Meeting You Where You're At Podcast

Designer Racheal Xavier, founder of Valentina Ventura XX, joins Meeting You Where You’re At for a bold and thought-provoking conversation on fashion, identity, femininity, and radical self-expression. Racheal’s work exists at the intersection of couture, streetwear, art, and rebellion, challenging conventional ideas of beauty while creating space for authenticity, sensuality, and self-acceptance. In this episode, we explore her journey from sewing as a child to building her own boundary-pushing label, the emotional philosophy behind her designs, and why fashion can be far more than clothing, it can be empowerment. We also discuss creativity through constraint, dressing for yourself instead of the male gaze, queer femme visibility, entrepreneurship in the arts, and how embracing what makes you “different” can become your greatest strength. This is a powerful conversation about confidence, courage, and creating from your truest self. 🎧 Learn more: https://www.valentinaventuraxx.com/ 📲 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valentinaventuraxx/ #Podcast #Fashion #WomenInBusiness #Entrepreneurship #SelfExpression #Art #Identity #LGBTQ #CreativeJourney

What if confidence isn’t something you have… but something you build? In this episode of Meeting You Where You’re At, Richard sits down with Valerie Mercurio, Global Head of Business Development at InfoSum (WPP), for a conversation about growth, voice, and learning to take up space in rooms where you’re not sure you belong. Valerie shares her journey from quietly observing as a “sponge” early in her career to becoming a leader who asks the questions others are thinking—but don’t say out loud. Together, they explore what it really means to develop confidence over time, how to navigate high-stakes conversations, and why empathy—not ego—is the foundation of effective leadership. From managing self-doubt to leading with intention, this episode is a reminder that your voice matters—and that sometimes, the question you’re hesitant to ask is the one that moves everything forward. 🎧 If you’ve ever questioned whether you belong in the room… this one’s for you. For more information on Meeting You Where You're At, visit - https://meetingyoupodcast.com/ For more information on InfoSum, please visit - https://www.infosum.com/ And follow Valerie on LinkedIn at - https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-mercurio-1306464b/

Women in Leadership, AI, and the Future of the Digital Economy | Emma Newman | Meeting You Where You're At Podcast What does it really take to lead in an industry defined by constant disruption, AI transformation, and global competition? In this episode of the Meeting You Where You're At Podcast, host Richard Juknavorian sits down with Emma Newman, Chief Revenue Officer for EMEA at PubMatic, to explore leadership, accountability, and the rapidly evolving digital media and internet economy. Emma has spent more than two decades helping shape the digital advertising ecosystem—from the early days of the internet to today’s AI-driven transformation of media and technology. In this conversation, she shares powerful insights on career growth, leadership accountability, sponsorship vs mentorship, and navigating uncertainty in a world where technology evolves faster than ever. Emma also discusses how the internet economy created new opportunities for women in leadership and why ownership, accountability, and courage to raise your hand can transform a career. This episode is packed with practical advice for leaders, entrepreneurs, founders, and professionals navigating complex systems and rapid change. In This Episode We Discuss • Why the internet economy created a level playing field for women leaders • The difference between mentorship and sponsorship in career growth • How accountability transforms leadership and performance • Leading through AI disruption, privacy shifts, and industry change • Why measurement—not symbolism—drives real equity in organizations • The leadership difference between managing systems vs building them • How to build your own personal “Board of Directors” for career support • Why resilience does NOT mean enduring everything About Meeting You Where You're At Meeting You Where You're At is a globally recognized podcast spotlighting women leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators who are shaping the future of business, technology, healthcare, and society. Hosted by Richard Juknavorian, the show explores the stories behind leadership, resilience, and the people creating meaningful change. https://meetingyoupodcast.com/ Connect with Emma Newman Find Emma on LinkedIn and follow her work in the digital media and technology ecosystem. https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-newman-0491518/

