The Not Perfect Networking Podcast

31. Dr. Erika Schwartz on Aging, Wellness Trends & Actually Taking Care of Yourself

What does healthy aging actually look like — and are we making wellness way more complicated than it needs to be? In this episode of The Not Perfect Networking Podcast, Zoe sits down with Dr. Erika Schwartz, a pioneer in longevity, hormone health, and preventative medicine, for a conversation that goes far beyond wellness trends. From the pressure to constantly “optimize” ourselves to the role stress, sleep, and connection play in our lives, Dr. Erika shares the mindset shifts she believes matter most after decades of working with patients around the world. The conversation also explores what it takes to build trust, create meaningful relationships, and stay grounded in a world full of noise and information. In this episode, we discuss: * The biggest misconceptions around wellness and aging * Why more information isn’t always better * The hidden impact of stress and sleep * The pressure to constantly optimize your life * Building trust and connection over time * Why slowing down matters more than people realize * Dr. Erika's approach to longevity and preventative health Connect with Dr. Erika Schwartz: https://linktr.ee/dr.erika [https://linktr.ee/dr.erika]

30. Relationships Are Your Competitive Advantage: Building a Relationship Operating System with Caroline Dell

Networking gets a bad rap, but what if the problem isn't networking itself? What if it is the way we've been thinking about it all along? In this episode of the Not Perfect Networking Podcast, Zoe sits down with Caroline Dell to reframe networking as what it really is: relationship building. Caroline is the founder of Goodword, a relationship operating system for the AI era, and former employee #5 at Chief, where she helped scale the executive women's network from 200 to over 20,000 members. Even if you think "I'm bad at networking," this episode will show you how to move from transactional to relational connections, and practical strategies for staying visible and connected before you need something. In this episode: * The super connector who changed Caroline's career trajectory twice (and how you can find yours) * Why AI is actually making your relationships more valuable, not less * How to think about your network as your personal board of advisors * The golden rule that changes everything about networking * The one question that breaks the ice better than small talk * What a "relationship operating system" actually does—and why you might need one * Practical ways to stay visible and keep your network updated   Connect with Caroline:  Website: https://www.goodword.com/ [https://www.goodword.com/] Connect with Zoe: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-weisberg-coady-57aab37

29. Smart Gets Paid: Building a Scalable Consulting Business with Leah Neaderthal

What if the reason your business feels stuck… isn’t your expertise—but your strategy? In this episode of the Not Perfect Networking Podcast, Zoe sits down with business strategist and consultant coach Leah Neaderthal to unpack what it really takes to grow a sustainable, profitable consulting business—especially when referrals stop being enough. Leah works with women consultants who have outgrown the early-stage “word-of-mouth” phase and are ready to build intentional, scalable systems to attract clients and increase revenue. As the host of Smart Gets Paid, she’s known for her no-BS approach to sales, marketing, and value-based pricing. Together, Zoe and Leah dive into the realities of selling in today’s market, why longer sales cycles are the new normal, and how to stop “trusting the universe” as your business strategy. In this episode, we cover: * Why referrals eventually plateau—and what to do next * The truth about long B2B sales cycles (and how to navigate them) * The biggest mistake consultants make: using B2C tactics for B2B sales * Why you don’t have to like sales to be good at it * How to shift from reactive to proactive client generation * The difference between “vitamin” vs. “painkiller” positioning * What value-based pricing actually looks like in practice * How showing up on LinkedIn builds trust (and acts as a “portfolio of your thoughts”) * The power of simple, consistent actions vs. chasing “shiny objects” * Leah’s personal turning point that reshaped how she runs her business Connect with Leah: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahtn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahtn] Website: https://www.smartgetspaid.com/ [https://www.smartgetspaid.com/]

28. Why We Avoid Talking About Money (and How to Start) with Sheila Schroeder

Money conversations are something most of us avoid—but what if learning to talk about money could completely change your relationships, confidence, and future? In this episode of the Not Perfect Networking Podcast, Zoe sits down with Sheila Schroeder to break down why money feels so hard to talk about, and how we can start having more open, honest, and empowering conversations in our everyday lives. Sheila is a financial expert and the author of It’s Time to Talk: A Woman’s Guide to Navigating Money Conversations. With decades of experience in finance, she’s on a mission to help people—especially women—feel more confident, capable, and in control when it comes to their money. Together, they explore how our money beliefs are shaped, why these conversations have been taboo for so long, and simple, practical ways to start changing that—whether it’s with a partner, your kids, your parents, or even a friend. In this episode, Zoe and Sheila discuss: * What makes money conversations so uncomfortable—especially for women * The mindset shift that makes talking about money feel more accessible * How to start a money conversation when you don’t know what to say * What “money dates” are and how to use them in your relationships * How your money background influences your financial decisions * Tips for talking to kids about money in a healthy, grounded way * How to approach financial conversations with aging parents * What lifestyle creep is—and how to avoid it while still enjoying your income * The importance of community and finding someone to learn with Connect with Sheila:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaschroeder [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaschroeder] It's Time to Talk: A Woman's Guide to Navigating Money Conversations: https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/its-time-to-talk-a-womans-guide-to-navigating-money-conversations/9781394380817.html [https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/its-time-to-talk-a-womans-guide-to-navigating-money-conversations/9781394380817.html] Connect with Zoe: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-weisberg-coady-57aab37

27. Unapologetic Wealth: Why Women Need to Take Control of Their Money, Angel Investing & Build Wealth on Your Terms | with Marcia Dawood

Angel investing often feels like a world reserved for billionaires and insiders—but what if that wasn’t true? In this episode of the Not Perfect Networking Podcast, Zoe sits down with early-stage investor Marcia Dawood to break down what angel investing really is, how everyday people can get involved, and why aligning your money with your values can create real change. Marcia is a venture partner at Mindshift Capital, Chair Emeritus of the Angel Capital Association, a member of the SEC’s Small Business Capital Formation Advisory Committee, TEDx speaker, and host of The Angel Next Door podcast. She’s also the author of Do Good While Doing Well, with her new book Unapologetic Wealth releasing this month. Together they discuss the myths around investing, why women have historically been left out of wealth conversations, and how rewriting your personal “money story” can open the door to new opportunities. In this episode, Zoe and Marcia discuss: * What angel investing actually means * The biggest misconceptions about startup investing * How equity crowdfunding is changing access to investing * Why impact investing can create both returns and real-world change * The inspiration behind Marcia’s books Do Good While Doing Well and Unapologetic Wealth * Why women often struggle with the concept of wealth * How aligning your money with your values can reshape your future * Marcia’s unique approach to building community and networks Connect with Marcia: Website: https://www.marciadawood.com/ [https://www.marciadawood.com/] Unapologetic Wealth: Rewrite Your Money Story From Any Beginning: https://www.marciadawood.com/wealth [https://www.marciadawood.com/wealth] Connect with Zoe: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-weisberg-coady-57aab37