Episodios

  • Lauren Capwell & Lauren Shaw on How They Doubled Close Rates with AI
    Oct 14 2025
    “...so I had this conversation with the GPT And within like 10 minutes, there were tears streaming down my face because it reflected back to me like what I already knew to be true, which was that I wasn't weaving my spirituality into the work that we were doing. And that's a huge part of who I am as a person.” In this episode of Startups in Stilettos, host Carlyn Bushman sits down with Lauren Capwell and Lauren Shaw, founders of The Laurens helping entrepreneurs infuse AI into their business in deeply human ways. From designing rockets in the aerospace industry to transforming sales with AI-powered self-discovery, the Laurens share how they’re bridging technology, spirituality, and strategy to help women sell with authenticity and confidence. They reveal the story behind their viral Quantum Breakthrough GPT, a custom AI tool that’s helping thousands of women identify subconscious blocks, reframe limiting beliefs, and close more sales — all while staying true to their soul’s purpose. What we talked about: Talking About GPT [5:11] Lauren’s Custom GPT [11:07] Using AI in Sales [17:08] AI in Daily Life [22:15] GPT’s Mantra [25:18] Connect with Carlyn: ⁠⁠@carlynbushmanconsulting⁠⁠ on Instagram ⁠⁠Carlyn Bushman⁠⁠ on LinkedIn ⁠⁠Carlyn Bushman Consulting⁠⁠ Link to their custom GPT & Exclusive for Entreprenistas! Get a complimentary AI consultation. Access the Quantum Breakthrough GPT ✨ The Laurens on Instagram Members of our Entreprenista League get access to live Office Hours with top founders that have been on our show! Join the Entreprenista League today! We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey! Get Featured on Startups in Stilettos Want a chance to be featured on Startups in Stilettos? We’re currently accepting applications from our Entreprenista League members to be featured on the show! Think of the Entreprenista League as your team members in what can be a lonely startup founder’s journey. You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded female startup founders who are making an impact in business every day, special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, the opportunity to have your story featured on our website, social channels – and, of course, the Startups in Stilettos podcast – and so much MORE! Grow Your Startup with Startups in Stilettos Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Startups in Stilettos, powered by the Entreprenista PodcastNetwork. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeart Radio Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more startup founders, like you, and have a chance to win a one-on-one mentor and strategy session with Stephanie Cartin. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. And for even more exclusive content and information – and to get access to the 8 Secrets to Success in Your Business video course and worksheet – visit our website.
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    40 m
  • Gloria Govan on Thriving in Male-Dominated Industries
    Oct 7 2025
    “I’ve had to prove myself ten times harder just to be taken seriously, but I never let that stop me. If anything, it pushed me to build something that speaks for itself.”In this episode of Startups and Stilettos, host Ingrid Zapata-Read sits down with entrepreneur and community builder Gloria Govan. From navigating male-dominated industries to balancing life as a mom of five and founder of multiple ventures, Gloria shares her unfiltered journey of resilience, innovation, and building with intention.Gloria is redefining what it means to create brands that prioritize wellness, movement, and authentic connection. She opens up about the challenges of earning respect in boardrooms, the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people, and how failure has shaped her path to success.What we talked about:Feeling the Burnout [4:29]From Corporate to Entrepreneur [9:56]Mentors Throughout Life [20:48]Healthy Home Lifestyle [29:33]Evolving with the Times [35:08] Connect with Carlyn:⁠⁠@carlynbushmanconsulting⁠⁠ on Instagram⁠⁠Carlyn Bushman⁠⁠ on LinkedIn⁠⁠Carlyn Bushman Consulting⁠⁠Connect with Ingrid:⁠⁠@itsingridsworld ⁠⁠on Instagram⁠⁠Ingrid Zapata-Read⁠⁠ on Linkedin⁠⁠Grow With Community⁠⁠Members of our Entreprenista League get access to live Office Hours with top founders that have been on our show! Join the Entreprenista League today! We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey! Get Featured on Startups in StilettosWant a chance to be featured on Startups in Stilettos? We’re currently accepting applications from our Entreprenista League members to be featured on the show! Think of the Entreprenista League as your team members in what can be a lonely startup founder’s journey. You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded female startup founders who are making an impact in business every day, special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, the opportunity to have your story featured on our website, social channels – and, of course, the Startups in Stilettos podcast – and so much MORE!Grow Your Startup with Startups in StilettosThanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Startups in Stilettos, powered by the Entreprenista PodcastNetwork. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeart RadioBe sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more startup founders, like you, and have a chance to win a one-on-one mentor and strategy session with Stephanie Cartin.Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. And for even more exclusive content and information – and to get access to the 8 Secrets to Success in Your Business video course and worksheet – visit our website.
