Heroine

Today’s episode features writer, artist, and designer Ash Huang. Her essays have appeared in FastCompany, Offscreen Mag, and Lean Out. Her novel, The Firesteel, won first place in the Writer’s Digest Self-Published eBook Awards. An early designer at Twitter and Pinterest, and currently at Adobe, Ash has also been her own boss over the years, giving her unique career insights to share.More about this episode: majomolfino.com/blog/2018/1/28/keep-going-with-ash-huangAlong with the ups and downs of her personal journey, Ash talks about the importance of knowing the rules (and how they’re subjective), the paradox of structure, and what it means to be free in your work. If you’re a multi-passionate creative, Ash offers encouraging wisdom on changing things up.Show Notes:-Ash growing up: A creative girl who talked to animals, dealing with feelings of “otherness”, and her desire for unique self-expression. [1:57]-On loving her college years, graduating at the height of the recession, and her struggle to find a job. [6:30]-Ash’s insights on following the rules, and her growing desire to be more free in her work. [11:22]-The ups and downs of getting started as a freelancer. [15:57]-On working at Twitter in its early days. [19:12]-Learning about product design at Pinterest, and the onslaught of illness that forced her to step back and reevaluate her path. [23:49]-Ash’s reflections on cultural rewards, fighting against the system, and figuring out her authentic process. [29:23]-“My first brush with real art…” On writing her novel, The Firesteel, and departing from the Good Girl archetype. [34:08]-On Ash’s transition from freelance to Adobe, and the unsexy sexiness of having structure. [40:29]-On being multi-passionate and changing a lot through her twenties, and Ash’s final words of wisdom. [45:15]References:Majo's website – majomolfino.comAsh’s website – ashsmash.comSponsor:TuneIn – tunein.comMusic by Carolyn Pennypacker Riggs – carolynpennypackerriggs.comWant to support women's voices? Go to patreon.com/heroinefm & become a bigger part of the Heroine community. Check out our rewards for supporters.

The new fall season kicks off with Aminatou Sow, host of the Call Your Girlfriend podcast where she discusses all things pop culture, politics, and feminism with her long-distance best friend. A fierce boss lady, digital powerhouse, and writer, Aminatou has been named in Forbes 30 Under 30 in Tech and amongst Women to Watch by KQED Arts. More about this episode: majomolfino.com/blog/2018/1/28/road-to-independence-with-aminatou-sowIn this episode, Aminatou shares about being raised in a conservative Muslim family and her experience immigrating to the U.S. From working at a toy store when she had no other prospects, to becoming her own boss and a well-known podcast host, Aminatou has excellent advice for creative women working full-time who want to become more independent and level up in their leadership. Show Notes:-Aminatou’s childhood: Growing up in Nigeria in a conservative Muslim family that emphasized intellectual curiosity. [1:25]-Thoughts on her high school days, being a feminist, and wanting to live in America. [4:30]-College years and the pressure to achieve as a child of immigrants. [7:28]-The unexpected death of her mom, what she learned, and how she moved on. [14:10]-Living in Belgium and DC, struggling to find a job amidst the obstacles of being an immigrant, and the job that taught her humility. [15:30]-Landing her first “real” job… and then the recession hit – how panic and anxiety turned to hustle. [21:09]-How Aminatou redefined her path after being granted asylum and built a solid digital PR resume. [27:33]-How the Call Your Girlfriend podcast got started. [30:32]-The “weird ride” to becoming her own boss and Aminatou’s insights on the long game. [35:17]-Aminatou’s advice to women working full-time who want to level up in their leadership and gain more independence. [40:03]References:Majo's website – majomolfino.comCall Your Girlfriend – callyourgirlfriend.comMusic by Carolyn Pennypacker Riggs – carolynpennypackerriggs.comWant to support women's voices? Go to patreon.com/heroinefm & become a bigger part of the Heroine community. Check out our rewards for supporters

