Dear FoundHer… is a How I Built This–style podcast sharing real stories from female entrepreneurs, female founders, and women in business, especially women 40+, who are building companies on their own terms.
Hosted by award-winning entrepreneur Lindsay Pinchuk, each episode features honest, thoughtful conversations with women CEOs and founders navigating leadership, decision making, career pivots, and business growth. These are the stories behind the success, the lessons, the marketing strategies that actually work, and the leadership moments that shape women building and leading businesses.
From Bobbi Brown to Rebecca Minkoff, Peloton’s Jenn Sherman & Dr. Becky Kennedy to Gail Simmons, Dear FoundHer… brings you conversations with some of the most influential female founders and leaders of our time.
Dear FoundHer… explores what it looks like to grow a business with clarity and confidence, from starting a company for the first time or after leaving corporate, to scaling responsibly, managing teams, building visibility, getting press, and creating sustainable growth. Topics include leadership development, confidence at work, business strategy, marketing strategies and tactics, company messaging, community building, and showing up confidently.
There’s no fluff. No gatekeeping. Just real insight, shared perspective, and practical wisdom, because building businesses is better when women learn from each other.
Building a Brand, and Transforming a Category, By Listening to Your Customer with Jessica Rolph, Co-Founder of Lovevery
Season 3 · Episode 263
Tuesday, October 29, 2024 • Duration 42:39
“Parents want the best for their children—of course, they do. That was the big ‘aha’ moment for us, where we realized we were onto something. They want to connect, they want slower time with their children, and they want the right tools to make it happen,” shares Jessica Rolph, the co-founder and CEO of Lovevery.
In this episode, Jessica joins Lindsay Pinchuk to talk about how deeply listening to parents has shaped Lovevery’s approach, from building a direct-to-consumer brand to launching thoughtful, stage-based products like their Play Gym and a new skill-based reading program. What does it take to build a brand that truly serves its customers? For Jessica, it’s all about understanding what parents need at every step of their child’s development.
Jessica also opens up about Lovevery’s strategic partnership with Target and how they’ve managed to balance retail presence with their D2C model. How can brands grow while staying connected to their core mission? This episode shows the importance of staying close to your customers while navigating both the online and retail landscapes. It’s a must-listen for anyone interested in building a brand that resonates deeply with their consumers.
Quotes
“Parents want the best for their children—of course, they do. That was the big ‘aha’ moment and unlock for us, where we realized we were really onto something. They want to connect, they want slower time with their children, and they want the right tools to make it happen.” (20:06 | Jessica Rolph)
“If there’s one thing I want anyone listening to know about Lovevery, it’s that this is a very human brand, and we really care.” (21:58 | Jessica Rolph)
“One of the things we think about is: is there something we can offer that’s truly of service and differentiated? Is there something that no one else is doing that is needed? Those are two really important questions. Is it needed, and is it important? And if nobody else is doing it and we feel we can step in and help, we want to do that.” (28:38 | Jessica Rolph)
“If you make something great, you can count on word of mouth, but you can’t count on word of mouth to take you all the way there.” (31:59 | Jessica Rolph)
“We are direct-to-consumer because we want to have a direct relationship with parents. So, when somebody buys our product from Amazon, it’s fine...but at our core, we want to be in conversation with families. We want to have that direct relationship, and we want to be there as your child grows.” (32:50 | Jessica Rolph)
Building a Luxury, Nationwide Meal Delivery Service with Julie Nguyen, Co-Founder and CEO of Methodology
Season 3 · Episode 262
Tuesday, October 22, 2024 • Duration 48:14
“I believe that the way we eat is one of the things that affects our overall health and quality of life more than anything else,” shares Julie Nguyen, the co-founder and CEO of Methodology, a luxury meal delivery service that’s all about clean eating and sustainability. Julie shares how her own struggles with health led her to realize the power of food as medicine, sparking the idea for Methodology—a business that blends wellness with convenience.
What makes Methodology stand out in the crowded meal prep world? It’s the Michelin-Star quality meals that are designed to be both nutritious and genuinely enjoyable. Julie talks about how they’ve nailed this balance, from the top-tier ingredients they use to the beautifully designed, reusable packaging that reflects their commitment to sustainability.
