Heroine

Today’s episode features writer, women’s advocate, and tech entrepreneur Kathryn Finney. Named one of the most influential women in tech by Inc Magazine, she’s the Founder and Managing Director of digitalundivided, which fosters economic growth by empowering black and latina women entrepreneurs.More about this episode: majomolfino.com/blog/2018/4/4/something-more-with-kathryn-finneyKathryn talks about the courage required to find your tribe and take a leap when you feel there’s more out there for you. From her travels to Ghana during the height of the AIDS epidemic and deciding to become an epidemiologist, to starting one of the first fashion blogs and changing up all of her plans, Kathryn shares how she’s dealt with fear and challenges on her path to figuring out what she wants most out of life.Show Notes:-Kathryn as a little girl: Business savvy from a young age, she learned the value and power of making her own money. Plus, the examples of entrepreneurship that had an impact on her growing up. [1:58] -Challenges during her formative years, and Kathryn’s inspiring message on finding your own tribe and having the courage to take a leap. [7:42] -Her first trip to Ghana on a college fellowship, the humbling experience of contracting malaria, and how it all inspired her work. [13:35]-Her thesis on how the HIV AIDS virus impacted violence against women in South Africa, deciding to become an epidemiologist, and the events that changed her trajectory. [19:20] -Reaching a crossroads: Kathryn’s insights on sacrifice vs decision, and figuring out what you really want out of life. [24:20]-How Kathryn found herself running a non-profit organization and starting an influential blog. [30:35]-On teaching herself how to make money from her blog before there was a clear path to doing it, landing a book deal, and how Kathryn compartmentalizes fear. [35:50]-The TV deal she almost went through with: Realizing it wasn’t what she wanted, what she learned, and how she handled the backlash. [39:51]-The movement that emerged for Kathryn as a result of attending conferences and realizing there were so few women who looked like her. [49:53]-What Kathryn has reclaimed on her heroine’s journey. [55:58]References:Majo's website – majomolfino.comKathryn's website – kathrynfinney.comCheck out digitalundivided – digitalundivided.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.

Jasmine Aarons is the founder of VOZ – an ethical fashion company with a mission to protect and promote the stories, livelihoods, and cultural values of rural indigenous women around the world. Jasmine has spent years working with artisans in South America, creating a collaborative design model with an inspiring ethical and sustainable vision.More about this episode: http://majomolfino.com/blog/2018/3/21/passion-ethics-with-jasmine-aaronsIn this episode, Jasmine shares her journey to becoming a founder, taking us through the moments in her life where she wanted to give up, but didn’t. She talks about the “blessing” of being a novice, and shares key insights and moments of growth as a founder.Show Notes:-A precocious, creative little girl with an old soul: Jasmine’s childhood, plus the challenges she faced in her teens. [2:20]-How theater and performance saved her in high school, and how that training has aided her throughout her life. [7:26]-“It has never felt easy, but I’m willing to show up”: On Jasmine’s college years, being shameless about having a weakness, and the moments where she wanted to give up but didn’t. [9:20]-On the thesis that was the seed for her work today – Jasmine’s passion for culture and concern for ethical systems, and the inspiring mission behind VOZ. [12:45]-The journey to Chile that changed her life, and Jasmine’s insights on what it takes to be a founder. [19:10]-On dealing with the peaks and valleys of founder life, how the vision behind VOZ has grown, and Jasmine’s passion for celebrating feminine leadership and women’s stories. [26:35]-How VOZ champions sustainability, connection, and authenticity, and what feminine leadership means to Jasmine. Bonus: An inspiring story about one of VOZ’s artisans. [30:48]References:Majo's website – majomolfino.comLearn more about VOZ and their vision – madebyvoz.com/Music 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.