In this fun and heart-warming episode, our good friend Claudia Pupo, Founder & CEO of Bebesita, returns! It's hard to believe it's been nearly eighteen months since we've had Claudia on the show. Claudia gives us a full update on all her goings-on, including her foray into modeling, showcasing the Bebesita brand at runway shows, and beginning to create her own designs. Claudia continues to show us that she's all about the hustle and self-learning. She never stops looking to achieve more, but has worked hard to balance and blend her professional and personal lives. We're so excited to have Claudia rejoin us for this very special episode. For more great content and products, please visit https://www.bebesita.net/ and https://www.instagram.com/bebesitas.shop/

Brittany Stevens | Workplace Rights, Power Dynamics, and Finding Your Voice In this episode of Meeting You Where You’re At, host Richard Juknavorian speaks with Brittany Stevens, a partner at Phillips & Associates, about the realities of workplace discrimination, harassment, and retaliation — and what employees can do when power dynamics make speaking up feel impossible. Brittany is an employee-side employment attorney who represents individuals facing some of the most difficult moments of their professional lives. In this candid and compassionate conversation, she breaks down how discrimination and retaliation actually show up at work, why “just saying no” isn’t always an option, and how fear, silence, and imbalance of power continue to shape workplace experiences — especially for women. This episode explores: - Sexual harassment, discrimination, and retaliation in the workplace - Pregnancy and maternity-related discrimination and subtle forms of retaliation - The importance of documentation, witnesses, and internal complaints - How colleagues, HR, and leadership can better support vulnerable employees - What true workplace cultures of safety and accountability look like - The emotional toll of advocacy work — and how Brittany sustains herself Brittany also shares her own career journey, her approach to mentorship, and why helping people find their voice is at the heart of the work she does every day. This is a powerful conversation about justice, resilience, and the courage it takes — both personally and professionally — to stand up when something isn’t right. 🎧 Listen now. For more information, please visit https://www.newyorkcitydiscriminationlawyer.com/

Michelle Monaco | Designing Virtual Care That Puts Humans First In this episode of Meeting You Where You’re At, host Richard Juknavorian sits down with Michelle Monaco, Senior Vice President of Product at Wheel, for a thoughtful conversation at the intersection of healthcare, technology, and human-centered design. Michelle leads both product and engineering at Wheel, where she’s helping reimagine virtual care infrastructure to improve access, quality, and trust for patients and clinicians alike. Together, Richard and Michelle explore what it means to build the right thing and build it right in a deeply complex, highly regulated healthcare system. This conversation covers: - Why product and engineering leadership are increasingly converging - How empathy, curiosity, and experimentation drive better digital health experiences - The role of AI in amplifying — not replacing — clinicians - Designing for transparency in virtual care, from pricing to access - Servant leadership, mentorship, and learning to do hard things Michelle also shares her personal journey into health tech, her approach to leadership as a working parent, and why following relationships — not just roles — has shaped her career. If you’re interested in digital health, product leadership, AI in healthcare, or building technology that truly meets people where they are, this episode is for you. 🎧 Listen now and join the conversation. For more information, please visit - https://www.wheel.com/

In this episode of Meeting You Where You’re At, Richard sits down with Sylvie Milverton — Founder & CEO of Lynx Educate — to explore how education, purpose, and global experience intersect to shape the future of work. Sylvie shares her journey from CFO to entrepreneur, her global career across Latin America, Europe, and the U.S., and the inspiration behind launching Lynx Educate, an organization helping employers drive social mobility and workforce impact through learning. Together, we discuss: • How international experiences shape views on equity and access • The transition from operator to visionary founder • Female leadership in male-dominated spaces • The power of networks and authentic connection • The evolving role of learning in the age of AI and workforce transformation This is a conversation about reinvention, purpose, and the belief that talent truly is everywhere. Watch now and be inspired by Sylvie’s thoughtful, global view on lifelong learning and impact. For more information on Lynx Educate, please see -- https://lynxeducate.com/

