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.

YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/yja3w7nh

Spotify:

The salient point of this weeks episode is the remarkable journey of Bridget Firtlel, a dynamic entrepreneur who has successfully navigated the worlds of finance and spirits.

Bridget, previously entrenched in the high-stakes environment of Wall Street, transitioned to founding Owney’s Rum, a venture that has flourished under her leadership. In a significant turn of events,

Bridget shares her recent decision to repurchase Owney’s Rum from Proximo Spirits, marking a pivotal moment in her entrepreneurial narrative.

Throughout the discussion, we explore the complexities of her dual role as a founder and a mother, delving into the notion of success that transcends mere financial gain to encompass personal fulfillment and family priorities.

We invite our listeners to reflect on the insights shared by Bridget as she articulates her vision for the future, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and resilience in the journey of business development.

Our Guest This Week:

In this week’s episode of #WisdomofWomen we have a 🌟 Cocktail Capitalist🌟 in our midst!

Bridget Firtle is a powerhouse founder who left a high-flying Wall Street hedge fund career to build one of New York’s most beloved spirits brands—Owney’s Rum—long before “craft distilling” was a movement. With her rare blend of financial acumen and street-level grit, she grew Owney’s into a national success and forged a strategic partnership with Proximo Spirits before successfully exiting in 2020. Never one to stay still, Bridget went on to found Rockaway Soda, launch New York Raised Us, and establish The Cyclone Group—all while investing in and advising purpose-driven ventures. Recognized by Forbes 30 Under 30, The Financial Times, The New York Times, and CNBC, she’s known for breaking molds, building legacies, and leading with fierce independence. A native New Yorker to the core, Bridget brings both edge and empathy to the entrepreneurial game—proving that building a company of substance starts with the courage to bet it all on your vision.

Takeaways:

• Bridget's journey showcases the transition from Wall Street to founding a successful spirits brand.
• The conversation highlights the challenges and triumphs of being a woman entrepreneur and mother.
• Bridget's repurchase of Owney’s Rum signifies her commitment to her vision and entrepreneurial roots.
• The episode reflects on the evolving definition of success beyond financial gain to personal fulfillment.
• Listeners are encouraged to embrace their unique paths and pursue authentic definitions of success.

Chapters:

00:07 Amplifying Women's Voices in Leadership

00:32 Bridget's Journey: From Wall Street to Craft Distilling

13:24 Navigating Business Challenges

20:24 The Balancing Act: Entrepreneurship and Parenthood

28:33 The Evolution of Success

Burning Questions Answered:

1.What does it take to walk away from a successful exit… and then choose to reclaim the company you built?

2.How do you know when it’s time to return to the work that once lit you up?

3.What does “success” actually mean after you've lived the corporate path, exited a company, and become a mother?

4.How do you build boldly while honoring your values, your family, and your independence?

GUEST OFFERS & CONTACT INFORMATION:

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

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

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In our new episode, the topic of discussion revolves around the imperative for women in business to cultivate a leadership style that aligns with authenticity and well-being, as articulated by our distinguished guest, Roslyn McLarty.

As the founder and CEO of Within, a platform dedicated to aiding purpose-driven entrepreneurs, Roslyn shares her profound insights on navigating the complexities of founder burnout and the importance of self-awareness in the entrepreneurial journey.

Throughout our dialogue, we explore the transformative power of aligning personal values with professional endeavors, particularly in a landscape often dominated by the hustle culture. Rosalind’s journey, from co-founding a successful sports media brand to recognizing the detrimental effects of traditional grind culture, underscores the necessity for women leaders to redefine success on their own terms.

In sharing her experiences and the methodologies she employs, we aim to empower our listeners to foster resilience and authenticity in their own entrepreneurial pursuits.

Our Guest This Week:

In this week’s episode of #WisdomofWomen we have a 🌟 🌟 in our midst!

Roslyn McLarty is the Founder & CEO of Within, a personal development platform helping purpose-led founders build companies that scale impact without sacrificing their well-being.

Before launching Within, she co-founded The GIST, the groundbreaking women-run digital sports media brand making sports more inclusive and fun for millions of underserved fans.

At The GIST, Roslyn grew the company to a multi-million-dollar enterprise with a 40-person team — predominantly women and non-binary folks — earning recognition as a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree and attracting backing from Facebook, Comcast NBC, Techstars, and Billie Jean King’s Trailblazer Program.

Her own experience of founder burnout revealed the hidden cost of traditional “grind culture” and inspired her to help visionary entrepreneurs align success with authenticity, joy, and longevity.

Today, through Within’s coaching, content, and community, Roslyn empowers founders to scale purpose-driven companies while staying deeply connected to who they truly are.