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    50 m
  • How to 'Pass the Mic' and Pay it Forward to Fellow Founders
    Sep 30 2025
    “Remember, passing the mic isn't a one time thing. It's something you do on purpose over and over. It's how you grow and how you can help others grow too.” In this episode of Startups in Stilettos, host Ingrid Zapata-Read unpacks what it really means to “pass the mic.” More than a buzzword, it’s a practice of creating opportunities, amplifying voices, and building trust within your network. Whether you’re just starting out or growing your platform, this episode will help you lead with generosity, expand your influence, and build momentum — not just for yourself, but for everyone at the table. What we talked about:After Your Spotlight Moment [2:01]Go Through Referrals [3:14]Making Content [4:45]Pass in Private [5:55]A Quick Recap [6:57] Connect with Carlyn:⁠⁠@carlynbushmanconsulting⁠⁠ on Instagram⁠⁠Carlyn Bushman⁠⁠ on LinkedIn⁠⁠Carlyn Bushman Consulting⁠⁠ Connect with Ingrid:⁠⁠@itsingridsworld ⁠⁠on Instagram⁠⁠Ingrid Zapata-Read⁠⁠ on Linkedin⁠⁠Grow With Community⁠⁠ Members of our Entreprenista League get access to live Office Hours with top founders that have been on our show! Join the Entreprenista League today! We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey! Get Featured on Startups in StilettosWant a chance to be featured on Startups in Stilettos? We’re currently accepting applications from our Entreprenista League members to be featured on the show! Think of the Entreprenista League as your team members in what can be a lonely startup founder’s journey. You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded female startup founders who are making an impact in business every day, special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, the opportunity to have your story featured on our website, social channels – and, of course, the Startups in Stilettos podcast – and so much MORE! Grow Your Startup with Startups in StilettosThanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Startups in Stilettos, powered by the Entreprenista PodcastNetwork. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeart Radio Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more startup founders, like you, and have a chance to win a one-on-one mentor and strategy session with Stephanie Cartin. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. And for even more exclusive content and information – and to get access to the 8 Secrets to Success in Your Business video course and worksheet – visit our website.