Dr. Jen Fry is a Sports Geographer, educator, speaker, tech founder, and the force behind JenFryTalks, where she helps organizations navigate the messy but transformative terrain of conflict and culture. She’s also the author of the razor-sharp new book I Said No, a guide to setting boundaries and reclaiming your power without apology. In this candid and energizing conversation, Jen takes us inside her unconventional journey—from volleyball coach to PhD to tech entrepreneur—and shares how each chapter shaped her understanding of people, place, and power. We explore why conflict isn’t something to avoid, but a catalyst for innovation, healing, and leadership growth. We talk about: - How becoming a Sports Geographer unlocked a new way of seeing people and systems - Why most of us were never actually taught how to navigate conflict - The harmful patterns leaders repeat when fear drives the culture - How her book I Said No helps high-achievers break cycles of guilt and overcommitment - The parallels between managing conflict and building a tech platform from scratch - The power of no-regret decisions, reinvention, and honoring the hard moments that shape us Jen is bold, brilliant, and refreshingly honest. This episode is part masterclass, part storytelling, and part pep talk for anyone ready to stand their ground and lead with clarity. Find Dr. Jen Fry: JenFryTalks (all platforms) Book: I Said No (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or signed copies on her website) Coordle: Her tech platform for simplifying group travel

Camille “Cami” Lee is redefining what sports storytelling looks like. As the founder of Backfield Media, she’s building a platform that gives athletes a voice—one that highlights their humanity, mental health, education, and community impact beyond the game. In this episode, Cami joins host Richard Juknavorian to discuss her journey as a journalist, creator, and advocate. From her early love of football and her father’s influence to the challenges of being a woman innovating in a male-dominated industry, Cami opens up about authenticity, advocacy, and how collaboration fuels her mission. 🎙️ Themes: sports media, athlete storytelling, women in sports, mental health, advocacy, journalism, leadership, entrepreneurship, Gen Z creators, community impact For more information, please see - https://linktr.ee/BackfieldMedia #MeetingYouWhereYoureAt #PodcastInterview #WomenInMedia #StorytellingPodcast #SocialImpactPodcast #EntrepreneurshipPodcast #SportsMedia #AthleteStories #BackfieldMedia #WomenInSports #SportsJournalism #CollegeAthletes #AthleteAdvocacy #SportsStorytelling #SportsContentCreator #AthleteMentalHealth #StudentAthletes #EducationMatters #MindsetMatters #AdvocacyInAction #MentalHealthAwareness #CommunityBuilding #AuthenticLeadership #GenZCreators #WomenEntrepreneurs #PurposeDriven #InclusiveLeadership #EmpowermentThroughStorytelling #InspirationInAction #RichardJuknavorian #CamilleLee #CamiLee #ODU #InnovationInMedia #NextGenLeadership

Episode Title: Redefining Midlife: Dr. Sonia Singla and the Marigold Approach to Women’s Health In this inspiring episode of Meeting You Where You’re At, host Richard Juknavorian sits down with Dr. Sonia Singla, founder of The Marigold Center, to explore how she’s transforming the conversation around menopause, aging, and women’s well-being. After facing her own early menopause at 39, Dr. Singla realized that mainstream medicine was missing something vital—a holistic, compassionate approach that treated women as whole beings. Today, she’s created a sanctuary where science meets soul, offering integrated care that spans hormone therapy, Ayurvedic treatments, nutrition, meditation, and community connection. Together, Richard and Dr. Singla discuss: Why menopause is not a medical footnote, but a profound life shift How The Marigold Center blends Western medicine and Ayurveda—the Sanskrit “science (Veda) of life (Ayur)” What personalized, two-hour intake visits can teach us about true patient care The importance of community and storytelling in women’s healing How midlife can become a decade of power, clarity, and expansion Meeting You Where You’re At continues to spotlight women who are reshaping the narrative of leadership, entrepreneurship, and well-being—one fearless story at a time. 🌸 Learn more about Dr. Sonia Singla and her work at marigoldc.com and follow @the_marigoldcenter on Instagram: instagram.com/the_marigoldcenter

