W.E. Talk

In this episode of We Talk, we sit down with Lena Laskaris, the founder of Wise County Biscuits, to explore her unique entrepreneurial journey. Lena shares how her background in art history and architecture and her love for family recipes led her to create a beloved community-focused biscuit brand. Tune in to hear about the challenges, successes, and heartwarming stories behind Wise County Biscuits.Read More »

6/26/24 • 49:56

Jen England, Vice President of External Affairs at 412 Food Rescue, shared her inspiring journey from a history major to a leading advocate for food security and social justice on the "We Talk" podcast. She discussed how 412 Food Rescue, founded in 2015, rescues surplus food from grocery stores and restaurants, redirecting it to those facing food insecurity through their innovative Food Rescue Hero app. Jen emphasized the dual impact of their work on reducing food waste and addressing health disparities among food-insecure populations. She also highlighted the importance of transforming food distribution systems and the role of advocacy and education in achieving systemic change. Passionate about social justice, Jen continues to support various causes, emphasizing the importance of aligning work with one's values and ensuring a healthy work-life balance.Learn More about Jen and Food Rescue Hero »

5/21/24 • 51:41

The inspiring journey of Lisa Story, who founded the nonprofit Hope Grows in Pittsburgh, focusing on aiding caregivers through the healing essence of nature. Moved by her personal experience of loss and the therapeutic solace found in gardening, Lisa established Hope Grows to extend this sanctuary to others in caregiving roles. The podcast highlights the challenges of initiating the nonprofit, the evolution of its mission to support caregivers, and Lisa's profound insights into success, emphasizing self-awareness, humility, and the importance of a supportive community. Through Hope Grows, Lisa champions the belief in nature's power to rejuvenate and heal, offering caregivers not just respite but a pathway to find peace and renewal amidst their demanding roles.Learn more »

4/24/24 • 56:52

In "Success in Her Words: Beyond Women's History Month," we continue to explore the rich tapestry of success through the narratives of extraordinary women entrepreneurs. This series goes beyond temporal confines to celebrate achievements that transcend traditional success metrics year-round.In this episode, each story weaves together a unique vision of success, including:1:08 - Leigh's dedication to empowering clients with impactful resources4:13 - Nora's measure of success through the lens of help and impact7:35 - Sophia's quest for peace in life's journey8:22 - Khalil's personalized peace definition9:13 Jess's daily pursuit of passion and wins This podcast series is a testament to the ever-evolving definitions of success. It highlights the importance of finding peace, making an impact, and living purposefully. It invites listeners everywhere to reflect on their definitions of success, inspired by the wisdom and experiences of women who are reshaping the world through their ventures, visions, and voices.Join us as we dive deeper into the conversations about success beyond the bounds of Women's History Month to discover the diverse ways in which these inspiring women define and achieve their success. Whether you're seeking motivation, guidance, or a sense of community, "Success in Her Words" inspires anyone to realize their own version of success.

4/10/24 • 10:11

Dive into the multifaceted world of success through the eyes of inspiring women entrepreneurs in "Success in Her Words." This podcast brings to light the personal journeys, challenges, and triumphs of remarkable women who define success on their terms. From the importance of balance and well-being to breaking through barriers and redefining industry standards, each episode is a testament to the power of authenticity and determination. Join us as we explore the diverse definitions of success, uncover the stories behind the achievements, and celebrate the spirit of women changing the world one step at a time. In this episode, entrepreneur definitions of success include: 1:06 - Mary Jane McCullough talks about we are growing and changing the world while providing a safe and healthy place to work3:08 - Sabine Gedeon talks about being able to do what she was sent on this earth to do. 4:50 - Ashley Comer talks about finding balance and achieving a balance of work and family  7:16 - Brea Schmidt talks about  going after a goal that you authentically created for yourself  8:30 - Sabrina Saunders Mosby talks about fulfillment being her definition of success Whether on your entrepreneurial journey or seeking motivation to carve your path, "Success in Her Words" offers valuable insights, advice, and inspiration to help you define success. 

