Women Who Own It : Women Owned

Trendsetters. Trailblazers. Innovators. Entrepreneurs.

Get inspired by the incredible female founders leading today’s Women Owned businesses.

We are constantly in awe of the incredible Women Owned brands and female founders we interact with every day. We have lovingly named these trendsetters, innovators, and trailblazers – Women Who Own It. We have interviewed over one hundred of these women to extract inspiration and nuggets of actionable advice for other startups and women entrepreneurs.

Browse our Q&A articles with Women Who Own It

Podcast

Women Who Own It, a WBENC Podcast

In addition to our hundreds of Q&A articles, we launched our very own podcast dedicated to sharing the insights of these incredible female founders and business leaders!

Today’s leading women-owned businesses are pioneers in their field, setting trends, blazing trails, and bringing forth game-changing innovations. Women Who Own It, a WBENC Podcast for and by women entrepreneurs and their supporters, is your key to the insights of these incredible female founders and business leaders.

Hosted by Allison Maslan (self-made entrepreneur, author and business mentor), Women Who Own It features organic conversation and unscripted stories with women business owners who built it, grew it, and #OwnIt. Subscribe to the podcast now and join our bold community of Women Who Own It for inspiration and valuable take-aways!

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Past Episodes Guide

Episodes for Season 3 are currently being filmed and released. Subscribe to listen!

Season 1

June 1, 2020 | Jane Henry

How to Apply Innovation to Overcome Adversity and Grow Your Company

Allison Maslan, founder of Pinnacle Global Network interviews, Jane Henry, CEO of SeeHerWork an inclusion consultancy and product manufacturing company that designs, manufactures and sells workwear, safety equipment, and other job-specific products for both women and men that are sized to their unique body needs and to help them operate as one team.

Even though Jane had been working in the oil and gas industry for 20 years, as both an executive and an entrepreneur, while wearing Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment (also known as PPE), it wasn’t until Hurricane Harvey hit Houston in 2017 that she was forced to use the gear on a day-to-day basis and found the inspiration to start this company. After her Hurricane Harvey recovery, Jane realized the huge issue of ill-fitting work clothing and equipment for women within the industry — and decided she was the person to change it. Today, Jane works side-by-side with employers to set up PPE Programs that support Safe and Inclusive Work Environments. She also speaks to groups about the challenges many entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs have in implementing their ideas, and how to overcome what she calls “The Natural Human Instinct to Resist Change.”

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June 22, 2020 | Sharon Reynolds

How to Drive Growth with Vision and Fearlessness

Do you have bigger dreams for your business, but aren’t sure how to start? Want to know how to finally break through to that “next level”… whether that’s multiplying your revenue, closing a huge deal, or even going global? In this episode, Allison Maslan, founder of Pinnacle Global Network talks with Sharon Reynolds, CEO of eco-friendly cleaning product distributor DevMar Products, LLC to learn how she grew her company in an industry dominated by large corporations — and became a globally recognized, leading brand.

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July 6, 2020 | Suzy Batiz

How To Use Intuition To Build A 9-Figure Company with Suzy Batiz

How does one woman who went bankrupt TWICE build a $600 million business (with no investors)? By following her gut, doing what she loves, and making creativity a priority — even when times get tough. Allison Maslan, founder of Pinnacle Global Network interviews Suzy Batiz, founder of the infamous Poo~Pourri and Supernatural brands, to learn how she used her passion and business intuition to create a global company that revolutionized its industry.

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July 20, 2020 | Jennifer Brown

Why Diversity is the Key to Modern Business Success

Right now, the workforce is more diverse than ever before… and it’s our job as business owners to create environments that allow people to bring their unique gifts to the table. Allison Maslan, founder of Pinnacle Global Network talks with Jennifer Brown, the Founder and CEO of Jennifer Brown Consulting and an expert on DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) to learn how we can build better businesses by appreciating and tapping into the power of diversity within our teams. A passionate advocate for social equality in the workplace, Jennifer helps organizations create highly productive work environments through DEI practices.