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    10 m
  • Gabriela Fiorentino Turns 2am Mom Guilt into a Thriving Eco Community
    Sep 23 2025
    “I was like, I am racing the future while I'm polluting your future. Like I was so, like that just started ringing in my mind and it just became louder and louder until I was like, "I need to figure out how to do this.” On this episode of Startups in Stilettos, hosts Carlyn Bushman and Ingrid Zapata Read sit down with Gabriela Fiorentino, founder of Nest Earth, a membership community helping parents create healthier, non-toxic homes without the overwhelm. Gabi shares her journey from sustainable architecture to motherhood, and how a late-night moment of eco-guilt sparked her mission to support families navigating eco-conscious living. From tackling misinformation and greenwashing to making sustainable choices feel practical (and not doomsday), Gabi explains how she curates trustworthy resources, breaks down complex ideas, and gives parents actionable steps they can actually maintain. What we talked about:Late Night Eco-Guilt [3:12]Transparency in Products [10:32]Creating a System in Your Home [18:36]Educating Your Children [22:43]What YOU Can Do [28:17] Connect with Gabriela Fiorentino:NestEarth.com Medium.com LinkedIn Instagram Connect with Carlyn:⁠⁠@carlynbushmanconsulting⁠⁠ on Instagram⁠⁠Carlyn Bushman⁠⁠ on LinkedIn⁠⁠Carlyn Bushman Consulting⁠⁠ Connect with Ingrid:⁠⁠@itsingridsworld ⁠⁠on Instagram⁠⁠Ingrid Zapata-Read⁠⁠ on Linkedin⁠⁠Grow With Community⁠⁠ Members of our Entreprenista League get access to live Office Hours with top founders that have been on our show! Join the Entreprenista League today! We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey! Get Featured on Startups in StilettosWant a chance to be featured on Startups in Stilettos? We’re currently accepting applications from our Entreprenista League members to be featured on the show! Think of the Entreprenista League as your team members in what can be a lonely startup founder’s journey. You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded female startup founders who are making an impact in business every day, special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, the opportunity to have your story featured on our website, social channels – and, of course, the Startups in Stilettos podcast – and so much MORE! Exclusive for Entreprenistas! Join Nest Earth's private community and book a free 1:1 consultation with Gabriela right here: https://nestearth.com/entreprenista Grow Your Startup with Startups in StilettosThanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Startups in Stilettos, powered by the Entreprenista PodcastNetwork. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeart Radio Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more startup founders, like you, and have a chance to win a one-on-one mentor and strategy session with Stephanie Cartin. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. And for even more exclusive content and information – and to get access to the 8 Secrets to Success in Your Business video course and worksheet – visit our website.
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    36 m
  • 3 Things I'd Do Differently if I Started By Business Today
    Sep 16 2025
    “You already know what you're building. You already know how you want people to feel when they experience your work or buy your product. You just have to get quiet enough to hear it and brave enough to follow it.” In this episode of Startups and Stilettos, host Ingrid Zapata Read gets personal about the lessons she wishes someone had told her at the start of her entrepreneurial journey. From the power of building your email list early, to simplifying your offers, to trusting yourself sooner, Ingrid shares the hard-earned insights that can save founders time, energy, and second-guessing. What we talked about: Starting an Email List [2:15] Having a Landing Page [3:35] Individual Projects [5:16] Trusting Yourself [6:38] Closing Words From Ingrid [8:11] Connect with Ingrid:⁠⁠ @itsingridsworld ⁠⁠on Instagram⁠⁠ Ingrid Zapata-Read⁠⁠ on Linkedin⁠⁠ Grow With Community⁠⁠ Connect with Carlyn: @carlynbushmanconsulting⁠⁠ on Instagram Carlyn Bushman⁠⁠ on LinkedIn ⁠⁠Carlyn Bushman Consulting⁠⁠ Members of our Entreprenista League get access to live Office Hours with top founders that have been on our show! Join the Entreprenista League today! We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey! Get Featured on Startups in StilettosWant a chance to be featured on Startups in Stilettos? We’re currently accepting applications from our Entreprenista League members to be featured on the show! Think of the Entreprenista League as your team members in what can be a lonely startup founder’s journey. You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded female startup founders who are making an impact in business every day, special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, the opportunity to have your story featured on our website, social channels – and, of course, the Startups in Stilettos podcast – and so much MORE! Grow Your Startup with Startups in StilettosThanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Startups in Stilettos, powered by the Entreprenista PodcastNetwork. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeart Radio Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more startup founders, like you, and have a chance to win a one-on-one mentor and strategy session with Stephanie Cartin. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. And for even more exclusive content and information – and to get access to the 8 Secrets to Success in Your Business video course and worksheet – visit our website.
