The Power of the Ask

Katrina Volker, Vice President of Professional Relationships at OurFamilyWizard, joins The Power of the Ask to talk about what it takes to advocate for yourself, build trusted relationships, and create opportunities for long-term career growth. Drawing from her journey from an administrative role to executive leadership, Katrina shares how asking for the job, the promotion, and the compensation she deserved helped shape her career.  Katrina, Lisa, and Precious cover:  Asking for the Opportunity: Katrina shares how asking to be considered for a full-time role helped her pay for college and opened the door to future leadership opportunities.  Knowing Your Worth: When Katrina received an offer to join OurFamilyWizard, she made a bold counteroffer based on the experience and value she brought to the role. The experience reinforced the importance of doing your research and confidently advocating for yourself.  Building Trust Before the Ask: Katrina explains why the strongest professional relationships are built over time through listening, showing up, helping others, and earning the trust that makes people want to say yes.  Growing Within an Organization: Rather than waiting for a new title, Katrina asked to take part in high-impact projects, collaborate across departments, and assume greater responsibility. Those opportunities helped her grow into an executive leadership role.  Creating Structure During Divorce: As a child of divorce and a leader at OurFamilyWizard, Katrina discusses how structure, documentation, and thoughtful communication can help families make better financial and parenting decisions during an emotionally difficult time.  Why Women Must Keep Asking: Katrina reminds listeners that women need to know their value, advocate for themselves, and ask for help when they need it. Financial independence creates greater freedom, flexibility, and the ability to walk away from situations that no longer serve them.  Important Links: Savvy Ladies (https://www.savvyladies.org/) Precious Williams' LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/precious-l-williams/) Lisa Zeiderman's LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisazeiderman/ Katrina Volker's LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/katrinavolker/) Important Links for Katrina: Our Family Wizard Website: (https://www.ourfamilywizard.com/) About  Katrina Volker is the Vice President of Professional Relationships at OurFamilyWizard, where she has spent more than a decade building strategic partnerships and advancing the organization's professional outreach. Since joining the company in 2013 as a Professional Liaison, she has progressed through leadership roles, including Director of Professional Relationships, before being promoted to Vice President in 2023. She holds a bachelor's degree in Marketing, Management, and Entrepreneurship and a master's degree in Organizational Leadership from St. Catherine University.

Marcia Mantell, founder of Mantell Retirement Consulting and former VP at Fidelity Investments, joins The Power of the Ask to talk about what it takes to own your financial future. With 30 years of experience translating complex topics like Social Security and Medicare into language everyone can use, Marcia explores why women still remain disengaged from financial decisions, and how to change that.  Marcia, Lisa, and Precious cover:  Defining Your Value: When Marcia launched her business, someone told her she couldn't charge her rate. She said, "Watch me." Knowing what you're worth and standing by it is non-negotiable, whether you're negotiating a salary or building a retirement strategy.  How to Reframe Your Ask: The most powerful asks focus on what the other person stands to lose, a principle Marcia uses with Social Security clients who want to claim early.  Why Rejection is Critical Data: Marcia has quit three jobs, been told she'd never earn more, and launched a business that just celebrated 20 years.   Practicing Asking Out Loud: Before a high-stakes conversation, Marcia stands in front of a mirror and asks for what she wants. Hearing your own words builds confidence, and confidence builds momentum. 