Finding Calm in the Chaos: Maleekha Fong and the Cozy Mind Club Description: In this uplifting episode of Meeting You Where You’re At, host Richard Juknavorian sits down with Maleekha Fong, founder of Cozy Mind Club and a sophomore at the University of Connecticut, to talk about mindfulness, community, and the power of building something meaningful from the heart. What started as Maleekha’s personal search for balance during her freshman year has grown into a multi-channel movement inspiring students to slow down, breathe, and pursue mindful productivity — progress over perfection. Through Instagram, Pinterest, and her Kofi platform, she’s cultivating a safe space for reflection, gratitude, and connection. Together, Richard and Maleekha explore: The origins and purpose behind Cozy Mind Club How she defines “mindful productivity” in a hustle-driven culture The lessons she learned through UConn’s Werth Innovators Program The importance of vulnerability, empathy, and building safe online communities Her new guided journal, Work in Progress 💬 “If I can impact just one person,” Maleekha says, “then I’ve met my goal.” Follow https://www.instagram.com/thecozymindclub/ and https://ko-fi.com/cozymind to join Maleekha’s growing community — and discover how you, too, can find calm in the chaos. 🎧 Meeting You Where You’re At celebrates women innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders who are creating meaningful change in their communities and the world.

✨ Finding Life Magic in Tech, Leadership, and Spiritual Growth — with Kim Snow Description: In this powerful episode of Meeting You Where You're At, host Richard Juknavorian welcomes his longtime friend and mentor Kim Snow—a cybersecurity compliance leader by day and an energy healer, yoga teacher, and speaker by heart. Over the course of this rich, thoughtful conversation, Kim shares how her 25+ year career in male-dominated tech industries intersected with her deep commitment to spirituality, wellness, and women’s empowerment. From navigating corporate leadership to launching her spiritual practice Life Magic, Kim offers insights on: Practicing self-advocacy and self-care as a woman in leadership Balancing motherhood, blended families, and career ambition Building resilience through yoga, meditation, and energy work Helping others recognize and activate their inner “light” What it really means to show up, do the work, and transform Kim also shares her journey through Cornell Law School’s Master’s program, her upcoming speaking engagements, and the book she’s currently writing. 💻 Learn more about Kim at: www.thekimsnow.com ✨ Follow her Life Magic journey through her website’s hidden gem section Whether you're a young woman figuring out your path or a seasoned professional craving reconnection with your purpose, this episode will inspire you to trust your energy, live your values, and create space for your own magic. #WomensLeadership #SpiritualGrowth #EnergyHealing #Cybersecurity #MindBodySpirit #LifeMagic #MeetingYouWhereYoureAt

From Trauma to Tech: Jenny Lynn Walding and the Mission Behind Milkmade 🍼 In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Meeting You Where You’re At, host Richard Juknavorian sits down with Jenny Lynn Walding—marketing strategist, Certified Lactation Counselor, and founder of Milkmade. What began as a personal trauma during her early breastfeeding journey 11,000 miles from home has evolved into a pioneering FemTech innovation designed to transform lactation care through technology, empathy, and data. Jenny Lynn shares how her lived experience with tongue-tie, mastitis, weighted feeds, and the mental load of postpartum uncertainty led to her “QVC moment”: the realization that the centuries-old nipple shield could—and should—be reimagined. Enter Milkmade: a smart nipple shield that uses embedded sensors to deliver real-time lactation data, empowering both parents and providers with insights that reduce anxiety and improve care. 💡 Together, we explore: The hidden trauma and ambiguity of early breastfeeding How the lack of access and equity continues to undermine maternal care Her journey from mom to “traumapreneur” to startup founder The science and purpose behind Milkmade’s smart nipple shield Why rural care, cultural humility, and data equity matter in maternal health innovation Jenny Lynn isn’t just building a product—she’s leading a movement for better, more compassionate postpartum support. 🌐 Learn more: https://milkmade.me 📲 Follow Milkmade on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milkmade_me/ 🔗 Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/milkmade-me/posts/?feedView=all

