Explore every episode of the podcast Powerful Ladies® Podcast

Lauren Kyle McDavid is the powerhouse behind four thriving businesses, Kyle & Co interior design firm, Trove Living, Bar Trove, and Sports Club Ateliers, plus her growing personal brand. In this episode, she joins Kara to share how she’s building an empire with vision, style, and heart, all while navigating the unique challenges of being married to an NHL player. They dive into how Lauren balances creativity with strategy, leads with confidence, builds strong teams, and keeps saying yes to what lights her up. If you’re dreaming big, managing multiple roles, or looking for inspiration to follow your boldest ideas, this episode is a must-listen. Chapters:  00:00 — Origins of Sports Club Atelier 05:01 — Building Multiple Successful Businesses 07:59 — Expanding into Fashion and Sports Merchandise 12:33 — Team Building and Business Growth 18:20 — From Interior Design to Bar Owner 24:14 — Redefining the Role of an NHL Wife 29:41 — Building a Personal Brand 33:54 — Work-Life Balance and Self-Care 38:11 — Closing and Contact Information The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms. Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think. Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sarah Ezrin is redefining what modern parenting can look like. A yoga instructor, educator, maternal mental health advocate, and author of The Yoga of Parenting, Sarah brings mindfulness and realism to the often chaotic world of raising kids. In this episode, Kara and Sarah dive into the emotional rollercoaster of parenthood, the pressure to “do it all,” and why building your own village is more essential than ever. You’ll hear how Sarah blends yoga principles into parenting, what it means to maintain your identity as a parent, and why support systems in the U.S. are failing families. This conversation covers parenting as a spectrum, practical self-care, and how to stay grounded even when life gets messy. 00:00 Introduction to the Powerful Ladies Podcast 01:14 Meet Sarah Ezrin: Yoga Instructor and Maternal Mental Health Advocate 02:39 Sarah's Journey to Motherhood 04:01 The Challenges of Modern Parenthood 07:02 The Power of Women and Community 14:11 Understanding Female Rhythms and Productivity 22:59 Sarah's Childhood and Early Struggles 26:49 The True Essence of Yoga 29:15 Ancient Yoga Practices 29:45 Modern Yoga and Commoditization 31:28 Personal Yoga Journey 33:11 Yoga and Parenting 33:30 Writing 'The Yoga of Parenting' 41:08 Powerful Ladies and Empowerment 45:42 Balancing Life and Business 51:18 Connecting and Sharing Wisdom 56:27 Conclusion and Final Thoughts The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms. Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think. Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nomiki Petrolla is on a mission to close the access gap for women in tech. As founder and CEO of Theanna, a SaaS platform helping women turn ideas into scalable companies, she’s changing what it means to be a startup founder. In this episode, Kara and Nomiki talk about why mindset matters more than perfection, how to build in public, and why some communities fail while others thrive. You’ll hear how a family crisis changed Nomiki’s entire trajectory, the difference between “idea people” and “doer people,” and why getting customers matters more than just pitching. This episode explores women in tech, startup mindset, and community-led growth. (00:00:00) - Introducing Nomiki Petrolla and Theanna’s mission (00:01:00) - Leaving corporate tech to build something new (00:03:00) - Solving access gaps in women-led startups (00:06:00) - From consulting to productizing a solution (00:08:00) - Women in tech: gaps, patterns, and market insights (00:10:00) - How AI is reshaping startup access and MVPs (00:14:00) - A family emergency and a life-changing decision (00:18:00) - Theanna’s curated community and what makes it work (00:22:00) - Founder mindset: why fear is the real blocker (00:27:00) - Routines, rituals, and support at home (00:31:00) - Building from Columbus, Ohio, not Silicon Valley (00:34:00) - Talking to customers and selling like a founder (00:37:00) - Final thoughts on community, courage, and growth The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms. Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think. Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brands and businesses are not talking to their customers enough. We do not live in an "if you build it, they will come" reality. Success in business today is all about relationships with your dream customers AND also having a strong relationship with yourself as a business owner and leader. Today's guest is Sanaz Dizaj Parham, Brand Director at the footwear and streetwear phenomenon, Axel Arigato, and a modern marketing expert. She has been a part of the team pioneering community building in direct-to-consumer brands and is now stepping into her own space as a thought leader and expert. Part of that journey has led to her being awarded Forbes 30 Under 30 and featured as a writer in Vogue. In this episode, we discuss how to have authentic customer relationships, her upbringing as part of two worlds, and how she's discovering what's next for her and how to achieve it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There is art that, when you see it, you instantaneously know that it's depicting a place you've seen before. Artist Claire Buckley's art evokes an immediate reaction. It's ethereal, enchanting, and connects viewers to a spiritual side of themselves they may not have recently explored. In this episode, we discuss how her expanding career has altered her perspectives, the impact her art has on others, and the crucial role of self-marketing in achieving success as an artist. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When most businesses are creating their KPIs, goals and strategies, they’re often focused on S.M.A.R.T. Goals and sales targets. What they’re not thinking about or measuring is safety, trust, and inclusiveness. And, it’s a big missed opportunity because those are the foundations for a strong, thriving and successful team.Today’s guest, Chris Rollins, is an in-demand speaker and the creator of The Ripple Effect Leader™ who’s on a mission to bring more humanity into the workplace.  He helps organizations develop leaders who create powerful ripple effects for their people, which results in more inclusive, high-trust, human-centered workforces that move forward faster. We discuss how golf makes him a better speaker, how to know when to be the CEO vs the talent, and we deep dive into why his methodology is radically changing today’s corporate landscape.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Swimwear is often the most challenging thing for women to buy. Our bodies are so different. We need different size tops to bottoms. Each brand fits so differently. Everyone has parts of our bodies we’d rather not share with the world and 99.9% of women are not shaped like a supermodel. This is where today’s guest, Hayley Segar, founder of onewith swim, is coming in to save us. She has created the first swimwear brand to fit like underwear, and women are responding by sharing how it is changing their lives and boosting their confidence in swimwear. We talk about creating a product based brand from the ground up, building teams, and the power of creating a business to change how people see themselves.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

So much of our western life is focused on productivity and efficiency. What’s happened to the art of making every day and each moment beautiful? How does making spaces and moments beautiful and celebrated change how we see, live and experience our life? Rainey Lancaster Hoag is a marketeer, an entrepreneur, a lifestyle guru and content creator. Today she’s bringing her southern roots to sunny California to remind us all that you can find beauty anywhere and you can create the beauty you wish to see in the world.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

"You need to know when you're the producer and when you're the talent." So true. Monique Siaw, our latest Powerful Ladies Podcast guest, is 100% right. She is a master of event production, a musician, and a get-things-done human. At Soho Works, she's bringing all levels of amazing events to enrich the community. In this episode, we discuss why being the talent matters, how events can make such a big impact, and why handling business makes you irreplaceable. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How can we love clothes and fashion and reconcile that with our deep knowing that we need to take actions now to save our planet (and really humanity)? This is a question that Beth Esponnette, the co-founder of Unspun, asks herself everyday. In this episode of the Powerful Ladies Podcast, we discuss this challenge, how she’s using technology to completely change how we create and uncreate clothing, and why there is hope that we can have both fashion and a healthy planet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We can only change the story from inside. Krystl Fabella is so proud of her filipina heritage and so frustrated with the limiting beliefs, perspectives and stereotypes that have restricted her beautiful heritage. She’s taken it into her own hands to build a filipina community based on growth, expansion, sharing all the perspectives, sisterhood, highlighting the intersectionality within one group, and unlearning all the stories keeping her and her sisters small. We talk all about where she’s at with her community and podcast and where she’s stuck in its growth. In fact, it turns into a mini coaching session!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oftentimes, the most overwhelming part of starting a business or creating a product is how to get in front of the right people who want to buy. That’s where ROI-based marketing experts such as Marissa Stahl, CEO & founder of Cherry Creative, come into play. There’s so much noise in the market today about what you “have to do”, or how often you need to post on social media, or any of the other one million ways you could market your business. What’s really important is creating a 360 holistic marketing plan built specifically for your business. In this new podcast episode, Marissa shares her pro tips to finally see your marketing actions generate a sale. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What lights you up? How much time do you spend a day or a week or even a month on the things that bring you joy?  This week’s new Powerful Ladies Podcast guest, Christina Minutillo, has pivoted her life to focus exclusively on what lights her and others up. After accidentally creating her first book, she realized how her life, community and mindset shifted simply by following her joy. Since then she’s created a podcast “What Lights Us Up” to share the stories of other’s choosing their joy and how that changes their lives.