3/26/24 • 10:52

Cooper Munroe, CEO of the influential marketing agency The Motherhood, shares her visionary journey from recognizing early digital community trends to establishing a platform where influencers and brands forge genuine connections. She delves into the evolution of blogging, the impact of social media on forming supportive networks, and the transformative role of authentic influencer marketing in empowering women's voices online. Reflecting on personal growth, the significance of embracing failure, and the future of digital engagement, Munroe offers invaluable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and influencers, emphasizing the power of community, authenticity, and the potential of women to shape the digital landscape through shared wisdom and experiences.Learn More » 

3/13/24 • 53:33

We dive into how Betsy Robinson leveraged real estate investments to fund and grow her HR empire, Tier4 Group. Discover the innovative strategies behind her entrepreneurial journey, from overcoming financial challenges to establishing a leading position in the tech recruitment industry.Read More »

2/28/24 • 57:58

In this inspiring episode of WE Talk, we delve into the remarkable journey of Jordan Joltes, the visionary behind TruSummit Solutions. Jordan shares her entrepreneurial path, highlighting the challenges and milestones that have shaped her and TruSummit Solutions into a powerhouse within the tech industry. She discusses the importance of having a clear, actionable vision and the strategies that propelled her business to achieve an astounding 200% growth year over year. Jordan's commitment to innovation, team building, and customer satisfaction emerges as key themes, offering valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs. Her story is not just about business success; it's a testament to the power of perseverance, strategic planning, and the impact of effective leadership. Join us as Jordan Joltes takes us on a journey from vision to victory, providing a masterclass in scaling a business while staying true to one’s values and objectives.

2/14/24 • 56:46

Michele McGough, founder and CEO of Solutions For Networks, shares the ups and downs of building her tech services company over the past 25 years. Learn how she leveraged relationships to land significant clients in the early days, invested in continuous learning to stay relevant, and demonstrated grit to overcome challenges like cash flow problems and hiring missteps. Michele also advises aspiring women entrepreneurs and discusses the importance of culture and appreciation in achieving long-term success. Learn more about Michele and see transcript »

1/31/24 • 54:52

Dive into an inspiring journey with Nadyli Nuñez, Executive Director of Ascender, as she shares her identity navigation and the profound story behind her name. In this empowering episode, Nadyli discusses embracing her immigrant experience, weaving in insights on decision science—a multidisciplinary approach influencing better choices.Learn More »

1/17/24 • 74:46

In this episode, join us for a candid conversation with Pallavi Golla, the founder of Lark, a successful B2C brand. Pallavi shares her journey from starting Lark as a baby activewear brand to expanding it for kids and women. The focal point of our discussion is on Pallavi's strategic decision to sell Lark. Gain insights into the selling process, challenges faced, and valuable tips for finding buyers. Discover how Pallavi navigated concerns about transitioning ownership and the successful integration of new owners into the Lark community. This episode offers a concise yet informative exploration of entrepreneurship, business transitions, and the resilience that defines a successful entrepreneur's journey.Learn More »

1/3/24 • 54:42

This podcast features Jodie Butler, owner of Pittsburgh Fit, who discusses her journey from a military upbringing to founding a fitness gym. The conversation covers her transition from banking to gym ownership, the importance of word-of-mouth referrals, and the gym's unique approach to holistic wellness.Learn more about this episode and Jodi on our site https://redtreewebdesign.com/cultivating-wellness-communities-jodie-butlers-fitness-entrepreneurship-at-pittsburgh-fit/

12/12/23 • 45:54

In this enlightening episode, join us as Mary Jane McCullough, the visionary founder of Global Wordsmiths, takes us through her inspiring journey as a language services provider and social entrepreneur. Discover the roots of her business, driven by the mission to bridge language gaps for non-English speakers in Pittsburgh. Mary Jane shares invaluable insights into the challenges of securing funding for social impact initiatives, emphasizing the transformative power of profits in supporting their noble cause.Learn More on our site »