Jasmine Aarons is the founder of VOZ – an ethical fashion company with a mission to protect and promote the stories, livelihoods, and cultural values of rural indigenous women around the world. Jasmine has spent years working with artisans in South America, creating a collaborative design model with an inspiring ethical and sustainable vision.More about this episode: http://majomolfino.com/blog/2018/3/21/passion-ethics-with-jasmine-aaronsIn this episode, Jasmine shares her journey to becoming a founder, taking us through the moments in her life where she wanted to give up, but didn’t. She talks about the “blessing” of being a novice, and shares key insights and moments of growth as a founder.Show Notes:-A precocious, creative little girl with an old soul: Jasmine’s childhood, plus the challenges she faced in her teens. [2:20]-How theater and performance saved her in high school, and how that training has aided her throughout her life. [7:26]-“It has never felt easy, but I’m willing to show up”: On Jasmine’s college years, being shameless about having a weakness, and the moments where she wanted to give up but didn’t. [9:20]-On the thesis that was the seed for her work today – Jasmine’s passion for culture and concern for ethical systems, and the inspiring mission behind VOZ. [12:45]-The journey to Chile that changed her life, and Jasmine’s insights on what it takes to be a founder. [19:10]-On dealing with the peaks and valleys of founder life, how the vision behind VOZ has grown, and Jasmine’s passion for celebrating feminine leadership and women’s stories. [26:35]-How VOZ champions sustainability, connection, and authenticity, and what feminine leadership means to Jasmine. Bonus: An inspiring story about one of VOZ’s artisans. [30:48]References:Majo's website – majomolfino.comLearn more about VOZ and their vision – madebyvoz.com/Music 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.

We’re kicking off the new season with two returning guests. Elle Luna is a SF based artist and author, and Susie Herrick is a licensed therapist with over twenty years of experience. Together, they have co-authored a new and timely book: Your Story is Your Power, Free Your Feminine Voice.More about this episode: majomolfino.com/blog/2018/3/7/your-story-is-your-power-with-elle-luna-susie-herrickIn this episode, they dive into the idea of taking back our stories as women. Elle and Susie explain what this means, why it matters, and how to get started. They share beautiful insights on bringing into awareness the conditioning and cultural messages hidden in our subconscious that affect us, and also teach us about the Enneagram, a powerful personality typology that will help you see your ego defenses more clearly.Show Notes:-What Elle and Susie were like as little girls. [3:02]-The stories and fairytales that capture us when we’re young, and how these apply when starting to look at our own stories. [5:19]-Our journeys as a labyrinth – spiraling into the center of our own stories, and bringing into awareness the hidden cultural messages that affect us. [9:22]-Bringing things into consciousness: “When a person has a coherent narrative, they have more capacity for relating to others.” [13:50]-On enneagrams, personality typologies, and what can be discovered about our growth and aspects of the self. [17:35]-Elle shares how she found and approached the center of her story. [28:39]-On feminine leadership and power, tending and befriending, and overcoming the fears that underlie our innate tendencies. [33:53]-Susie shares a beautiful, personal passage from their book. [43:16]References:Majo's website – majomolfino.comElle's website – elleluna.comSusie's website – susieherrick.comFind their book, Your Story is Your Power - workman.com/products/your-story-is-your-powerMusic 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.

We’re kicking off the new season with two returning guests. Elle Luna is a SF based artist and author, and Susie Herrick is a licensed therapist with over twenty years of experience. Together, they have co-authored a new and timely book: Your Story is Your Power, Free Your Feminine Voice.More about this episode: majomolfino.com/blog/2018/3/7/your-story-is-your-power-with-elle-luna-susie-herrickIn this episode, they dive into the idea of taking back our stories as women. Elle and Susie explain what this means, why it matters, and how to get started. They share beautiful insights on bringing into awareness the conditioning and cultural messages hidden in our subconscious that affect us, and also teach us about the Enneagram, a powerful personality typology that will help you see your ego defenses more clearly.Show Notes:-What Elle and Susie were like as little girls. [3:02]-The stories and fairytales that capture us when we’re young, and how these apply when starting to look at our own stories. [5:19]-Our journeys as a labyrinth – spiraling into the center of our own stories, and bringing into awareness the hidden cultural messages that affect us. [9:22]-Bringing things into consciousness: “When a person has a coherent narrative, they have more capacity for relating to others.” [13:50]-On enneagrams, personality typologies, and what can be discovered about our growth and aspects of the self. [17:35]-Elle shares how she found and approached the center of her story. [28:39]-On feminine leadership and power, tending and befriending, and overcoming the fears that underlie our innate tendencies. [33:53]-Susie shares a beautiful, personal passage from their book. [43:16]References:Majo's website – majomolfino.comElle's website – elleluna.comSusie's website – susieherrick.comFind their book, Your Story is Your Power - workman.com/products/your-story-is-your-powerMusic 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.