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Julie Leffler is a marketing strategist who helps mission-driven brands cut through the noise and connect with their audience. In this episode, she and Kara talk about the most common marketing mistakes growing businesses make, how to measure what actually matters, and the tools that help purpose-led leaders make smart decisions without burnout. Whether you're a solopreneur or scaling a team, this conversation brings clarity to marketing strategy, content planning, and visibility. (00:00:04) - Understanding Your Brand Identity (00:00:51) - Julie Leffler's Journey in Marketing (00:01:20) - Common Marketing Pitfalls (00:08:00) - The Importance of Effective Messaging (00:11:29) - Building Genuine Connections (00:47:30) - The Power of Women Supporting Women The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy, features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms. Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think. Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Last year, I had the pleasure of attending the Mountainfilm Festival in Telluride, Colorado, and it was one of the best experiences. The films were all documentaries, and they were amazing. Additionally, the crowd consists of athletes such as skiers, snowboarders, surfers, climbers, and more; musicians, environmentalists, outdoors enthusiasts, journalists, activists for social change, and many others. These were literally the most interesting people you could spend a weekend with. It's a film festival that allows you to learn, be inspired, meet cool people with whom you can collaborate with, and experience a new environment to get your creative juices flowing. Plus, Telluride is like a movie set for a "mountain town," making it an incredibly beautiful location. There are still tickets available for this year's festival over Memorial Day weekend and they’re totally affordable! If you get your tickets, LMK, and we can meet up in Telluride! In the meantime, don't miss out on this inspiring episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

 Food, travel, and culture unite us all. Each one of us has food traditions. Each one of us knows the joy of great company over great food. This week’s Powerful Ladies Podcast guest, Julie Hartigan, has always loved food, but it took her a while to realize that her dream career was all about food. She’s an entrepreneur, trained chef, healthy cooking coach, recipe creator, food tv personality, and now a food travel guide who is inviting you to join her on amazing trips around the world all about food and the people who make it.  What could be better than food, travel and great people? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What if I told you that following your passions and interests could lead to a business that aligns perfectly with who you are? Gemma Totten, founder of the conscious jewelry company Chapter Six Jewelry and her own digital marketing agency, is proof of just that. She's passionate about making a difference in the world and saving the environment, and she's found a way to turn her passion into a successful business. By staying curious, creative, and true to herself, she's created a path that matches her perfectly. Let's all take a page out of Gemma's book and follow our hearts in pursuit of our dreams!   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lindsay White is a founder, executive coach, mom of four, and a proud canadian. If you’re looking to empower yourself and your team by moving mountains, this is the woman for you.  She is a high energy, straight-shooting, and transformative executive coach, consultant, and entrepreneur who can help you achieve your goals. This episode is for you if you struggle to step into your leadership, are looking for ways to give better and more inspiring feedback to your team, and want to build employees around you who can help take your business to the next level. This conversation is filled with golden nuggets of knowledge that you won’t want to miss.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Montserrat New York is a rising fashion brand built by two best friends, Carolina Cordon-Bouzan and Gayle Yelon. They are committed to style, sustainability, and giving women the opportunity to look and feel amazing - from corporate to cocktails, from gym to jetset. Jewelry always fits, it's always in season, and it always looks fabulous. Together, they are proving that there is always room for a new brand when it leads with an authentic point of view, maintains close relationships with customers, and when you have each other to lean on. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I’ve been lucky to have some amazing bosses, and Janet was one of them. We met at Reebok, and since then, she has consulted, opened her interior design studio, and had a major life pivot when the stress of hidden, avoided, and then unexpected life circumstances changed her path. Today, she is the author of “Stop the Break” and a mental health speaker sharing her personal journey and ways that we can all stop being emotional Sherpas for life longevity and vitality. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sydney Schiff is not only a people person, food lover, and lover of fashion, she is the CEO and founder of Sydney on the Scene, a boutique PR agency that amplifies small brands who have perfected their craft. She specializes in working with female founders and the LGBTQIA+ community and takes their story and brings it into the world through social media, events, and marketing. In this episode, we talk about how to find balance between your personal life and work, working with your perfect clients, and how to make a difference your way! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Revving up for an exhilarating episode! 🏎️ 💨🔥 In this week’s episode, I chat with Bet Heykoop, a trailblazing woman who traded her tech career for the driver's seat. Tune in to hear about her journey to becoming a stunt driver, the challenges she faced, and her passion for the industry. Don't miss out on this inspiring conversation!    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I have a love-hate relationship with running. I know what it feels like to be in great running shape, feel that runner’s high and love getting faster & faster. I also know what it feels like to get back into running and be certain that anything else would be a better idea. Today’s new Powerful Ladies Podcast guest knows those highs and lows of running, and not seeing a place where she fits in the running world, created her own lane the Badass Lady Gang and is inviting all of you to join her whether you walk or run marathons. This episode is out now to learn about her running story, what Badass Lady Gang is all about, and hear us rant about everything from shitty sports bras to the running industry still not getting how to be inclusive of all runners and beyond. This is a good one!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I’m excited for you all to meet and hear today’s special IWD conversation in our new Powerful Ladies Podcast episode. We are all always in need of new inspiration, of new ways at looking at things and new ways to choose ourselves, our dream life and unleash the power that we already have within us.  That’s why I asked three of the most powerful coaches I know to join me for a conversation about taking advantage of that power. There’s so much noise and so many actions we’re told we should take, I wanted to know what these legends recommended. Enjoy the many reminders of who we are, what we’re up to and what’s possible for us all.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Fashion designer and Fanm Mon founder Sophia Demirtas joins Kara for a conversation that spans continents and callings. From growing up around tailored school uniforms in Haiti to working in NYC homeless shelters, Sophia’s path to fashion was far from linear. She shares how social work shaped her business values, how eBay taught her supply chain basics, and why preserving craftsmanship and culture is central to her designs. This episode explores fashion entrepreneurship, ethical production, and the power of women-led communities. (00:00:03) - Introduction to Sophia Demirtas and Her Journey (00:01:10) - From Social Work to Fashion: A Transformative Path (00:01:44) - Challenges and Changes During the Pandemic (00:24:53) - Creating a Positive Work Environment and Team Dynamics (00:47:58) - Sustainability and the Future of Fashion The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms. Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think. Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We all need lawyers. Good ones are hard to find. Great ones are impossible to find. And amazing lawyers that you also want to hang out with, they are among the hardest to find unicorns in this world. Today’s guest, Kelly Galligan, is ONE OF THOSE UNICORNS. 🦄🦄 She is an amazing lawyer (I use her, and recommend her & her team to everyone!!!) and is also fun, cool, and a great friend. She is absolutely someone you want in your corner. In this episode, learn how to find a lawyer that matches you and your business, what more business owners should be thinking about regarding law, and how to network your way.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

All entrepreneurs experience founder’s fraud and a major reason why is because we’re not looking at our numbers. Spreadsheets, P&L’s, Taxes, all of these things under the financial umbrella can be terrifying and when we reach out to Accounts for help, we’re not getting the strategic and supportive help we need. That is UNTIL Candace Galiffa created NewWay Accounting. At NewWay Accounting they are helping small business owners know their numbers, understand the financials so they can be more strategic and provide relief that not only are you running a REAL Business, you have accounting partners who are truly on your side.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With dreams of becoming the next Betsy Johnson and a successful career in design, Mindy Scheier had no idea her fashion future would be in founding and running two organizations and revolutionizing fashion design and talent. She is the founder and CEO of  Runway of Dreams & Gamut Talent Management. In this episode, she shares the catalyst for her pivot, how she’s working with major global brands to create adaptive clothing, and how chasing all in after your big dreams is exactly what your soul and the world is waiting for you to do.