11/29/23 • 54:36

Join us for a live recording of the W.E. Talk podcast! We’re celebrating the podcast’s first year of interviewing women entrepreneurs and their journeys as business leaders by hosting an intimate evening of networking, storytelling, and thought leadership led by podcast host Meesha Gerhart, the founder of Redtree Web Design.Listen to this group of women share their stories of success, failure, and triumph!Our Guests:Tammy Thompson, Catapult Greater PittsburghTammy is a poverty expert and nationally sought-after speaker, telling the story of her journey out of poverty and its long-lasting psychological impact.Connect with Tammy on LinkedInLearn More About Catapult Greater PittsburghChristy Uffelman, EDGE LeadershipChristy is a reinvention coach and keynote speaker who challenges the status quo, builds courageous and inclusive leaders, maximizes across differences, shifts mindsets, honors individuals, and works hard.Connect with Christy on LinkedInLearn More About EDGE LeadershipDaniela Osio, KloopifyDaniela is the CEO of Kloopify, a sustainable procurement SAAS solution providing data, analytics, and visibility into the environmental impact of every purchase.Connect with Daniela on LinkedInLearn More About KloopifyYvonne Campos, Next Act FundYvonne is a successful, energetic and resourceful entrepreneur and business coach highly experienced in the areas of marketing research, strategy, market insights and business growth consulting.Connect with Yvonne on LinkedInLearn More about Next Act FundYour Host:Meesha Gerhart is the host of W.E. Talk and the CEO of Redtree Web Design. With more than a decade in the industry, Redtree Web Design helps businesses build a strong web foundation so that they can grow to new heights. The Redtree team has fallen in love with becoming experts in web design, user experience, and helping companies position new developments on their websites.Connect with Meesha on LinkedInLearn More About W.E. TalkLearn More About Redtree

11/15/23 • 73:29

In the podcast, Sabrina Saunders Mosby, CEO of Vibrant Pittsburgh, discusses their mission to promote diversity and inclusion in workplaces. She highlights how Vibrant Pittsburgh partners with businesses, offering resources and training on diversity, equity, and inclusion practices. Sabrina emphasizes the importance of aligning values with specific goals to create an inclusive environment. She introduces Vibrant Workplaces, a program aiming to provide accessible learning resources both digitally and in-person for diverse work schedules, extending Vibrant Pittsburgh's impact beyond the local market. The overall aim remains making Pittsburgh a welcoming place for everyone.Learn More by visiting our website »

11/1/23 • 55:07

In this episode, we're joined by the inspiring Allison Howard, the creative mind behind a remarkable textile company. Allison shares her journey, discussing her motivation to kickstart her business and take charge of her destiny. Tune in as she delves into the ingenious strategies and extensive research that have fueled the growth of her venture, Nollapelli.About AllisonAllison Howard is the founder and CEO of Nollapelli, a new company bringing textile technology into the bedroom to help you get more out of your time in bed. Several years ago, Allison started recognizing that it was getting tougher to always get the quantity of sleep her body needs, so she started putting textile technology to work to improve the quality of how we sleep, look, and feel in the morning. She brings a background in chemical engineering, two decades in material science, and a passion for simple self-care into the creation of bedding that keeps you cool and cozy, pillowcases that protect your skin and hair, and eye masks that restore your eye area.In addition to creating products at the intersection of sleep, beauty, and wellness, Allison is a mom to two busy teenagers, the primary caregiver for her father, and a big fan of hot yoga. She also co-chairs the Sleep Initiative at the Global Wellness Institute, sits of the boards of Ascender and The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh, and is active in her church.Connect with Allison@nollapelli on IG, FB, LIhttps://nollapelli.com/