But how do you grow a business like this without sacrificing what matters most? Julie credits mentorship and community support as the key to scaling her business while staying true to her values. Her story is a reminder that when you build something with passion and purpose, you can create not just a successful business, but one that makes a real difference in people’s lives.
Quotes
“We still rely primarily on social media and influencers to grow and the reason why it really works for us is because our product truly is differentiated. There are hundreds of meal prep services in America, but they are all playing in that $15 price range. And we are $10 to $15 more expensive than that. The reason why only we are doing it and the others aren’t is because if you are going to charge that price, you need to deliver that level of value, which is very hard to do.” (16:44 | Julie Nguyen)
“I named the business ‘Methodology’ because I believe that the way we eat is one of the things that affects our overall health and quality of life more than anything else.” (19:49 | Julie Nguyen)
“Give yourself way more time than you think you’ll need to achieve your goals. When we don’t give ourselves enough time, we approach our problems with a desperation that leads to making decisions that deliver short-term results rather than long-term results.” (42:32 | Julie Nguyen)
How to Navigate Your Company's Sale and Exit with Carrie Kerpen, Founder of The Whisper Group
Season 3 · Episode 253
Tuesday, September 3, 2024 • Duration 51:20
“I need to show other women how to do this,” says Carrie Kerpen, founder and CEO of The Whisper Group, as she reflects on the challenges of scaling, selling, and leading a business in a male-dominated industry. In this episode, she joins Lindsay Pinchuk to explore a critical but often overlooked topic: exit strategies for female entrepreneurs.
Carrie highlights the disparities in exit values for female-led companies, which inspired her to create The Whisper Group. Her advisory practice is dedicated to helping women-owned businesses prepare for successful exits, using a unique approach known as the Whisper Way. How can female entrepreneurs ensure they maximize their business’s value during negotiations? The Whisper Way provides the tools and strategies to achieve this.
The episode also explores the emotional aspects of selling a business. Carrie underscores the importance of taking your time, being vigilant for potential red flags, and conducting thorough due diligence. She and Lindsay discuss the importance of finding the right acquirer and the value of having an exit coach for support.
As Carrie shares her journey in building The Whisper Group, she reinforces her commitment to empowering women to achieve successful business exits. Join Lindsay and Carrie in this episode of Dear FoundHer… for valuable insights into the complexities of exit strategies, the preparation required, and the emotional journey of entrepreneurship for women.
Quotes
“Overall, my exit was great—the acquirer was great. But the biggest thing I would have changed was calming myself. You really need an exit coach for that, and that’s what I hope we can provide for other female founders. People can tell you, ‘Slow down. It’s okay. It’s going to get done.’ If I had slowed down a bit, it would have turned out even better.” (17:45 | Carrie Kerpen)
“The thing I wish most female founders knew is that the more money you’re able to figure out how to pull out, the more you’ll be worth at exit.” (20:56 | Carrie Kerpen)
“It’s really mission-based, and I want this business to make a lot of money because I want to show women what can be done.” (42:39 | Carrie Kerpen)
Building a 7-Figure Business After 40, with Corinne Morahan, Founder of Grid and Glam
Season 2 · Episode 163
Tuesday, August 22, 2023 • Duration 52:40
Today we welcome Corinne, an entrepreneur whose story resonates with change, growth, and vision. Like many entrepreneurs, Corinne’s journey began when she left her corporate job in pursuit of her passion. By leveraging her skills and experience from her college education and her previous jobs, Corinne has grown her company, Grid and Glam, into a 7-figure business in just a few years, allowing her professional organizing services to reach households all over the country.
In this episode, Corinne reveals the inner workings of her business and the evolution of her membership program. She explains how the program focuses on organizing different spaces in the home each month, providing members with step-by-step guidance and support. By using consumer research and social media, Corrine is able to provide her members with a program that grows with them over the years. But the key to the longevity of her success? Her team. Corinne’s story is truly a testament to the potential of later-life achievements that everyone needs to hear.
Key Insights:
Building a successful business requires a combination of intuition and market research. Grid and Glam’s success is a testament to this approach.
Engaging with the audience and listening to their feedback is crucial for understanding their needs and continuously improving the business.
Building a strong team is essential for scaling a business.
Diversifying revenue streams and exploring new opportunities can help expand the business and cater to different target markets.
