ConvHERsation: Recent Episodes
Gina Simeone
Welcome to the ConvHERsation! A podcast for and about women in business. The trend of women in business is growing every day. Over the last 20 years, more women have started their own businesses than ever before and the amount of women who have risen up the corporate ladder to a VP or C-suite position in their company has significantly increased. The dream of women holding a large presence in the business world is finally a reality…and we aren’t going anywhere. Catch up on Season 1, and Season is now streaming. Subscribe Below! Follow us on Instagram at @theconvHERsation. Interested in being a guest the ConvHERsation, email us at talk@convHERsation.com or visit Linktre.ee/convHERsation.
The ConvHERsation welcomes Kendra Petty. Kendra is a woman who has succeeded in an all-male industry, becoming an Executive Vice President at two firms in the Parking Industry. Kendra is a dynamic public speaker, powerful negotiator, and dealmaker. In this episode, we discuss her rise up the corporate ladder, and how she came to write her memoir, I Can't Believe I'm Not Dead. Throughout her life, she has experienced an unimaginable amount of trauma and tragedy. Have you ever wanted to give up? Kendra has, but she didn't. She overcame insurmountable odds and created a life she loves. Keep going, and don't quit. Tune in as we talk to her about how she became a successful business woman in a male dominated industry, escaped murder, and her interactions with Snoop Dogg.
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The ConvHERsation welcomes Christina O'Leary. In a recent transition from Director of Communications at Bedrock 360 Media Productions to Business Development, she has gone back to her roots and will be leveraging her expertise to grow the B360 business. Christina talks about how she followed her vision and passion to create a company with her team as she imagined, with the support from colleagues and her employer.
Christina, a mother of 3, created her own legacy. One of empowerment and innovation, and inspiring individuals to reach their potential at any level. Tune in as we talk to her about marketing in the healthcare industry, her career path, and how it's never too late to reinvent yourself.
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The ConvHERsation welcomes Porsha Johnson from Allegiance Trucks in Connecticut. With over 9 Years of experience with customer service in the Trucking Industry, Porsha gives new meaning to the saying, keep on truckin'. In a male dominated industry, Porsha has made a name for herself in the Trucking world, and shares her journey with us. She talks to us about the challenges she has faced, including unimaginable losses, and how she was able to pick herself back up and continue to dominate in her career, and her life.
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The ConvHERsation welcomes Christen Sachs, an award winning real estate broker and entrepreneur that leads the Jersey Shore Nest Seekers location. She has disrupted the Jersey Shore market with her trendy and unique take on marketing real estate. Christen is recognized as a top real estate broker in New Jersey, and believes that everyone deserves a luxury experience when buying or selling real estate.
On this episode, we talk to Christen about her rise to success through marketing herself and her business, as well as how to attract the clients you want by going the extra mile.
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The ConvHERsation welcomes Stacy DiStefano, a long-time non-profit human services executive with extensive experience as a mental health clinician, business strategist, and operations leader in Philadelphia. In 2021, Ms. DiStefano launched Consulting for Human Services with a desire to weave market trends and visionary thinking into tactical guidance to serve her clients. She is also a member of the organization Chief, a membership network focused on connecting and supporting women executive leaders.
In this episode, Stacy dives into how to set a positive tone for yourself professionally and personally to drive success. You have a choice with how you walk through life and the people you surround yourself with. If you tolerate substandard behaviors in your career and your personal life, that is what you will get. Know the worth and value of yourself and your business, set your expectations, and don't settle for anything less than you deserve.
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The ConvHERsation welcomes Dr. Stephanie Wigner is the founder and owner of Circle of Life Chiropractic at the Jersey Shore. She is a multi passionate entrepreneur who loves helping women live more abundant and aligned lives. She started her career as a pediatric and pregnancy focused chiropractor with two locations on the Jersey Shore. Outside of health and wellness, she consults other small business owners on how to uniquely scale and market their businesses.