Welcome to HEROINE, so glad you’re here with us. I’m your host Majo Molfino. What is this show all about? HEROINE features leading female experts and authors in creativity, leadership, business, feminism, and personal growth about their own journeys and what they’ve learned along the way. I’ve had the pleasure to interview Award-Winning Artists, New York Times Best-Sellers, CEOs and Execs – you name it. These women are legends, Badasses, Rule-Breakers, Risk-Takers. Women from all backgrounds and walks of life who are changing the world with their ideas and stories. Show notes:- Interview snippets with Isabel Allende, Eileen Fisher, and Luvvie Ajayii - Website: majomolfino.com/podcast

Welcome to HEROINE, so glad you’re here with us. I’m your host Majo Molfino. What is this show all about? HEROINE features leading female experts and authors in creativity, leadership, business, feminism, and personal growth about their own journeys and what they’ve learned along the way. I’ve had the pleasure to interview Award-Winning Artists, New York Times Best-Sellers, CEOs and Execs – you name it. These women are legends, Badasses, Rule-Breakers, Risk-Takers. Women from all backgrounds and walks of life who are changing the world with their ideas and stories. Show notes:- Interview snippets with Isabel Allende, Eileen Fisher, and Luvvie Ajayii - Website: majomolfino.com/podcast

Claudia Chan is a leadership expert, social entrepreneur, and founder of S.H.E. Summit, an annual conference that celebrates women’s leadership and gender equality. She’s also the author of the newly released book, This Is How We Rise.More about this episode: majomolfino.com/blog/2018/1/28/clarity-service-with-claudia-chanClaudia hit a breaking point in her thirties that led her down the path of “waking up” to what she truly felt passionate about. In this episode, she offers a framing of leadership where both men and women work together toward gender equality, and gets honest about the obstacles she’s still working on today. You’ll also learn her unique toolkit for reacting effectively when meltdowns arise.Show Notes:-Claudia as a little girl: Strong-minded and confident, the daughter of Chinese immigrants, and eager to become an adult. [2:20]-On her early desires to achieve success and prestige, the strides she made after graduating college, and internalizing her surrounding culture that seemed focused on material wealth. [8:02]-Claudia’s breaking point: “Waking up” to a life of purpose, and the steps she took to grow spiritually and as a leader. [12:39]-A new trajectory focused on caring about women’s issues and gender equality, and the crazy momentum women have right now in this “4th wave” of feminism. [19:23]-Inviting men into the conversation: How Claudia and her husband divide and conquer as co-CEOs of their family and life. [26:09]-Getting honest about how she takes care of herself while “doing it all” – Claudia dives into her book, sharing her strategies and tools. [33:10]-The internal obstacles Claudia’s still working on today, and her final words of wisdom. [37:51]References:Majo's website – majomolfino.comClaudia's website – shesummit.com/founderS.H.E. Summit – shesummit.comThis Is How We Rise – shesummit.com/bookMusic 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.

Claudia Chan is a leadership expert, social entrepreneur, and founder of S.H.E. Summit, an annual conference that celebrates women’s leadership and gender equality. She’s also the author of the newly released book, This Is How We Rise.More about this episode: majomolfino.com/blog/2018/1/28/clarity-service-with-claudia-chanClaudia hit a breaking point in her thirties that led her down the path of “waking up” to what she truly felt passionate about. In this episode, she offers a framing of leadership where both men and women work together toward gender equality, and gets honest about the obstacles she’s still working on today. You’ll also learn her unique toolkit for reacting effectively when meltdowns arise.Show Notes:-Claudia as a little girl: Strong-minded and confident, the daughter of Chinese immigrants, and eager to become an adult. [2:20]-On her early desires to achieve success and prestige, the strides she made after graduating college, and internalizing her surrounding culture that seemed focused on material wealth. [8:02]-Claudia’s breaking point: “Waking up” to a life of purpose, and the steps she took to grow spiritually and as a leader. [12:39]-A new trajectory focused on caring about women’s issues and gender equality, and the crazy momentum women have right now in this “4th wave” of feminism. [19:23]-Inviting men into the conversation: How Claudia and her husband divide and conquer as co-CEOs of their family and life. [26:09]-Getting honest about how she takes care of herself while “doing it all” – Claudia dives into her book, sharing her strategies and tools. [33:10]-The internal obstacles Claudia’s still working on today, and her final words of wisdom. [37:51]References:Majo's website – majomolfino.comClaudia's website – shesummit.com/founderS.H.E. Summit – shesummit.comThis Is How We Rise – shesummit.com/bookMusic 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.