10/18/23 • 41:35

Join us as we talk to Brea Schmidt as she talks about her navigation through brand identity and creating a community of authenticity while still doing business with increased revenue. Live W.E. Talk RecordingJoin us on October 26th for a live recording of the W.E. Talk podcast! We’re celebrating the podcast’s first year of interviewing women entrepreneurs and their journeys as business leaders by hosting an intimate evening of networking, storytelling, and thought leadership led by podcast host Meesha Gerhart, the founder of Redtree Web Design.Join a group of women who share their stories of success, failure, and triumph!Get Tickets »About Brea Schmidt Brea Schmidt (pronounced "Bree") is a sought-after corporate speaker, Iris-Award-nominated writer and social media professional who creates space for raw conversation about our approach to self-care and mental health while we navigate the various roles we play in our personal, parenting and professional lives.In 2016, following a successful career in sales in pro sports and during the growth of her professional photography business, Brea launched The Thinking Branch social media platform. Her goal? To find and create connection on the real and raw things in we endure in life and parenthood. Today, she's become known for the vulnerable storytelling and raw posts about life's less-than-perfect moments that have created an online community of over 170,000 combined followers, and moved audiences across the country.Brea (she/her) and her husband raise their three children (ages 11, 9 and 7) in Pittsburgh.Connect with Brea@thethinkingbrach http://www.thethinkingbranch.com-IG:www.instagram.com/thethinkingbranchFB:www.facebook.com/thethinkingbranchLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/brea-schmidt-89766b63/

10/5/23 • 48:05

After writing a children’s book Dr. Ronak Mehta did’t seem much initial success so she put the book on the shelf for over 20 years. Then with a little bit of encouragement she made the characters in her book come to life and change the conversation about organs and medicine.Live W.E. Talk RecordingJoin us on October 26th for a live recording of the W.E. Talk podcast! We’re celebrating the podcast’s first year of interviewing women entrepreneurs and their journeys as business leaders by hosting an intimate evening of networking, storytelling, and thought leadership led by podcast host Meesha Gerhart, the founder of Redtree Web Design.Join a group of women who share their stories of success, failure, and triumph!Get Tickets » About Dr. Ronak MehtaDr. Ronak Mehta, CEO of Nerdbugs and a board-certified Family Medicine/Obesity Medicine physician, combines her medical expertise with a passion for education and innovation. A former Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Wisconsin’s School of Medicine and Public Health, she's recognized as one of NPR’s How I Built This fellows. Dr. Mehta's plush toy company, Nerdbugs, achieved recognition as a finalist for Amazon’s Women-Owned Small Business of the Year. With a background in Family Medicine and Integrative Medicine, she values patient education and empowerment. Her mission extends beyond toys; through Nerdbugs, she aims to promote awareness and reduce stigma surrounding medical and mental health conditions, fostering a more inclusive world. Since the launch of Nerdbugs in 2018, Dr. Mehta has garnered international acclaim, featuring in Forbes, Business Insider, NPR, and earning a spot on Madison, WI's top 40 under 40 list. Through her work, she brings joy and positivity to people worldwide, making a meaningful impact on their lives.Connect with Dr. RonakInstagram: https://instagram.com/thenerdbugsLinked-in: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronakmehtamdFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/nerdbugsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nerdbugsYoutube: https://youtube.com/@nerdbugsWebsite: https://nerdbugs.com