Beth Battaglino, RN, CEO of HealthyWomen.org, joins The Power of the Ask to illustrate how health literacy and financial security are directly connected. Beth draws on more than three decades of women's health advocacy to explain why delaying care, skipping screenings, and staying quiet in the doctor's office can carry real financial consequences. She also shares how she made the boldest ask of her career, turning a hospital's about-to-close nonprofit into one of the country's leading women's health organizations.  Key takeaways from this important conversation:  Health Literacy and Financial Security Go Hand in Hand: Women who understand their health and act early live longer, work longer, and face fewer financially devastating medical crises down the road.  Delayed Care Has a Price Tag: Skipping preventative screenings delays diagnosis, increases treatment costs, and can derail a woman's ability to work and earn.  Ask for the Second Opinion: A second opinion is not a betrayal of your provider. The smartest healthcare professionals encourage it, and the most empowered patients demand it.  Know Your Numbers (All of Them): Blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, and Lp(a) are non-negotiables. One simple blood test for Lp(a) can reveal a hidden heart risk most women don't know to ask about.  Alignment Before the Ask: When building partnerships, Beth leads with shared values, not a wish list. That philosophy has sustained HealthyWomen for 35 years.  Important Links: Savvy Ladies (https://www.savvyladies.org/) Precious Williams' LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/precious-l-williams/) Lisa Zeiderman's LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisazeiderman/ Beth Battaglino's LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/beth-battaglino-14b6165/) Important Links for Beth: Healthy Women (https://www.healthywomen.org/) About Beth Battaglino:  Beth Battaglino is the president and chief executive officer of HealthyWomen, the nation’s leading independent, nonprofit health information source for women dedicated to educating women to make informed health choices.  Beth brings a unique combination of sharp business expertise and women’s health insight to her leadership of the organization. She has worked in the healthcare industry for more than 25 years, helping to define and drive public education programs on a broad range of women’s health issues.  Beth launched and has expanded the HealthyWomen brand. As a result of her leadership, HealthyWomen was recognized as one of the top 100 women’s health websites by Oprah magazine and by Forbes, for three consecutive years. HealthyWomen now connects to millions of women across the country through its wide program distribution and innovative use of technology.  She is also a practicing nurse in maternal child health. In addition to her nursing degree, Beth holds degrees in business and public administration from Marymount University. 

Financial thought leader and author Manisha Thakor joins the show to share her approach to financial health and emotional wealth. With over 30 years of experience in financial services, Manisha provides a clear roadmap for dismantling the cultural pressure on women to be perfect. She discusses the core principles of her book, MoneyZen, and explores how women can reclaim their power by asking the right questions of their employers, their partners, and themselves.  You’ll hear Manisha discuss:  The Perfection Trap: Why the societal expectation for women to be perfect prevents them from asking for raises, and how to embrace the bravery required to advocate for your worth.  Joy-Based Spending: A practical exercise to audit expenses and identify where life energy is being drained by social obligations or costs that offer no emotional return.   Financial Compatibility: The necessity of discussing money values early in relationships to ensure long-term alignment and stability.  The Reality of Wealth: Why assuming net worth based on outward appearances is a mistake and how to stop comparing yourself to a curated image.  Important Links: Savvy Ladies (https://www.savvyladies.org/) Precious Williams' LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/precious-l-williams/) Lisa Zeiderman's LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisazeiderman/ Manisha Thakor's LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/manishathakor/) Important Links for Manisha: Manisha's Books Link: (https://moneyzen.com/my-books/) Money Zen Website: (https://moneyzen.com/) About Manisha Thakor: Manisha Thakor has worked in financial services for more than thirty years, with an emphasis on women’s economic empowerment and financial well-being.  A nationally recognized thought-leader in this space, Thakor has been featured in a wide range of publications, including the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, NPR, PBS, CNN, Real Simple, and Women’s Health. In her most recent book, Money Zen, she breaks down the personal, cultural, and societal forces that have led us to falsely believe we can never have, do, or be enough, and shows us a fresh new path toward “MoneyZen”—her joy-based approach to living a life rich in financial health and emotional wealth. 