Do you ever rely on your intuition when you’re at a crossroads? Today’s guest has trusted in this power for most of her life, and it’s led her to where she is today. Joy Harjo is a poet, musician, and author, and an inspiring female figure among Native American artists and the broader poetry community. More about this episode: majomolfino.com/blog/2018/1/28/poetry-listening-with-joy-harjoJoy hit a major crossroads while taking her pre-med courses, where she had to decide whether to follow the more conventional path or commit herself to what she truly felt connected to. You’ll love her profound insights on the importance of listening and following your “inner knowing”, along with her tips for self-renewal and honoring your creative side. Show Notes:-What Joy was like as a little girl, how she coped with the unique challenges within her family, and the important relationship she built with her ancestors. [2:20]-After music was literally taken away from her, the chance to attend an American Indian art school “saved her life”. [8:54] -On the challenges Joy faced as a young wife and mother, and her process of building a better life for herself. [12:30]-How she reconnected with art and started writing while attending medical school. [15:53]-“I know beyond knowing that this is the path I’m supposed to take.” How Joy found the courage to follow poetry. [21:06]-On connecting to your intuition (or “the knowing”), listening to the voices of your ancestors and your own spirit, and resisting the conventional path. [24:04]-How Joy stays fluid while creating/performing across a range of artistic mediums. [29:30]-Joy’s tips for paying attention to your creative impulses and making time for them. [32:50]-Joy shares about the importance of learning to listen, changing your beliefs to open up what’s possible, and picking up the saxophone at forty. [36:38]-“Perhaps the world ends here.” Joy closes by reading one of her gorgeous poems. [40:29]References:Majo's website – majomolfino.comJoy's website – joyharjo.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.

Do you ever rely on your intuition when you’re at a crossroads? Today’s guest has trusted in this power for most of her life, and it’s led her to where she is today. Joy Harjo is a poet, musician, and author, and an inspiring female figure among Native American artists and the broader poetry community. More about this episode: majomolfino.com/blog/2018/1/28/poetry-listening-with-joy-harjoJoy hit a major crossroads while taking her pre-med courses, where she had to decide whether to follow the more conventional path or commit herself to what she truly felt connected to. You’ll love her profound insights on the importance of listening and following your “inner knowing”, along with her tips for self-renewal and honoring your creative side. Show Notes:-What Joy was like as a little girl, how she coped with the unique challenges within her family, and the important relationship she built with her ancestors. [2:20]-After music was literally taken away from her, the chance to attend an American Indian art school “saved her life”. [8:54] -On the challenges Joy faced as a young wife and mother, and her process of building a better life for herself. [12:30]-How she reconnected with art and started writing while attending medical school. [15:53]-“I know beyond knowing that this is the path I’m supposed to take.” How Joy found the courage to follow poetry. [21:06]-On connecting to your intuition (or “the knowing”), listening to the voices of your ancestors and your own spirit, and resisting the conventional path. [24:04]-How Joy stays fluid while creating/performing across a range of artistic mediums. [29:30]-Joy’s tips for paying attention to your creative impulses and making time for them. [32:50]-Joy shares about the importance of learning to listen, changing your beliefs to open up what’s possible, and picking up the saxophone at forty. [36:38]-“Perhaps the world ends here.” Joy closes by reading one of her gorgeous poems. [40:29]References:Majo's website – majomolfino.comJoy's website – joyharjo.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.

