Show Notes:

What if the thing standing between you and your most visible, impactful self isn't a lack of strategy — but a fear you've been calling something else?

In this episode, I sit down with Melanie Borden — brand strategist, speaker, and author of Theater of the Mind — for an honest, grounding conversation about what it actually means to build a personal brand as a woman. Not the polished version. The real one.

Melanie has helped hundreds of women step into their professional presence with clarity and confidence, and what she's learned might surprise you: your brand isn't something you create. It's something you uncover. It's the essence of who you already are — and the work is learning how to transfer that into everything you put out into the world.

We talk about the trap of overthinking, the real reason imposter syndrome keeps showing up, and why so many women are waiting for confidence before they start showing up — when it actually works the other way around. Melanie's framework is simple but transformative: visibility builds confidence, not the other way around.

Whether you're just beginning to think about your brand or you've been circling it for years, this conversation is your invitation to stop waiting and start being seen.

In this episode, you'll hear:

• What a personal brand actually is (and why most people get it wrong)
• How authenticity and your "inner essence" are the core of everything you put out
• Why imposter syndrome shows up so often for women — and how to start dismantling it
• The small but powerful habit of collecting proof of your own achievements
• Why creating content with your audience in mind (not yourself) changes everything
• What Melanie means when she says confidence is a result of visibility, not a requirement for it

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Branding and Personal Essence
05:30 Navigating Vulnerability and Imposter Syndrome
10:08 Theater of the Mind: Crafting Your Brand Narrative
15:22 Understanding Readiness in Branding
19:26 Defining Your Brand: Melanie's Perspective
22:26 Empowering Women in Personal Branding
25:05 Facing Fears and Taking Risks
30:10 Learning from Setbacks
33:07 Creating for Your Audience
38:15 The Power of Visibility
44:04 Transformative Impact of Personal Branding

Connect with Melanie:

Website: https://humantobrand.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanieborden/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/humantobrand/

Connect with The Women On Top:

Follow The Women On Top Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you get your podcasts. Subscribe for more empowering conversations and stories!

• Website: https://thewomenontop.com/
  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewomenontop
  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewomenontoppodcast/
  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-lynn/

In this conversation, Dalourny Nemorin shares the story behind the fire that drives her, from her Haitian roots to her work as a public defender, and now, her decision to run for Congress.

But this episode goes deeper than titles.

It’s about what it takes to keep going when the work is heavy. How to stay hopeful without becoming naive. And why community is not just important, it’s everything.

Dalourny reflects on standing on the shoulders of those who came before her, people who believed in change before it was visible, and how that legacy shapes the way she moves through the world today.

This is a conversation about resilience, responsibility, and the kind of hope that refuses to disappear. A powerful listen for anyone who feels called to something bigger—and is learning how to keep going.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dalourny Nemorin
03:01 Journey to Becoming a Public Defender
05:56 The Challenges of Public Defense
09:02 Resilience in Advocacy
11:59 Navigating Politics as a Woman
15:06 The Importance of Networking
17:52 Mentorship and Guidance
21:12 Running for Congress: A Call to Action
23:58 Understanding the Role of Congress
26:51 The Impact of Federal Policies
29:47 The Future of Advocacy and Change
31:55 Survival Mode: The Struggles of the Working Poor
33:00 Resilience and Optimism in the Face of Adversity
36:52 The Importance of Self-Preservation in Activism
42:07 Proposed Solutions for Healthcare and Housing Affordability
45:23 Navigating Relationships Amidst Political Beliefs
47:13 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Embracing Identity
52:27 Choosing Your Life Path and Defining Success

Links:
Website: https://www.dalourny.nyc/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dalourny
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dalourny

Connect with The Women On Top:

Follow The Women On Top Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you get your podcasts. Subscribe for more empowering conversations and stories!

• Website: https://thewomenontop.com/
  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewomenontop
  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewomenontoppodcast/
  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-lynn/

In this deep and raw episode of The Women On Top, Valerie Lynn sits down with world-class freeride skier Molly Armanino for a powerful conversation about courage, intuition, and finding meaning in the mountains.

