Episodios

  • How to Build Wealth and Legacy with Lauri Kibby, Managing Partner at Seleen Brighthouse

    How to Build Wealth and Legacy with Lauri Kibby, Managing Partner at Seleen Brighthouse
    Dec 27 2025

    What happens when a seasoned finance professional with an MBA and 26 years in construction loses nearly $2 million to a Ponzi scheme? In this candid and empowering conversation, Laura Rotter sits down with Lauri Kibby—Managing Partner at Seleen Brighthouse real estate investment fund—who turned one of her most devastating financial mistakes into a mission to educate and empower women investors.

    Lauri's journey from growing up with money as a "weapon" (despite living an upper-middle-class life) to becoming a successful entrepreneur and developer reveals powerful lessons about financial resilience, self-trust, and the importance of knowing your complete financial picture. After discovering she'd been caught in a Ponzi scheme in 2023—lured by greed and the failure to trust her own gut instincts—Lauri didn't hide in shame. Instead, she founded Seleen Brighthouse to provide women access to real estate investment opportunities typically reserved for the ultra-wealthy, along with the education and community they need to become sophisticated investors.

    This episode is essential listening for any woman who wants to take full ownership of her financial life, whether you're preparing for the great wealth transfer, managing an inheritance, or simply ready to stop outsourcing your financial decisions. Lauri shares why women need to look beyond the two-year horizon, how to build fundamental self-trust that creates wealth, and why knowing your net worth is one of the most empowering things you can do for yourself.

    Key Takeaways

    💡 Even finance professionals fall for scams—and that's the point: Lauri, with her MBA and decades of investment experience, lost $2 million to a Ponzi scheme because greed overrode her gut instincts. If it can happen to her, it can happen to anyone. The antidote is education, community, due diligence, and trusting the "pit in your stomach" when something feels off.

    💡 Most women don't know their true net worth—and that's disempowering: Women often can't name all their assets, forget about old 401(k)s, and don't have a consolidated view of their financial picture. Knowing your complete balance sheet—assets and liabilities—is incredibly empowering and usually reveals you're worth more than you think.

    💡 True financial success comes from daily impact, not account balances: After comparing herself to ultra-wealthy family members for years, Lauri redefined success as the impact she makes in relationships every day. Better relationships lead to better decisions, which lead to better financial outcomes—not the other way around. And fundamentally, most people have always been okay, which should give us power to do big things without fear.

    Connect with Lauri:

    Website

    LinkedIn

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    Connect with Laura on LinkedIn

    @Rotters5 on X

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    Disclaimer: Please remember that the information shared on this podcast does not constitute accounting, legal, tax, investment or financial advice. It’s for informational purposes only.

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    45 m
  • How to Build a Sustainable Business Without Burning Out : an interview with Rachel Anzalone, Strategic Growth Consultant