Entrepreneur, nurse practitioner and Manhattan medspa founder Andi Assebian, MSN, AGNP-C, joins the podcast to share her journey from the Ivory Coast to the heart of New York City’s aesthetic medicine scene. Drawing from her extensive background in physiology and perioperative nursing, Andi discusses how she built a practice that supports anatomy-driven beauty standards. She shares the stark reality of navigating the medical field as a woman of color and the determination required to scale a business while raising a family.  You’ll hear Andi discuss:    The Global Mirror: How growing up in the Ivory Coast and living across France and Canada shaped her view of beauty as a tool for identity and community rather than a quest for perfection.  Precision Under Pressure: Andi shares insights from her time as an operating room nurse, exploring how that high-stakes environment still dictates her meticulous approach to patient safety and treatment plans today.  Anatomy-Driven Aesthetics: Why she travels the globe to learn techniques that focus on balance and harmony over simple volume, and why the best aesthetic work should remain undetectable.  The Courage to Ask: How asking for support and networking allowed her to expand from a single room to a thriving Midtown Manhattan practice in just two years.  Rapid Fire Favorites: From the French classic Coq au Vin to the skincare trend she wants everyone to stop immediately.  Important Links: Savvy Ladies (https://www.savvyladies.org/) Precious Williams' LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/precious-l-williams/) Lisa Zeiderman's LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisazeiderman/ Important Links for Andi: Andi Assebian, MSN, AGNP-C's Site: https://dermartisan.com/ About Andi Assebian, MSN, AGNP-C's: Andi is a board-certified Nurse Practitioner with extensive experience in medical aesthetics. She received her Bachelors in Physiology from University of Calgary, Nursing degree from Duke University, and Masters as a Nurse Practitioner from New York University.   She began her career in the operating room at Yale University hospital as a Perioperative Nurse and transitioned to NYC to work with world-class plastic surgeons and aesthetic practitioners. Andi founded Derm Artisan to share her passion and vision for a MedSpa – one built on an unwavering commitment to care, excellence and empowerment.   Andi has lived in France, Canada, U.S., the Ivory Coast. Her appreciation for different cultures, beauty standards, and people of all backgrounds is deeply reflected in the makeup of Derm Artisan. She is an avid learner and travels the globe to stay on top of the latest techniques and technologies. Andi currently lives in NYC with her husband and baby boy.   She enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, and is fluent in French a language that connects her to her roots and enriches the welcoming, multicultural spirit she brings into her practice each day. 

Financial expert Tricia M. Taitt shares her journey from Wall Street and Broadway to writing the Amazon bestseller Dancing with Numbers and founding FinCore, a financial planning platform for women entrepreneurs. Discover the mindset shifts that define a CEO, why financial literacy is essential for women entrepreneurs, and the most overlooked opportunity for increasing your business profit. Tricia also reveals the two biggest asks that transformed her life, including deferring a six-figure job offer to pursue her passion for dance.  You’ll hear Tricia discuss:  The CEO Mindset Shift: Why she avoided the CEO title for years, and how she realized the role means building a team, not doing everything herself.  From Layoff to Liberation: The pivotal moment in 2009 that led Tricia to combine her expertise (Wharton, Duke, Wall Street) with her passion for dance to create FinCore.  Unlocking Profit: The single most overlooked profit opportunity Tricia sees across industries.  Tough Love with Honey: How she balances compassion and accountability to help entrepreneurs face their money stories and understand the consequences of inaction.  The Bold Ask: Tricia’s most uncomfortable asks, including the time she asked a major corporation to defer her employment to dance.  Important Links: Savvy Ladies (https://www.savvyladies.org/) Precious Williams' LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/precious-l-williams/) Lisa Zeiderman's LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisazeiderman/) Tricia M. Taitt's LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/triciataitt/) Important Links for Tricia: FinCore Website (https://fincorestrong.com/) Dancing with Numbers (https://a.co/d/7WZIpem) About Tricia Taitt: Tricia M. Taitt is the CEO of FinCore and Author of the Amazon best-selling book, "Dancing with Numbers: Grow A Financially Healthy Business and Choreograph the Life You Want".    She holds an M.B.A from The Fuqua School of Business of Duke University, and a BS in Economics with a Finance concentration from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. For over 20 years, she’s been a finance professional. Half of the time was spent working on Wall Street while the other half was spent in the trenches side by side with small business owners.   As a result of working with FinCore, clients have been able to take control of their numbers and feel more confident in their ability to make decisions, while increasing profits by 10% and building a cash stash to invest in growth. 