9/11/23 • 28:09

Our conversation today is with petprenuer and digital media expert Tori Mistick, the founder of Wear Wag Repeat. This conversation was very eye-opening for me into the influencer world, being intentional in our goals, and checking in on progress with our customers.Live W.E. Talk RecordingJoin us for a live recording of the W.E. Talk podcast! We’re celebrating the podcast’s first year of interviewing women entrepreneurs and their journeys as business leaders by hosting an intimate evening of networking, storytelling, and thought leadership led by podcast host Meesha Gerhart, the founder of Redtree Web Design.Join a group of women who share their stories of success, failure, and triumph! Get Tickets » About Tori MistickTori Mistick is a digital media expert, educator, podcaster and founder of the award-winning dog lifestyle brand Wear Wag Repeat. Her mission is to help women live their best life with dogs - as pet parents and petpreneurs! Tori's expertise has been featured in BuzzFeed, Good Morning America and The Wall Street Journal. She lives with her two chocolate labradors, Lucy and Burt, in a hundred-year-old Pittsburgh house with a hot pink door.Connect with Tori MistickSocial: IG: @tmistick or @wearwagrepeatTikTok: @wearwagrepeatWebsite: wearwagrepeat.com

9/6/23 • 42:12

Today we are talking to Nina, the Executive director of Assemble, as they discuss their origin story and the vision for the future of all community spaces around art and technology. About NinaNina’s passion for art, new media, and social learning led her to found Assemble, a community space for arts + technology, in 2011. On her own, Nina works in a variety of media including architecture, film, sound, and installation, often exploring the idea of recycling noise into a system or elevating the vernacular to the spectacular. Nina co-founded I Made It! Market in 2007. An idea based on urban acupuncture, this nomadic market partners with community, arts, and non-profit organizations to raise funds and awareness to assist in improving their communities while allowing local artists and crafters to sell their wares. Nina holds degrees in architecture from Southern California Institute of Architecture and Carnegie Mellon University, where she is also adjunct faculty.Connect with NinaSocial: @assemblepghWebsite: https://assemblepgh.org/

8/24/23 • 49:00

Our guest Amanda talks to Meesha about how thier company Hike2 is focusing on innovation. About Amanda WodzenskiWith over 20 years of experience in CRM systems, and a decade in the Salesforce ecosystem, Amanda Wodzenski brings an unrivaled level of expertise to her role as founder and managing principal of HIKE2, the innovation consultancy focused on collaboratively enabling organizations to design viable cross-functional solutions.Amanda has built teams of designers, strategists, and technology experts to drive HIKE2’s goals of helping organizations compete and thrive in a modern market through unrivaled digital transformation and customer engagement.Through her past experience contributing directly to growth and expansion, she advised clients on strategy and design, sales enablement applications, data analytics, and artificial intelligence engagements. She also supported transformation engagements for clients across manufacturing, technology, and healthcare verticals, and more.After spending her early career in sales and marketing, she moved into leadership roles leveraging CRM and emerging technologies to drive business transformation. Ultimately, she turned her passion for CRM and technology transformation into a career.The mother of three boys, Amanda also cites travel, missions, and yoga as her personal passions.Connect with AmandaWebsite: https://www.hike2.comSocial: @CRMastermind

8/9/23 • 44:59

What do you get when you combine a client-focus and employee KPIs immigration? An immigration law firm that cannot stop growing. Welcome to another episode of our podcast, where we dive deep into the world of Immigration Law Firm Success. Today, we have a special guest, Ashley Lively, who will share her insights on achieving success in the immigration law industry by focusing on mission and data. Ashley is a seasoned professional who has worked with law firms of all sizes, but nothing felt right, so she decided to start her firm. Join us as we learn from her success and explore the strategies that have enabled her to become a leading authority in the field.About Ashley Lively Lively Law Firm Owner and Managing Attorney Ashley Lively has experience practicing in several jurisdictions including Pittsburgh, Charlotte, Atlanta, and West Virginia. After nearly a decade in immigration law, Ashley started her own firm to focus on client experience and foster a culture of accepting every case -- even the difficult ones. Since opening in 2019, the firm has expanded to include a team of dedicated, award winning lawyers and legal staff and continues to provide unparalleled client service and deportation defense across the US.Connect with Ashley @livelylawfirmfacebook.com/LivelyLawFirmlinkedin.com/company/livelylawfirmWebsite: https://www.livelylawfirm.com/