Molly shares what it truly means to pursue a life on the edge—navigating fear, adrenaline, and the deep respect required when moving through wild landscapes. She opens up about how her connection to nature has shaped her spirituality, sharpened her intuition, and taught her how to stay grounded in the present moment.

The conversation also explores the profound ways grief and loss can transform us. Molly reflects on the relationships formed through shared tragedy in the mountain community and the resilience that emerges from those experiences.

Together, Valerie and Molly discuss the power of self-trust, the growing presence of women in adventure sports, and the responsibility that comes with being a visible role model. Molly reminds listeners that living boldly is not just about risk—it’s about authenticity, connection, and recognizing the impact we have on others.

This episode is an inspiring reflection on bravery, presence, and what it means to truly live on top.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Molly Armanino
02:07 The Journey of a Freeride Skier
05:30 Understanding Fear and Adrenaline
10:03 Intuition and Decision Making
14:32 Spirituality and Life Choices
19:54 Connection to Nature and the Mountains
24:45 Empowerment and Independence in the Mountains
30:45 Navigating Life's Choices and Opportunities
36:59 Lessons from the Slopes of Change
38:50 The Illusion of Achievement
40:46 Finding Satisfaction in the Moment
45:28 The Value of Micro Moments
46:15 Lessons from Loss
50:09 Navigating Grief
58:27 Messages from the Departed
01:09:45 Empowering the Next Generation

Connect with Molly:

Slopes of Change Film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9WZghuoJX_o

Website: https://mollyarmanino.mypixieset.com/about/

Freeride World Tour: https://www.freerideworldtour.com/riders/molly-armanino/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mollyarmanino/

Connect with The Women On Top:

Follow The Women On Top Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you get your podcasts. Subscribe for more empowering conversations and stories!

• Website: https://thewomenontop.com/
  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewomenontop
  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewomenontoppodcast/
  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-lynn/

In this episode of The Women On Top, Valerie Lynn sits down with Sarah Arvizu, a stage three breast cancer thriver and the founder of the Creating Sunshine podcast and the Sunshine Era. Their conversation unfolds like a quiet journey through fear, resilience, and transformation, where every moment, small or monumental, holds meaning.

Sarah opens up about her cancer experience, the life-altering diagnosis, and the unexpected lessons it brought. She shares the power of storytelling, the way vulnerability can create connection, and how building a supportive community can become a lifeline. Through reflection, laughter, and honesty, Sarah invites listeners into her world—a space where strength is born in openness, self-care is non-negotiable, and embracing the present becomes a daily practice.

This episode is for anyone navigating life’s challenges, seeking to find meaning in adversity, or yearning to create a life full of connection, joy, and purpose.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Sarah Arvizu
02:56 The Power of Sharing Personal Stories
06:01 Facing Cancer: A Journey of Resilience
06:42 Transformative Moments: Speaking on Stage
09:46 The Diagnosis: A Life-Changing Moment
12:40 Navigating Treatment and Emotions
15:56 Finding Strength in Vulnerability
18:16 Reevaluating Life's Priorities
21:03 Lessons Learned Through Adversity
24:25 Empowering Women: Prioritizing Self-Care
26:53 Creating Sunshine: Building a Supportive Community
29:52 The Journey Forward: Embracing New Beginnings
32:57 Closing Reflections and Future Aspirations

About Sarah:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarah_arvizu/
Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/creating-sunshine/id1720968449?
LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/saraharvizu?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGn0fi6pAZAClBXxV6wi_ERPTFYAJ8cKt_MV224kzY5b1ry6Rs34wclykO5YR4_aem_18-vxJZWfuMXEawtq3HiRA

Connect with The Women On Top:

Follow The Women On Top Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you get your podcasts. Subscribe for more empowering conversations and stories!

• Website: https://thewomenontop.com/
  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewomenontop
  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewomenontoppodcast/
  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-lynn/

In a world humming with AI, automation, and endless digital noise, something quieter and far more human is making a comeback. Community.