    How to Build a Sustainable Business Without Burning Out : an interview with Rachel Anzalone, Strategic Growth Consultant
    Nov 29 2025
    What if success isn't measured by revenue milestones, but by satisfaction—the beautiful integration of impact, profit, and pleasure? In this conversation, Laura Rotter sits down with Rachel Anzalone, a sustainable growth advisor and satisfaction strategist who helps purpose-driven entrepreneurs build businesses that honor both their mission and their wellbeing.Rachel's journey from growing up in the poorest county in New York State to managing 350 people in the restaurant industry to building a thriving entrepreneurial career is a masterclass in following your energy rather than a predetermined path. After reaching her breaking point working grueling hours in corporate hospitality, Rachel discovered that the "hustle harder" mentality doesn't have to define entrepreneurship—and in fact, it's often what burns entrepreneurs out fastest.This episode is essential listening for any woman entrepreneur who's tired of choosing between success and sanity, impact and income, ambition and ease. Rachel shares her revolutionary framework for building sustainable businesses that integrate three critical elements: meaningful impact, healthy profit, and daily pleasure. Whether you're just starting your entrepreneurial journey or ready to redesign an existing business that's draining you, this conversation offers a blueprint for creating work you can love for the long haul.Guest BioRachel Anzalone is a sustainable growth advisor, thought partner, and satisfaction strategist who guides purpose-driven entrepreneurs to expand their impact and profitability without compromising wellbeing. With 25 years of diverse business expertise spanning entrepreneurship, corporate leadership, and digital marketing, Rachel has developed a unique approach that blends strategic excellence with soul-aligned satisfaction. After spending years in the restaurant industry managing hundreds of employees and opening multiple locations, she pivoted to building her own wellness business and eventually evolved into supporting entrepreneurs behind the scenes with marketing strategy, operations, and coaching. Rachel has worked with leaders across the personal development, holistic wellness, and mindfulness industries, and once found herself directing a video shoot in the living room of Lisa Nichols from The Secret—a full-circle moment from when she first discovered the Law of Attraction. She is passionate about helping entrepreneurs—especially women over 40—build businesses they can sustain and enjoy for decades, not just years.Key Takeaways💡Success in chaos doesn't mean chaos is sustainable: Rachel thrived in the high-pressure restaurant industry precisely because she loved being busy, challenged, and in constant change. But thriving doesn't mean it's sustainable—knowing when to walk away from what you're good at to preserve your wellbeing is crucial.💡 The path isn't always linear—and that's okay: From art school to philosophy to international studies to restaurant management to holistic wellness to online business coaching—Rachel's winding path eventually came together to create her unique expertise. Trust that your experiences are building toward something, even when you can't see the full picture yet.💡 Heart-centered businesses need heart-centered operations: There's often a disconnect between what conscious entrepreneurs teach (mindfulness, balance, holistic living) and how they run their businesses (hustle, grind, maximize productivity). True alignment means bringing your values into every aspect of your business—including operations and team management.💡 Satisfaction beats revenue as a success metric: Rachel worked with multimillion-dollar businesses that were less profitable and less enjoyable than smaller boutique businesses. Real success isn't a specific dollar amount—it's the integration of meaningful impact, sustainable profit, and daily pleasure in how you're living and working.Connect with Rachel:FacebookLinkedInInstagramWebsiteFree resources: Pleasure & Profits podcast Stay connected:Connect with Laura on LinkedIn@Rotters5 on XConnect with Laura on FacebookSubscribe to my YouTube channelSubscribe to my newsletterGet your free copy of Unlock Your Money Blocks Workbook: Your step-by-step guide to unlocking your blocks to financial freedom.Disclaimer: Please remember that the information shared on this podcast does not constitute accounting, legal, tax, investment or financial advice. It’s for informational purposes only. You should seek appropriate professional advice for your specific information.
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    50 m
  • How To Build Your Personal Compass: an interview with Laurie Hirsch Schulz, Career Transition and Executive Coach

