Smart, Driven, Women – Details, episodes & analysis

Sarah Fuchs, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Muus Collective, shares her honest journey, from being laid off on maternity leave to building a mobile fashion gaming studio partnered with Revolve and Paris Hilton. 

She opens up about balancing leadership and raising four kids, setting unapologetic boundaries, and why being a role model means making space for others. This is a must-listen for anyone redefining what success looks like on their own terms.

To connect with Sarah: www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-fuchs-b1bb3b

Don’t forget to download Bellemint on bellemint.com !

What if the path you’re on looks successful—but doesn’t feel right? In this episode of Smart Driven Women, Sheila Jambekar, Chief Privacy Officer of DayForce, shares how she transitioned from corporate law to a C-suite role in tech by letting go of the “shoulds” and building a career that actually fit her life, values, and goals.

From making intentional pivots to trusting herself through high-stakes transitions, Sheila opens up about what it means to pursue her true ambition and grow on your own terms. If you're craving more alignment in your career or questioning what success really means to you, this episode is a must.

In this episode of Smart Driven Women, Soumya Tulloss—Senior Vice President of Agent Sales at Zillow—shares what it really takes to lead with intention, set bold goals, and evolve through every stage of your career.

From her early days in finance to leading teams across tech and real estate, Soumya reflects on what she's learned about high standards, self-awareness, and creating clarity amidst chaos. She opens up about balancing motherhood with executive leadership, building trust through action, and her go-to mindset shift: “Curious, not furious.” Whether you’re navigating leadership, career transitions, or personal growth, Soumya offers real, grounded insights that will challenge and inspire you. Connect with Soumya Tulloss on Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/sdsrinagesh/

Season 2 has begun! Juslyn Manalo—community advocate, public servant, and the first Filipina elected to the Daly City Council—shares how small acts of purpose can spark lifelong leadership. From fighting for Filipino WWII veterans to stepping into city hall, Jesslyn reflects on the values that shaped her, how she overcame self-doubt, and why putting your dreams into the universe is more powerful than you think. Whether you're considering public service, building your advocacy voice, or navigating your own leadership path, this episode will remind you: you are enough—and your voice matters.

Connect With Juslyn Manalo: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juslynmanalo/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juslynmanalo/

Building a successful business takes guts and a willingness to take the leap even when the path isn’t clear. In this episode of Smart, Driven, Women, Patrice Cleary, owner of Purple Patch and Joia Burger, shares how she walked away from a traditional career to build two of D.C.’s most celebrated restaurants.

She proves that success is betting on yourself and making it happen. If you’re on the edge of taking your own leap, this episode will give you the insight, confidence, and push to go for it.

Kriselda Valderrama represents District 26 in the Maryland House of Delegates. She joins Smart, Driven, Women to discuss her path to leadership that required much strength and resiliency. As a working mother and legislator, Kris also shares the importance of support systems in managing both professional ambitions and family responsibilities.

Join the conversation with Kris! Learn how to remain steadfast and focused on what’s most important to you, especially as you continue your path as a Smart, Driven, Woman. 

Navigating leadership and negotiation in a male-dominated industry takes confidence, preparation, and strategy. In this episode of Smart Driven Women, Jacqueline Post Ladha, an accomplished attorney and real estate expert, shares her insights on breaking barriers, advocating for housing affordability, and leading with impact. She dives into the power of preparation in high-stakes negotiations, the importance of intuition in decision-making, and how women can assert themselves in male-dominated spaces without compromising their authenticity. Plus, we explore how the right mindset and support system can shape career success.

Rona Jobe talks with Evelyn Miller, partner at Smart Settlements (a premier Title Company), about navigating career pivots and balancing ambition with joy. Evelyn shares her journey from aspiring civil rights lawyer to thriving entrepreneur in real estate, offering insights on goal setting, perseverance, and finding joy even in the most daunting challenges. Tune in to learn how to stay driven while embracing life’s unexpected turns.

What drives a firstborn daughter in an immigrant family to excel, lead, and balance it all?  In this episode of Smart, Driven Women, Lynn Pina, Chief Marketing Officer of Geo Blue, dives into the unique challenges and strengths that come with being a firstborn, raising a family, and leading as a CMO. Packed with insights on resilience, mentorship, and finding the courage to let go, this episode is a must-listen for women at any stage of their journey.

• To donate to Girls Inc. DC, click here and put Lynn Pina in the comments field when you donate: https://www.girlsincdc.org/donate
• To donate to the National Kidney Foundation, click here: https://www.kidney.org/
• To connect with Lynn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnpina/

Welcome to Smart, Driven Women, where we explore how impactful women navigate the intersections of leadership, personal growth, and life transitions. Hosted by Rona Jobe, CEO of LVL-Up Strategies, this podcast features candid conversations with women leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators who share the lessons learned from their evolving journeys. Whether you're just starting out, facing a career pivot, or seeking new ways to thrive, this podcast delivers actionable insights and inspiring stories that empower you to embrace growth, resilience, and progress. In the first episode, Rona sits down with Laura Jennings, Chief Strategy Officer of Level Up Strategies, to discuss the importance of adaptability, the evolving nature of ambition, and how women integrate lessons from every part of their lives into success at work and beyond. This season is dedicated to helping women find balance, build resilience, and define success on their own terms.