In the dynamic world of startups, securing venture capital is often a critical step towards scaling a business. However, for female founders, this journey can be fraught with additional challenges due to biases and stereotypes.

Our guests in this episode are Tülin Tokatli and Hale Yildiz from Pitch Me First and they discussed the challenges faced by female founders in the venture capital industry. They highlighted the low percentage of funding received by female-led startups and the biases and cultural barriers they encounter during the fundraising process. They also explained the importance of increasing diversity in VC teams and suggested measures such as prioritizing female-led teams and promoting visibility for female founders.

Click here for show notes and resources mentioned in this episode.

Have you ever felt held back from pursuing your dreams or potential due to beliefs about your own abilities? You're not alone.

In today’s episode, psychologist Carolina Nikaedo explains how we form self-limiting beliefs from a young age and shares strategies to overcome them. She also dives deep into neuroplasticity - the brain's ability to form new connections. Through a focused effort to bring beliefs to consciousness, to take space and engage rational thinking, and to intentionally replace negative thoughts, we can "rewire" our brains.

It's not easy to overcome deeply ingrained beliefs, but it is possible with neuroplasticity. With awareness, intention and practice strengthening new neural pathways over time, neuroplasticity allows us to reshape our self-image and overcome what once felt like fixed limitations. Because our abilities are not predetermined - there is always room for growth.


Click here for show notes and resources mentioned in this episode.

Ageism, the discrimination or prejudice against individuals based on their age, remains a pervasive issue in today's workplaces. Recent studies reveal that nearly 65% of workers have experienced age-based discrimination at some point in their careers.

In today’s episode Avivah Wittenberg-Cox, a thought leader in gender and generational balance and a CEO of 20-first, discusses the four phases of women’s careers and the overlaps between gender and age. Avivah also highlights the need for companies to leverage the talent and potential of older workers in the 21st century because embracing age diversity isn't just about compliance or meeting quotas; it's about unlocking the full potential of every employee and creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute their best.

Click here for show notes and resources mentioned in this episode.

Authenticity isn't just a buzzword—it's the cornerstone of building meaningful professional relationships, nurturing a strong brand reputation, and ultimately achieving lasting success. In a world where polished LinkedIn profiles and perfectly curated Instagram feeds can sometimes overshadow genuine connections, join us in this episode to discover the importance of staying true to yourself in every business interaction.

At the same time, no matter how many accolades we add to our resumes or LinkedIn profiles, many of us battle with that nagging feeling of not being "enough." Imposter Syndrome sneaks in, whispering doubts and fears that can hold us back from reaching our full potential.

In today’s episode Sophie Mathur, a Mergers and Acquisitions lawyer and Corporate Partner at Linklaters shares her story of success as well as her insights and practical strategies to not only overcome Imposter Syndrome but also to thrive authentically in your professional journey.

Because at the end of the day, it's our human experiences and connections that truly define success.

Click here for show notes and resources mentioned in this episode

In this episode, we're privileged to sit down with Mr. Gilles Roth, the Minister of Finance in Luxembourg. With a wealth of experience in both finance and politics, Mr. Roth offers unique insights into Luxembourg's pivotal role in global finance and its commitment to sustainable and inclusive financial practices.

Join us as we explore Luxembourg's journey to becoming a cornerstone of international finance within the European Union, the challenges and opportunities of sustainable finance, and the initiatives driving gender diversity and inclusion in the financial sector.

Topics covered in this episode:

• Luxembourg's position in global finance
• Importance of competitiveness, attractiveness, and legislative modernization to sustain Luxembourg's financial prominence
• Challenges in sustainable finance, including regulatory complexities and data compliance
• Acknowledgment of gender disparities in finance and initiatives to foster women's involvement.
• Women in Finance Charter and its impact on gender diversity within companies.
• Discussion on the Gender Finance Task Force
• Reiteration of commitment to promoting gender finance and diversity globally.
  
  

In this episode, Danielle Di Martino, CEO and chief strategist at QI Research, delves into the critical importance of financial literacy and inclusion. Drawing from her own journey, Danielle highlights the underrepresentation of women in finance and stresses the necessity of empowering them through financial education.

Topics covered in this episode:

• Importance of financial literacy and inclusion
• Gender disparities in finance
• Challenges and advice for women in finance
• Promoting financial literacy through accessible resources
• Educating young people about money management
• Advocacy for incorporating financial literacy into school curricula

Connect with Danielle on Twitter and make sure you take a look at her new book Fed Up: An Insider's Take on Why the Federal Reserve is Bad for America

At the heart of every organization lies the human element—their values, aspirations, and stories. It is in embracing and nurturing this humanity that true leadership and organizational excellence emerge.

In this episode of KnowThyBrand, Pascal Viscor, an entrepreneur, storyteller, and strategist, shares his insights into the significance of purpose and vision for companies. The conversation covered the transformative potential of authentic storytelling, the essence of cultivating trust within organizational cultures, and the importance of aligning values with actions.

Topics covered in this episode include:

• Importance of Enthusiasm and Resilience in Business Development
• Building Authenticity and Trust in Organizational Culture
• The Role of Leadership in Fostering Inclusivity
• The Evolution of Organizational Culture
• Reflecting on the Progress and Future Direction of Organizational Culture

Find out more about Pascal and his work.

Ever wondered how many business cards you've handed out recently? For most, it's a fleeting exchange, a mere formality in the whirlwind of networking. But for Martine Bosch, founder of Ecofluent, each business card is a statement—an embodiment of sustainability, innovation, and the power of conscious consumption.

In a world where disposable culture reigns supreme, Martine's approach challenges the norm and inspires us to rethink the way we connect and consume. Her unique business card, crafted from repurposed cardboard, make it evident that there is something remarkable about her and her mission.

Topics covered in this episode include:

• Introduction to the concept of responsible consumption
• Reducing, reusing, and repairing items over constant buying and throwing away
• Consumer power in driving change through purchasing decisions
• Fast fashion and the need for sustainable alternatives
• The importance of individual action and collective advocacy
• Circular design as a key element in transitioning to a sustainable economy
• Advocating for policy changes to support sustainable practices
• The necessity of embracing responsible consumption for a sustainable future

Find out more about Martine and her amazing work!