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August 3, 2020 | Natalie Keng

How to Make a Massive Impact as a Small Business

Succeeding in business isn’t just about bottom lines — it’s also about service, passion, and connection. So how do you make both a difference AND a profit? Allison Maslan, CEO of Pinnacle Global Network, talks with Natalie Keng, CEO and founder of Chinese Southern Belle, an award-winning food and cooking company, to learn how she runs her small business to create big social change (and break into one of the most competitive businesses in the world).

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August 17, 2020 | Michelle Brooke

How Pro-Athlete applies Basketball Strategy to Build a Successful Business

How does a former pro-athlete become a leader in the bedding industry…and more importantly, how can you use her lessons to see the same kind of success? In this episode, Allison Maslan, founder of Pinnacle Global Network interviews Michelle Brooke, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of SHEEX, Inc., the world’s first performance fabric bedding company with globally patented technology. Former collegiate basketball coaches and standout athletes, Michelle and her co-founder/co-CEO Susan Walvius, shook up the bedding world in 2007 by inventing a whole new “Performance Home” category in home textiles inspired by the feel and breathability of athletic performance fabrics.

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September 1, 2020 | Psyche Terry

How to Use Authenticity to Create a Global Brand (In a Super Competitive Market)

Do you ever wonder how small, local businesses actually turn into major, global brands? Want to know what will really help you stand out in a crowded industry today? And how do you know which of your amazing ideas will help you get there? Allison Maslan, CEO of Pinnacle Global Network, interviews Psyche Terry, Founder of Urban Hydration — a global clean-beauty product manufacturer whose products are sold every day in 9,000 U.S. retail locations, including Macy’s, CVS, HEB, Sally Beauty, and Target. A massively successful and impactful CEO, she shares her secrets on how to scale a company to an incredibly high level.

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September 15, 2020 | Miko Branch

How to Build A Multi-Million Dollar Business (When You Don’t Have Money)

It’s easy to think industry leaders and CEOs of 9-figure companies have always been that successful — but the truth is, there are a lot of hours of hard work and challenges behind the scenes that you don’t see. So what is it really like to go from ground zero to multi-millions (and more importantly, how do you do it?) In this episode, Allison Maslan, founder and CEO of Pinnacle Global Network interviews Miko Branch, founder and CEO of Miss Jessie’s, a major, award-winning hair care company. Miko and her sister Titi elevated Miss Jessie’s from nothing into one of the most innovative companies in the beauty space… starting off with ZERO startup money, loans or investors.

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September 28, 2020 | Gail Becker

How One Woman Went From Start-Up to $100 million in 3 years (With Zero Industry Experience)

Have you ever had a fantastic business idea that you knew could be huge… but you didn’t act on it because others would say you don’t have “enough experience”? Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been in business for years, it’s so easy to look at all the top dogs in the industry and think, “Ugh, there’s no way I’m qualified to make this happen.” Here’s the truth, though. The most successful business owners in the world are not the most experienced ones. They’re the ones who are willing to commit to their dream and make it happen, no matter what.

Gail Becker, founder and CEO of the unbelievably successful CAULIPOWER, launched CAULIPOWER cauliflower pizza crusts in 2017 with no experience in the frozen food industry (one of the most resistant to change, especially to health products like hers). Three years later, her products are in 25,000 stores across America… and they recently hit $100M in sales!

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October 13, 2020 | Nina Vaca

Latina Business Leader Shares The #1 Reason Most People Fail In Business

Something nobody tells you when you start a business: Going from $0 to $1M is totally different from going from $1M to $10M… $10M to $100M… etc.⁣ And you need a whole new set of skills and strategies to do it.

⁣If you’re looking at other major companies and corporations and thinking, “How did they make it from here to there? Can I even do that?” ⁣Check out this episode with Nina Vaca, founder and CEO of Pinnacle Group a $1B tech staffing company that she started from the bottom up. ⁣Nina is a true entrepreneur. Having survived and thrived in 3 major national crises, she knows how to elevate a business from “good” to “great” — in any circumstances. ⁣(Plus, she’s a competitive triathlete.)

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October 27, 2020 | Dana Donofree

The #1 BUSINESS SUCCESS Secret NOBODY SHARES

If you knew your life could end very, very soon… what would you do right now?