On this episode of the ConvHERsation, we dive into all the details of chiropractic care for adults, children and infants. We discuss the benefits, risk factors, and how chiropractic care can help families gain back their health while teaching them how to lead more holistic lives.
If you live in the Jersey Shore area, you can visit circleoflifechironj.com to schedule an appointment with Dr. Wigner
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- Visit all guests of the ConvHERsation at Linktr.ee/convHERsation
- Follow Us on Instagram @theconvHERsation
- Interested in being a guest? Email talk@convhersation.com
Thanks for being a part of the ConvHERsation
The ConvHERsation welcomes Pamela A. Major. She is the creator and founder of Melia Bloom, a lifestyle services company that empowers people, places, and purpose. Major has a profound belief that in taking the adventure to grow we can always have the delight and opportunity to be better. Major is a dynamic speaker, author, playwright, storyteller, and empowerment coach. On this episode of the ConvHERsation, she chats with us about how stopping the stigmas people face today in the business world can break down barriers, and help us grow. We need to come together to create awareness through diversity and inclusion, along with mental health, and talk openly, educate ourselves, and share facts. She tells us how she started her business Melia Bloom, and how the use of Social Media helped.
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- Visit all guests of the ConvHERsation at Linktr.ee/convHERsation
- Follow Us on Instagram @theconvHERsation
- Interested in being a guest? Email talk@convhersation.com
Thanks for being a part of the ConvHERsation
Nicholle Overkamp, MBA, ChFC®, CDFA® is a personal finance expert and business coach for women. She’s the Founder and CEO of Wilcox Financial Group and PowHERhouse Money Coaching. On this episode of the ConvHERsation, Nicholle talks to us about how to be in control of your money, and your financial future. In a male-dominated field, Nicholle shares valuable insights on how to be a confident woman with your money-making decisions.
Nicholle is the Co-author of the best-selling book Money Bitch: A no BS guide for smart women to own their financial future.
For 20% off our courses use the code POWHERPODCAST20. Check them out here: https://powherhousemoney.com/online-courses-for-your-money-and-business-goals/
Follow the ConvHERsation!
- Visit all guests of the ConvHERsation at Linktr.ee/convHERsation
- Follow Us on Instagram @theconvHERsation
- Interested in being a guest? Email talk@convhersation.com
Thanks for being a part of the ConvHERsation
The ConvHERsation welcomes Peg Wright. Peg has served as President and CEO of The Center for Great Expectations since 1998, when she founded The Center to assist pregnant women, and adolescents in “breaking the cycle” of homelessness, abuse, and addiction. Through CGE’s foundational Trauma C.A.R.E.© model and evidence-based approaches, The Center provides client-centered treatment for the best possible outcomes for both parent and child. She talks to us about how important a trauma-informed healing approach is when treating substance use and addiction.
Peg manages over 115 employees, and her commitment to providing the most impactful programming has supported an innovative clinical approach, resulting in programs that address underlying traumas and focus on building self-esteem, life skills, and the critical relationship between mother and child.
Stay in Touch!
- Visit all guests of the ConvHERsation at Linktr.ee/convHERsation
- Follow Us on Instagram @theconvHERsation
- Interested in being a guest? Email talk@convhersation.com
Thanks for being a part of the ConvHERsation
The ConvHERsation welcomes inventor and entrepreneur Wanda Toro Turini. Wanda spent 16 years creating first-in-market solutions for multi-billion dollar companies before turning her focus and creativity to helping fellow entrepreneurs.
Wanda is the inventor of Ketchwords.com, which many consider the gold standard lead generation tool for experts who love to share their knowledge with audiences. She also founded Rock-It Fuel, which is the strategy behind Ketchwords. Using her own technology, Wanda was able to customize and deliver highly personalized content to audiences which grew her leads exponentially. Her lead generation platform became the cornerstone of her consulting business and helped her grow her revenue to over $4.2 million. Now she is helping others do the same.
On this episode of ConvHERsation, Wanda will share with us how to use Ketchwords.com to capture highly qualified leads and maximize ROI from speaking engagements and interactions with audiences.