    How To Build Your Personal Compass: an interview with Laurie Hirsch Schulz, Career Transition and Executive Coach
    Nov 15 2025
    Are you feeling that quiet whisper—or loud roar—telling you it's time for a change? In this powerful conversation, Laura Rotter welcomes back career transition and executive coach Laurie Hirsch Schulz to explore how women at midlife can recognize and navigate the inflection points that signal it's time for something new.Laurie shares her journey of leaving a successful 25-year corporate marketing career when the work no longer aligned with her core values of collaboration and connectivity. After negotiating her own exit package and taking what she calls a "reboot year," she discovered coaching and built a thriving practice helping professionals at their own crossroads. But this episode isn't just about dramatic career pivots—it's about recognizing that we don't have to settle for "okay" and that discomfort is often where the magic happens.Whether you're feeling burnt out, bored, or simply sensing that there must be more, this episode offers practical wisdom for building what Laurie calls your "personal compass"—a framework of values, superpowers, and purpose that helps you navigate the "shoulds" and make purposeful choices aligned with who you truly are. Essential listening for any woman ready to stop settling and start exploring what's next.About Laurie: Laurie Hirsch Schulz is a Career Transition and Executive Coach who partners with professionals and executives at inflection points to gain clarity on what's next in their careers and lives. After spending nearly 25 years in corporate marketing strategy roles with Fortune 500 companies (including two years in Switzerland), Laurie made her own pivot when her work no longer aligned with her personal values. She took a "reboot year" to get clear on her purpose, earned her coaching certification, and launched her practice helping others do the same. Laurie specializes in working with women leaders, nonprofit executives, and professionals navigating transitions. She is also president of a nonprofit board working with teens to help them find their own personal voice and power. Laurie is a graduate of Leadership Westchester and believes deeply in experimentation, service, and the power of building your personal compass to navigate life's choices.Key Takeaways:💡 Inflection points deserve respect—whether they're loud or quiet: The whisper telling you something needs to change is just as valid as a dramatic life event. Pay attention when you feel bored, unsettled, or disengaged—these are signals worth exploring, not dismissing.💡 Discomfort is where the magic happens: When you're stretching beyond your comfort zone, that's when you learn the most and build confidence. The discomfort may feel hard in the moment, but the growth and empowerment on the other side make it worthwhile.💡 Build your personal compass to navigate the "shoulds": Get crystal clear on your non-negotiable values, what lights you up, what drains you, and your unique superpowers. This compass becomes your framework for making purposeful choices rather than being driven by external expectations or cultural norms about what you "should" do.💡 Experimentation beats paralysis: You don't have to quit your job to explore new directions. Take on different projects at work, volunteer in areas that interest you, have curiosity conversations with people doing work you admire. Small experiments build confidence, experience, and network—creating a stronger foundation for bigger moves.Connect with Laurie:LinkedInFacebookInstagramWebsiteFree resource: Complimentary Consultation Stay connected:Connect with Laura on LinkedIn@Rotters5 on XConnect with Laura on FacebookSubscribe to my YouTube channelSubscribe to my newsletterGet your free copy of Unlock Your Money Blocks Workbook: Your step-by-step guide to unlocking your blocks to financial freedom.Disclaimer: Please remember that the information shared on this podcast does not constitute accounting, legal, tax, investment or financial advice. It’s for informational purposes only. You should seek appropriate professional advice for your specific information.
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    49 m
  • How to Heal Your Relationship with Money: Constance McConnell, LCSW

    How to Heal Your Relationship with Money: Constance McConnell, LCSW
    Nov 1 2025
    What if the key to financial wellness isn't just about budgets and spreadsheets, but about healing your relationship with money itself? In this episode, Laura Rotter sits down with Constance McConnell, a licensed clinical social worker, certified financial social worker, and financial therapist who specializes in helping people navigate the emotional side of money during major life transitions.Constance shares her journey from being the oldest of four children who creatively funded her own college education to building a successful real estate portfolio with her husband through strategic "house hacking." But more importantly, she reveals how our childhood money stories shape our adult financial behaviors—and how we can rewrite those stories to create healthier relationships with money.This conversation is essential listening for any woman in midlife who feels overwhelmed by money, struggles with financial scarcity despite having "enough," or is navigating a major life transition. Constance's holistic approach reminds us that true wealth isn't just about numbers—it's about achieving balance across all areas of life: financial health, physical health, mental wellbeing, relationships, and time freedom.Constance McConnell, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker, certified financial social worker, and financial therapist who specializes in helping adults navigate major life transitions and improve their relationship with money. With 13 years of clinical experience, she has worked in school settings, behavioral health, and private practice. Most of her clients are part of historically marginalized communities including BIPOC, women, and LGBTQ+ individuals. Constance is also an entrepreneur and real estate investor who practices what she preaches about using money as a tool for freedom. She offers virtual therapy, coaching, and psychological evaluations, and is passionate about helping clients develop holistic approaches to wealth and wellbeing.Key Takeaways💡 Your childhood money story shapes your adult relationship with money: How your family talked about (or didn't talk about) money, whether you felt secure or scarce, and what you witnessed growing up profoundly impacts your financial behaviors and beliefs as an adult. Understanding these stories is the first step to healing.💡 Money is a tool, not the goal: Financial security matters, but true wealth includes physical health, mental wellbeing, strong relationships, and time freedom. Using money strategically can free up time for experiences and people you love—that's when money becomes most valuable.💡 Financial scarcity is often psychological, not numerical: Many people who are financially secure on paper still feel like they'll "never have enough." Working through these deep-seated beliefs with a financial therapist can unlock freedom and confidence to actually enjoy your money.Connect with Constance:FacebookLinkedInInstagramWebsiteFree consultation Stay connected:Connect with Laura on LinkedIn@Rotters5 on XConnect with Laura on FacebookSubscribe to my YouTube channelSubscribe to my newsletterGet your free copy of Unlock Your Money Blocks Workbook: Your step-by-step guide to unlocking your blocks to financial freedom.Disclaimer: Please remember that the information shared on this podcast does not constitute accounting, legal, tax, investment or financial advice. It’s for informational purposes only. You should seek appropriate professional advice for your specific information.
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    36 m
  • How One Woman Renewed Her Passion: Terry Kirk From Courtroom to Creative Writing