The new fall season kicks off with Aminatou Sow, host of the Call Your Girlfriend podcast where she discusses all things pop culture, politics, and feminism with her long-distance best friend. A fierce boss lady, digital powerhouse, and writer, Aminatou has been named in Forbes 30 Under 30 in Tech and amongst Women to Watch by KQED Arts. More about this episode: majomolfino.com/blog/2018/1/28/road-to-independence-with-aminatou-sowIn this episode, Aminatou shares about being raised in a conservative Muslim family and her experience immigrating to the U.S. From working at a toy store when she had no other prospects, to becoming her own boss and a well-known podcast host, Aminatou has excellent advice for creative women working full-time who want to become more independent and level up in their leadership. Show Notes:-Aminatou’s childhood: Growing up in Nigeria in a conservative Muslim family that emphasized intellectual curiosity. [1:25]-Thoughts on her high school days, being a feminist, and wanting to live in America. [4:30]-College years and the pressure to achieve as a child of immigrants. [7:28]-The unexpected death of her mom, what she learned, and how she moved on. [14:10]-Living in Belgium and DC, struggling to find a job amidst the obstacles of being an immigrant, and the job that taught her humility. [15:30]-Landing her first “real” job… and then the recession hit – how panic and anxiety turned to hustle. [21:09]-How Aminatou redefined her path after being granted asylum and built a solid digital PR resume. [27:33]-How the Call Your Girlfriend podcast got started. [30:32]-The “weird ride” to becoming her own boss and Aminatou’s insights on the long game. [35:17]-Aminatou’s advice to women working full-time who want to level up in their leadership and gain more independence. [40:03]References:Majo's website – majomolfino.comCall Your Girlfriend – callyourgirlfriend.comMusic by Carolyn Pennypacker Riggs – carolynpennypackerriggs.comWant to support women's voices? Go to patreon.com/heroinefm & become a bigger part of the Heroine community. Check out our rewards for supporters

New Fall Season kicks off Thursday, September 7!You're in store for more amazing interviews featuring the real journeys of inspiring heroines.But don't wait for the season to start – connect with us now! Join us for Heroine's first Live Q&A call on Thursday, August 31. Go to http://www.heroine.fm/call to register. Ask a question, participate a little or a lot, or just listen in! Our lead host Majo will be sharing tips & insights on starting Heroine that you can apply to your own projects and ideas. Followed by a Q&A where you can ask her anything! Register at http://www.heroine.fm/call

New Fall Season kicks off Thursday, September 7!You're in store for more amazing interviews featuring the real journeys of inspiring heroines.But don't wait for the season to start – connect with us now! Join us for Heroine's first Live Q&A call on Thursday, August 31. Go to http://www.heroine.fm/call to register. Ask a question, participate a little or a lot, or just listen in! Our lead host Majo will be sharing tips & insights on starting Heroine that you can apply to your own projects and ideas. Followed by a Q&A where you can ask her anything! Register at http://www.heroine.fm/call

In today’s bonus episode, Majo speaks with Kim Chambers, one of the world’s best marathon swimmers and the sixth person to complete the ultimate open water challenge “Oceans Seven.” She also set a world record as the first woman to swim thirty miles to the Farallon Islands through one of the largest concentration of great white sharks. Surprisingly, Kim only discovered swimming a few years ago.A daughter of farmers and a ballerina for many years, Kim talks about the value of learning discipline and a strong work ethic, and shares about the accident that changed her life – setting her on a new life course. Her journey reveals what’s possible when you choose to jump into the deep end and follow your bliss.Show Notes:-On growing up on a farm in New Zealand, dancing ballet, and how Kim learned tenacity at a young age. [1:32]-Defining moments from adolescence: Attending an all-girls school, witnessing the death of a friend, and more. [6:20]-Kim talks about the impact of travelling a lot with her family, and studying Human Computer Interaction at Berkeley. [12:15] -The perks of classical training and discipline, plus how having a routine sets a strong foundation. [18:32]-Becoming a “completely different person in the last ten years”: Kim shares about the accident that nearly required the amputation of her leg (and how it was the best thing that could have happened to her). [22:54]-On her newfound desire for freedom, feeling drawn to the water, and getting started as a swimmer. [29:58]-Kim’s relationship to water: Making friends with dolphins, talking to sea lions, feeling spiritual connections with islands, and swimming with great white sharks. [34:29]-How Kim relates to fear, her most challenging swims, and her advice to other women wanting to take a new leap. [42:15]References: Check out Kim's adventures at http://kimswims.com/Music by Lucia Lilikoi – lucia.bandcamp.comGo to http://www.heroine.fm/survey and give us your feedback on the show so we can continue to delight you with Heroine – Receive an audio training on the Inner Critic as a gift in return!