In this episode of The Women On Top, Valerie Lynn sits down with Meagan Allers, Community Manager and Partnership Strategist at Marco Polo, for a conversation about what it really means to create spaces where people feel seen, safe, and connected. Not the kind of community measured in numbers or engagement metrics, but the kind that lingers, roots itself in trust, and feels like coming home.

Together, they explore the often misunderstood difference between community building and community management, why genuine connection cannot be rushed or manufactured, and how introverts, often underestimated, can become some of the most powerful community leaders. Meagan shares her own winding path into this work, from boldly cold reaching out to start a women’s pickleball group, to helping cultivate meaningful connection inside a fast growing tech company.

They also talk about the quiet return to in person gatherings, the role of storytelling in technology, and the beautifully unexpected range of people finding connection through Marco Polo today. At its heart, this conversation is a reminder that while technology can scale systems, belonging is still built in small, human moments, one conversation at a time.

If you are building a brand, nurturing a community, navigating loneliness in a hyper connected world, or simply craving something more real, this episode is for you.

About Meagan:
Meagan Allers is a Community Manager and Partnership Strategist at Marco Polo, where she designs spaces rooted in connection, trust, and belonging. With a background in storytelling, partnerships, and community strategy, Meagan brings a deeply human lens to tech, grounded in the belief that meaningful relationships are the foundation of everything worth building.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Community Building
02:56 Community Building vs. Community Management
06:04 The Journey into Community Building
09:08 The Importance of Authentic Connection
12:03 Creating Inclusive Spaces for Women
14:59 Launching a Local Pickleball Community
17:53 The Power of Cold Outreach
20:58 Managing Community Energy and Engagement
24:07 The Rise of In-Person Communities
26:52 Niche Communities and Their Growth
30:03 The Value of Community in Tech
33:01 Unexpected Lessons from Startup Life
36:14 Measuring Community Impact
38:57 Diverse User Demographics of Marco Polo
41:53 The Deeper Why Behind Community Work
45:03 Closing Reflections and Quotes

Connect with Meagan:
linkedin.com/in/meaganallers
https://www.instagram.com/meaganallers/?hl=en
https://www.facebook.com/61574537443033/videos/

Connect with The Women On Top:

Follow The Women On Top Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you get your podcasts. Subscribe for more empowering conversations and stories!

• Website: https://thewomenontop.com/
  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewomenontop
  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewomenontoppodcast/
  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-lynn/

What does it really take to build multiple seven-figure businesses while raising four children? In this powerful conversation, host Valerie Lynn sits down with Jen, founder of Becoming Iconic, who shares her unfiltered journey from corporate marketing to entrepreneurial success.

Episode Chapters

[00:00] Introduction to Jen and Her Journey

[02:23] Facing Challenges and Breakdowns

[05:34] The Financial Struggles and Lessons Learned

[10:21] The Birth of Becoming Iconic

[12:36] The Evolution of Becoming Iconic and Iconic Magazine

[16:35] Advice for Aspiring Coaches and Entrepreneurs

[20:06] Redefining Success Beyond Million Dollar Businesses

[24:42] The Value of Six-Figure Businesses

[25:15] Enjoying the Journey

[26:05] Finding Your One Thing

[29:25] The Concept of Balance vs. Harmony

[34:29] Lessons on Money and Wealth

[38:17] Overcoming Pressure in Business

[41:19] Becoming Iconic by Being Decisive

[42:09] Get Out of Your Own Way

About the Guest

Jen is the Founder of Becoming Iconic and the Founder and Editor in Chief of Iconic Magazine as well as a mom of four. Jen has helped thousands of women worldwide build successful businesses, resulting in over $100 million in sales through her full service brand that incorporates mentorship and done-for-you creative services. Renowned for her innovative approach to business and her impeccable leadership, her consulting and mentorship consistently generate waitlists.