Quotes:
"At the end of the year, you've got no more decluttering to do. You've got no more organizing to do ever again. All you have to do is maintain it." (20:57 | Corinne Morahan)
"I'm always listening to my audience. What I'm reading, what they're posting on Facebook. I'm reading every email and comment that comes through." (27:13 | Corinne Morahan)
"We've built in a lot of redundancies into the business, not too many because we don't want to be wasteful, but a lot of quality control." (00:34:55 | Corinne Morahan)
Disrupting a Century Old Industry with Nicole Gibbons, Founder of Clare
Season 2 · Episode 162
Tuesday, August 15, 2023 • Duration 49:26
"Building a business requires blind optimism and a lot of blind faith. You have to believe in yourself and your idea, even when no one else does." says Nicole Gibbons, Founder and CEO of Clare.
Today we're joined by the incredible Nicole Gibbons, founder and CEO of Clare. Nicole's journey is nothing short of inspiring. From working in PR at Victoria's Secret, to becoming a renowned interior designer, she saw a need for a better way to buy paint and turned the industry upside down. With her expertise and passion for design, Nicole built a brand that challenges the status quo and offers a transparent and modern paint shopping experience. Her story is a testament to the power of following your passion and never giving up. Get ready to be inspired by Nicole's journey and learn how she built a groundbreaking business from the ground up.
Top takeaways:
Building a community around your passion project can lead to valuable connections and opportunities.
Timing is crucial in entrepreneurship, and success often depends on being in the right place at the right time.
Starting a business to solve pain points in an industry can be a powerful motivator and a unique selling point.
Building a business from the ground up requires a willingness to learn, network, and take risks, even in areas where you have little expertise.
Quotes:
"I pretty much taught myself a masterclass in how to break into the VC world, how to figure out who the right investors are, how to target them, how to pitch them, how to create a pitch deck, and how to build a financial model." (23:45 | Nicole Gibbons)
"No one talks about how hard it is to start a business. No one talks about all the sacrifices that you end up making." (35:01 | Nicole Gibbons)
“Really think about your long term plan. I think a lot of startups fly by the seat of their pants, and they're taking things one day at a time. But think about the outcome that you want to achieve. And make sure that all the steps that you have in your journey are optimizing toward that outcome.” (45:31 | Nicole Gibbons)
Changing the Conception Narrative Through a Tech-Enabled Fertility Ecosystem, with Lauren Makler, Co-Founder of Cofertility
Season 2 · Episode 161
Tuesday, August 8, 2023 • Duration 44:34
“Rejection is protection. And it means that something better is coming. So don't let the rejections get you down. Let them hurt for a few minutes and then move on," says Lauren Makler, Co-founder, and CEO of Cofertility.
Discover the remarkable journey of Cofertility, a pioneering platform in the fertility space that has been making waves since its launch in October. Join Lauren Makler, the co-founder and CEO, as she shares the incredible growth and success of the business. With tens of thousands of women applying to their program and thousands of intended parents exploring potential donors, Cofertility is transforming the landscape of fertility choices. Gain insights into their effective fundraising strategies and learn valuable tips for founders seeking capital. Today’s episode takes a deep dive into the platform's emphasis on creating a supportive community and judgment-free space for donors and parents, while looking ahead to Cofertility's vision of reducing the stigma around fertility treatments and becoming a transformative force in the industry.
Key Takeaways:
Understanding your target audience and meeting them where they are is crucial for higher conversion rates.
Building a supportive community fosters engagement and referrals.
Collaborating with others and leveraging your network enhances your entrepreneurial journey.
Quotes:
Tens of thousands of women apply to our program to either be part of our split or keep program. We've had thousands of intended parents create accounts and come check out the donors that we have. We make matches all the time, and it is the best feeling in the world.” (27:10 | Lauren Makler)
"You have to believe that you are worthy of investing in for someone to invest in you." (30:30 | Lauren Makler)
Don’t do it alone. My husband and I do this thing, we call it career pooling where we pool our skills together to bring out the best in each other.” (39:16 | Lauren Makler)
How to Effectively Share Your Story, with Lindsay Pinchuk, Marketing Consultant and Host of Dear FoundHer...
Season 2 · Episode 160
Thursday, August 3, 2023 • Duration 30:22
Today host Lindsay Pinchuk is sharing with you the number one lesson she shares with clients, students and within her community. Are you sharing your story? This is one of the most powerful marketing tools you have at your fingertips, and if you’re not utilizing it, you’re missing out. Sharing your story is the FIRST STEP in any content strategy for your brand. This episode will challenge you to go through and to write out your story and share it.