In today’s bonus episode, Majo speaks with Kim Chambers, one of the world’s best marathon swimmers and the sixth person to complete the ultimate open water challenge “Oceans Seven.” She also set a world record as the first woman to swim thirty miles to the Farallon Islands through one of the largest concentration of great white sharks. Surprisingly, Kim only discovered swimming a few years ago.A daughter of farmers and a ballerina for many years, Kim talks about the value of learning discipline and a strong work ethic, and shares about the accident that changed her life – setting her on a new life course. Her journey reveals what’s possible when you choose to jump into the deep end and follow your bliss.Show Notes:-On growing up on a farm in New Zealand, dancing ballet, and how Kim learned tenacity at a young age. [1:32]-Defining moments from adolescence: Attending an all-girls school, witnessing the death of a friend, and more. [6:20]-Kim talks about the impact of travelling a lot with her family, and studying Human Computer Interaction at Berkeley. [12:15] -The perks of classical training and discipline, plus how having a routine sets a strong foundation. [18:32]-Becoming a “completely different person in the last ten years”: Kim shares about the accident that nearly required the amputation of her leg (and how it was the best thing that could have happened to her). [22:54]-On her newfound desire for freedom, feeling drawn to the water, and getting started as a swimmer. [29:58]-Kim’s relationship to water: Making friends with dolphins, talking to sea lions, feeling spiritual connections with islands, and swimming with great white sharks. [34:29]-How Kim relates to fear, her most challenging swims, and her advice to other women wanting to take a new leap. [42:15]References: Check out Kim's adventures at http://kimswims.com/Music by Lucia Lilikoi – lucia.bandcamp.comGo to http://www.heroine.fm/survey and give us your feedback on the show so we can continue to delight you with Heroine – Receive an audio training on the Inner Critic as a gift in return!

A few months ago our host Majo attended a live conversation at the Women’s Building between SF-based activist Lateefah Simon and Gloria Steinem, who became nationally recognized as a leader and spokeswoman for the feminist movement in the late 60s and early 70s. She’s been an inspiration to generations of women who want to live life on their own terms. This episode is a compilation of some of the most interesting moments from the historic conversation, with Majo weaving in and out to provide context and insights. As a woman who’s been around the block and long-engaged in social and political activism, Gloria has powerful wisdom to share on the topics of feminism, sex, race, our current political climate, and how we can have an impact. Show Notes:-Introducing Lateefah and Gloria, and the setting for this historic conversation. [0:00]-Defining feminism. [2:34]-Gloria weighs in on why white, married women voted for Trump, and talks about the ways in which our minds are colonized. [4:48]-“If we look up, we feel disempowered. Look at each other.” [9:39]-Using empathy to design solutions: A story about sex-trafficking in Zambia. [14:34]-Gloria’s advice for affecting change and making an impact. [18:57] References:The Women's Building – https://womensbuilding.org/Gloria Steinem – http://www.gloriasteinem.com/Akonadi Foundation – https://akonadi.org/94.1 KPFA – https://kpfa.org/Music by Lucia Lilikoi – lucia.bandcamp.comGo to http://www.heroine.fm/survey and give us your feedback on the show so we can continue to delight you with Heroine – Receive an audio training on the Inner Critic as a gift in return!

A few months ago our host Majo attended a live conversation at the Women’s Building between SF-based activist Lateefah Simon and Gloria Steinem, who became nationally recognized as a leader and spokeswoman for the feminist movement in the late 60s and early 70s. She’s been an inspiration to generations of women who want to live life on their own terms. This episode is a compilation of some of the most interesting moments from the historic conversation, with Majo weaving in and out to provide context and insights. As a woman who’s been around the block and long-engaged in social and political activism, Gloria has powerful wisdom to share on the topics of feminism, sex, race, our current political climate, and how we can have an impact. Show Notes:-Introducing Lateefah and Gloria, and the setting for this historic conversation. [0:00]-Defining feminism. [2:34]-Gloria weighs in on why white, married women voted for Trump, and talks about the ways in which our minds are colonized. [4:48]-“If we look up, we feel disempowered. Look at each other.” [9:39]-Using empathy to design solutions: A story about sex-trafficking in Zambia. [14:34]-Gloria’s advice for affecting change and making an impact. [18:57] References:The Women's Building – https://womensbuilding.org/Gloria Steinem – http://www.gloriasteinem.com/Akonadi Foundation – https://akonadi.org/94.1 KPFA – https://kpfa.org/Music by Lucia Lilikoi – lucia.bandcamp.comGo to http://www.heroine.fm/survey and give us your feedback on the show so we can continue to delight you with Heroine – Receive an audio training on the Inner Critic as a gift in return!

A quick reminder about our summer schedule & feedback survey.Go to http://www.heroine.fm/survey and give us your feedback so we can continue to delight you with Heroine. We want to hear from you!In return, we'll send you an audio training on the inner critic — it's a win-win!