Daring Ventures, Bold Voices: Maddi Holman on Mentorship, Women’s Health, and Rewriting the VC Playbook 📄 Episode Description: In this episode of Meeting You Where You're At, host Richard Juknavorian sits down with Maddi Holman, Co-Founder and General Partner at Daring Ventures, for an unforgettable conversation on entrepreneurship, resilience, and redefining what success looks like in venture capital. Maddi’s journey is anything but traditional—from pursuing a pre-med track and playing Division I volleyball at Rice University to discovering her true calling in venture capital through an unexpected course at Imperial College London. Today, she’s leading with purpose, backing early-stage founders with lived experience and a relentless drive to solve meaningful problems. We dive into: - Her bold pivot from medicine to venture capital - How Daring Ventures is disrupting VC norms with a focus on founder authenticity and real-world obsession - Why mentorship is a cornerstone of her approach—and how her athletic roots shaped her leadership - Her podcast Let’s Be Heard, which spotlights taboo-breaking conversations in women’s health - The power of vulnerability, community, and cold outreach that actually works This is a must-listen for founders, aspiring VCs, and anyone passionate about making an impact through innovation and empathy. 🔗 Connect with Maddi: Website: https://daringventures.vc/ Podcast: Let’s Be Heard: https://open.spotify.com/show/4gUuN40KsBHJFxykuKBg8e?si=fb5988ca0aab4fed LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maddi-holman-0b5b5a113/ ✨ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to support more conversations like this! #VentureCapital #WomenInVC #Founders #Entrepreneurship #MeetingYouWhereYoureAt #DaringVentures #WomensHealth #LetsBeHeard #Mentorship #Innovation #Podcast

Bilingualism, Equity & Advocacy with Dr. Maggie Marcus 📻 Meeting You Where You’re At Podcast In this inspiring episode, host Richard Juknavorian sits down with Dr. Maggie Marcus, Executive Director of the Sullivan Family Charitable Foundation, Fellow at the Century Foundation, and a passionate advocate for equitable access to dual language education. Together, they explore: 🌍 Maggie’s personal journey — from teaching Spanish in Puerto Rico and Washington, DC, to raising her own children bilingually. 🏫 How early experiences shaped her career in bilingual education and systems change. 🧠 The powerful intersection of language access, mental health, and culturally responsive learning. 💡 What “relational philanthropy” looks like in action and why it matters in educational equity. 🏫 Models of dual language instruction that work — and what school districts and policymakers still get wrong. 📣 A call to action for anyone looking to volunteer, mentor, or support multilingual learners in their local community. Whether you're a parent, educator, policymaker, or aspiring social innovator, this episode offers rich insights into the real-world challenges — and possibilities — of creating equitable, multilingual education systems. 🔗 Learn more about Maggie and her work: 🌐 Sullivan Family Charitable Foundation - https://sullivanfamilycharitablefoundation.org/ 🔗 The Century Foundation - https://tcf.org/ 🔗 Connect with Maggie on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaret-marcus-ph-d-8547b450/ 🎙️ Subscribe for more stories of impact, resilience, and social innovation from women leading change.

In this episode of Meeting You Where You’re At, host Richard Juknavorian sits down with Andrea Giancontieri (pronounced Jahn-con-TYEH-ree), a digital marketer, advocate, and entrepreneur who turned her personal journey through menopause into a powerful movement. Andrea shares her candid and often humorous story of navigating misdiagnoses, dismissive doctors, and finally finding her voice as an advocate. From co-founding The Whiny-Guiny to testifying at the Massachusetts State House in support of menopause awareness legislation, Andrea is leading the charge to break the silence and stigma surrounding menopause. ✨ In this conversation, Andrea and Richard discuss: Why menopause is still so stigmatized in 2025 How personal experience can spark advocacy and entrepreneurship Andrea’s journey from media buyer to co-founder of The Whiny-Guiny What needs to change in medicine and society to better support women 🎧 Whether you’re experiencing menopause, supporting a loved one, or passionate about women’s health advocacy, Andrea’s story will leave you inspired, informed, and empowered. 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe to the channel for more inspiring conversations with women leaders and innovators. 🔗 Visit: https://thewhinygynie.com/ 🔗 Follow: https://www.instagram.com/the_whiny_gynie/

In this episode of Meeting You Where You’re At, Richard sits down in person with Jasianna Ortiz, founder of Apothecary Braids and the creative force behind Braided by Jasy. What started as a side hustle during the pandemic has grown into a thriving business rooted in artistry, culture, and community. Jasianna shares her journey from teaching herself how to braid as a child, to navigating the challenges of being a solopreneur, to graduating from the EforAll accelerator program and winning multiple awards. Together, we explore: How Jasianna built her business from her dining room table to a professional studio. The importance of protective styles and hair health in her work. The role of mentorship, community, and wellness in sustaining entrepreneurship. Her advice for anyone afraid to take that first step toward starting their own venture. Follow and connect with Jasianna here: 📸 Instagram (Braided by Jasy): https://www.instagram.com/braidedbyjasy/ 📸 Instagram (Apothecary Braids): https://www.instagram.com/apothecarybraids/ 🌐 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/braidedbyjasy Tune in for an inspiring conversation that celebrates resilience, creativity, and the power of following your passion.