It’s time to turn over a new lead…generation platform. Learn how to capture and leverage new leads to increase your profits and ROI. You don’t want to miss this!
Special Offer: Text TEACH2LEADS to 411321 to receive “Transform Your Talk Into A Lead Gen Machine” and future expert tips on mastering every physical and digital appearance.
Stay in Touch!
- Visit all guests of the ConvHERsation at Linktr.ee/convHERsation
- Follow Us on Instagram @theconvHERsation
- Interested in being a guest? Email talk@convhersation.com
Thanks for being a part of the ConvHERsation
In this episode of the ConvHERsation, we talk to Dr. Tara Chalakani, Chief Executive Officer at Preferred Behavioral Health Group, a trauma-informed organization, headquartered in New Jersey.
Dr. Tara’s extensive experience in health care, and more specifically, behavioral health care, spans over three decades. She has devoted much of her career to the mental health crisis in America among children and adults. Dr. Tara is passionate about educating and helping others heal from trauma. She emphasizes the impact trauma has on the brain, emotions, and relationships. She is an advocate and champion of women, and their success in all domains of life, and welcomes opportunities to promote and mentor them.
Stay in Touch!
- Visit all guests of the ConvHERsation at Linktr.ee/convHERsation
- Follow Us on Instagram @theconvHERsation
- Interested in being a guest? Email talk@convhersation.com
Thanks for being a part of the ConvHERsation
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, and on this episode of the ConvHERsation we speak to Beauty Consultant Entrepreur Cissy Carroll, who is living with Stage 4 Lung Cancer. Cissy was given an expiration date, with a 1% chance to live 5 years. Seven years later, she continues to defy the odds. She tells us how she quit her corporate job, started and grew her Beauty Business on Social Media, and how attitude and perseverance are the keys to success in business, and in life.
Visit our LinkTr.ee/ConvHERsation to get 20% off Beauty Society Products and Follow Cissy on Instagram at @CissyCarroll
Visit all guests of the ConvHERsation at Linktr.ee/convHERsation
Alex Scot is a certified & trauma-informed healing & dating coach, as well as the founder of three coaching programs — The Worthy Woman Accelerator, Healing Heart Hackers & Ready, Set, Swipe! After growing up in a narcissistically abusive environment, Alex learned as an adult how significantly those past wounds affected her romantic relationships. In this episode of the ConvHERsation, we explore trauma-informed therapy vs. talk therapy, and the warning signs of narcissistic behavior. Alex shares how she built her business on Tik Tok and Instagram, and the story of her infamous hat.
Visit all guests of the ConvHERsation at Linktr.ee/convHERsation
Celebrity Makeup and Hair Artist, Christina Flach, is the creator and CEO of Pretty Girl Makeup. Her work is inspired by her love of beauty, fashion, music, and art, and she channels these passions into her goal of making her client look and feel beautiful on the inside and out. Christina was married to professional tennis player Ken Flach up to his death after a brief bout of sepsis in 2018. Since then, Christina has been dedicated to raising public awareness of the danger of sepsis, and has partnered with Sepsis Alliance to produce awareness campaigns highlighting Ken’s story.
On this inspiring episode of the ConvHERsation, Christina talks to us about how she looks at the world through a positive lens, builds her businesses, and how she found her new normal after experiencing trauma.
Visit prettygirlmakeup.com and put in the code prettygirl to receive 25% off your order.
Visit all guests of the ConvHERsation at Linktr.ee/convHERsation
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and what better way to kick off Season 3 of the ConvHERsation than to talk to Paige Woodward, RN, MSN, ANP-BC, a Nurse Practitioner in Oncology. Paige is the Founder of Functional Cancer Care, a virtual health consulting practice focused on providing cancer patients with a functional and integrative approach to their care and helping to guide them through the complex journey that is cancer.