A quick reminder about our summer schedule & feedback survey.Go to http://www.heroine.fm/survey and give us your feedback so we can continue to delight you with Heroine. We want to hear from you!In return, we'll send you an audio training on the inner critic — it's a win-win!

Today’s bonus episode features Jenna Bott, Art Director for the Sheryl Sandberg & Dave Goldberg Family Foundation, who worked on the visual identity for Sheryl Sandberg’s new book Option B.Amidst holding down full-time jobs and having three children, Jenna shares how she came to call herself a designer over a decade of freelance projects, working at a small agency, and landing clients like Lean In. She also talks about dealing with rejection and imposter syndrome, and what it means to be “paid to learn.” For anyone looking to bridge into what they really want to do, Jenna has fantastic insights and advice to offer. Show Notes:-Jenna growing up: A “visually particular” tomboy who didn’t identify as an artist. [2:32]-How she felt a strong pull to the arts in college, but went in a completely different direction, plus her one creative outlet and the job that sparked her love for design. [6:55]-Jenna shares the pivotal motivation and insights that came after a crushing rejection. [10:28]-On her decision to switch things up after becoming pregnant, and the internal challenges around embracing herself as a designer that she had to get over. [14:08]-Growing her freelance business while working full-time with three kids... how this hustle phase paid off when Jenna landed Lean In as a client. [19:59]Persevering through self-doubt by trusting her inner voice, plus great advice from one of Jenna’s mentors. [23:18]-On being in process and still figuring things out, and how she approached her work on Option B. [27:57]-Majo and Jenna discuss Sheryl and her new book: Her goal to normalize the conversation around grief, making it okay to talk about, and the importance of knowing how to comfort others. [31:51]-What Jenna has learned from her work on Option B, and her final words of wisdom. [34:40]References:Option B – https://optionb.org/Get the book – https://optionb.org/bookSheryl Sandberg & Dave Goldberg Family Foundation – https://sgfamilyfoundation.org/Music by Lucia Lilikoi – lucia.bandcamp.comGo to http://www.heroine.fm/survey and give us your feedback on the show so we can continue to delight you with Heroine – Receive an audio training on the Inner Critic as a gift in return!

Today’s bonus episode features Jenna Bott, Art Director for the Sheryl Sandberg & Dave Goldberg Family Foundation, who worked on the visual identity for Sheryl Sandberg’s new book Option B.Amidst holding down full-time jobs and having three children, Jenna shares how she came to call herself a designer over a decade of freelance projects, working at a small agency, and landing clients like Lean In. She also talks about dealing with rejection and imposter syndrome, and what it means to be “paid to learn.” For anyone looking to bridge into what they really want to do, Jenna has fantastic insights and advice to offer. Show Notes:-Jenna growing up: A “visually particular” tomboy who didn’t identify as an artist. [2:32]-How she felt a strong pull to the arts in college, but went in a completely different direction, plus her one creative outlet and the job that sparked her love for design. [6:55]-Jenna shares the pivotal motivation and insights that came after a crushing rejection. [10:28]-On her decision to switch things up after becoming pregnant, and the internal challenges around embracing herself as a designer that she had to get over. [14:08]-Growing her freelance business while working full-time with three kids... how this hustle phase paid off when Jenna landed Lean In as a client. [19:59]Persevering through self-doubt by trusting her inner voice, plus great advice from one of Jenna’s mentors. [23:18]-On being in process and still figuring things out, and how she approached her work on Option B. [27:57]-Majo and Jenna discuss Sheryl and her new book: Her goal to normalize the conversation around grief, making it okay to talk about, and the importance of knowing how to comfort others. [31:51]-What Jenna has learned from her work on Option B, and her final words of wisdom. [34:40]References:Option B – https://optionb.org/Get the book – https://optionb.org/bookSheryl Sandberg & Dave Goldberg Family Foundation – https://sgfamilyfoundation.org/Music by Lucia Lilikoi – lucia.bandcamp.comGo to http://www.heroine.fm/survey and give us your feedback on the show so we can continue to delight you with Heroine – Receive an audio training on the Inner Critic as a gift in return!

Go to http://www.heroine.fm/survey and give us your feedback so we can continue to delight you with Heroine. We want to hear from you!In return, you'll receive an audio training on the inner critic — it's a win-win!

Go to http://www.heroine.fm/survey and give us your feedback so we can continue to delight you with Heroine. We want to hear from you!In return, you'll receive an audio training on the inner critic — it's a win-win!