There’s More to Life: Empowering Women Through Financial Confidence with Analisse Desrochers In this inspiring episode of Meeting You Where You're At, host Richard Juknavorian sits down with Analisse Desrochers, a financial advisor at Wise Financial, who is redefining what it means to be empowered through financial literacy. After a successful career in logistics, Analisse made a bold pivot into financial services—driven by a deeply personal loss and a desire to help others avoid the same burdens she faced. Now, she’s on a mission to make financial planning approachable, especially for women and small business owners. Analisse shares how she uses education-first strategies to help her clients build personalized financial plans, the common misconceptions around wealth and insurance, and why she believes women supporting women is key to long-term success. From debunking financial myths to building a new all-women networking group, Analisse brings honesty, vulnerability, and actionable wisdom to the conversation. 💬 Topics Covered: Making a career pivot with purpose The emotional toll of poor estate planning Empowering women through financial education Common financial mistakes and how to avoid them Building community and confidence in a male-dominated industry Why you don’t need to be rich to talk to a financial advisor 📲 Connect with Analisse Instagram: www.instagram.com/analisse.financials/ Website: www.wisefinancial.net/ 🎙️ Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more stories of resilience, reinvention, and the women making it happen. We want to hear from you!

From Oncology to Advocacy: Dr. Shikha Jain on Leadership, Women’s Health, and Driving Change In this inspiring episode of Meeting You Where You’re At, host Richard Juknavorian sits down with Dr. Shikha Jain, oncologist, TEDx speaker, and founder of the Women in Medicine Summit and nonprofit. Dr. Jain shares her journey from aspiring pediatrician to finding her true calling in oncology, a field she loves for its human connection as much as its science. She opens up about building trust with patients and families, advocating for women in healthcare, and why she created the Women in Medicine movement to empower and equip leaders across the profession. We also explore her “gender moonshot” vision, the urgent need to prioritize women’s health, and how to navigate the balance — or as she calls it, the blend — of work, life, and purpose. Dr. Jain’s practical advice for aspiring physicians and change agents is both motivating and deeply honest. Topics Covered: Why oncology captured Dr. Jain’s heart and mind The origin and growth of the Women in Medicine Summit The gender moonshot and closing gaps in women’s health Work-life “blending” for dual-physician households How to lead change and build strong alliances Advice for women entering medicine today 📍 Learn more about Dr. Jain: https://shikhajainmd.com/ 📍 Women in Medicine Summit: https://www.womeninmedicinesummit.org/

There’s More to Life: Empowering Women Through Financial Confidence with Analisse Desrochers In this inspiring episode of Meeting You Where You're At, host Richard Juknavorian sits down with Analisse Desrochers, a financial advisor at Wise Financial, who is redefining what it means to be empowered through financial literacy. After a successful career in logistics, Analisse made a bold pivot into financial services—driven by a deeply personal loss and a desire to help others avoid the same burdens she faced. Now, she’s on a mission to make financial planning approachable, especially for women and small business owners. Analisse shares how she uses education-first strategies to help her clients build personalized financial plans, the common misconceptions around wealth and insurance, and why she believes women supporting women is key to long-term success. From debunking financial myths to building a new all-women networking group, Analisse brings honesty, vulnerability, and actionable wisdom to the conversation. 💬 Topics Covered: Making a career pivot with purpose The emotional toll of poor estate planning Empowering women through financial education Common financial mistakes and how to avoid them Building community and confidence in a male-dominated industry Why you don’t need to be rich to talk to a financial advisor 📲 Connect with Analisse Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/analisse.financials/ Website: https://www.wisefinancial.net/ 🎙️ Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more stories of resilience, reinvention, and the women making it happen.