    How One Woman Renewed Her Passion: Terry Kirk From Courtroom to Creative Writing
    Oct 18 2025
    What happens when you lose everything you thought defined success? In this inspiring episode, Laura Rotter sits down with Terry Kirk—retired attorney, startup investor, and debut novelist—to explore how life's biggest setbacks can become catalysts for profound personal growth.Terry shares her remarkable journey from being a high-powered litigation attorney to becoming an author of historical fiction novels centered on major financial events. Through the lens of her debut novel Pitfall, set during the 1929 stock market crash, Terry reveals the universal truth she discovered through decades of working with clients facing devastating losses: every setback contains the seeds of redemption and transformation.This conversation is essential listening for any woman navigating midlife transitions—whether you're recovering from divorce, contemplating retirement, or reimagining what success truly means. Terry's story proves that it's never too late to pursue your passion and redefine success on your own terms.About Terry: Terry Kirk is a retired attorney with decades of experience in litigation, corporate law, and startup investing. After spending 13 years as a courtroom litigator and later transitioning to work with tech startups and corporate financing, Terry became a founder and CEO before retiring to pursue her childhood dream of writing. Her debut historical fiction novel Pitfall was published in 2025, with her second book Plunder set to release soon. Terry's work focuses on making finance accessible and engaging for women through compelling storytelling about pivotal financial moments in history.Key takeaways:💡 Every loss contains opportunity for redemption: Through her legal career working with hundreds of clients facing major setbacks, Terry discovered that those who reflect on their role in their challenges and embrace growth can find themselves eventually in a much better place.💡 Financial security matters, but passion is what fulfills: While Terry acknowledges that financial stability is important (especially after experiencing financial insecurity during divorce), she's learned that true success comes from pursuing your passions.💡 Discipline creates space for creativity: Writing a novel requires dedication—Terry commits to four hours of writing daily. She emphasizes the importance of having a dedicated writing space free from distractions and treating writing like the serious work it is.💡 Childhood experiences shape our money stories differently: Despite growing up in the same "Goldilocks" middle-class family, Terry and her five siblings developed vastly different relationships with money—from pursuing wealth to living off the grid—proving that our interpretations of childhood experiences are deeply personal.Get in touch with Terry:FacebookLinkedInWebsitePurchase Terry's book: Pitfall Stay connected:Connect with Laura on LinkedIn@Rotters5 on XConnect with Laura on FacebookSubscribe to my YouTube channelSubscribe to my newsletterGet your free copy of Unlock Your Money Blocks Workbook: Your step-by-step guide to unlocking your blocks to financial freedom.Disclaimer: Please remember that the information shared on this podcast does not constitute accounting, legal, tax, investment or financial advice. It’s for informational purposes only. You should seek appropriate professional advice for your specific information.
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    39 m
  • How to Redefine Success in Midlife: Nancy Taylor on Career Change, Balance and Helping Your Children Thrive

    How to Redefine Success in Midlife: Nancy Taylor on Career Change, Balance and Helping Your Children Thrive
    Oct 4 2025

    In this episode, I speak with Nancy Taylor, founder of Taylor Educational Advocacy, a former school psychologist, and a dedicated coach for parents and families. Nancy shares her powerful midlife reinvention story—from working within the stressful school system to creating her own business that allows her the freedom, balance, and autonomy she values most.