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When Stephanie Kauffman had two important people in her life get diagnosed with cancer in one year, she decided it was time to pivot from working in Hollywood to working in cancer research. In this episode, we discuss how Melanoma is affecting younger and younger people, why new research is important, and how Stephanie is using all of her skills to also bring a media voice to women & minorities.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Humans are complex & beautiful, and yet we like to pretend that we’re not. Today's guest, Parisa Frost is herself beautifully multi-layered as an Identity Affirming & Trauma Oriented Marital & Family Therapist, Creator of Hiking Healers, Yogi, and is also a voice for the women of Iran. She uses her talents to help clients break down their identities to empower themselves as well as to strengthen relationships, communication and communities. Skills we all need!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Guys! I am so excited (after years of asking them to be on the podcast) to finally introduce you to two of my favorite humans, dear friends and amazing Power Couple, Josh & Liza Shirazi. They are inspiration to me in so many ways - they’re each successful in their own businesses, they have a great relationship, their kids are awesome, they have the dog, the house, the friends, the family dinners and even an actual white picket fence. They’re also two of the most humble people you’ll ever meet. When we hang out we are able to talk about ALL of the things because they get that life is all the things at once so let’s make as much of it work as possible. They are people who know what it means to live life intentionally and I can’t wait for you to meet them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jenn Harper knows that three things are critical for life JOY, Community and Representation. As the founder of Cheekbone Beauty, the Indigenous-owned and founded, digitally-native, Canadian cosmetics company (currently available at @cheekbonebeauty and @sephoracanada), she’s made both a top priority in company values, marketing and simply how life is done. She knows that representation starts with her as an indigenous woman who is also successful and a founder and creating products that others in the indigenous community can see on billboards.  She’s bringing joy through her products and marketing. She’s constantly aware and in honor of all her communities - the Cheekbone Beauty community, her indigenous community, her entrepreneurial community and all the others who are creating the space for her to chase after her dreams. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Democracies and great societies work because citizens participate.  As John F Kennedy said, Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country. Today’s guest, Karen Losi, understands the assignment. She’s pivoted from a successful career in retail to looking to where she can best be of service to her community, first as a foster parent and soon with her masters degree in social work. In this episode we discuss her choice to pivot, the realities of kids and families in need, and why we need more people to share their gifts to elevate and create the caring, connected communities we crave.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s guest, Christie Garcia, and I share one of my biggest pet peeves about corporate America. We do not train or teach people how to go from being an independent contributor to being a manager or leader. Instead most companies think they’re doing you the employee a favor by giving you a promotion that includes leading people and assume you’ll figure it out. Being a great producer and being a great leader are completely different skill sets.  Christie has taken this frustration and created her company the Mindful Choice Leadership Academy where she is helping managers and leaders of all kinds to step into the mindset, approach and perspective that allow them to be not just great, but transformational leaders.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Running can be fun and rewarding but we are often stopped from putting on our running shoes because we’re nervous and scared about even that first mile. Luckily, today’s guest, Beverly Asante Puschmann, is here to help us.  In addition to a successful career at IBM, she’s a running coach and the author of Ace The Half: Run Your Best Half Marathon, Get in Shape and Finally Tick "Finish the Race Off" Your Bucket List.  If you’ve never ran, are currently out of running shape, have run a few races or run regularly, you’re sure to get new pro tips about running, habit building, and remembering what we’re all capable of.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jackie Adler is a Senior Financial Planner and Investment Advisor who combines strategy with empathy. A 9/11 survivor and second-generation financial expert, Jackie brings deep personal insight to helping women navigate financial decisions during major life transitions like divorce, loss, or reinvention. In this episode, Kara and Jackie get real about what financial wellness actually looks like, talking retirement myths, saving while living paycheck to paycheck, intergenerational money stories, estate planning, prenups, and how to define 'enough.' This is financial literacy with heart, especially for women redefining security, success, and what’s next. (00:00:01) - Jackie's Life-Altering Experience in New York (00:00:20) - Introduction to Jackie Adler and Her Work (00:00:41) - Jackie's Journey into Financial Planning (00:01:54) - Changing Mindsets Around Wealth and Retirement (00:04:02) - The Impact of Divorce on Financial Decisions (00:08:00) - Understanding 'Divorce Brain' and Its Effects (00:09:42) - The Role of Empathy in Financial Planning (00:19:34) - The Importance of Financial Planning for Everyone (00:21:57) - Key Takeaways for Financial Health (00:57:40) - Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms. Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think. Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If you guys have been listening for a while, you know that I love books! I also believe anything is possible and available to us if we go get it and in the power of storytelling. Today’s guest, Lindsay Bednar, shares those values. She is the founder of Rodney K Press, an independent publishing house. She’s a writer, an author coach, a wife, mom, sister, & daughter. She is also diligently in pursuit of her best self and how accessing that best self allows her to be more available, more successful, and more of service to help make other people’s dreams come true.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s guest Sara Seyed is an activist, actor, and prior human rights lawyer. The past few months she has been dedicating herself fulltime to sharing, discussing and talking about the revolution currently happening in Iran. In this episode, we cover the latest news on Iran, how her love for acting and activism have been woven through her life, and why it’s so important for those of us with the ability to speak up for those who cannot speak up for themselves.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s guest, Karen Duffy, has had a diverse and impactful assortment of careers. She broke onto the world stage as the MTV VJ “Duff” in the early 1990’s, was on People’s 50 Most Beautiful People list in 1993, she is an actor, a model, a producer, an Oprah and NY Times best selling author, a speaker, a writer, and has also had a full assortment of social service roles including being a hospice chaplain in the Buddhist tradition. In 1996 she was diagnosed with sarcoidosis - a currently incurable chronic pain illness and while it may have slowed her down in moments, it has not stopped her from working, creating or making a huge impact. In this episode we dive into the wisdom of stoicism, the power of gratitude, how to be joyful through the pain, and why serving others is the answer to everything. We also discuss her latest projects, the Bill Murray documentary “New Worlds”, the upcoming movie “Greatest Beer Run Ever” starring Zac Efron, and her soon to be released newest book. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I love field trips. I love history, learning and hearing all the stories. Today’s guest, Lady Altovise is the founder of Lady Altovise NYC tours and she brings all of her experience in theater, dance, writing, producing, and music to each of her tours. From soul food to gospel tours to the most interesting parts of Harlem history, her tours, like herself, are unique, high energy and unforgettable. I’m excited for you to hear about her story, her joy and why sharing the good and the bad parts of our history is one of the most important things we can do as humans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Powerful Ladies are a lot of things - professionals, daughters, sisters, moms, wives, podcasters, business owners, athletes, chefs, head of finances, logistics, etc, etc and we’re usually all those things IN ONE DAY. In today’s episode, I sit down with Jackie Waller co-host of the Beauty, Bags & Bravo Podcast to break down all the roles we have, how we need our circle of support, why honoring each other on a daily basis matters and why Bravo tv might just be our best therapy.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One great idea can change your life and going viral on TikTok can change your business. Today’s guest and one of my rockstar clients, Abby Michaelsen of Statement Home, has experienced both phenomena and used them to her advantage. In this episode, we talk about the process of starting a product based business, how to scale a business as a one woman show, and the marketing secrets that can help your business. That and so much more!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When you hear the word fierce, what comes to mind? Powerful? Aggressive? Inspiring? For today’s guest, Tara Wilson, fierce is her word and she’s built her second business Fierce Labs on the foundation that by being fierce you are creating your life your way. You and I know that fierce is a big word, so in this episode we break down what that means, where we’re stopped, and all the different ways you can access what you need for your greatness.     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There are so many women out there who are burned out, have forgotten their dreams, and don’t even remember what brings them joy. I might even be describing you. That’s where today’s guest, (and one of my new best friends) Marie Garvey, has stepped in to change things. As a successful executive coach and communications specialist, she knew how to step into her own power. Her life was working and yet she too knew she was not in alignment or living with intention the way she could be. Taking her own experience, she started her Crazy Busy Women in Balance program to help women break free and step into their dream lives.  