Pat Hedley: Building Relationships Before You Need Them

Pat Hedley: Building Relationships Before You Need Them

Today’s discussion centers on the transformative power of relationships in business and leadership, with our guest Pat Hedley emphasizing that success is not solely built on expertise and hard work but is significantly enhanced through meaningful connections. Pat, a seasoned investor, board director, and author, shares her insights drawn from over three decades in finance and leadership, highlighting the importance of asking for help and the courage to expand one's network. Throughout the episode, we explore how cultivating relationships can unlock opportunities and foster growth, particularly for women-led enterprises. Pat also reflects on personal experiences that shaped her approach, including pivotal moments that taught her the value of stepping outside one's comfort zone. Join us as we delve into actionable strategies for founders looking to navigate their journeys with a focus on building authentic connections that lead to prosperity. Our Guest this Week: In this week’s episode of #WisdomofWomen we have a Social Capital Sage in our midst. Pat Hedley is a respected investor, board director, TEDx speaker, and former private equity executive whose career spans more than three decades in finance, investing, and leadership. As a senior leader at General Atlantic, one of the world's premier growth equity firms, she helped evaluate and support high-growth companies around the globe while building a reputation for strategic thinking, relationship-building, and long-term value creation. She is the author of Meet 100 People, a practical guide that has helped countless professionals expand their networks, accelerate their careers, and unlock opportunities through authentic human connection. Today, through her board service, speaking, advising, and advocacy for women leaders, Pat continues to champion the idea that success is built not only through expertise and hard work, but through meaningful relationships and the courage to ask for help. Takeaways: * The episode emphasizes the importance of building authentic relationships to drive success in business, particularly for women leaders navigating complex environments. * Pat shares her personal experiences, illustrating how pivotal moments shaped her career and instilled the values of courage and resilience in approaching challenges. * Listeners are encouraged to actively seek mentorship and ask for help, as these connections can significantly enhance professional growth and opportunities. * The conversation highlights the necessity of self-education and continuous learning, drawing inspiration from successful figures like Indra Nooyi to adapt and thrive in evolving industries. * Coco and Pat discuss the significance of integrity and curiosity as core qualities for effective leadership, especially in the face of rapid technological changes and market demands. * The episode concludes with practical advice for founders to prioritize profitability and focus their efforts on a limited number of key objectives to ensure sustainable growth. Chapters: * 00:08 - Amplifying Women's Leadership * 04:58 - Influential Moments in Life * 09:30 - A Journey of Commitment and Connection * 17:47 - Building Meaningful Relationships * 23:22 - Networking Strategies for Introverts and Entrepreneurs * 27:31 - The Importance of Meaningful Conversations * 34:45 - Surrounding Yourself with the Right People * 35:59 - Navigating Change in Business Leadership * 42:56 - The Importance of Focus in Entrepreneurship Guest Offers & Contact Information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pathedley/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/pathedley/] Website: https://meet100people.com/ [https://meet100people.com/] Her Book: https://meet100people.com/shop/ols/products/meet-100-people [https://meet100people.com/shop/ols/products/meet-100-people] Follow the #WisdomOfWomen show for more inspiring stories and insights from trailblazing women founders, investors, and experts in growth and prosperity. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AForceforGoodBiz [https://www.youtube.com/@AForceforGoodBiz] Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3yVTY6prvdTf2CDwI90zxY?si=cfc7bb3591914276 [https://open.spotify.com/show/3yVTY6prvdTf2CDwI90zxY?si=cfc7bb3591914276] Amazon Prime: https://a.co/d/07yJR76E [https://a.co/d/07yJR76E] Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wisdomofwomen/id1728992296 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wisdomofwomen/id1728992296] RSS Feed: https://feeds.captivate.fm/womengetfunded/ [https://feeds.captivate.fm/womengetfunded/] Coco Sellman, the host of #WisdomOfWomen, believes business is a force for good, especially with visionary women at the helm. With over 25 years of entrepreneurial experience, she has launched five companies and guided over 500 startups. As Founder & CEO of A Force for Good, Coco supports purpose-driven women founders in unlocking exponential growth and prosperity. Her recent venture, Allumé Home Care, reached eight-figure revenues and seven-figure profits in just four years before a successful exit in 2024. A venture investor and board director, Coco’s book, *A Force for Good*, reveals a roadmap for women to lead high-impact, high-growth companies. Learn more about A Force for Good: Website: https://aforceforgood.biz/ [https://aforceforgood.biz/] Are Your GROWING or PLATEAUING? https://aforceforgood.biz/quiz/ [https://aforceforgood.biz/quiz/] FFG Tool of the Week: https://aforceforgood.biz/weekly-tool/ [https://aforceforgood.biz/weekly-tool/] The Book: https://aforceforgood.biz/book/ [https://aforceforgood.biz/book/]