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    11 m
  • Sharon Ringier on Building Your Own Table
    Sep 9 2025
    “I sat there and I'm like, how do I, how do I manage this? Because it's like, I'm raising a generation of two men. This is not what he needs to see. This is what women do. And that was so, and it was just powerful for me to take it in. Again, things don't happen to us, they happen for us.” On this episode of Startups in Stilettos, we sit down with Sharon Ringier, founder of The Possible Woman Collective and publisher of Possible Woman Magazine. Sharon shares her powerful journey of resilience, navigating a decade of unexplained hospitalizations, a life-changing health diagnosis, and the challenges of raising two sons while building her vision. What began as a women’s empowerment conference grew into a thriving collective and magazine that champions women entrepreneurs, providing them with clarity, confidence, and a safe space to grow together. Sharon opens up about the mentors who shaped her path, the lessons she’s learned about leading with heart, and the importance of creating community over competition. What we talked about: Learning From a Mentor [10:43] Food for Everyone [16:41] Steps for Women Entrepreneurs [23:38] Building Your Ecosystem [28:41] Goal Getter Business Mastery Bootcamp ⁠ Don’t miss this opportunity to gain powerful tools, connect with like-minded entrepreneurs, and step fully into your role as CEO of your business! Use code ENTREPRENISTA50 for a special discount. Connect with Sharon: Sharon on LinkedIn https://possiblewomanmagazine.com/ Connect with Carlyn: ⁠⁠@carlynbushmanconsulting⁠⁠ on Instagram Carlyn Bushman⁠⁠ on LinkedIn Carlyn Bushman Consulting⁠⁠ Connect with Ingrid: @itsingridsworld ⁠⁠on Instagram Ingrid Zapata-Read⁠⁠ on Linkedin Grow With Community⁠⁠ Members of our Entreprenista League get access to live Office Hours with top founders that have been on our show! Join the Entreprenista League today! We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey! Get Featured on Startups in StilettosWant a chance to be featured on Startups in Stilettos? We’re currently accepting applications from our Entreprenista League members to be featured on the show! Think of the Entreprenista League as your team members in what can be a lonely startup founder’s journey. You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded female startup founders who are making an impact in business every day, special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, the opportunity to have your story featured on our website, social channels – and, of course, the Startups in Stilettos podcast – and so much MORE! Grow Your Startup with Startups in StilettosThanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Startups in Stilettos, powered by the Entreprenista PodcastNetwork. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeart Radio Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more startup founders, like you, and have a chance to win a one-on-one mentor and strategy session with Stephanie Cartin. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. And for even more exclusive content and information – and to get access to the 8 Secrets to Success in Your Business video course and worksheet – visit our website.
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    37 m
  • Jessie Jaskulsky on How Personal Loss Sparked a Surrogacy Revolution
    Sep 2 2025
    “I really had to think about this and decide what I could offer that would be unique and really help have me stand out in the crowd. And I think one of the things is, is not that many people come forward with their story.” In this episode of Startups and Stilettos, hosts Ingrid Zapata-Read and Carlyn Bushman sit down with Jessie Jaskulsky, founder of Surrogacy Simplified, a concierge and consulting firm guiding intended parents through the surrogacy journey. Jessie opens up about her deeply personal path to motherhood, including pregnancy loss, infertility, and the challenges of surrogacy, and how she transformed that lived experience into a mission-driven business. She shares why vulnerability and community are vital in an often-isolating process, the obstacles parents face from emotional costs to financial barriers, and how she’s creating safe, judgment-free spaces for support. Whether you’re navigating your own fertility journey or building a business rooted in personal experience, Jessie’s story is a powerful reminder that sharing your truth can change lives. What we talked about: Separating Personal Life and Business [5:15] Creating a Safe Place [9:15] Finding the Right People in Your Community [13:53] Building Trust with Jessie [17:27] Leaving Quiet Time for Yourself [23:04] Connect with Jessie: Jessie Jaskulsky on LinkedIn Surrogacy Simplified Jessie on Instagram Connect with Carlyn: ⁠@carlynbushmanconsulting⁠ on Instagram ⁠Carlyn Bushman⁠ on LinkedIn ⁠Carlyn Bushman Consulting⁠ Connect with Ingrid: ⁠@itsingridsworld ⁠on Instagram ⁠Ingrid Zapata-Read⁠ on Linkedin ⁠Grow With Community⁠ Join our Founders Weekend Wealth & Wellness Retreat April 30th - May 3rd, 2026 at the PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. ⁠⁠Reserve your ticket here!