Connect with Jen:
ICONic Capsule - https://becomingiconic.myflodesk.com/iconiccapsule
Digital Copy of Magazine - https://becomingiconic.co/magazine
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/becomingiconic/
Website - https://becomingiconic.co/

Connect with The Women On Top:

Follow The Women On Top Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you get your podcasts. Subscribe for more empowering conversations and stories!

• Website: https://thewomenontop.com/
  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewomenontop
  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewomenontoppodcast/
  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-lynn/

-In this conversation, Valerie Lynn speaks with Naama Zusman, a licensed life, career, and health coach, about navigating major life transitions and career changes. Naama shares her personal journey from being an artist to becoming a yoga teacher and eventually a coach, emphasizing the importance of following 'breadcrumbs'—the clues that guide us toward our true paths. They discuss the iterative process of career exploration, the balance between financial realities and aspirations, and the significance of understanding one's zone of genius. Naama encourages listeners to embrace their authentic selves and make choices that align with their values, ultimately leading to a fulfilling life.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Career Transitions
01:39 Naama's Personal Journey
07:55 Exploring New Paths
14:22 The Shift to Coaching
19:14 Navigating Career Transitions
24:28 Balancing Passion and Practicality
28:19 Navigating Job Transitions and Identity Changes
33:17 Understanding the Zone of Genius
39:59 Finding Your Passion and Purpose
44:02 Embracing Simplicity in Decision Making
48:37 Living Your One Precious Life

✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
How to approach career transitions as an iterative, exploratory process

-Why following the “breadcrumbs” of your past experiences can guide your next move
-How to balance financial realities with your aspirations
-Identifying your zone of genius and what energizes you most
-Embracing authenticity and letting go of societal expectations
-Steps to get unstuck and start your career reinvention journey

**FOR OUR LISTENERS: FREE PASSIONS AND PURPOSE WORKBOOK!*

Download it here: https://naamazusman.kit.com/passions-purpose-workbook

Connect with Naama:
Website: https://www.naamazusman.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naamazusman/
Resources: https://linktr.ee/naamazusman?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaf1Yx1j2me0hjdeQBv4vQiVAJOX_-XoakmkZGLpx7VxDIhyyaLnxEJNC3W05A_aem_kqJ9bZjJMsbHr60FFouxbA

Connect with The Women On Top:

Follow The Women On Top Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you get your podcasts. Subscribe for more empowering conversations and stories!

• Website: https://thewomenontop.com/
  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewomenontop
  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewomenontoppodcast/
  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-lynn/

Happy New Year, friends! 🎉

Valerie Lynn kicks off 2026 with a deeply personal solo episode on Women On Top, sharing her journey of loss, transformation, and self-discovery.

After her corporate position was eliminated, Valerie found herself navigating the unexpected darkness of identity loss and self-doubt. In this episode, she opens up about the whispers of fear, unworthiness, and the relentless inner critic—but also the liberating truths that come when we strip away external validation and reconnect with ourselves.

Valerie shares how The Artist’s Way and the practice of morning pages helped her reclaim creativity, explore forgotten joys, and rediscover the young, unapologetic version of herself.

Through simple acts like wandering a dollar store or revisiting childhood hobbies, she reconnects with life just because—without needing a reason or ROI.

This episode is packed with six powerful lessons in leadership and life:

1. You can’t lead others without leading yourself.
2. Your identity goes beyond titles.
3. The best leaders know how to return home to themselves.
4. Contentedness over happiness is a radical, grounding stance.
5. We are all artists, and life is meant to be lived just because.
6. We are fragile beings with infinite dreams—and that’s beautiful.

If you’re stepping into a new year of transition, transformation, or simply seeking a deeper connection with yourself, this episode will remind you: it’s okay to sit in the darkness, trust the journey, and allow a truer, kinder version of yourself to emerge.

💌 Valerie’s message is clear: You are enough. You are allowed to dream. You are allowed to just be.

Connect with The Women On Top:

Follow The Women On Top Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you get your podcasts. Subscribe for more empowering conversations and stories!

• Website: https://thewomenontop.com/
  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewomenontop
  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewomenontoppodcast/
  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-lynn/