Soon Hagerty: Building Brands, Businesses, and Boundless Futures

Today, we delve into the remarkable journey of Soon Haggerty, a serial entrepreneur and philanthropist, whose life story embodies resilience and transformation. From fleeing Saigon as a child to establishing successful ventures, including Lux Communications and the Good Bowl, Soon exemplifies the power of perseverance in the face of adversity. In our conversation, we explore Soon's insights on leadership, the critical role of women in business, and the importance of giving back through initiatives like the Boundless Futures Foundation. This foundation aims to provide financial support and mentorship to women entrepreneurs, fostering a community where female leaders can thrive and drive societal change. Join us as we unpack the wisdom and experiences that have shaped Soon's impactful career and her vision for empowering future generations of women entrepreneurs. Our Guest this Week: In this week’s episode of #WisdomofWomen we have a 🌟 Purpose-Driven Brand Architect 🌟 in our midst. Soon Hagerty is a serial entrepreneur, brand strategist, and philanthropist whose story begins with one of the most powerful acts of courage imaginable — at four years old, her family fled Saigon by boat at the end of the Vietnam War, surviving a 12-day journey and six months in a refugee camp before resettling in California. That experience of resilience and reinvention has guided everything she's built since. Soon has founded multiple ventures, including Luxe Communications, Centigrade — a global marketing, communications, and events agency — and The Good Bowl, a mission-driven Vietnamese restaurant that donates to charity. Over a 20-year career, she helped transform Hagerty from a specialty insurance company into a publicly traded global lifestyle brand valued at over $3 billion. She also co-founded Boundless Futures Foundation, which provides funding, resources, and community to women building businesses for growth and good. Takeaways: * Soon's journey from fleeing Vietnam to building successful brands illustrates resilience and the transformative power of entrepreneurship. * Boundless Futures Foundation aims to empower women entrepreneurs through mentorship and funding, promoting sustainable business practices that benefit communities. * Confidence in leadership stems from action and problem-solving rather than mere contemplation, highlighting the need for proactive engagement in business. Chapters: * 00:07 - Emerging Leadership Models * 04:23 - Moments of Resilience and Reinvention * 09:42 - The Journey to Building a Purpose-Driven Business * 18:01 - Boundless Futures Foundation: Empowering Women Entrepreneurs * 27:33 - Building Confidence Through Action * 30:08 - Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: A New Marketplace GUEST OFFERS & CONTACT INFORMATION: www.boundlessfutures.org [http://www.boundlessfutures.org] www.Hagerty.com [http://www.hagerty.com] https://www.linkedin.com/in/soon-hagerty-5637448/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/soon-hagerty-5637448/] https://www.instagram.com/soonhagerty/ [https://www.instagram.com/soonhagerty/] Follow the #WisdomOfWomen show for more inspiring stories and insights from trailblazing women founders, investors, and experts in growth and prosperity. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AForceforGoodBiz [https://www.youtube.com/@AForceforGoodBiz] Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3yVTY6prvdTf2CDwI90zxY [https://open.spotify.com/show/3yVTY6prvdTf2CDwI90zxY] Amazon Prime: https://a.co/d/aPmQevk [https://a.co/d/aPmQevk] Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/womengetfunded/id1728992296 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/womengetfunded/id1728992296] RSS Feed: https://feeds.captivate.fm/womengetfunded/ [https://feeds.captivate.fm/womengetfunded/] Coco Sellman, the host of #WisdomOfWomen, believes business is a force for good, especially with visionary women at the helm. With over 25 years of entrepreneurial experience, she has launched five companies and guided over 500 startups. As Founder & CEO of A Force for Good, Coco supports purpose-driven women founders in unlocking exponential growth and prosperity. Her recent venture, Allumé Home Care, reached eight-figure revenues and seven-figure profits in just four years before a successful exit in 2024. A venture investor and board director, Coco’s book, *A Force for Good*, reveals a roadmap for women to lead high-impact, high-growth companies. Learn more about A Force for Good: Website: https://aforceforgood.biz/ [https://aforceforgood.biz/] The Book: https://aforceforgood.biz/book/ [https://aforceforgood.biz/book/] Free Assessment: https://aforceforgood.biz/quiz/ [https://aforceforgood.biz/quiz/] Free Tools: https://aforceforgood.biz/weekly-tool/ [https://aforceforgood.biz/weekly-tool/] Events: https://courses.aforceforgood.biz/events [https://courses.aforceforgood.biz/events] Marketplace: https://courses.aforceforgood.biz/marketplace [https://courses.aforceforgood.biz/marketplace]