7/26/23 • 46:21

Tierra had a vision and then the community gathered around her to help support that vision and allow Blank & Board to grow. About TierraTierra L. Thorne is a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) dedicated to workforce wellness and the implementation of trauma-informed practices at the organizational level. Currently serving as the Clinical & Wellness Manager at The Department of Health & Human Services (DHS) Youth Support Partner Unit, Thorne tirelessly advocates for workplace wellness and assists organizations in adopting trauma-informed approaches. With a deep commitment to helping others and making a positive impact on the lives of those she serves, she has developed innovative and structured wellness programs tailored to meet the unique needs of DHS employees. Through her efforts, Thorne fosters a culture of wellness and trauma-informed care among staff, utilizing wellness programming to address burnout, secondary trauma, and compassion fatigue. Drawing from her experience as a former trauma therapist, she inspires organizations to consider the health and well-being of their workforce through a trauma-informed lens.In addition to her role at DHS, Thorne is the Founder and CEO of Blanket & Board, an award-winning event-planning company specializing in charcuterie, picnics, and the creation of intentional experiences that bring people from diverse backgrounds together, encouraging socialization and prioritizing self-care. Through Blanket & Board, she has carved out a niche in curating culturally sensitive wellness and self-care opportunities in communal spaces, catering to families, friends, colleagues, and corporate gatherings. Furthermore, Thorne's dedication to culturally sensitive programming extends to her position as Treasurer of the Healthy Village Learning Institute, an Afrocentric nonprofit that utilizes African-centered learning as a means of coping with trauma.Thorne holds a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Pittsburgh and is currently an LSW (Licensed Social Worker) in Pennsylvania, actively pursuing her LCSW. When she is not advocating for social justice and community empowerment, Thorne cherishes quality time with her wonderful 8-year-old son, Teagen. Together, they find joy in hiking, traveling, spending time with family, and attending live music and cultural arts events.Connect with Tierra Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tierra-thorne-lsw-76500a121/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blanketandboard/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlanketandboardWebsite: https://www.blanketandboard.com

7/12/23 • 44:06

Nisha talks alot about how she maintained her values while starting and growing Knotzland a Bowtie company. About Nisha BlackwellNisha Blackwell is a purpose-driven Entrepreneur and Chief Creative Officer of Knotzland Bowties, an environmentally and socially sustainable company that sources, rescues, and repurposes discarded textiles into stylish bow ties intentionally made through providing flexible work-from-home sewing opportunities to people around the region. Since 2015, Knotzland has saved over 7,000lbs of fabrics and materials from entering landfills and has cultivated a community of investors, mentors, and loyal customers through participation in high-impact creative hubs, accelerators, and business provides some of the most artful wearables serving customers all over the worldwide.Nisha’s community service and consulting experiences shaped through AmeriCorps, Pittsburgh Center for Creative Reuse, Neighborhood Allies, GTECH, and Strong Women Strong Girls, and ORIGINS, a program of The Creative Business Accelerator at Bridgeway Capital reflect her lifelong passion for and involvement in sustainable, circular, and intentional community-building. Her work has been recognized by Girls Scout's Women of Distinction Award, Facebook's Small Business Council, Pittsburgh Magazine’s 40 under 40, Pittsburgh Technology Council’s 2017 Creator of the Year, Style Week Pittsburgh’s 2016 Designer of the Year, Homewood Community through Council Engagement Award in 2016, she has also been featured in international markets and expansive projects with Google Creative Lab, NYC, The W Hotel and Macy’s. Nisha’s work is currently and most recently exhibited at the Carnegie Museum of Pittsburgh, Frick Museum, Concept Art Gallery, Contemporary Craft, and selected by the Smithsonian Women’s Committee for Craft Optimism.Connect with NishaSocial: @nat.u.ral, @KnotzlandWebsite: https://knotzland.com