In this episode, we talk about the importance of getting your mammograms and self checks, as well as what to expect if you or a loved one is diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Dr. Woodward provides valuable information, as well as tips for patients and care-givers. She has joined forces with Jennifer Rai, PT to build the Cancer Coach Collective www.cancercoachcollective.com It is a platform designed to offer a variety of options to fit your lifestyle including live webinars with top-notch speakers, office hours, virtual exercise classes, and a library of resources. Exclusive to ConvHERsation listeners, they are offering a FREE 30 trial. Enter 30FREE at check-out.
Terry Lyons is the managing partner at Lyons & Associates P.C. Family Law Firm. She is the best-selling author of " Sticks and Stones, Life Lessons from a Lawyer", former State Supreme Court Clerk, and an Adoptive and Foster Parent to New Jersey's abused and neglected youth.
Terry joins the ConvHERsation to talk about the Millenial Mentality: what is it and how can it be leveraged to your company's advantage? Plus, we dive into the ins and outs of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. All that and more on this week’s ConvHERsation!
Amy Hebdon is a Google Ads conversion expert and the founder and managing director of the Premier Google Partner agency Paid Search Magic. Since 2004, she's managed Google Ads for clients, and provides them with training. Her articles have been published in Search Engine Journal, Search Engine Land, Unbounce, PPC Hero, Supermetrics, and more. Amy is also a speaker for SMX (Search Marketing Expo). Amy joins the ConvHERsation and talks to us about why having an expert help you with your Paid Search Marketing is so important, as well as tips and tricks for public speaking in person and virtually.
Emmy Award-winning reporter and news anchor Jen Maxfield has seen just about everything in her more than two decades on the air. But what happens after a story is reported, once the cameras are turned off? Jen just released her book MORE AFTER THE BREAK: Where a Reporter Returns to Ten Unforgettable News Stories. Maxfield revisits stories that have been transformative for the subjects and have also changed her life. She introduces readers to people whose hopefulness and perseverance, even when these individuals were, and are, confronting life’s greatest heartbreaks, will inspire.
Jen talks to us about how being a reporter has impacted her life, and the impact she has had on the lives of others. Her book is now available anywhere books are sold, and you can visit jenmaxfield.com to get information about her book signing tour.
Jasmine Lawrence is the Founder of EDEN BodyWorks. Devastated by the harsh chemical products, 11-year-old Jasmine sought to develop her own solution to losing most of her hair. Jasmine used her allowance and love of math and science to create a hair oil to help regrow her hair. At the age of 13, Jasmine founded EDEN BodyWorks to share her creations with the world and meet the need for affordable, natural hair and body care products that really work. Jasmine also serves as a Senior Product Manager at Everyday Robots, a project from X, the moonshot factory, where they are building a new type of learning robot.
On the ConvHERsation, she shares her motivating story, and discusses the importance of self-care and living your best life. You don't want to miss this!
Lauren Gilchrist is the Managing Director of Research for Longfellow Real Estate Partners, the largest privately-held life sciences commercial real estate developer in the United States. In this episode of the ConvHERsation, Lauren takes us through her journey of navigating the commercial real estate industry as a woman, along with a discussion about what women wear in the workplace, and the impact. After a gentleman called "foul" on her pink boots, Lauren tells us the story of how her pink shoes went viral.
Julie Charlestein is a fourth-generation CEO and president of Premier Dental, a global dental development, and manufacturing company. As a driver of inspired solutions for dentistry, Julie brings her entrepreneurial spirit to innovate cutting-edge solutions for today's dentists and their patients. Driving the industry forward, Julie was voted one of The Top 25 Most Influential Women in Dentistry by Dental Products Report. In this episode, she talks to us about the importance of a smile, your overall oral health, as well as her journey to becoming the first woman CEO of this family-run business.
We have all heard the phrase, "Fake it until you make it." In this week's episode of the ConvHERsation, we talk to Abbey Valdez, the Business Development Manager at BuildPro Construction, a full-service contracting firm in Texas & NJ. She takes us through her professional journey of going from the makeup industry to Construction, and how important it is to have confidence in yourself and your business. She also gives us the hottest trends in home decor.
Merri Sheh, Founder/Owner of En Masse Coworking, joins the ConvHERsation to us about how she created a coworking space that makes you feel like you are at home. Many companies were unexpectedly forced to adapt to remote work due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Now, these same businesses are seeing high levels of productivity from their work-from-home employees and they are abanding commercial buildings and opting for coworking spaces to save money and create a hybrid environment for their employees. Tune in to hear about the new revolution of coworking.
Are you looking to reduce your sugar intake? Does alcohol play a part in how many calories and sugar you consume? What if we told you that you can enjoy your favorite cocktail without all the guilt. Ani Del Valle, the Co-Founder of RSVP Skinnies talks to us about their new product, a zero-calorie, zero sugar-flavored powder. Enjoy Margaritas, Moscow Mules, Paloma, and many more flavors that you can add to your drink without the added sugar, aspartame, and chemicals. Join us as we talk to Ani about why she created RSVP Skinnies and the zero sugar movement.
Kim Spagnulo is the Director of Marketing and Communications at LAZ Parking where she leads their national marketing initiatives and marketing strategy. With ten years in the Marketing Industry, Kim talks to us about how LAZ Parking developed innovative technology to stay ahead of the curve in a touch-less world. Kim discusses LAZ's new Women in Parking Initiative with the development of Amplify, a group designed to empower women in the parking industry.
Kristie Veri is the co-founder of Cleanscape Construction, a leading general contractor and maintenance company serving NJ since 2006. Cleanscape is a certified MWBE corporation and specializes in commercial and residential construction, including new builds and renovations. Kristie talks to us about the latest trends in renovations, and how she reinvented herself into the successful businesswoman she is today.
Heather Gallagher is the Vice President of Business Development at Boston National Title Company. Her job is to find clients who need Title Insurance, Residential or Commercial- nationwide. With hundreds of Title companies to choose from, Heather had to create and build her personal brand to set herself apart from the competition. Tune in as we discuss how she built her brand, why it is important to have one, and tips on creating your own. Heather prides herself on connecting her clients to help them grow their businesses. Follow her at @heatherconnects
Connie Pizarro is a Certified Senior Advisor whose passion is helping people. She owns 3 franchises of Oasis Senior Advisors in Central Jersey working with Seniors to help them find placement. This allows her to marry her passion with her career. She is able to help meet a tremendous need that is currently lacking in their community, that of maintaining the dignity and quality of life that our seniors deserve.
In this episode, Connie talks to us about how she transitioned from Corporate Banking to a Senior Advisor after she spent time as a caretaker for her mother-in-law. She sought out a career coach to help her turn her passion into a career.
Networking is BACK! In this episode, Nicole Guzzardi, Entrepreneur and founder of the NJ Women's Networking Group, The Committee NJ, talks to us about how to connect with people and leave your fears behind. By leveraging people who know more than you, you can advance your career with the guidance of a mentor. Nicole’s path to success may have started late but she is living proof that it’s never too late to build an empire. Currently, she makes her living as an independent real estate investor buying, rehabbing and reselling properties all over New Jersey.
Damianne Albee has been working for Varsity All-Star since the early 2000's. During her tenure, she has held over 10 positions with the company, and battled her way up the ladder to the VP of International Operations. Once she got her seat at the table, Damianne has made her mark in the Cheerleading Industry, and continues to be a dominate female business leader. Tune into the ConvHERsation as she takes us through her journey, the importance of knowing your worth, and how she did whatever it took to get there.
Clelia Pergola is the COO of The Goldberg Elder Law Group and Author of the "The Law Firm Revolution." Clelia’s mission is to support caregivers and help them rise above the frustrating and emotional responsibilities they have in their families and communities. She is also passionate about empowering women to juggle life’s challenges and find true happiness. In this episode, she talks to us about how using your voice to stand up for what you believe in, can truly make a difference. In her book, The Law Firm Revolution, she talks about her efforts to change the current Law Firm Model as it stands today.