Kristen Thomas: Building Marble Collective and the Future of Women’s Legacy

In our new episode I am joined by Kristin Thomas, the founder and CEO of Marble Collective. This innovative AI-powered platform is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the legacies of women leaders, thereby facilitating their visibility and connection on a grand scale. In our discussion, we explore Kristin's remarkable journey, the pivotal moments that have shaped her as a leader, and the profound impact that women leaders can have on society. Together, we delve into the importance of nurturing female entrepreneurship and the imperative of fostering a supportive ecosystem for women-led enterprises, as we illuminate the path toward unlocking opportunities and prosperity for all. Our Guest This Week: Kristin Thomas is the Founder and CEO of Marble Collective, an AI-powered platform redefining how women’s leadership is preserved, amplified, and discovered. Backed by more than 300 women leaders—including over 70 founding investors—Marble centralizes the media and life’s work of extraordinary women into dynamic portfolios and curated feeds, creating enduring visibility and connection at scale. Before Marble, Kristin built a two-decade career in real estate and leadership—launching an investment business straight out of college, founding a luxury brokerage later acquired by a top New York firm, and becoming one of the first fifty agents at Compass. She now serves on the Advisory Board of New York’s top residential team and on the board of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, home to eight Nobel laureates—bringing uncommon perspective to the future of leadership, legacy, and impact. Takeaways: * Kristin's Marble Collective serves as an AI-powered platform that centralizes the achievements of women leaders. * The episode emphasizes the importance of unwavering maternal support in fostering entrepreneurial confidence and success. * Listeners are encouraged to explore Marble Collective, where over 300 women leaders' legacies are preserved and showcased to inspire future generations. Chapters: * 00:07 - Amplifying Women's Voices in Leadership * 05:34 - Kristin's Journey: Lessons from Early Competitions * 12:04 - A Pivotal Shift: From Real Estate to Creativity * 18:29 - The Journey of Building a Platform for Greatness * 20:32 - Introducing Marble: A Centralized Platform for Women Leaders * 29:10 - Building a Community of Women Investors * 34:26 - The Future of AI in Women's Leadership * 39:54 - Empowering Women in Leadership Guest Offers & Contact Information: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristinthomas_ [https://www.instagram.com/kristinthomas_] Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-thomas-1092a01b [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-thomas-1092a01b] X: https://twitter.com/KristinThomas_ [https://twitter.com/KristinThomas_] Follow the #WisdomOfWomen show for more inspiring stories and insights from trailblazing women founders, investors, and experts in growth and prosperity. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AForceforGoodBiz [https://www.youtube.com/@AForceforGoodBiz] Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3yVTY6prvdTf2CDwI90zxY [https://open.spotify.com/show/3yVTY6prvdTf2CDwI90zxY] Amazon Prime: https://a.co/d/aPmQevk [https://a.co/d/aPmQevk] Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/womengetfunded/id1728992296 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/womengetfunded/id1728992296] RSS Feed: https://feeds.captivate.fm/womengetfunded/ [https://feeds.captivate.fm/womengetfunded/] Coco Sellman, the host of #WisdomOfWomen, believes business is a force for good, especially with visionary women at the helm. With over 25 years of entrepreneurial experience, she has launched five companies and guided over 500 startups. As Founder & CEO of A Force for Good, Coco supports purpose-driven women founders in unlocking exponential growth and prosperity. Her recent venture, Allumé Home Care, reached eight-figure revenues and seven-figure profits in just four years before a successful exit in 2024. A venture investor and board director, Coco’s book, *A Force for Good*, reveals a roadmap for women to lead high-impact, high-growth companies. Learn more about A Force for Good: Website: https://aforceforgood.biz/ [https://aforceforgood.biz/] The Book: https://aforceforgood.biz/book/ [https://aforceforgood.biz/book/] Free Assessment: https://aforceforgood.biz/quiz/ [https://aforceforgood.biz/quiz/] Free Tools: https://aforceforgood.biz/weekly-tool/ [https://aforceforgood.biz/weekly-tool/] Events: https://courses.aforceforgood.biz/events [https://courses.aforceforgood.biz/events] Marketplace: https://courses.aforceforgood.biz/marketplace [https://courses.aforceforgood.biz/marketplace]