Takeaways:

• Burnout among founders reveals the detrimental effects of traditional grind culture on well-being.
• Roslyn's journey emphasizes the importance of aligning personal integrity with entrepreneurial success.
• Emphasizing intuition and creativity leads to sustainable business practices and authentic leadership.
• Engaging in emotional intelligence and self-awareness fosters better decision-making in leadership roles.
• The episode advocates for a new model of leadership that honors women's unique experiences and contributions.

Chapters:

00:07 Amplifying Women's Voices in Business

07:25 The Journey of a Founder: From Burnout to Authenticity

11:13 Understanding Burnout: A Personal Journey

16:57 Finding Alignment: The Path to Self-Discovery and Business Success

21:47 The Role of Intuition in Business Growth

32:21 Transitioning to a New Approach in Leadership

34:06 The Spiritual Journey of Entrepreneurship

Burning Questions Answered:

1. What does burnout really look like when you’re ignoring the signs?
2. Why do founders cling to perfectionism, people-pleasing, and control — and how do you break the cycle?
3. How do you scale a company without sacrificing your wellbeing, identity, or intuition?
4. What does it take to build a business from your deepest alignment — not fear?

Favorite Quotes:

"Entrepreneurship is a spiritual journey.”

“The...

The primary focus of our discussion centers on the transformative impact of Gentreo, an innovative online estate planning platform founded by Renee Fry.

Through the lens of personal anecdotes and professional insights, we explore how Gentreo is revolutionizing estate planning by making it accessible, affordable, and comprehensible for families across the United States.

Renee's unique experiences, including overcoming significant health challenges, have shaped her vision for a service that not only simplifies the estate planning process but also empowers families to make informed decisions.

The conversation delves into the importance of addressing these often-daunting tasks proactively, ensuring that individuals do not leave their loved ones burdened with uncertainty. We invite our listeners to consider the profound implications of estate planning and how Gentreo can facilitate a smoother path toward securing one’s legacy for future generations.

Our Guest This Week:

In this week’s episode of #WisdomofWomen we have an 🌟 Revolutionary Estate-Building Innovator🌟 in our midst!

Renee Fry is the CEO and Co-Founder of Gentreo, a pioneering online estate planning platform that makes protecting what matters most simple, affordable, and accessible. With a career spanning public policy, entrepreneurship, and leadership in high-growth ventures, Renee helped lead GT Solar’s IPO and served in Governor Mitt Romney’s cabinet before launching her own company. A graduate of Penn State and Harvard Business School, she has guided Gentreo into partnerships with more than 100 credit unions, banks, and organizations nationwide. Her vision is to transform estate planning from a daunting, expensive task into an empowering experience for every family. Featured in outlets like Forbes and Kiplinger’s, Renee is a glassbreaking leader committed to changing how America plans for the future—one family at a time.

Takeaways:

• Renee discusses the transformative vision behind her estate planning platform, Gentreo.
• Listeners are encouraged to understand that estate planning is vital for all families.
• The episode highlights personal stories that shaped the speaker's journey as an entrepreneur.
• Renee's experience with unexpected health challenges underscored the significance of having a solid estate plan.
• The conversation stresses the need for accessible and affordable estate planning solutions for everyone.

Chapters:

03:46 - Personal Growth and Overcoming Challenges

11:04 - The Birth of Gentrio

19:47 - Approach to Growth and Partnerships

23:11 - Navigating Life Milestones

36:00 - Legacy and Inspiration: A Family's Journey

38:03 - Inspiring the Next Generation

Burning Questions Answered:

1.Why do so many families get stuck—or blindsided—when something unexpected happens?

2.What does “estate planning you can actually use in real life” look like?

3.How do personal crises shape the companies we feel called to build?

Guest Offers & Contact Information:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/renee-fry-a4ab133/

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

Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/4tak8ajk

Amazon Prime:

Our episode this week revolves around the transformative power of women's entrepreneurship and the critical importance of amplifying women's voices in the business sphere. We are privileged to host Wendy Diamond, a distinguished entrepreneur and advocate for compassionate capitalism, who has dedicated her career to empowering women globally. She elucidates her journey of creating Women's Entrepreneurship Day, an initiative aimed at fostering economic empowerment and systemic change for women entrepreneurs.

Through her numerous ventures, Wendy highlights the significant impact that women-led enterprises can have on societal progress and economic development. This episode serves as a rallying call for listeners to engage with and support the movement towards gender equality in business, emphasizing the vital role of collaboration and community in achieving these goals.

Our Guest This Week:

In this week’s episode of #WisdomofWomen we have a 🌟 Trailblazing Visionary of Compassionate Capitalism 🌟 in our midst! She is a Legendary Firestarter for Women Worldwide!

