The central theme of this episode is the exploration of grief and the profound impact it has on individuals, particularly in the context of losing a spouse.

We are honored to host Samina Bari, a seasoned public company officer and author, who shares her deeply personal journey following the unexpected death of her husband. Through her experience, Samina has crafted her book, "Don't Call Me Widow," which serves as a practical guide for those seeking to support grieving individuals.

In our dialogue, we delve into the complexities of grief, the societal discomfort surrounding it, and the vital importance of offering genuine presence and understanding.

As we navigate this difficult terrain, we aim to illuminate how we can better support those in our lives who are facing unimaginable loss.

Our Guest This Week:

In this week’s episode of #WisdomofWomen we have a 🌟Heart-Brave Truth-Teller 🌟 in our presence.

Samina Bari is a two-time author, seasoned public-company officer, and strategic advisor who has spent 30+ years helping CEOs and boards navigate high-stakes moments—from IPOs and fundraising to crisis, governance, and reputation strategy. She has orchestrated transformation and growth efforts connected to major acquisitions involving global Fortune 500 companies, including deals valued at $2.3B, $2.6B, $14.3B, and $21B. After the sudden death of her husband in 2023—her partner of 21 years—Samina found herself living the kind of loss most people fear and few know how to support, while also parenting two young daughters through the unthinkable. That experience became Don’t Call Me Widow, a raw, practical, first-hand guide that teaches us what to say, what not to say, and how to show up with real presence when grief rewrites someone’s life. With the voice of a healthcare executive and the heart of a woman who has rebuilt from trauma and tragedy, Samina’s work turns pain into clarity—and gives all of us a better way to love people when it matters most.

Takeaways:

1. Samina's journey through grief highlights the profound challenges faced by those navigating loss.
2. Practical guidance is provided on how to support individuals experiencing grief in a meaningful manner.
3. The discussion delineates the societal discomfort surrounding death and grief, urging more open conversations.
4. Samina's book serves as an essential resource for understanding how to approach grief sensitively and effectively.
5. The episode underscores the importance of community support and presence during times of profound loss.

Chapters:

00:06 Amplifying Women's Voices in Business

05:50 Understanding Grief and Loss

22:17 Navigating Grief: The Impact on Parenting

26:58 The Importance of Acknowledging Children's Grief

36:33 Navigating Grief and Professional Life

Burning Questions Answered:

1.Why grief can’t be fixed—and why trying to fix it causes harm

2.How “well-meaning” phrases often land painfully wrong

3.What presence actually looks like when someone’s world collapses

4.Why children are not resilient—and why they need us to ask better questions

5.How leadership, compassion, and humanity intersect in moments of loss

Guest Offers & Contact Information:

www.saminabari.com

In our new episode I am joined by Syama Bunten, a transformational wealth leader, we delve into the emerging paradigm of women stepping into their financial power.

Syama's impressive background as an angel investor and community builder underscores her commitment to redefining wealth for women, particularly as they prepare to inherit a staggering $30 trillion by 2030.

Throughout our dialogue, we explore the significance of closing the money confidence gap and the unique strategies women can employ to navigate their financial journeys effectively.

Our conversation serves not only to inspire but also to empower women to embrace their agency and leverage their inherent capabilities to create transformative change in their lives and the broader community.

Our Guest This Week:

In this week’s episode of #WisdomofWomen we have a 🌟 Future-Designing Wealth Warrior 🌟 in our midst!

Syama Bunten is a transformational wealth leader, angel investor, and community builder who is redefining how women step into financial power. As Co-Founder of the Wealth Catalyst Summit and Big Delta Capital and host of the top 100-ranked Getting Rich Together podcast—with over 1,000 five-star reviews—she creates spaces where women speak openly about money, build confidence, and access real deal flow. Drawing from her early career at globally renowned brands like Gucci, Barneys, and Macy’s—and her experience co-founding and exiting the award-winning fast-growth company Rendall Co.—Syama brings both corporate sophistication and entrepreneurial credibility. Her work uniquely blends education, storytelling, and peer connection to close the money-confidence gap at a moment when women are poised to inherit over $30 trillion in wealth by 2030. She is catalyzing a movement of capital-aligned leadership, empowering women to build wealth, shape culture, and create the future they want to live in.