Gina Chen: The Legal Ally Every Purpose-Driven Founder Needs

This episode serves as a profound exploration of the emerging paradigm of leadership characterized by the vital contributions of women in business. We are privileged to host Gina Chen, the founder and managing attorney of One Ally, who exemplifies this movement through her innovative approach to legal counsel. Gina's journey as a first-generation immigrant and her extensive experience in both Wall Street transactions and grassroots advocacy illuminate the intersection of corporate law and social impact. Throughout our conversation, we delve into the significance of fostering an ecosystem that not only supports women and minorities but also emphasizes compassion and collaboration in legal practices. By highlighting Gina's insights, we aim to inspire and empower our listeners to unlock opportunities and prosperity for women-led enterprises. Takeaways: * Gina's unique approach to legal counsel emphasizes compassion and human-centered practices. * The importance of understanding one's legacy and impact is crucial for meaningful living. * Women-led enterprises often require tailored support and advocacy to thrive and prosper. Burning Questions Answered: 1.Why your company structure matters more than many founders realize 2.What early-stage founders should think through before raising capital 3.Why founder agreements, governance documents, transfer rights, and succession planning are not “later” problems 4.How the right lawyer can help protect your mission, not just paper your documents 5.Why legal support should feel like strategic partnership, not intimidation 6.How One Ally is creating a more transparent, ecosystem-centered model of lawyering 7.Why purpose-driven founders deserve legal counsel with rigor, heart, and real business wisdom Chapters: * 00:02 - Amplifying Women's Voices in Business * 06:35 - Moments of Impact: Shaping Experiences * 08:35 - Immigrating to America: A Mother's Journey and Influence * 17:47 - Embracing Multiple Identities * 26:21 - The Journey of Founding: From Entrepreneurial Aspirations to Legal Foundations * 27:36 - Understanding Business Structures and Legal Considerations * 38:36 - Transitioning Legal Practices: A Nurturing Approach * 40:53 - Navigating Challenges in Founding a Company * 45:10 - Empowering Founders: Legal Savvy for Success Guest Offers & Contact Information: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginaychen/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginaychen/] Instagram: @OneAllyLegal Website: www.one-ally.com [http://www.one-ally.com] Follow the #WisdomOfWomen show for more inspiring stories and insights from trailblazing women founders, investors, and experts in growth and prosperity. YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/yja3w7nh [https://tinyurl.com/yja3w7nh] Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/4tak8ajk [https://tinyurl.com/4tak8ajk] Amazon Prime: https://tinyurl.com/366syddj [https://tinyurl.com/366syddj] Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/bdhananz [https://tinyurl.com/bdhananz] RSS Feed: https://feeds.captivate.fm/womengetfunded/ [https://feeds.captivate.fm/womengetfunded/] Coco Sellman, the host of #WisdomOfWomen, believes business is a force for good, especially with visionary women at the helm. With over 25 years of entrepreneurial experience, she has launched five companies and guided over 500 startups. As Founder & CEO of A Force for Good, Coco supports purpose-driven women founders in unlocking exponential growth and prosperity. Her recent venture, Allumé Home Care, reached eight-figure revenues and seven-figure profits in just four years before a successful exit in 2024. A venture investor and board director, Coco’s book, *A Force for Good*, reveals a roadmap for women to lead high-impact, high-growth companies. Learn more about A Force for Good: Website: https://aforceforgood.biz/ [https://aforceforgood.biz/] Are Your GROWING or PLATEAUING? https://aforceforgood.biz/quiz/ [https://aforceforgood.biz/quiz/] FFG Tool of the Week: https://aforceforgood.biz/weekly-tool/ [https://aforceforgood.biz/weekly-tool/] The Book: https://aforceforgood.biz/book/ [https://aforceforgood.biz/book/] Growth Accelerator: https://aforceforgood.biz/accelerator/ [https://aforceforgood.biz/accelerator/]

