The Business of Surprise with Lillian Rafson

The Business of Surprise with Lillian Rafson

What happens when you quit your job, give up your apartment, and follow a spark of inspiration halfway around the world? In this episode of Serious Lady Business, Leslie Youngblood sits down with Lillian Rafson, Founder and CEO of Pack Up + Go, the surprise travel company she launched at just 23 years old after a chance conversation in a hostel in Latvia. What started as a lightbulb moment became a mission-driven business that has helped thousands of travelers discover overlooked destinations while supporting local communities and small businesses across the United States. Lillian shares the realities of building a company without outside funding, navigating rapid growth and post-pandemic challenges, learning to separate her identity from her business, and why entrepreneurship is often less about having all the answers and more about being willing to start before you feel ready. About Our Guest * Lillian Rafson, Founder and CEO of Pack Up + Go * Pack Up + Go Website [https://www.packupgo.com/] * Lillian's Coaching Website [https://www.lillianrafson.com/] * Connect with Lillian on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lillian-rafson/] * Follow Pack Up + Go on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/pack-up-go/], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/packupgo], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/packupgo_travel/], and TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@packupgo_travel] Key Takeaways * Your Next Big Idea Can Come From Anywhere * Bootstrapping Creates Different Priorities * Growth Isn't Always Linear * Your Business Is Not Your Identity * Don't Let Planning Become Procrastination

Detroit Series: Leading the Team That Builds the Dream with Stephanie Stewart

Join Leslie Youngblood as she interviews Stephanie Stewart, founder of The Aesthetic Method, about her entrepreneurial journey, leadership, community involvement, and building a successful women-led business in Detroit. Discover insights on growth, team culture, balancing motherhood, and the unique grit of Detroit entrepreneurs. About Our Guest * Stephanie Stewart, Founder and CEO of The Aesthetic Method * Follow The Aesthetic Method on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/theaestheticmethod/], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/theaestheticmethodmedicalspa], and TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@theaestheticmethod] * The Aesthetic Method website [https://www.theaestheticmethod.com/] Key Topics * Entrepreneurial journey of Stephanie Stewart * Building a strong team and culture * Community involvement and local causes * Redefining growth beyond numbers * Balancing motherhood and business Keywords Entrepreneurship, Women in Business, Detroit, Leadership, Growth, Team Culture, Aesthetic Industry, Community Impact, Business Strategy, Women Entrepreneurs

The Real Cost of Breaking the Glass Ceiling in Science, Tech & Silicon Valley with Maheen Masouf Adamson

In this inspiring interview, Dr. Maheen Mausoof Adamson shares her journey from neuroscientist to med tech innovator, tackling the glass ceiling in science and tech. She discusses her groundbreaking AI-guided gaze tracking app, the challenges faced as a woman in Silicon Valley, and the importance of communication and resilience. About Our Guest * Dr. Maheen Mausoof Adamson, CEO & Founder/Clinical Professor * SOOF Solutions website [https://soofsolutions.com/] * Connect with Maheen on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/maheenmadamson/] * Invest in SOOF! [https://www.startengine.com/offering/soof-solutions] Key Topics * Breaking the glass ceiling in science and tech * The development of SOOF's AI-guided gaze tracking app * Challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley * The importance of communication and resilience in innovation * The role of mentorship and community support Keywords Women in Tech, Neuroscience, Med Tech, Silicon Valley, Glass Ceiling, AI, Communication, Entrepreneurship, Female Leadership, Innovation

Detroit Series: From Account Assistant to Agency Leader with Andrea Trapani

In this inspiring interview, Andrea Trapani, managing partner at Identity, shares her journey from early career challenges to leading a successful PR agency in Detroit. Discover her insights on leadership, building a strong company culture, embracing change, and balancing motherhood with ambition. About Our Guest * Andrea Trapani, Managing Partner at Idendity * Email Andrea: atrapani@identitypr.com * Connect with Andrea on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreabogostrapani/] * Identity Website [https://identitypr.com/] Key Topics * Leadership and company culture * Remote work and organizational growth * Mentorship and opportunity * Balancing motherhood and professional ambition Keywords Leadership, Entrepreneurship, PR, Detroit, Company Culture, Remote Work, Women in Business, Mentorship, Growth, Success Stories

How To Build Wealth Without Losing Your Values with Christina Sjahli

Summary Join Leslie Youngblood and Christina Sjahli as they explore how women entrepreneurs can build wealth ethically, create purpose-driven businesses, and rethink traditional business models to foster impact and sustainability. About Our Guest * Christina Sjahli, CEO and Founder or Profit Reimagined * Profit Reimagined Website [https://profitreimagined.com/] * Connect with Christina on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinasjahlifractionalcfo/] * Get Christina's GOODWILL Assessment [https://csjahli25748.ac-page.com/goodwill-assesment] Keywords Women entrepreneurs, wealth building, B Corp, purpose-driven business, ethical business, sustainability, social impact, corporate finance, business exit strategies Key Topics * The story behind understanding numbers as tools for freedom and decision-making * The importance of digging deeper into financial data to understand business impact * The shift from traditional corporate finance to purpose-driven entrepreneurship * The role of B Corp standards in creating ethical and sustainable businesses * Strategies for women founders to build wealth while maintaining social impact * The importance of building a business that can operate independently of the founder for future exit planning * The concept of building a business for purpose and positioning to choose * The significance of trust, empathy, and treating people well in business * How to avoid greenwashing and build authentic impact-driven brands * The importance of aligning business operations with core values and purpose