Takeaways:

1. Syama is a transformational wealth leader focusing on empowering women financially.
2. The movement around women and wealth aims to close the money confidence gap significantly.
3. Syama's personal stories illustrate the profound impact of pursuing integrity in one's career path.
4. The discussion underscores the need for women to actively participate in the upcoming wealth transfer.
5. Wealth Catalyst aims to inspire women to invest in their communities and pursue their unique paths.

Chapters:

00:08 Amplifying Women's Voices in Business

05:28 The Journey of Integrity and Empowerment

13:00 Transformative Moments in Career and Life

17:49 The Power of Partnership in Wealth Creation

23:14 Empowering Women Through Capital Agency

30:30 Building Financial Confidence and Wealth

39:32 Transitioning to Wealth Conversations

Burning Questions Answered:

1.Why women have been conditioned to outsource financial confidence

2.How wealth becomes sustainable when it aligns with values

3.Why “there is no roadmap” is actually good news

4.How confidence grows through action, not perfection

5.Why women’s financial power shapes families, communities, and economies

Guest Offers & Contact Information:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/syamameagher/

The salient point of this episode revolves around the imperative of empowering women, particularly those over the age of 50, to seize control of their financial destinies and embrace the notion that they possess more runway in life than they might perceive.

In this enlightening discourse, I, engage with Sherry Finkel Murphy, the esteemed Founder and CEO of Madrina  Molly®, who ardently advocates for women's financial independence and education through innovative planning and storytelling.

We delve into the experiences that have shaped Sherry's journey, illuminating the challenges and triumphs faced by women in the financial landscape.

Through her initiatives, Sherry endeavors to create a safe space where women can ask critical financial questions without fear of judgment, thereby fostering a community of support and empowerment.

This episode seeks to inspire our listeners to recognize their inherent strength and potential for reinvention, regardless of age or circumstance.

About Madrina Molly®

Madrina Molly® is a subscription-based financial and longevity education platform designed to meet women where they are — without shame, jargon, or intimidation. Through storytelling, Q&A, and mini-courses, Sherry bridges the gap between professional financial planning and real-life decision-making.

It’s education rooted in dignity, clarity, and agency.

Takeaways:

• Sherry articulates the importance of financial independence for women, particularly those aged fifty and over, advocating for proactive financial planning.
• A significant theme discussed is the necessity for women to embrace their own narratives and assert their influence within their industries.
• The episode explores the concept of leveraging one's experiences and wisdom to foster intergenerational relationships, particularly between women and their families.

Chapters:

04:39 The Power of Perseverance: A Discussion on Life Lessons

12:21 The Triple Decker Club Sandwich Generation

16:11 Navigating Life's Transitions: The Opportunity for Freedom

23:25 Planning for the Future: The Importance of Exit Strategies

28:59 Building Professional Relationships

36:21 The Caregiving Crisis and Women's Empowerment

39:32 The Journey of Wisdom and Empowerment

Burning Questions Answered:

1.What if the way we’ve been taught to think about money… was never designed for women?

2.What if midlife isn’t a closing chapter — but the beginning of your most powerful one?

3.And what if the real risk isn’t spending too much… but waiting too long to live fully?

4.How do you build a business, a life, and a future that honors both ambition and wellbeing?

Favorite Quotes:

"No one ever wishes they worked harder. We each get 168 hours a week.”

“Begin with the end in mind — that’s how you know if you have a business or a labor of love.”

“There are two ways to flunk retirement: running out of money… or never living.”

Guest Offers & Contact Information:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bridget-c-firtle-a101511b/

https://www.instagram.com/bridgetcfirtle/?hl=en

Follow the #WisdomOfWomen show for more inspiring stories and insights from trailblazing women founders, investors, and experts in growth and prosperity.

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