Folgen

  • From Calling to Impact: Choosing the Nonprofit Path to Make a Difference with Alexis Ramsey

    From Calling to Impact: Choosing the Nonprofit Path to Make a Difference with Alexis Ramsey
    Feb 22 2026
    Have you ever felt an inner pull to do something more meaningful—but didn’t know where to start?

    On this episode of Smart Women Talk, we’re joined by Alexis Ramsey, CEO of We Care Foster Care, for a powerful conversation about purpose, service, and choosing impact over comfort.

    Alexis shares how her global career in education led her back home—and into nonprofit leadership—where she’s working to break the foster care–to–prison cycle and change lives through education, housing, and workforce development.

    If you’re in midlife and feeling the nudge to step into something bigger, this episode will meet you right where you are.
    You’ll hear:
    • How a lifelong commitment to education led Alexis to foster care advocacy
    • Why midlife is often the moment purpose gets louder
    • The hard truths about nonprofit leadership (yes, it’s still a business)
    • What it takes to break the foster care–to–prison pipeline
    • Why fear isn’t a stop sign—it’s part of the path

    If you’ve ever wanted your money to reflect what matters most to you, this episode is a must-listen.

    Alexis Ramsey is the CEO and Executive Director of We Care Foster Care, where she leads efforts to support youth in foster care through education, stability, and long-term opportunity.

    An educator for more than 25 years, Alexis began her career in Detroit Public Schools before spending two decades teaching internationally in Malawi, Africa; Beijing, China; and Hanoi, Vietnam. Her work abroad included roles with USAID, the United Nations International School, and multiple international schools, serving students from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.

    Throughout her career, Alexis has helped write two national curricula and has remained deeply committed to a child’s right to quality education. Her work centers on the belief that education must support the whole child—academically, emotionally, and socially—and serve as a foundation for breaking cycles of poverty and instability.

    Connect with Alexis at WeCareFosterCare.org.
    Mehr anzeigen Weniger anzeigen
    27 Min.
  • How Anyone Can Invest in the Change They Want to See in the World with Marcia Dawood

    How Anyone Can Invest in the Change They Want to See in the World with Marcia Dawood
    Feb 8 2026
    What if your money could do more than sit in a retirement account?

    This month on Smart Women Talk, we’re joined by Marcia Dawood, global leader in angel investing and author of Doing Good While Doing Well, for a conversation that will completely change how you think about investing.

    Marcia breaks down what angel investing actually is (no finance degree required), why women are uniquely wired to be exceptional investors, and how anyone—yes, even with as little as $100—can invest in ideas, founders, and innovations they care about.

    You’ll learn:
    • What angel investing really means (and how it’s different from Shark Tank)
    • Why women founders receive only ~2% of venture capital—and how that can change
    • How to start investing with your values, not just your wallet
    • Creative ways to invest using donor-advised funds, IRAs, and equity crowdfunding
    • Simple, low-risk first steps to explore this world without feeling overwhelmed
    If you’ve ever wanted your money to reflect what matters most to you, this episode is a must-listen.

    Marcia Dawood is an early-stage investor and national leader in expanding women’s access to capital, now championing a bold new message with her forthcoming book, Unapologetic Wealth: Rewrite Your Money Story from Any Beginning (March 10, 2026).

    As Chair of the SEC’s Small Business Capital Formation Advisory Committee, a venture partner with Mindshift Capital, and chair emeritus of the Angel Capital Association, she has helped rewrite the rules of who gets to build and benefit from innovation.

    She founded the ACA’s Growing Women’s Capital Group and has invested in more than 50 early-stage companies and funds, always pushing for diversity, impact, and financial agency. Marcia is also the award-winning author of Do Good While Doing Well and a TEDx speaker whose work inspires women to step into wealth with confidence and zero apology.

    Connect with Marcia at MarciaDawood.com.