⁠⁠ Members of our Entreprenista League get access to live Office Hours with top founders that have been on our show! Join the ⁠Entreprenista League ⁠today! We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey! Get Featured on Startups in Stilettos Want a chance to be featured on Startups in Stilettos? We’re currently accepting applications from our Entreprenista League members to be featured on the show! Think of the Entreprenista League as your team members in what can be a lonely startup founder’s journey. You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded female startup founders who are making an impact in business every day, special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, the opportunity to have your story featured on our ⁠website,⁠ social channels – and, of course, the Startups in Stilettos podcast – and so much MORE! Grow Your Startup with Startups in Stilettos Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Startups in Stilettos, powered by the Entreprenista Podcast Network. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ | ⁠Spotify⁠ |⁠ iHeart Radio⁠ Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more startup founders, like you, and have a chance to win a one-on-one mentor and strategy session with Stephanie Cartin. Join us on ⁠Facebook⁠, ⁠Twitter,⁠ ⁠Instagram,⁠ and ⁠LinkedIn.⁠ And for even more exclusive content and information – and to get access to the 8 Secrets to Success in Your Business video course and worksheet – ⁠visit our website.⁠
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    31 m
  • How to Find and Work With the Best Mentor for You
    Aug 26 2025
    “You shouldn't just look for mentors who are five years, 10 years ahead of you. There's a lot of value in having people who are in it with you right now because we're always learning and there's things that someone else might know that you don't know.” Forget everything you thought you knew about finding a mentor. On this episode of Startups and Stilettos, Carlyn and Ingrid are flipping the script on traditional mentorship. We often believe a mentor must be someone decades ahead of us, but what if the most powerful guidance comes from those walking the path beside us right now? Ingrid and Carlyn dive into their own journeys, from when "Google was my mentor," to building a powerful, diversified network of advisors and peers. They break down the three essential levels of a modern support system: mentoring up to those you aspire to be like, leaning on your "mentor equals" for real-time collaboration, and paying it forward to guide those just starting out. Because building a business doesn't have to be a solo journey. Connect with Carlyn: @carlynbushmanconsulting on Instagram Carlyn Bushman on LinkedIn Carlyn Bushman Consulting Connect with Ingrid: @itsingridsworld on Instagram Ingrid Zapata-Read on Linkedin Working Momkind Grow With Community What We Talked About: How Mentorship Has Changed [3:30] How They Found Advisors [15:00] The Levels of Mentorship [18:35] Join our Founders Weekend Wealth & Wellness Retreat April 30th - May 3rd, 2026 at the PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. ⁠Reserve your ticket here!⁠ Members of our Entreprenista League get access to live Office Hours with top founders that have been on our show! Join the Entreprenista League today! We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey! Get Featured on Startups in Stilettos Want a chance to be featured on Startups in Stilettos? We’re currently accepting applications from our Entreprenista League members to be featured on the show! Think of the Entreprenista League as your team members in what can be a lonely startup founder’s journey. You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded female startup founders who are making an impact in business every day, special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, the opportunity to have your story featured on our website, social channels – and, of course, the Startups in Stilettos podcast – and so much MORE! Grow Your Startup with Startups in Stilettos Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Startups in Stilettos, powered by the Entreprenista Podcast Network. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeart Radio Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more startup founders, like you, and have a chance to win a one-on-one mentor and strategy session with Stephanie Cartin. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. And for even more exclusive content and information – and to get access to the 8 Secrets to Success in Your Business video course and worksheet – visit our website. Relay is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Thread Bank member, FDIC
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    19 m