So as you’re writing down your own story to share, I want you to think about and consider the following:
Your story isn’t what you are today or your title, it is the journey and path that you took to get there.
Your greater story is made up of a lot of little stories—so pull those out over time and share them with your community as a way to connect. Share your story at least once a month…and in between sharing your big picture story, share those little stories along the way.
Make sure you have a long, medium and short version of your story—and that your story version is your ONE SENTENCE elevator pitch: what you do, how and why.
Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable—share the failures, share the lessons. It makes you human and likable.
Truly, just be yourself. When you are yourself you connect with the people you are meant to connect with—you attract the right community and customer and ultimately you end up in the right place with your business.
To Ignite Your Brand with Lindsay, make sure you're following her on TikTok @igniteyourbrand where she's sharing an actionable tip every day throughout the month of August.
You can now work with Lindsay 1:1 to build and monetize your community through the same method she used to grow and scale her business. Fill out the form and set up a FREE 30-minute consultation.
Question Everything: The Power of Asking Great Questions with, TV HOST and Founder, Danielle Robay
Season 2 · Episode 159
Tuesday, July 11, 2023 • Duration 56:42
“Somehow you leap and the net appears. And I don't know how or why, but you just leap,” shares Danielle Robay, TV Host, Podcast Host and Founder.
Learn how to harness the power of asking great questions from the Queen of Questions herself, Danielle Robay! Following in the footsteps of her mentor and friend, the one and only Larry King, Danielle has asking the right questions down to a science, gamifying it through her best-selling card game, Question Everything: 52 Cards for Deep(er) Conversation. As a journalist, tv host, and now podcast host of PRETTYSMART, understanding how to ask great questions has played a huge role in Danielle’s career success. From the very beginning, Danielle was always questioning everything, asking ‘why’ every chance she got. Now, she is continuing to build herself, never shying away from taking the leap of faith required to make her dreams into reality. Come on in and meet Danielle!
Here are today’s inspirational highlights:
The best gift that you can ever give someone is your time.
You want to wake up every day and look in the mirror and be proud of the person who is staring back at you.
Lessons are caught, not taught.
Quotes
“Every time I bet on myself, somehow you leap and the net appears. And I don't know how or why, but you just leap.” (11:31-11:46 | Danielle)
“Everybody can ask great questions. You just have to practice.” (39:30-39:32 | Danielle)
“My job is to word questions so that I get a certain type of answer from someone. And so these questions are really particularly crafted to elicit the best conversation.” (40:28-40:39 | Danielle)
“When I wake up and look in the mirror, no matter if I'm killing it, or I'm not killing it at all, I am proud of the person staring back at me.” (50:25-50:34 | Danielle)
“This is one of the best interviews I've ever had. And you're a really generous listener and generous interviewer. And this conversation gave me more than I think you probably know. So thank you for having me on.” (55:43-55:56 | Danielle)
In Memory of the Highland Park Parade Shooting Victims
Season 2 · Episode 158
Tuesday, July 4, 2023 • Duration 55:15
On the one-year anniversary of the mass shooting at the Highland Park, IL Fourth of July Parade, host, Lindsay Pinchuk reflects on the last year before re-sharing her conversation with Kitty Brandtner, Founder of March Fourth, from nearly a year ago.
Let this episode be a reminder that:
We do not have to live like this.
There are small steps that anyone can take to help change gun control laws---and they have big impact.
Together we can accomplish so much.
Think about the meaning of Independence Day—what does it mean to you and how you want to live your life.
And as the next two days unfold in front of you….let this be a reminder to enjoy them. Unplug, Rest. Recharge. Eat that burger at the BBQ, go for a swim, connect with friends, hug your loved ones.
Because when you really think about it that is what Independence Day should be all about.