Wendy Diamond is a serial entrepreneur, impact investor, and global changemaker whose ventures span business, philanthropy, and media. She is the founder of LDP Ventures and the visionary behind the Women’s Entrepreneurship Day Organization (WEDO), a movement celebrated in 144 countries and 65 universities to empower women in business worldwide. Wendy also pioneered the pet lifestyle industry as Chief Pet Officer of Animal Fair Media, Inc., where she built the first-ever media company devoted to animal rescue and the pet–human bond. As an author of 10 books, sought-after global speaker, and frequent media guest, she has amplified conversations around purpose-driven business, women’s leadership, and social good. Recognized by the United Nations, she continues to convene heads of state, investors, and women founders to drive systemic change through entrepreneurship.

Takeaways:

• Women's Entrepreneurship Day, established in 2013, aims to empower women globally through entrepreneurship.
• Wendy's initiatives focus on providing microloans to impoverished women, fostering economic empowerment.
• The collaboration of governments and business leaders is essential to create systemic change for women entrepreneurs.
• Empathy and community are critical for successful entrepreneurship, as demonstrated by Wendy Diamond's journey.
• The Women's Entrepreneurship Day Organization actively seeks to engage women in meaningful collaborations worldwide.

Burning Questions Answered:

1.What actually happens when you join WEDO — beyond the feel-good impact?

2.How has Wendy designed WEDO so members get access, education, and community that genuinely moves their businesses forward?

3.What kinds of rooms does WEDO open for women — from the UN to hedge fund salons to maximum security prisons?

4.How can you contribute as an ambassador, member, or founder in a way that feels aligned and sustainable?

Chapters:

05:24 The Birth of Women's Entrepreneurship Day

15:11 Empowering Women Entrepreneurs

16:51 The Impact of Women's Entrepreneurship Day

26:08 Shifting Focus to Impactful Causes

Favorite Quotes:

“You’d rather have a little of something huge than a lot of nothing.”

“Wherever you are in this world, you can make a difference.”

Guest Offers & Contact Information:

Attend the WEDO Summit on November 14th – Virtual or in NYC at the United Nations:

In this new episode I'm joined by Frances Zelanzny, co-founder and CEO of Anonybit, a company dedicated to redefining privacy and identity security in the digital age.

We delve into Frances's extensive experience in the realms of cybersecurity and digital identity, exploring her unique perspective shaped by her background as a daughter of a Holocaust survivor and her professional encounters that have influenced her courageous leadership.

Throughout our conversation, we illuminate the critical importance of privacy-preserving technologies, particularly in an era where identity theft and fraud are rampant. As we engage with Frances, we gain insights into her journey, the challenges she faces as a woman in a predominantly male industry, and her vision for a future where identity is safeguarded to promote social and economic progress. Ultimately, we emphasize the collective responsibility to enhance identity security and the transformative potential of women-led businesses in addressing these pressing issues.

Our Guest This Week:

In this week’s episode of #WisdomofWomen we have an 🌟 Privacy Pioneer🌟 in our midst!

Frances Zelazny is the Co-Founder & CEO of Anonybit, a pioneering decentralized biometrics company transforming how we protect identity and privacy in the digital age. With over 25 years of experience scaling enterprise SaaS across cybersecurity, fintech, digital identity, and analytics, she has built a reputation for turning complex technologies into market-defining businesses. She has shaped international policy on biometrics, working with governments, multilateral organizations, and the private sector to ensure responsible and impactful adoption. Recognized on the Women in Fintech Power List 100, SIA Women in Security Forum Power 100, and as one of the 25 Most Influential Women Leaders in Biometric Digital Identity, Frances is a fierce advocate for building innovative, privacy-first technologies that also advance social and economic progress

Takeaways:

• Frances's experience in biometrics positions her as a leader in privacy and identity protection.
• Identity is fundamental to social and economic development, impacting opportunities across all demographics.
• Frances emphasizes the importance of responsible technology deployment to ensure user privacy and security.

Chapters:

00:02 Amplifying Women in Leadership

05:01 Defining Moments of Advocacy and Innovation

10:12 The Importance of Privacy in Digital Identity

20:00 The Evolution of Biometric Technology and Privacy Challenges

31:59 The Impact of Digital Identity on Society

32:41 The Importance of Identity in Economic Development

Burning Questions Answered:

1.What does it truly mean to build “privacy-preserving” technology?

2.How did her father’s Holocaust survival shape her leadership and worldview?

3.Why is digital identity the foundation of social and economic progress?

4.What’s really at stake if we fail to secure digital identity?

5.How can founders design for ethics and responsibility from day one?

Favorite Quotes:

“We must operate under the assumption that all of our personal data is already on the dark web.”

“You can’t have innovation without responsibility.”

Guest Offers & Contact Information:

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

https://anonybit.io