Take the Heat: Tales of Food, Feminism and Fury” (Crown, 2024). Her writing has appeared in The Washington Post, The New Yorker’s Daily Shouts, Marie Claire, and Refinery 29. She lives in Seattle, Washington, with her husband, Rand. They are currently working on a cooking-themed video game and ordering too much takeout. Website | Threads Discussed in this episode: Geraldine’s relationship with feminism and how it evolved to become intersectional How Geraldine deals with feelings of Imposter syndrome re: her feminism Dealing with the vulnerability hangover of sharing deeply personal stories What Geraldine learned from sharing about a funeral crasher on social media Managing the hate and pushback that comes with a large social media following How changes in publishing have shifted expectations on writers Marketing a book as a non-marketer, and why getting a “no” isn’t so bad The importance of stepping outside of your comfort zone Defining success outside of societal expectations What makes Geraldine happy (ie, her deeper why) What it’s like to be married to a truly feminist man Resources mentioned: Everywhereist “All Over The Place: Adventures in Travel, True Love, and Petty Theft” by Geraldine DeRuiter “If You Can't Take the Heat: Tales of Food, Feminism and Fury” by Geraldine DeRuiter Geraldine’s James Beard winning post about Mario Batali “All Over the Place: Adventures in Travel, True Love, and Petty Theft” by Geraldine DeRuiter “We Ride Upon Sticks” by Quan Barry World Central Kitchen Give Directly Bakers Against Racism Learn more about accountability coaching with host Becky Mollenkamp at https://beckymollenkamp.com A full transcript of this interview is available at FeministFoundersPodcast.com
3/13/24 • 60:44
NOTE: Feminist Founders is a listener-funded podcast. Your contributions enable me to continue bringing you these important conversations. To support the mission, sign up for a paid Substack subscription at https://feministfounders.substack.com/ ----- Avi Loren Fox (she/her) is a versatile entrepreneur whose journey began in 2011 with the launch of Avi Fox Photography, renowned for its candid and vibrant editorial style, serving clients in the Greater Philadelphia Area. In 2014, Avi's commitment to sustainability led her to establish Wild Mantle, a socially responsible fashion label specializing in bespoke hooded scarves and ponchos. Wild Mantle's global recognition through features in INC.com, LA Times, MSNBC, and CNN highlighted its dedication to sustainability, empowerment, and adventure, garnering a devoted international customer base. Transitioning to a business consultant in 2018, Avi drew on her entrepreneurial experience to assist other business owners and non-profit leaders in their ventures. With a keen mind equally creative and strategic, she has excelled in addressing both communication and operational challenges for her clients. After transitioning to full-time consulting and closing Wild Mantle, Avi is now actively pursuing her interests in energy healing, Avi completed her Reiki II training and is currently working towards her Reiki Master certification, recognizing the significance of energetic alignment in entrepreneurship. Avi is also a TEDx speaker, Udall Scholar, and Starting Bloc Social Innovations Fellow. Website | Instagram | LinkedIn Discussed in this episode: Avi’s relationship with feminism Being multi-passionate and how it contributed to Avi’s quarter-life crisis The importance of quiet in Avi’s healing and creativity How a handmade hooded scarf turned into a business The effect of social media changes on Avi’s business Avi’s “Me Too” experiences in the fashion industry How the rocky end of Avi’s business affected her creativity The dangerous dopamine hit of social media Releasing shoulds and walking away from a successful business Not letting Imposter Syndrome hold you back Building a business inch by inch vs. striving for rapid, meteoric growth Celebrating a “big enough” business and life Redefining success as someone who is “multi-passionate” Resources mentioned: Josie Maran Self-Employed Hourly Rate Calculator Get Included Learn more about accountability coaching with host Becky Mollenkamp at https://beckymollenkamp.com A full transcript of this interview is available at FeministFoundersPodcast.com
3/6/24 • 63:54