6/28/23 • 52:37

Jessica Eberley, founder of HRT Solutions and Equality Careers, talks about intentionally starting her business and views community engagement as part of growth and contribution. About Jessica Jessica Eberley, SPHR, SHRM-SCP is the founder of HRT Solutions(2016) and Equality Careers(2023). With wide-ranging Human Resources experience and deep roots in Talent Acquisition & University Relations, Jessica’s accomplishments span a variety of industries, including Retail, CPG, and Hospitality. Not surprisingly, her top career accomplishment is in the realm of talent acquisition: hiring and building the team at HRT Solutions.While working with a client at HRT Solutions, Jessica realized that there was not a reliable place for employers to directly reach the LGBTQIA+ Community and decided that if the space didn’t exist she would create it. With the help of her team and the team at RedTree Web Design, Equality Careers was created with a mission to create a welcoming and inclusive job board that connects the LGBTQIA+ community and allies with progressive employers that are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.A fun fact about Jessica is that she once ran at the Pittsburgh Pirate game as Sauerkraut Saul.Find out morehttps://hrtsolutions.net/https://www.linkedin.com/company/hrt-solutions/https://equalitycareers.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/equality-careers/About W.E. (Women Entrepreneurs) Talk PodcastW.E. Talk is a podcast about and for women entrepreneurs. There are so many badass women worldwide killing it with their businesses! On W.E., our host Meesha Gerhart, found of Redtree, and guest Entrepreneurs sit down with these women and learn about how they got started, the challenges of starting and running a business, as well as the triumphs and unexpected joys.

6/14/23 • 45:41

Tiffany had a fantastic view of DEI and used her community to grow her business in the last 3 years. About Our Guest Tiffany Castagno is CEO & Founder of CEPHR, LLC, a Values-Based Human Resources Consulting Firm Headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA that supports Small to Mid-sized Businesses, Start-ups, and Non-profits through focused partnering, to build out their infrastructures, and to intentionally build a strong Employer Brand and Culture.Tiffany is extremely passionate about Community and helping people elevate to their top potential. Tiffany is Co-author of a Children's Book "Can a Zebra Change Its Stripes?", a book in the Series "Bruno's Amazing Adventures" with a Mission "To Change the World, One Child at a Time." The book teaches children about embracing difference.Social Handles:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffanycastagno/Twitter: https://twitter.com/castagno_tmcYouTube: https://bit.ly/CEPHRLLCWebsite: https://www.cephrconsulting.com/About W.E. (Women Entrepreneurs) Talk PodcastW.E. is a podcast about and for women entrepreneurs. There are so many badass women worldwide killing it with their businesses! On W.E., our host Meesha Gerhart, found of Redtree, and guest Entrepreneurs sit down with these women and learn about how they got started, the challenges of starting and running a business, as well as the triumphs and unexpected joys.https://redtreewebdesign.com/about/meesha-gerhart/

5/31/23 • 44:44

Dr. Courtney Williamson needed to create a product to help her mother and ended up creating a product that helps millions of people. Her journey of developing a product WITH the people who use her back brace is so impactful. About GuestHi, I'm Dr. Courtney Williamson, CEO and Founder of AbiliLife and inventor of Calibrace+ back brace, a medical device that improves posture and reduces back injuries and pain.I was inspired to design a back brace to help my mom with Parkinson’s Disease for 25 years. She suffered from back pain and poor posture due to her disease. I was frustrated that I could not find any solutions to help my mom, so I set out to create a product that would give her comfort and support.After years of research and development with my team at Carnegie Mellon University, I was led to establish the company, AbiliLife, in 2014. The AbiliLife team launched the Calibrace+ back brace that offers unrivaled pain relief, support, and comfort, for anyone experiencing back pain.My invention dream came true. I took an idea and made it a reality, and now I teach people with no product development background how to take their ideas and turn them into products with my education company, The Heart Of Startups.https://www.linkedin.com/company/abililife-inc-/ @courtcourt_cdwhttps://www.theheartofstartups.comAbout W.E. (Women Entrepreneurs) PodcastW.E. is a podcast about and for women entrepreneurs. There are so many badass women worldwide killing it with their businesses! On W.E., our host Meesha Gerhart, found of Redtree, and guest Entrepreneurs sit down with these women and learn about how they got started, the challenges of starting and running a business, as well as the triumphs and unexpected joys.https://redtreewebdesign.com/about/meesha-gerhart/