    Nancy opens up about the importance of redefining success as a woman in midlife, shifting from external validation to pursuing autonomy, creativity, and meaningful impact. Her story offers inspiration for women navigating life transitions, whether that’s a new career, an empty nest, or rebuilding after divorce.

    If you’re ready to step into the next chapter of your life with courage and clarity, this episode will give you the insight and encouragement you need.

    About Nancy:

    Nancy Taylor is the founder of Taylor Educational Advocacy, where she helps families create effective, personalized plans so children can thrive in school and beyond. With more than 30 years of experience as a school psychologist and administrator, Nancy has guided thousands of parents, students, and educators through complex challenges. In midlife, she courageously transitioned out of the traditional school system to launch her own advocacy practice—allowing her to design a career aligned with her values of balance, autonomy, and purpose. Today, Nancy combines her expertise with her passion for coaching, helping families, young adults, and women in transition discover strategies that work and pathways that inspire.

    Key takeaways:

    💡Redefine Success on Your Terms: Midlife is the perfect time to evolve your definition of success—from chasing external validation or job titles to prioritizing autonomy, creativity, and joy in daily life.

    💡 Your Past Doesn’t Limit Your Future: Even if you started in a stable but unfulfilling career, you can pivot in midlife. Nancy’s story shows that it’s possible to transition from a traditional system into building a meaningful business that aligns with your values.

    💡 Balance Matters More Than “More”: It’s not always about earning more money—it’s about wisely balancing money, time, and energy to create a life that truly reflects what you value: health, family, and meaningful contribution.

    Get in touch with Nancy:

    Facebook

    LinkedIn

    Instagram

    Website

    Stay connected:

    Connect with Laura on LinkedIn

    @Rotters5 on X

    Connect with Laura on Facebook

    Subscribe to my YouTube channel

    Subscribe to my newsletter

    Get your free copy of Unlock Your Money Blocks Workbook: Your step-by-step guide to unlocking your blocks to financial freedom.

    Disclaimer: Please remember that the information shared on this podcast does not constitute accounting, legal, tax, investment or financial advice. It’s for informational purposes only. You should seek appropriate professional advice for your specific information.
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    43 m
  • How to Unleash Your Inner Power: An Interview with Monika Sawyer, intuitive life coach and healer

    How to Unleash Your Inner Power: An Interview with Monika Sawyer, intuitive life coach and healer
    Sep 20 2025

    Ready to tap into your inner wisdom and unleash your power to create abundance? Listen to this inspiring conversation with Monika Sawyer, intuitive life coach and healer. Monika's journey, from immigrating to the US from Poland to thriving in the high-tech world and now empowering women through coaching, is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. This episode is a must-listen for any woman in midlife seeking to navigate career transitions, divorce, or other life challenges with grace and confidence. Discover how reconnecting with your essence, cultivating self-love, and embracing your intuition can unlock your potential and create a life of joy, purpose, and abundance.

    In this episode, Monika shares her personal story of resilience and transformation, offering powerful insights into the importance of self-discovery, healing, and embracing your intuition. She discusses the challenges and triumphs of navigating a career change, the power of mindset and embodiment, and how to tap into your inner wisdom to create the life you desire. Discover how micro-shifts in perspective and a deep connection to your essence can unlock your potential and lead you to a life of greater purpose, joy, and abundance.