In this episode, we talk about how she created the program, why we both hate the silent quitting movement, and her journey to becoming a single mom. Enjoy!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This episode is a live & unedited recording of A Powerful Conversation Series: The Rise & Empowerment of Women in Iran.  This recording took place on Saturday October 8th, 2022 in response to and support of the protests happening in Iran being led by brave young women asking for freedom for Women, Life and Liberty.  Our amazing panelists include:   Dr. Marjan Koosha Johnson a physician and entrepreneur Dr. Marjon Vatanchi, board certified dermatologist  Parisa Frost, Marriage, Family & Clicinic Art Therapist & cultural researcher Pegah Ghamary, real estate advisor Dani Stevens, model, mother & motivator Sara Seyed, Human Rights Lawyer, Actor & Activist  Enjoy this episode and please share it so that the efforts of the women and girls in Iran is being heard by as many people as possible.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Throughout time, humans have been in search of the secret to life. What is our purpose?  Where should we be focusing our energy?  What truly matters? What if our only goal was to be of service to others and have as much fun as possible?  That’s what today’s guest Jasmine Carey has been exploring as a lifelong writer, dancer and freedom seeker, and at a deeper level through her new memoir & young adult novel series. From growing up in Vermont to dancing to hanging out in New York with Prince, we cover a lot in this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What does it really look like to rebuild when life falls apart? In this special episode on resiliency, Kara is joined by four women: Anne Watson, Karen “Duff” Duffy, Michelle Jernigan, and Rup Duhra. They've lived through loss, illness, heartbreak, and transformation. Together they share how they stayed grounded, found purpose again, and made space for healing. From chronic pain to career pivots to rethinking what power looks like, this episode is a reminder that growth doesn't come from pushing through, but from tuning in. This conversation explores resilience, identity, and the daily practices that help us keep going, and keep building, when things get hard. Our amazing guests are: Anne Watson - Food Photographer, Chef, & Owner of Watson Wellness @theannewatson Karen Duffy - NY Times Best Selling Author,Movie Producer, MTV VJ, & Actor @dufflambros  Michelle Jernigan - Real Estate Broker @sellbymichelle Rup Duhra - Co-founder and Director of Operations of Diaspora Therapy Group @diasporatherapygroup (00:00:13) - Introduction to Resiliency Conversations (00:01:06) - Anne Watson's Journey and Resilience (00:03:48) - Karen "Duff" Duffy's Story of Chronic Pain (00:09:18) - Michelle Jernigan's Family Challenges and Growth (00:14:20) - Roop Dura's Immigrant Experience and Resilience (00:20:10) - Group Discussion on Resilience Strategies (00:25:48) - Advice for Women Facing Challenges (01:23:34) - Closing Thoughts and Connections The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms. Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think. Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If you knew that you loved talking to people & you loved being social, chances are someone at one point in time told you that you’d be great at sales. That’s exactly what today’s guest Vicki Kotris was told. She built a great career in the sales space, but she also knew she didn’t want to be stuck in someone else’s plan, someone else’s dream. So four years ago, she and her husband decided to test one of her many million dollar ideas and it worked!  In this episode, learn how Vicki has built not one, but three businesses while still working full time, how she’s motivated to live intentionally and how her energy is not just changing Cleveland, but the world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There are times when you see a woman and you know instantly, she’s a Powerful Lady. The clues are in her confidence, her body language, and often what she’s wearing. For many plus size women, finding the clothes to show up looking as powerful as they’ve felt has been a challenge. That’s what inspired Tracy Christian, a mega successful talent agent, to create her own fashion house, Sante Grace. In this episode, we discuss how everyone deserves to look great, the power of being your own advocate, how anything you want in life is just a game waiting for you to play, and the life you want is waiting for you to come and get it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When you know what you’re supposed to be doing in this world and you commit to making it happen, nothing will stop you.  Elise Thomas, the founder of Cookie Co, is a great example of doing whatever it takes. Her first brick and mortar location was set to open in early 2020, then of course a global pandemic hit. She had to pivot to launching her business from her home kitchen, baking after homeschooling her kids sometimes until 4am to fulfill orders. Her story is one filled with resilience, family, community, service, and a commitment to bringing people joy every day.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices