Now more than ever, we need more diverse voices in positions of leadership, and preparing and supporting women on their journey to getting a board seat is what we do here at How Women Lead. In this episode, Robin Washington shares with us insights behind her remarkable career, emphasizing the power of self-assurance, strategic networking, and authentic leadership. We discuss discusses the crucial work of increasing Black women's representation in C-suites and boardrooms, offering invaluable advice for anyone seeking to amplify their influence and drive meaningful change. This week’s episode 174 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about diverse and inclusive board representation!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Robin Washington is sharing the importance of diversity of thought and inclusivity in business and actionable steps you can take right now to create space for authenticity through your leadership.

Robin Washington is President and COFO at Salesforce, where she leads Business Strategy and Operations, Global Finance, Employee Success, Global Strategic Customers and Partners, Marketing, Communications, and Real Estate and Workplace Services. She is responsible for driving profitable growth and operational excellence—while accelerating the transformation of every company into an Agentforce company, in the new agentic era. Robin also currently serves on the board of directors of Alphabet.

Some of the talking points Julie and Robin go over in this episode include:

• Robin’s top ten words of wisdom for women everywhere.
• The critical importance of increasing Black women's representation in C-suites and boardrooms.
• Strategies for building powerful connections and finding allies.
• The importance of creating space for your employees and team members to be their authentic selves.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast

CONNECT WITH ROBIN WASHINGTON:

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Black Women on Boards

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In this powerful episode of How Women Lead, host Julie Castro Abrams dives deep into the often-underestimated power of mentoring, sponsorship, and advising. Join Julie as she shares crucial insights on how women leaders can fiercely advocate for each other, counter damaging cultural narratives, and actively work to close the gender funding gap. Discover actionable strategies for becoming a vital partner and guide, particularly for women innovating in critical fields like climate tech and social impact, and learn why your unique experience is exactly what the next generation of leaders desperately needs. This week’s episode 173 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about shaping the future through mentoring and sponsorship!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams is sharing the importance of supporting founders more than monetarily and actionable steps you can take right now to start mentoring other women.

Some of the talking points Julie goes over in this episode include:

• The importance of senior leaders showing up as partners and guides.
• Practical advice for mentors, including thinking about new perspectives you can offer.
• The role of advisors in supporting social impact leaders and nonprofit organizations.
• Ways to begin your mentorship journey, including the Global Advisor program.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast

CONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:

LinkedIn - Julie

How Women Lead

How Women Invest

How Women Give

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Are you standing at a crossroads, wondering where your life force should go next? This week on How Women Inspire, Julie Castro Abrams invites you to explore middlescence and what it means for your future. It's a time for honest reflection, taking stock of what you've built, and considering the true cost of continuing on the same path. Julie shares her personal journey and insights into the courage required to unlearn, redesign your life to align with your deepest values, and step into your next chapter with greater meaning and impact. This week’s episode 172 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about unlocking your portfolio life in middlescence!

In this episode of the How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams is sharing the importance of taking time to reflect on where you are currently in your career and actionable steps you can take right now to begin exploring new options for your next stage of life.

Some of the talking points Julie goes over in this episode include:

• How to navigate career transitions and make meaningful changes.
• Strategies for overcoming cultural narratives and embracing your true self.
• The importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing your well-being.
• Tips for leveraging your experience for board seats, social impact, and more.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast

CONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:

LinkedIn - Julie

How Women Lead

How Women Invest

How Women Give

Instagram - HWL

LinkedIn - HWL

Facebook - HWL

Ever wondered what keeps board members up at night, beyond just the financial spreadsheets? Today we’re diving into the complex world of corporate governance in the digital age with Dottie Schindlinger, Executive Director of the Diligent Institute. In this conversation, Dottie unpacks the critical issues facing modern boards, from AI ethics and climate leadership to the ever-evolving landscape of cyber risk and the looming potential of quantum computing. This week’s episode 171 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about corporate governance in the digital age!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Dottie Schindlinger is sharing the importance of corporate boards addressing climate change and other major issues and actionable steps you can take right now to continue to educate yourself as a board member.

Dottie Schindlinger is the Executive Director of the Diligent Institute, the independent corporate governance research arm and think tank of Diligent Corporation. The Diligent Institute informs, educates, and connects leaders to champion governance excellence by providing cutting-edge research on the most pressing issues of corporate governance and offering certifications and educational programs that equip leaders with the knowledge and credentials needed to guide their organizations through existential challenges. Dottie also hosts The Corporate Director Podcast.

Some of the talking points Julie and Dottie go over in this episode include:

• Dottie’s journey into the world of corporate governance and building BoardEffect.
• Issues likely to be discussed in boardrooms over the next few years, including quantum computing.
• The three main jobs of a board: insight, oversight, and foresight.
• The importance of board chairs building strategic partnerships with their CEOs and fostering trust and goodwill.

Don’t forget to check out Dottie’s book Governance in the Digital Age: A Guide for the Modern Corporate Board Director!

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast

CONNECT WITH DOTTIE SCHINDLINGER:

LinkedIn

X (formerly Twitter)

Diligent Institute

CONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:

LinkedIn - Julie

How Women Lead

How Women Invest

How Women Give

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Ever wondered what it truly takes to shatter glass ceilings and secure a seat at the corporate boardroom table? In this powerful episode, we dive deep into the journey of Kimberley Goode, Senior Advisor at BMO Financial Group as she unravels the strategies, challenges, and triumphs of women navigating the path to board leadership. This conversation offers invaluable insights and actionable steps for anyone aspiring to make a significant impact in the world of corporate governance and beyond. This week’s episode 170 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about preparing women for corporate boards!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Kimberley Goode shares the importance of networking before you’re ready to be on a board and actionable steps you can take right now to prepare yourself for your search for a board seat.

Kimberley Goode is Senior Advisor at BMO Financial Group and a board director at Providence Health Plan. She is a leader with passion for stakeholder engagement strategies, integrated communication, reputation management, brand building, corporate social responsibility, culture, diversity and inclusion. Kimberley has been recognized on the Most Influential Women in Bay Area Business list by the San Francisco Business Times, as one of the Most Influential Blacks in Corporate America by Savoy magazine, and many others.

Some of the talking points Julie and Kimberley go over in this episode include:

• Utilizing board readiness classes and opportunities to prepare you for board service when the time is right.
• The importance of relationships and accountability in board service.
• Prioritizing board service based on stage and season of life.
• The need for diverse perspectives on boards to avoid recreating institutional biases in the changing world.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast

CONNECT WITH KIMBERLEY GOODE:

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CONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:

LinkedIn - Julie

How Women Lead

How Women Invest

How Women Give

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Ready to shatter the glass ceiling of venture investing? Let’s dive deep into the transformative world of women-led investments. In this episode of How Women Inspire, Amy Dawson and Alissa Livingston unpack the stark reality that women control 52% of wealth yet receive only 2% of venture funding - and why that's about to change. With candid insights, personal stories, and a roadmap for getting started, this conversation is a rallying cry for women to step into their financial potential, challenge traditional investment narratives, and create meaningful economic impact. This week’s episode 169 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about how women investors are changing the venture investing landscape!

This episode was created in partnership with the Nasdaq Foundation. Together, we are working to educate, inspire, and engage women from diverse backgrounds on venture investing and entrepreneurship. Did you know that only 2% of venture funding goes to women-led companies? Together, we are working to show that women are the new face of venture investing.

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Amy Dawson and Alissa Livingston are sharing the importance of approaching investing as a community and actionable steps you can take right now to overcome your internal roadblocks keeping you from investing.

Alissa Livingston is the AVP of Finance Strategies & Initiatives at Saks Global. When she's not using data to analyze new business opportunities, she's taking trapeze lessons or traveling with her two children. Alissa received a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Northwestern University in Chicago, and an MBA from Columbia Business School in the City of New York. She's spent time in Technology Consulting, Investment Banking, and Luxury Retail.

Amy Dawson is a product executive with over 20 years of experience in transforming visions into successful commercial ventures. She excels at identifying product-market fit, developing bundled solutions, scaling new product development from concept to profitability, and driving cross-functional execution for sustainable growth. Amy also serves as a board member for How Women Lead.

Some of the talking points Amy and Alissa go over in this episode include:

• The benefits of learning together, the welcoming and collaborative nature of the venture ecosystem.
• How seeing other women successfully invest can inspire you to confront your investing fears.
• Using your investing journey to teach the next generation about financial literacy and establishing new norms in investing.
• The personal satisfaction and impact of supporting women founders who address issues affecting women and society.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast

CONNECT WITH ALISSA LIVINGSTON:

LinkedIn

CONNECT WITH AMY DAWSON:

LinkedIn

CONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:

LinkedIn - Julie

How Women Lead

How Women Invest

How Women Give

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Are you ready to unlock the secrets to financial empowerment and strategic vision? Today’s episode features a dynamic conversation with Anne Myong, a global transformational leader and operating partner at How Women Invest. Join Julie Castro Abrams as they delve into the critical aspects of financial intelligence, portfolio decisions, and building wealth, specifically tailored for women investors. Anne shares her remarkable journey from Fortune 100 boardrooms to startup success, offering invaluable insights on navigating economic cycles, leveraging compounding interest, and making impactful investment choices. Get ready to elevate your financial acumen and gain the strategic perspective needed to achieve your investment goals and create lasting financial freedom. This week’s episode 168 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about financial intelligence and strategic vision for women investors!

This episode was created in partnership with the Nasdaq Foundation. Together, we are working to educate, inspire, and engage women from diverse backgrounds on venture investing and entrepreneurship. Did you know that only 2% of venture funding goes to women-led companies? Together, we are working to show that women are the new face of venture investing.

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Anne Myong is sharing the importance of starting your investing journey early and actionable steps you can take right now to have financial conversations with your kids to impact them for a lifetime.

Anne Myong is a board member, investor, and advisor to eCommerce, medical device, technology, social media, AI, and retail organizations on finance, audit, mergers & acquisitions, business development, and corporate governance. Anne is on the board of Align Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: ALGN), Audit Committee Chairperson, a SEC-qualified financial expert, and a member of the Compensation and Human Capital Committee. From 2016-2022, she was a Board Director, Treasurer, and Chairperson of the Audit and Finance Committees of Goodwill Industries International, a $6B donated goods retail and workforce development non-profit organization.

Some of the talking points Julie and Anne go over in this episode include:

• Opportunities for women to start investing, even with small amounts, and exploring venture capital as an investment class.
• How women can educate themselves about finance and investing.
• Anne’s leadership experience across countries and companies.
• Building wealth and long-term financial strategies.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast

CONNECT WITH ANNE MYONG:

LinkedIn

CONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:

LinkedIn - Julie

How Women Lead

How Women Invest

How Women Give

Instagram - HWL

LinkedIn - HWL

Facebook - HWL

Feeling overwhelmed by the world of investing? You're not alone! Today, we take a dive deep into demystifying financial planning and wealth building with Julianne Averill, an extraordinary CFO, investor, and board advisor. Julianne shares her journey from a music major to a financial powerhouse, revealing accessible strategies for everyone—from those starting with a small windfall to seasoned professionals looking to diversify their portfolios. Get ready to learn practical tips on automation, risk management, and how to confidently step into your investment power, no matter your experience level. This week’s episode 167 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about automation, venture capital, and wealth building!

This episode was created in partnership with the Nasdaq Foundation. Together, we are working to educate, inspire, and engage women from diverse backgrounds on venture investing and entrepreneurship. Did you know that only 2% of venture funding goes to women-led companies? Together, we are working to show that women are the new face of venture investing.

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julianne Averill is sharing the importance of setting long-term investment plans and actionable steps you can take right now to simplify your investing journey.

Julianne Averill is a healthcare AI executive, strategic CFO, and board leader with 20+ years of experience scaling digital health and biopharma companies, driving billions in capital raises and M\&A. She advises boards and investors on strategy, leveraging her expertise in digital transformation, CPA, SHRM-CP, GenAI, and board certification (NACD.DC). Currently, she is Audit Committee Chair for CureSearch, Operating Advisor to How Women Invest, and Managing Director at Danforth Advisors, leading growth in the SF/West Coast market and serving as interim CFO for late-stage companies, advising on IPOs and capital markets transactions. Her prior leadership roles include finance and strategy at global institutions and venture-backed companies across banking, techbio, and health tech.

Some of the talking points Julie and Julianne go over in this episode include:

• Julianne’s definition of success in investing and investment journey.
• Automating your investments for your busy life.
• Starting small and other advice for beginner investors.
• Setting up and dividing your investment “buckets” based on your income.

Remember, you have what it takes to start making knowledgable investments for your future, and you don’t need a lot of money to get started!

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast

CONNECT WITH JULIANNE AVERILL:

LinkedIn

CONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:

LinkedIn - Julie

How Women Lead

How Women Invest

How Women Give

Instagram - HWL

LinkedIn - HWL

Facebook - HWL