5/17/23 • 60:36

I will summarize our latest conversation with Khamil by quoting something she said during the interview “When black and indigenous folks have their needs met when the most marginalized communities have their needs met, it only positively impacts everyone else.”About our guest Khamil BaileyKhamil Bailey is founder of Cocoapreneur Pgh, co-founder of Greenwood Week Pittsburgh, co-founder of Greenwood Plan nonprofit, and owner of Emerald City Pittsburgh coworking space. As a Black business advocate, Khamil works to ensure equity and economic justice for Black people by making sure Black entrepreneurs have the same resources and access to opportunities as everyone else. Website: https://cocoapreneur.comSocial: @cocoapreneurpghAbout W.E. (Women Entrepreneurs) PodcastW.E. is a podcast about and for women entrepreneurs. There are so many badass women worldwide killing it with their businesses! On W.E., our host Meesha Gerhart, found of Redtree, and guest Entrepreneurs sit down with these women and learn about how they got started, the challenges of starting and running a business, as well as the triumphs and unexpected joys.https://redtreewebdesign.com/about/meesha-gerhart/

5/3/23 • 43:29

BJ Schwartz is the President and CEO of Partners in Medical Education. Partners in Medical Education, Inc. (Partners®) is an internationally renowned team of Graduate Medical Education consulting experts who has been providing hands-on consulting and education to GME professionals since 1994. About GuestBJ started working in the healthcare industry when BJ was 19 as the front office person for a female BJnternal Medicine/Geriatric Physician who owned her own solo practice. That gave me a glimpse into the world of being a woman and owning your own small business. BJ quickly realized seeing patients and practicing medicine was only one part of all that was required to owning and operating your own business, in addition to being a mother and wife. After 10 years, BJ moved to the billing side of healthcare working within larger corporations for about 2 years, until my mother, who was a true entrepreneurial spirit, called and said BJ need you to quit your job and come work for me. Six years prior she was working in graduate medical education and decided to give it a shot on her own doing consulting. BJ took a huge leap of faith, quit my job and started learning more of the administrative side of healthcare and what it truly was like to run a small business. After working in every aspect of the business for 13 years, and my mother wanting to retire, BJ took another leap of faith and decided to formulate a plan to buy the business. BJ became the owner of Partners in Medical Education, BJnc. in 2014 and am blessed to have my own small company today with 8 employees and 2 sub contractors.

4/5/23 • 38:54

Today we are joined by Ellie Gordon the founder of Behaivior as she talked about the struggles of getting funding and dealing with the health care industry. About EllieEllie Gordon, Behaivior Founder and CEO, is a behavioral technologist, innovator, designer, and entrepreneur. For over 15 years, her work has primarily focused on improving individual's lives through technology. She has successfully created, organized, led, and managed teams for everything from hackathons and code fests to other science-based startups and initiatives, to community development and research projects. She did a TEDx talk as a behavioral technologist speaking about the design elements of what Behaivior is developing. Since founding Behaivior in January 2017, she has led a growing team to win multiple competitions, grants, and entrance into multiple startup incubator and accelerator programs, including winning the Carnegie Science Award, being a finalist for the Tech Top 50, for CEO of the Year, and for the Athena Award, participating in the Ignite Healthcare program, AlphaLab, and being in the top 10 in the world for both the first and second milestones of the global IBM Watson AI XPRIZE competition. Ellie is an alumna of the Yale Innovation to Impact Fellowship program, winning a pitch award, and was also featured as a New Generation Tech Entrepreneur by the Pittsburgh Tech Council.

3/23/23 • 44:39