Quotes
• “It is this incredible group of mostly women, but also men. It’s not just moms and it’s not just parents—it’s people from all walks of life. But the common theme is that we don’t believe that we should feel unsafe going to a grocery store, concert, parade, sending our kids to school, etc. It shouldn’t be this way.”(14:19-14:43 | Kitty)
• “Part of what makes this easy is we only have one goal, there’s no convoluted six-step plan. Our goal is to federally ban assault weapons and to do it right now. That’s it.” (16:45-16:59 | Kitty)
• “When there’s a will, there’s a way. If something matters and you put all your energy into it, you’re going to make it happen. There’s no alternative.” (27:00-27:09 | Kitty)
Resources to join the fight for gun safety:
Tips to Catapult Your Career Through a Solid Personal Brand, with Aliza Licht, Founder of Leave Your Mark
Season 2 · Episode 157
Tuesday, June 27, 2023 • Duration 38:41
“The magic of a strong personal brand is when your name is dropped in rooms you're not in and you're recommended for opportunities other people haven't even heard of yet,” shares Aliza Licht, founder of Leave Your Mark, best-selling author, and sought after keynote speaker.
Get ready to catapult your career to new heights as we delve into the exciting world of Aliza Licht, a true social media pioneer and personal branding expert. As the voice behind DKNY’s PR Girl, one of the first fashion influencers on social media, Aliza learned firsthand how incredible a solid personal brand can be. Stepping away from her identity as DKNY’s PR Girl was a little intimidating, but opened the door for Aliza to reinvent her identity based on her skill sets and what she actually wanted to be doing. Now, she uses everything she has learned from over two decades of experience in marketing, digital strategy, and communications to propel her own brand forward and help others leave their mark on the world.
Here are today’s helpful highlights:
The magic of a strong personal brand is when your name is dropped in rooms that you’re not in.
Guardrails are important for your personal brand. Think about what you want to be known for with each post. If you don’t know, don’t post.
Mentorship is identifying your personal advisory board and leaning on different people for different things.
Quotes
“When you're posting something, say to yourself, ‘Why am I posting this? What do I hope to get out of posting this?’ And if you can't answer that question, don't post it.” (25:07-25:18 | Aliza)
“The screenshot is more powerful than the delete button.” (25:26-25:29 | Aliza)
“For every one time you're sharing a win about yourself, proactively amplify five other people and what they're doing or support them, so that you're not just talking about yourself all day.” (29:23-29:34 | Aliza)
“We know how to do every job at our business extremely well. We are so in the weeds, like anyone who directly reports to us, I could take over their job and do it at least as well as they could.” (43:35 | Julie Nguyen)
“Ideas are great, but executing on that idea is really important, and there’s no better demonstration of execution than a strong focus on generating revenue.” (49:01 | Carrie Kerpen)
You can now work with Lindsay 1:1 to build and monetize your community through the same method she used to grow and scale her business. Fill out the form here and set up a FREE 30-minute consultation.
Make sure you sign up for Lindsay's newsletter and have all of the takeaways from every podcast episode sent straight to your inbox. PLUS, you'll get a tip every week to help you grow and scale your own business.
You can now work with Lindsay 1:1 to build and monetize your community through the same method she used to grow and scale her business. Fill out the form here and set up a FREE 30-minute consultation.
Make sure you sign up for Lindsay's newsletter and have all of the takeaways from every podcast episode sent straight to your inbox. PLUS, you'll get a tip every week to help you grow and scale your own business.
You can now work with Lindsay 1:1 to build and monetize your community through the same method she used to grow and scale her business. Fill out the form here and set up a FREE 30-minute consultation.
Make sure you sign up for Lindsay's newsletter and have all of the takeaways from every podcast episode sent straight to your inbox. PLUS, you'll get a tip every week to help you grow and scale your own business.
Make sure you sign up for Lindsay's newsletter and have all of the takeaways from every podcast episode sent straight to your inbox. PLUS, you'll get a tip every week to help you grow and scale your own business.
You can now work with Lindsay 1:1 to build and monetize your community through the same method she used to grow and scale her business. Fill out the form here and set up a FREE 30-minute consultation.
Make sure you sign up for Lindsay's newsletter and have all of the takeaways from every podcast episode sent straight to your inbox. PLUS, you'll get a tip every week to help you grow and scale your own business.
You can now work with Lindsay 1:1 to build and monetize your community through the same method she used to grow and scale her business. Fill out the form here and set up a FREE 30-minute consultation.
Make sure you sign up for Lindsay's newsletter and have all of the takeaways from every podcast episode sent straight to your inbox. PLUS, you'll get a tip every week to help you grow and scale your own business.
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