For Dana Donofree, who was diagnosed with breast cancer at 27, it was starting a business — while she was still getting treatment — even though everyone around her thought she was going crazy. Dana decided it was now or never and launched her own company: AnaOno, a brand of innovative, soft post-surgery bras made specifically for those affected by breast cancer. Since then, she has grown her company into the millions, scaled globally, and even been the first mastectomy bra line to be featured in New York Fashion Week! Dana shared how any business can use the lessons of surviving cancer (or any major struggle) to start and scale a highly innovative, niche business to the international level.

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November 9, 2020 | Katarina Samardzija

3 Things EVERY BUSINESS OWNER Needs To Know To Be SUCCESSFUL

Do you have the dream of starting a high-level business (or getting more serious with yours), but feel like you’re too young, inexperienced, busy with school or work to ever actually do it? Then you’ll definitely tune into this episode of the WBENC Women Who Own It with the incredible Katarina Samardzija, CEO of Locker Lifestyle. A 22-year-old who built a successful company, Kat obtained 3 trademarks and 2 patents, and won 14 pitch competitions — all before she graduated college.

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November 24, 2020 | Monica Kang

How to Generate Your BEST Business Ideas and Unlock Your Creativity

“The creative mindset doesn’t stop at work. It’s something we live in, and something we integrate throughout our whole lives.”

Listen now to the eye-opening conversation with Monica Kang, CEO and Founder of InnovatorsBox to learn:

The 2 reasons why CEOs get stuck in a creative rut
How to always tap into your creativity even if you are a “numbers person, an analytical type, or don’t feel like you’re naturally creative
1 small shift that will immediately help you turn fear into innovation
The key to building a culture where employees come up with amazing ideas
One thing to stop doing right now to reclaim your creativity

And so much more.

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December 7, 2020 | Michelle Boggs

3 SECRETS To Scale An 8 FIGURE Franchise Today!

Allison Maslan, CEO and Founder of Pinnacle Global Network interviews Michelle Boggs, Director of Franchising and a Managing Partner at Mutts Cantina to get expert advice on how to go from small business to high-level franchise. With Michelle’s help, Mutts has opened an additional location in Fort Worth (where they average about 1,500 members each month), and the company is now in the process of opening 3 more restaurants in 2020! Franchising is one of the best ways to scale a business… but it’s something you definitely want to learn from people who have done it.

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December 21, 2020 | Bea Dixon

How this retail CEO raised $1,000,000 – in one year

“You have to have faith when nobody else does. When, in fact, the world thinks you shouldn’t. You have to know that it’s gonna work out, even when everyone is telling you no.”

Bea Dixon is the founder and CEO of The Honey Pot Co., a plant-based feminine hygiene line created with a goal to provide women with a healthy alternative to traditional feminine care. While working a full-time job, and starting with nothing, she founded The Honey Pot in 2014… 6 years later, her products can be found online and in stores nationwide at Target, Walmart, Urban Outfitters, Walgreens, Bed Bath and Beyond, Whole Foods, and beyond. (She also raised $1M in venture capital – in one year.) Bea shares so many success secrets that helped her get to the top — even when she was facing her biggest challenges. If you’re in retail, trying to get your product out there, or just want to know how to finally “break through” with your business to the next level, definitely listen in.

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Season 2

March 30, 2021 | Allison Maslan with Guest Host: Patti Massey

The 5 success secrets to scaling your business into the 7, 8, or 9 figures (and beyond)

Are you a CEO stuck at the 6- or 7-figure mark who wants to make a way bigger impact — but feel like no matter how hard and how much you work, you can’t seem to break through to that “next level?” Then it’s time for you to do one thing: SCALE your business! In this episode of the WBENC Women Who Own It, guest host Patti Massey interviews scaling expert and 10x CEO Allison Maslan on the secrets of scaling success — which she’s used to help thousands of business owners magnify their profits and impact with less work and more success.

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April 13, 2021 | Pamela Prince-Eason

Helping Women-Owned Businesses Thrive in a Worldwide Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic left its mark on nearly every business around the world. Whether your company struggled to survive or it grew and even thrived, bright and promising times are coming for Women’s Business Enterprises. In this episode of Women Who Own It, Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) President and CEO Pamela Prince-Eason shares a peek at how the organization pivoted quickly to help its members weather the storm — and what lies ahead. Watch now to discover how to best position your company to win — and how WBENC can help.

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April 27, 2021 | Anjali Ann Ramakumaran

Let’s Talk Growth: What It Takes to Successfully Scale Your Women-Owned Business

As women entrepreneurs, one of our most valuable resources is each other. When we support and learn from other women business owners, we all win. Anjali Ann Ramakumaran, Founder and CEO of Ampcus Inc., a WBENC-Certified Consulting and Professional Services firm shares her journey of building what has become one of the 50 fastest-growing women-owned businesses in the continental United States. Watch now and discover the tools and practices that have fueled the steady growth of Ampcus year after year — and how you can integrate these proven ideas into your business to put your company on the fast track to scaling success.

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May 9, 2021 | Janice Bryant-Howroyd

Shattering the Ceiling: Janice Bryant Howroyd’s Journey to Becoming the First African American Women to Build a Billion-dollar Company

How does a woman entrepreneur take a company from zero and transform it into an industry-leading global enterprise? We’re answering the billion-dollar question…

In this very special episode of Women Who Own It, Allison Maslan sits down with Janice Bryant Howroyd, founder and CEO of The ActOne Group, a WBENC-Certified employment, workforce management, and procurement solutions company operating in more than 30 countries across the globe. Janice has been recognized as one of the top 50 leading women entrepreneurs in business today and is ranked as the second wealthiest self-made African-American woman in the world. In this inspiring interview, Janice shares the story of how she started a company with only a few hundred dollars and grew it to the largest privately-held, woman- and minority-owned workforce management company in the U.S.

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May 25, 2021 | Joyce Zhu

Numa Food’s Joyce Zhu Spills Her Secrets to Startup Success

Do you have a product that you’re ready to get to market, or a new revenue stream you’re ready to launch? This episode of Women Who Own It is a must watch!

Joyce Zhu, Founder and CEO of Numa Foods, a WBENC-Certified health-conscious company dedicated to making better-for-you treats, shares her journey — and the most important lessons she’s learned nearly 4 years into the business. Joyce worked in management consulting before becoming an entrepreneur to help others tackle their sweet cravings in a healthier manner. She launched Numa Foods in her mother’s kitchen and now runs the fast-growing company alongside her parents. Tune in to discover incredible insights on distribution, overcoming growing pains, and how you can leverage a WBENC Certification to help you stand out in the most competitive markets.

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June 8, 2021 | Jordan Salcito

Wine Without Rules: Inside the Women-Owned Business That’s Turning the Tables on the Wine Industry

Calling all women business owners and wine aficionados — this episode of Women Who Own It is a must watch!

In the spotlight on this episode is wine enthusiast Jordan Salcito, founder and CEO of Drink RAMONA, Inc. a WBENC-Certified manufacturer of low-alcohol, easy-drinking, go-anywhere spritzer. Grab a glass and join us as she spills about all things wine, business and challenging the status quo as a woman in a male-dominated industry. Watch now for the rule-breaking mindset, strategy and practices that have helped RAMONA thrive in a highly competitive market while staying true to itself as a business — and how you can use them (and the incredible WBENC network) to make your business shine.

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June 24, 2021 | Karen Blackwell

Increase Your Impact as a Socially Responsible Business

Attention all impact-driven business owners and chocolate lovers: if you’re passionate about growing your company and making a difference, this episode of Women Who Own It is a real treat!

Allison Maslan interviews Karen Blackwell, the Founder and CEO of WBENC-Certified Sage & Alms™, a Black-owned, women-owned benefit corporation, as well as Kanda™ Chocolates, a Fair Trade company that produces chocolates entirely in Ghana. Tune in for some sweet inspiration on how your company can give back. Plus, discover key strategies and practices you can use now to balance social responsibility, environmentalism — and profits — while taking your business to the next level.

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July 6, 2021 | Jessica Baker

Breaking Barriers: How Jessica Baker Empowers Women-Owned Businesses to Take the Glass Staircase — All the Way to the Top

If you’re passionate about growing your women-owned business, supporting other WBEs and breaking barriers as a woman in a male-dominated industry, you don’t want to miss this episode of Women Who Own It!

Allison Maslan interviews Jessica Baker, marketing and branding maven, and Founder and CEO of Glass Staircase, an Austin-based WBENC-Certified marketing and branding agency dedicated to helping women entrepreneurs find their voice, break through barriers and make BIG things happen. Tune in to discover ceiling-shattering insights, tips and actionable advice you can use to start taking your women-owned business to the next level — and how WBENC (and its amazing network) can support your journey.

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July 20, 2021 | Kate McAleer

Growing with Grit: How How Kate McAleer Took Bixby & Co. from a Start-Up to 3,000+ Store Placements

Challenges are inevitable in business. How you respond determines whether you’ll achieve average results — or become unstoppable.

If you’re facing roadblocks and tricky situations, you’ll be inspired by the “no matter what” attitude of Kate McAleer, the owner and founder of Bixby & Co., an artisan confectionery producer located in the historic working waterfront of Rockland, Maine. Tune in now for Kate’s insights and tips for staying in motion during tough times and becoming an unstoppable success.

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August 2, 2021 | Orion Brown

Making a Name: Branding and Marketing Secrets for Women-Owned Business

Branding and marketing are monumental parts of building a successful business. But if you’re a first-time entrepreneur, or even simply starting fresh in a new market, it can be tough to know where to start.

For the full breakdown, check out this episode of Women Who Own It with Orion Brown, the founder and CEO of Black Travel Box®, a WBENC-Certified premium, clean beauty brand catering to women of color. Tune in now for the story on how Orion made the leap from a corporate career working with brands such as Oracle, Hasbro and Kraft Foods, to entrepreneur. Plus discover expert insights, tips and advice on building your brand and making an impact while staying true to what makes your company stand out.

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August 17, 2021 | Lara Nikola

Selling the Story: The Secret to Standing Out as a Women-Owned Business

Want to know the secret to standing out as a women-owned business — no matter how saturated the market? Check out this episode of Women Who Own It.

Allison Maslan interviews Lara Nikola, the Founder and President of Smart Sips Coffee, a WBENC-Certified brand specializing in a range of uniquely flavored gourmet coffees, decaf, lattes, cappuccinos and hot chocolates. Tune in to discover Lara’s journey from a corporate career in advertising to becoming an award-winning entrepreneur who’s been featured on Shark Tank, Good Morning America, Fox and Friends (and many more) — plus, find out the exact steps to take to blast your business past the competition and into the spotlight!

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August 31, 2021 | Janet Sperry

Power Women: Secrets to Business Success in a Male-Dominated Industry

At WBENC, we love seeing women business owners step into their power and thrive — no matter what industry they’re in.

Allison Maslan interviews Janet Sperry, a former oncology physician and Founder of Dakota Matting & Environmental Solutions LLC., a WBENC-Certified comprehensive matting supplier and turnkey access provider for the energy industry. Tune in for the inside scoop on this little-known industry — plus, discover the unique mindset, values and practices that have helped Janet propel her company straight to the top — and how you can use them (and the support of the WBENC network) to supercharge your business success!

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September 14, 2021 | Katie McCarron

Planning Ahead: How to Identify, Launch and Grow Your Next Big Business Idea

Whether you plan to diversify your current business or even sell it later, there’s one question you need to ask yourself … What comes next?

Katie McCarron, the Founder of Portland Pet Food Company (PPFC), a WBENC-Certified global manufacturer of human-grade dog meals and treats, has some advice. Tune in to discover how Katie went from selling her first business and retiring in 2008 to re-entering the business world in a completely new industry. Plus, discover priceless insights, advice and inspiration that you can use to plan the next phase in your business journey.

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September 30, 2021 | Dee Marshall

A More Equal Opportunity: Meet the Woman Who Is Revolutionizing Corporate Diversity and Inclusion

Diversity and Inclusion is not only a hallmark of good business. It’s also one of the biggest indicators of that organization’s ability to grow, diversify and create impact in the market. But if you ask Dee Marshall to create Diversity and Inclusion that is an intrinsic, authentic, and powerful part of the company culture — you’ll need to get comfortable with being uncomfortable.

Dee Marshall is a renowned international speaker, certified coach, leadership trainer, diversity consultant, published author, and the CEO at Diverse & Engaged LLC. This WBENC-Certified company is dedicated to providing strategy, programs and initiatives to engage, support and develop diverse populations not limited to multicultural women, African-Americans, and millennials. Check out the episode to discover key insights, strategies and tools you can use to build and support a diverse workforce to create greater impact, accelerate business growth and unleash your company’s potential.

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October 13, 2021 | Brooke Nelson

Art Speaks: Powerful Secrets to Curating Your Perfect Brand Image Inside and Out

In business, first impressions are everything. But the key to making the right impression isn’t always about what you say about your brand, but instead highlighting the subtle details that let your brand speak for itself.

On this episode of Women Who Own It, get an inside look behind the WBENC-Certified company helping businesses reinforce and enhance their brand through art with special guest Brooke Nelson who, along with her partner Rachel Pru, co-founded Curate Art Group. Watch the podcast to discover how art can help you curate your perfect story for powerful impact, greater success and accelerated business growth — and how WBENC and its amazing network can help!

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October 27, 2021 | Purvi Sahu

Passion and Purpose: Taking Sustainable Skin Care Back to its Roots

When you’re running a business in a highly competitive market, it can be tempting to cut a few corners for the benefit of your bottom line. But according to the special guest on this episode of Women Who Own It, shortcuts don’t pay off in the long run for your business — or for the planet.

Purvi Sahu is the Founder and CEO of Purvari, an organic rose water and mist product line designed to nurture the complexion with wholesome, chemical-free nourishment that’s as pristine and natural as skin itself. Tune in now for key insights on running a mission-driven business — plus discover strategies you can use immediately to incorporate more socially and environmentally responsible practices into your company while creating long-term, sustainable growth.

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November 9, 2021 | Robyn Young

Branding Secrets to Help Your Women-Owned Business Stand Out and Scale

Want to cut through the noise and make your business stand out from the crowd? The special guest on this episode of Women Who Own It has the answers.

Tune in to meet Robyn Young, expert branding strategist and Founder of Young & Co., a strategic branding agency dedicated to creating legacy brands rooted in authenticity. Watch now to discover Robyn’s must-know branding secrets, tips and tricks from her more than 20 years of branding and marketing for top commercial brands such as Nike, Target, UCLA, and Everyday Health — plus the exact steps she’s taking to rapidly grow and scale her agency and how you can implement them into your own business!

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December 7, 2021 | Maureen Mulvihill

Progress in Motion: Meet the Women-Owned Company Using Small Movements to Make Big Waves in the Medical Technology Industry

As a women-owned business in a quickly evolving industry, there’s a secret to getting ahead: Always staying in motion. Just ask the special guest on this episode of Women Who Own It.

Allison Maslan interviews Maureen Mulvihill, the President, CEO and Co-Founder of Actuated Medical Inc., a WBENC-Certified medical technology company with a mission to solve clinical needs and improve patient outcomes using electronically controlled motion devices. If you’re ready to take your business to the next level, disrupt your industry and make a difference, tune in now and discover Maureen’s insights and tips for staying ahead and becoming an unstoppable success in a male-dominated industry.

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About Your Host

Allison Maslan is your female founder host of the Women Who Own It Podcast. Allison is the CEO and founder of WBENC-Certified Pinnacle Global Network and a Wall Street Journal Best Selling Author of Scale or Fail.

She’s built ten successful companies starting out at age 19. Her client list has included Ben & Jerry’s, Supercuts, Allstate and Charlotte Russe.

Allison founded The Pinnacle Global Network ® in 2010 to pay it forward and help business owners scale their companies and reach their dreams. Pinnacle has since become the world leader in scaling businesses.

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