    About Monika: Monika Sawyer is an intuitive life coach and healer with a diverse background in high-tech consulting and a deep passion for empowering women. Her own experiences with overcoming adversity, including a cancer diagnosis, have shaped her unique approach to healing and transformation. Monika's coaching combines practical strategies with intuitive guidance, helping women reconnect with their inner strength, cultivate self-love, and create lives of abundance in all areas.

    Key Takeaways:

    💡 Intuition and Empowerment: Learn how to tap into your intuition and unleash your inner power.

    💡 Healing and Transformation: Discover the importance of self-love and compassion in the healing process.

    💡 Reconnecting with Your Essence: Discover how to reconnect with your authentic self and live a life of purpose.

    Connect with Monika:

    Facebook

    LinkedIn

    Instagram

    Website

    Stay connected:

    Connect with Laura on LinkedIn

    @Rotters5 on X

    Connect with Laura on Facebook

    Subscribe to my YouTube channel

    Subscribe to my newsletter

    Get your free copy of Unlock Your Money Blocks Workbook: Your step-by-step guide to unlocking your blocks to financial freedom.

    Disclaimer: Please remember that the information shared on this podcast does not constitute accounting, legal, tax, investment or financial advice. It’s for informational purposes only. You should seek appropriate professional advice for your specific information.
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    39 m
  • How to Ditch the 9 to 5: An Interview with Molly Rose Speed, Founder of the Virtual Assistant Academy and Virtual Assistant Management

    How to Ditch the 9 to 5: An Interview with Molly Rose Speed, Founder of the Virtual Assistant Academy and Virtual Assistant Management
    Sep 6 2025

    Dreaming of ditching the soul-crushing 9-to-5 and designing a life of freedom and flexibility? Then get ready to be inspired by Molly Rose Speed, founder of the Virtual Assistant Academy and Virtual Assistant Management, Molly’s journey from corporate finance to successful entrepreneur is a testament to the power of embracing change and creating a career that truly aligns with your values. Whether you're a military spouse, a mom seeking work-life balance, or a woman in midlife navigating a career transition or divorce, this episode offers a practical roadmap to building a fulfilling and flexible career as a virtual assistant. Listen in and discover how you can ditch the cubicle, embrace your entrepreneurial spirit, and create a life you love.

    In this episode, Molly Rose shares her personal journey and insights into the world of virtual assistants. She discusses the importance of clear communication between VAs and business owners, the skills that make a great assistant, and how to find the perfect match. She also reveals the financial realities of starting a VA business, the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, and how her definition of success has evolved over time. Get ready to be inspired, informed, and empowered to take control of your career and design your dream life.

    About Molly Rose: Molly Rose Speed is a passionate advocate for remote work and the transformative power of virtual assistants. Through her certification programs and boutique placement agency, she's empowered hundreds of individuals, particularly military spouses and moms, to build successful and flexible careers. Molly is living proof that you can create a thriving career on your own terms.

    Key Takeaways:

    💡 Career Freedom: Discover the possibilities of a flexible and fulfilling career as a virtual assistant.

    💡 Work-Life Balance Explore how a VA career can empower you to create better work-life balance and prioritize your personal life.

    💡 Entrepreneurial Mindset: Gain insights into building a successful business as a VA or hiring a VA for your business.

    💡 Communication and Collaboration: Understand the importance of clear communication and effective collaboration in the virtual workspace.

    Connect with Molly on Facebook

    Connect with Molly on LinkedIn

    Connect with Molly on Instagram

    Website.

    Stay connected:

    Connect with Laura on LinkedIn

    @Rotters5 on X

    Connect with Laura on Facebook

    Subscribe to my YouTube channel

    Subscribe to my newsletter

    Get your free copy of Unlock Your Money Blocks Workbook: Your step-by-step guide to unlocking your blocks to financial freedom.

    Disclaimer: Please remember that the information shared on this podcast does not constitute accounting, legal, tax, investment or financial advice. It’s for informational purposes only. You should seek appropriate professional advice for your specific information.
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    41 m