Meghann Conter: The Joyful Rebellion Against Hustle Culture

This episode emphasizes the imperative of fostering a supportive community among women entrepreneurs, particularly as we witness a significant disparity in business success rates. Meghann Conter, the esteemed founder of The Dames, articulates her vision of transforming the entrepreneurial landscape for women by providing a unique accelerator designed specifically for them. She elucidates the challenges that women face, including the dearth of representation in high-revenue business sectors and the pervasive hustle culture that often leads to burnout. Through The Dames, Meghann aims to break these outdated norms, enabling women to redefine success not merely in terms of financial gain but also through impact, joy, and meaningful leadership. Our conversation delves into the transformative power of collaboration, personal growth, and the necessity of nurturing authentic connections among women in business. Our Guest This Week: In this week’s episode of #WisdomofWomen we have a 🌟 Hustle-Busting Collaboration Queen 🌟 in our midst. Meghann Conter is the CEO and Founder of 🌟 The Dames®, 🌟 the world’s only business accelerator for women running and leading 6-, 7-, and 8-figure businesses. Since 2015, she has built a global, high-performing community where self-worth and net-worth align joyfully, proving that scaling a company does not require sacrificing your life, your values, or your sense of humor. A former champion of hustle culture turned joyful-growth pioneer, Meghann is known for her rare blend of sharp business strategy, fearless collaboration, and sketch-comedy-level hilarity — yes, there may be wigs. Through The Dames, she is helping women break outdated business norms, grow from the top 15% to the elite 2%, and redefine success as impact, enJOYment, and meaningful leadership at scale. Takeaways: * Meghann's journey illustrates the transformative power of collaboration among women entrepreneurs, enabling them to overcome systemic barriers in business. * The Dames serves as a vital platform for women-led businesses, focusing on redefining success through meaningful leadership and personal growth without sacrificing well-being. * The discussion reveals a critical shift away from hustle culture towards a more balanced approach to business growth, advocating for alignment with personal values and community support. Chapters: * 00:06 - Amplifying Women's Leadership * 04:24 - Defining Moments in Megan's Journey * 09:34 - Empowering Women in Business * 17:46 - The Transformation of Business Mindsets * 27:25 - The Journey of Building a Community * 35:14 - Building Business Besties and Community * 38:35 - The Importance of Boundaries in Leadership Guest Offers & Contact Information: https://www.thedames.co [https://www.thedames.co] https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghannconter [https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghannconter] https://www.facebook.com/meghannconter [https://www.facebook.com/meghannconter] https://www.instagram.com/thedamesco [https://www.instagram.com/thedamesco] https://www.youtube.com/@thedamesco [https://www.youtube.com/@thedamesco] Learn more about joining the dames here: https://www.thedames.co/dames-connect-experience [https://www.thedames.co/dames-connect-experience] Apply to Join The Dames® Wherever you are in the world, your membership includes full access to all The Dames’ in-person and virtual experiences. 12-Month Commitment: Just $117/month or $1,287/year* *Pay annually and get one month free. https://www.thedames.co/apply [https://www.thedames.co/apply] FunFerence 2026 - October 7-10, 2026 – Denver Step right up to the perfect blend of serious business growth and restorative belly laughs! From October 7-10, 2026, we're transforming Denver's marvelous Limelight Hotel into a hub of connection, camaraderie, and creativity, exclusively for members of The Dames. https://www.thedames.co/funference2026 [https://www.thedames.co/funference2026] Follow the #WisdomOfWomen show for more inspiring stories and insights from trailblazing women founders, investors, and experts in growth and prosperity. YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/yja3w7nh [https://tinyurl.com/yja3w7nh] Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/4tak8ajk [https://tinyurl.com/4tak8ajk] Amazon Prime: https://tinyurl.com/366syddj [https://tinyurl.com/366syddj] Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/bdhananz [https://tinyurl.com/bdhananz] RSS Feed: https://feeds.captivate.fm/womengetfunded/ [https://feeds.captivate.fm/womengetfunded/] Coco Sellman, the host of #WisdomOfWomen, believes business is a force for good, especially with visionary women at the helm. With over 25 years of entrepreneurial experience, she has launched five companies and guided over 500 startups. As Founder & CEO of A Force for Good, Coco supports purpose-driven women founders in unlocking exponential growth and prosperity. Her recent venture, Allumé Home Care, reached eight-figure revenues and seven-figure profits in just four years before a successful exit in 2024. A venture investor and board director, Coco’s book, *A Force for Good*, reveals a roadmap for women to lead high-impact, high-growth companies. Learn more about A Force for Good: Website: https://aforceforgood.biz/ [https://aforceforgood.biz/] Are Your GROWING or PLATEAUING? https://aforceforgood.biz/quiz/ [https://aforceforgood.biz/quiz/] FFG Tool of the Week: https://aforceforgood.biz/weekly-tool/ [https://aforceforgood.biz/weekly-tool/] The Book: https://aforceforgood.biz/book/ [https://aforceforgood.biz/book/] Growth Accelerator: https://aforceforgood.biz/accelerator/ [https://aforceforgood.biz/accelerator/]