    DISCLAIMER: The information Smart Women's Empowerment and Smart Women Talk provides is for general informational purposes only. All information is provided in good faith; however, we make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness of any information. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCE SHALL WE HAVE ANY LIABILITY TO YOU FOR ANY LOSS OR DAMAGE OF ANY KIND INCURRED AS A RESULT OF THE USE OF OR RELIANCE ON ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED SOLELY AT YOUR OWN RISK. We cannot and do not offer financial and/or medical advice. The information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Accordingly, we encourage you to consult with the appropriate professionals before taking any actions based on such information.
    Mehr anzeigen Weniger anzeigen
    35 Min.
  • Dive Deep, Live Fully: Unlocking the Wonder in Indonesia's Hidden Waters with Alexis Nataf

    Dive Deep, Live Fully: Unlocking the Wonder in Indonesia's Hidden Waters with Alexis Nataf
    Jan 25 2026
    Have you ever felt the pull to do something bold—but hesitated? In this episode of Smart Women Talk, host Katana Abbott sits down with Alexis Nataf, founder of Konjo Cruising Indonesia, to explore what happens when you say yes to adventure. Alexis leads intimate dive and expedition cruises through Indonesia’s hidden waters—from Raja Ampat, the epicenter of global marine biodiversity, to remote islands few travelers will ever see. But this conversation goes far beyond travel. It’s about courage, transformation, and reclaiming your sense of wonder—at any age.

    You’ll learn:
    • Why Indonesia is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth
    • What life is really like aboard traditional wooden sailing vessels
    • How immersive sea travel can spark deep personal transformation
    • Why women traveling solo (including over 60!) are thriving on these expeditions
    • How facing fear—underwater and above—can change how you live
    This is an invitation to dive deeper—into the ocean and into yourself.

    🔗 Explore Konjo Cruising Indonesia: https://konjocruisingindonesia.com/
    🎥 Watch breathtaking expedition footage by Sam Indowild: https://www.youtube.com/@IndoWild
    Mehr anzeigen Weniger anzeigen
    40 Min.
  • Adventure Travel for Women 50+ with Susan Harvey

    Adventure Travel for Women 50+ with Susan Harvey
    Jan 9 2026
    Have you ever dreamed of traveling to Africa, India, or Southeast Asia—but didn’t go because no one could join you?

    In this episode of Smart Women Talk, Katana Abbott interviews Susan Harvey, President of Worldwide Operations and Contracting for Overseas Adventure Travel, a women-founded travel company known for welcoming solo women travelers over 50. You’ll learn:
    • Why solo travel doesn’t have to mean lonely or unsafe
    • How OAT designs trips specifically for solo women
    • What “day-in-the-life” cultural experiences really look like
    • Why local guides and small groups make all the difference
    • The destinations women love most—and the ones they’re nervous to try (but should!)
    Plus, Susan shares unforgettable stories—from joining a wedding procession in India to breaking bread with local families around the world.

    👉 Learn more and request a brochure (plus a free guide for solo women travelers): oattravel.com

    🔔 Subscribe for more conversations about purpose, passion, and prosperity.
    Mehr anzeigen Weniger anzeigen
    18 Min.
  • Leaving a Lasting Legacy with Phillip and Amanda Fisher

    Leaving a Lasting Legacy with Phillip and Amanda Fisher
    Dec 22 2025
    What does it really mean to leave a lasting legacy—and how do you do it without losing your values, your family, or yourself along the way?

    In this powerful Smart Women Talk episode, Katana Abbott is joined by Phillip Fisher, Founder of Mission Throttle, and his daughter, Amanda Fisher, philanthropist, entrepreneur, and third-generation foundation trustee. Together, they share a deeply personal and practical conversation about wealth, purpose, and multi-generational impact.

    Phillip reflects on the legacy of his parents, Max M. and Marjorie Fisher, and the guiding philosophy that “all giving starts with your heart—and then you use your head.” He explains how families can align values across generations, move beyond transactional giving, and embrace impact investing as a tool for sustainable social change.

    Amanda brings a fresh, next-generation perspective—sharing how she balances career, philanthropy, and family while serving in leadership roles across multiple organizations. She offers candid insight into learning when to say no, finding work-life balance, and using both passion and discipline to make a meaningful difference.