Monica Martinez Milan is an Entrepreneur, owning several businesses with her husband. Born in Newark, NJ and a 1st generation child of immigrants, she can relate to the challenges that many business owners face today. After a couple decades in the corporate world, and a survivor of an almost crippling Lyme's Disease, she decided to leave corporate America, and opened Stumpy’s Hatchet House in Green Brook with her husband (and 2 young children). Her dream was to offer a space that allows all people to relieve stress and forget about their everyday worries.
In this episode of the ConvHERsation, Monica takes us through her journey, and focuses on how we are in charge of our successes, and the importance of giving back. In the wake of adversity, she persevered to be in the position she is today, which is a bad ass Latina Woman Business owner.
Jessica Agate was the Editor of a travel publication, and while her friends told her she had the best job in the world, she longed for something more. Being her own boss was a lifelong dream. Fourteen years ago, the Cleaning Diva was born. Creating a positive company culture for her employees in the cleaning business is her number one priority, as well as giving back.
After facing multiple family and friends battle Breast Cancer, Jessica and the Cleaning Diva are taking this October to recognize the Breast Cancer Survivors in our life from the New Jersey Area by doing a giveaway every day in October. To nominate your loved one, please visit @NJCleaningDiva.
Does buying a car stress you out? Are you worried about being taken advantage of during the process? Car Expert Lori DiPasquale is the CEO & Founder of Title Key Cash, a company designed to empower people to become confident car buyers. In this episode, she gives useful tips and teaches you how to walk into a dealership with confidence. And if you want, she can take the entire car buying experience off your plate as well. You don't want to miss this episode!
Jessica Rose is a Pop/Country Artist based out of New Jersey and Nashville, TN. Jessica learned to sing and play the guitar at a young age, and since then has been pursuing her dream of becoming a star. Building her own brand in the local arena and on Social Media, she navigates the tumultuous waters of a digital era in an extremely competitive industry, with a smile on her face. Tune in as Jessica talks to us about her experiences, and how she will continue to do whatever it takes to achieve her goals.
Jessica releases music on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and YouTube. She also performs regularly at the Jersey Shore and Nashville, TN. Follow her on Social Media at @realjessicarose
After being told she was never going to rise the corporate ladder because she was a woman, Christine Nichlos founded People Science, a Talent Acquisition Firm. Twenty-four years later, they are a powerhouse agency that works with clients such as Facebook, Comcast, and The Red Cross. Recruiting has become a balancing act and understanding the science of it all is how they "make talent acquisition better." Tune in as Christine and Lindsey Roundtree talk about the journey to starting People Science, and what it takes to continue to be a dominant force in Corporate America.
Meghan Tarmey launched her golf caddying and event staffing agency, The Caddy Group, in 2007, which has now been running 13 years strong and has expanded all over the US. They were featured on the hit ABC award-winning show Shark Tank in 2014.
Meghan is an entrepreneur and an advocate for women's golf. Making her mark in what used to be a male-dominant sport, she introduces us to female caddies who are trained in the fundamentals of caddying and provides free golf clinics for females.
In the second episode of the ConvHERsation, Meghan tells us about her path of persistence, and how believing in her dream lead her to where she is today. Additionally, she launched a non-profit, FAM (Females Aiding in Mentorship) which aims to inspire young women to grow, mentor and influence others through giving back.
Over the past twelve years, Kayla George, the Chief Marketing Officer of JAG-ONE Physical Therapy has developed a strategic marketing approach that has successfully positioned JAG-ONE PT as an industry leader in a competitive marketplace. In the inaugural episode of the ConvHERsation, Kayla talks to us about her journey with JAG-ONE PT, how she stood out, and achieved success by growing the business to over 80 locations in 3 states. A soon-to-be mom of three, Kayla navigates the waters of the corporate world while juggling a family. How does she do it all? Tune in to find out.