A quick announcement about our holiday schedule so you know what to expect the rest of the season. As we take this short break, we invite you to explore our database of 70+ incredible, empowering interviews. Wishing you all a beautiful and happy Thanksgiving next week!Would you like to see future episodes in the coming year and continue to be inspired? You can now support the show directly for as little as the price of a cup of coffee. We're so close to our goal!Support the show & sign up for rewards at https://www.patreon.com/heroinefm

A quick announcement about our holiday schedule so you know what to expect the rest of the season. As we take this short break, we invite you to explore our database of 70+ incredible, empowering interviews. Wishing you all a beautiful and happy Thanksgiving next week!Would you like to see future episodes in the coming year and continue to be inspired? You can now support the show directly for as little as the price of a cup of coffee. We're so close to our goal!Support the show & sign up for rewards at https://www.patreon.com/heroinefm

Erin Benzakein is one of the nation’s leading farmer-florists and the founder of Floret Farms. Her recent book, Cut Flower Garden published by Chronicle Books, will teach you how to grow and cut your own seasonal blooms.More about this episode: majomolfino.com/blog/2018/1/28/creative-analytical-with-erin-benzakeinIn this episode, Erin shares what she’s learned about the importance of leveraging rules and structure, while making space for creativity and beauty. She is a great example of balancing feminine and masculine traits, following your intuition, and listening to the whispers of your inner voice. As a bonus, you’ll also learn about the magic of flowers.Show Notes:-On being an anxious and curious little girl, her love for growing things from an early age, and her dream of her own “little plot of land”. [2:17]-Dropping out of high school as an angry teen who couldn’t see a future for herself. [6:59]-Starting a family at a young age, always taking the path less traveled, and her lifelong struggle of listening to her inner voice. [11:31]-How a book inspired Erin to leave the city and start living her dream, and the beautiful partnership she has with her husband. [14:30]-Erin’s biggest challenges starting out. [18:33]-When things really started to click, and the fears Erin had to push up against along the way. [21:36] -How not liking to feel “held back” has fueled her love for learning and figuring things out on her own. [28:34]-“It’s okay to fail”: Erin’s insights on failure as a prerequisite for success. [31:51]-On the balance between the feminine/creative side and the masculine/business side. [34:14]-The importance of making space for creativity to grow and thrive, the magic of flowers, and what Erin has reclaimed for herself on her journey. [38:51]References:Majo's website – majomolfino.comLearn more about Erin and Floret Farms – www.floretflowers.comGet her book, Cut Flower Garden – chroniclebooks.com/titles/floret-farm-s-cut-flower-garden.htmlMusic 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.

Erin Benzakein is one of the nation’s leading farmer-florists and the founder of Floret Farms. Her recent book, Cut Flower Garden published by Chronicle Books, will teach you how to grow and cut your own seasonal blooms.More about this episode: majomolfino.com/blog/2018/1/28/creative-analytical-with-erin-benzakeinIn this episode, Erin shares what she’s learned about the importance of leveraging rules and structure, while making space for creativity and beauty. She is a great example of balancing feminine and masculine traits, following your intuition, and listening to the whispers of your inner voice. As a bonus, you’ll also learn about the magic of flowers.Show Notes:-On being an anxious and curious little girl, her love for growing things from an early age, and her dream of her own “little plot of land”. [2:17]-Dropping out of high school as an angry teen who couldn’t see a future for herself. [6:59]-Starting a family at a young age, always taking the path less traveled, and her lifelong struggle of listening to her inner voice. [11:31]-How a book inspired Erin to leave the city and start living her dream, and the beautiful partnership she has with her husband. [14:30]-Erin’s biggest challenges starting out. [18:33]-When things really started to click, and the fears Erin had to push up against along the way. [21:36] -How not liking to feel “held back” has fueled her love for learning and figuring things out on her own. [28:34]-“It’s okay to fail”: Erin’s insights on failure as a prerequisite for success. [31:51]-On the balance between the feminine/creative side and the masculine/business side. [34:14]-The importance of making space for creativity to grow and thrive, the magic of flowers, and what Erin has reclaimed for herself on her journey. [38:51]References:Majo's website – majomolfino.comLearn more about Erin and Floret Farms – www.floretflowers.comGet her book, Cut Flower Garden – chroniclebooks.com/titles/floret-farm-s-cut-flower-garden.htmlMusic 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.