    This episode explores:
    • What legacy really means beyond money
    • How families make philanthropic decisions together
    • Why wealth is an obligation—not an entitlement
    • How women can pursue financial empowerment and give back
    • The power of aligning your values, investments, and impact
    If you’ve ever wondered how to build wealth with purpose—or how to leave the world better than you found it—this conversation will stay with you.
    Mehr anzeigen Weniger anzeigen
    28 Min.
  • From Breaking News to Family Stories with Lauren Ferrara

    From Breaking News to Family Stories with Lauren Ferrara
    Dec 7 2025
    Have you ever thought, “I wish I had recorded Grandma’s stories before she passed”—and realized you waited too long? In this episode of Smart Women Talk, host Katana Abbott interviews Lauren Ferrara, former TV news anchor and founder of Why Wait Stories, about why our stories are one of the most meaningful legacies we can leave behind. Lauren shares how losing her dad—and filming his memorial—changed the entire course of her life and career. She explains why there’s no such thing as an “ordinary” life, how storytelling can be deeply healing, and why women’s stories in particular are often overlooked but absolutely essential. In this episode, you’ll discover:
    • Why capturing stories can matter just as much as passing down money or heirlooms
    • How to start recording family stories using nothing more than your phone
    • Creative ways to use photos, old home movies, and even memorials as story-gathering moments
    • The unexpected emotional and healing power of telling and hearing family stories
    • How sharing stories can help the next generation understand the values behind their inheritance
    Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or daughter carrying forward your family’s history, this conversation will inspire you to stop waiting and start capturing the stories that matter most.

    Connect with Lauren Ferrara: Website: whywaitstories.com

    Learn more about Smart Women’s Empowerment: Get free resources, courses, and updates at JoinSmartWomen.com.
    Mehr anzeigen Weniger anzeigen
    31 Min.
  • How to Build a Remote Team Without Burnout with Jana Franklin

    How to Build a Remote Team Without Burnout with Jana Franklin
    Nov 16 2025
    How to Build a Remote Team Without Burnout with Jana Franklin

    So many women start a business for freedom—only to find themselves working more than ever as the chief, cook, and bottle washer in their own company. In this episode of Smart Women Talk, host Katana Abbott interviews Jana Franklin, serial entrepreneur and Founder & CEO of CEO Concierge, a premium virtual assistant agency with a 75+ person international team. Jana shares how she:
    • Went from corporate fashion and multi-unit franchise owner (Jimmy John’s & Fantastic Sams) to leading a remote team
    • Discovered the power of matching tasks to personality—“front stage” vs. “backstage” work
    • Built systems, SOPs, and support so she could stop doing everything herself
    • Helps entrepreneurs reclaim entire days each week by delegating email, admin, hiring, licensing, and more
    You’ll learn practical steps to:
    • Decide what to delegate (starting with a simple one-week exercise)
    • Think differently about money, risk, and hiring support
    • Use virtual assistants to scale your business without sacrificing your health or family
    • Build a remote team rooted in values, systems, and intentional leadership
    If you’re overwhelmed, maxed out, and know you can’t grow by doing more yourself, this conversation will show you a realistic, affordable path to finally getting the support you deserve.

    Learn more about Jana and CEO Concierge: https://www.ceoconcierge.com
    Join our free Smart Women community: JoinSmartWomen.com
    Mehr anzeigen Weniger anzeigen
    41 Min.
  • Take Charge of Your Life with Dr. Arin Reeves

    Take Charge of Your Life with Dr. Arin Reeves
    Nov 11 2025
    Take Charge of Your Life with Dr. Arin Reeves

    Why do so many women feel tired of being tired—even after eight hours of sleep?

    In this powerful episode of Smart Women Talk, host Katana Abbott sits down with bestselling author and leadership consultant Dr. Arin Reeves to unpack the real reason women are burned out—and why “self-care” isn’t the solution.

    Discover how to identify and plug the “energy leaks” in your life, set boundaries that actually hold, and manage your energy (not just your time). Arin also breaks down the misunderstood stress gap between men and women in the workplace—and how women can reclaim their power without guilt or exhaustion.

    Topics include:
    • Why self-care can sometimes add stress
    • The “canoe with holes” metaphor for burnout How to identify what’s draining vs. energizing you
    • The three kinds of energy: physical, cognitive, and emotional
    • Practical steps to delete, delegate, and reset

    Learn more about Arin and her latest book In Charge: The Energy Management Guide for Badass Women Who Are Tired of Being Tired at arinreeves.com.

    Subscribe for more empowering conversations at SmartWomenTalk.com.
    Mehr anzeigen Weniger anzeigen
    1 Std. und 19 Min.