Award-winning CFP® Professional and Women and Wealth Authority Cary Carbonaro shares her remarkable, decades-long journey through the financial industry, shattering the glass ceiling. Carbonaro reveals the bold, decisive moves that shaped her career, including walking away from a half-million-dollar Wall Street salary after 9/11, quartering her income, and ultimately choosing to build her own multimillion-dollar financial planning practice from scratch.  She talks candidly about the challenges of operating as a woman in a male-dominated industry, detailing the effects of implicit bias and the constant need for resilience. Her personal story—from a high-stakes divorce that inspired her first book to a toxic corporate sale that sparked her second—delivers a powerful message. Finally, and notably, as the first woman on the NASDAQ Advisor Council, she advocates for the power of the ask, arguing that women must stop waiting to be noticed or rewarded and instead become 100% responsible for their financial future to close the wealth gap.    The Power of Self-Nomination: Carbonaro confidently “threw her hat in the ring” to become the first woman on the NASDAQ Advisor Council, proving the importance of asking for a seat at any table rather than waiting for an invitation.  Career Reinvention & Independence: Hear why she quit a high-earning NYC job, quartered her salary, and built her own firm, illustrating that true wealth requires building your own platform and never settling for less.  Resilience in a Male-Dominated Industry: A candid look at the implicit and unconscious bias women face in finance, stressing that resilience is the essential, non-negotiable trait needed to succeed.  Lemons to Lemonade: Hear how she calls on deeply personal, difficult experiences—a multi-million-dollar divorce and a toxic corporate sale—as the motivation to write her best-selling books and share crucial lessons with the world.  Important Links: Savvy Ladies Precious Williams' LinkedIn Lisa Zeiderman's LinkedIn Cary Carbonaro's LinkedIn  Important Links for Cary: Cary Carbonaro's Website  Cary's Women and Wealth Book  About Cary Carbonaro: Cary Carbonaro is an award-winning Certified Financial Planner™ with over 25 years of experience. She is the Managing Wealth Advisor and Women and Wealth Ambassador at Ashton Thomas, where she leads a multimillion-dollar financial planning practice focused on empowering women. Cary is the bestselling author of The Money Queen’s Guide and Women and Wealth: A Playbook to Empower Clients and Unlock Their Fortune, which offers actionable strategies for better serving women in financial services.    It was a #1 new release in wealth management and #1 in business finance and economics.  A respected industry voice, she’s been named as Investopedia’s Top 100 Financial Advisors list six times and is the first female member of the 2024 Nasdaq Advisor Council. She has been a CFP Board Ambassador for over a decade.  Through speaking, media appearances, and advocacy, Cary champions financial literacy and female empowerment. 

In a culture that glorifies the hustle, choosing to rest can feel like a revolutionary act. Licensed therapist, founder of Burn Bright Consulting, and host of Black Girl Burnout podcast, and 2025 Savvy Ladies Female FinFluencer Achievement Award Kelley Bonner shares her journey from clinical burnout to building a life centered on joy. She offers a radical perspective on ambition, arguing that much of what we call drive is actually conditioning. Listen for practical tools to dismantle the systems that drain your energy and learn how to finally give yourself permission to just be.    In this episode, you’ll learn about:  Redefining Burnout: Why burnout is a systemic problem, not a personal failure.  Being Present: How to stop performing for others and start living in alignment with your own needs.   Ambition vs. Conditioning: Why women of color often carry societal conditioning that is disguised as personal ambition.  Restorative Tools: Practical, five-minute exercises you can use to regulate your nervous system and restore your sense of safety.  Reclaiming Joy: Why reclaiming joy is a powerful way to honor yourself and the women who came before you.    Hear ways to give yourself the grace you deserve. Listen now.   Important Links: Savvy Ladies Precious Williams' LinkedIn Lisa Zeiderman's LinkedIn Kelley Bonner's LinkedIn  Important Links for Burn Bright Business Consulting  About Kelley Bonner: Kelley Bonner is a transformational specialist and licensed therapist dedicated to helping women overcome burnout and reclaim their joy. As the founder of Burn Bright Consulting and host of the top-rated podcast Black Girl Burnout—which has surpassed 1 million downloads Kelley guides individuals on a journey to authenticity and empowerment.  Drawing on her own experience of overcoming clinical burnout, Kelley combines her expertise in social work and criminal justice to create transformative spaces for growth. Anita Hill has described her work as “revolutionary,” and the Pentagon has called her “a benchmark in her field.” Kelley’s mission is to help women opt out of struggle and into a life filled with purpose, joy, and resilience. Through Burn Bright Consulting, she provides individuals and organizations with the tools they need to thrive.

Are your subconscious beliefs about money holding your business back? This week, Lisa and Precious welcome Ruchi Pinniger, a venture capital investor and the founder of Watch Her Prosper®. Ruchi shares her journey from a successful Wall Street career to becoming a financial mentor for women entrepreneurs. She explains why traditional financial advice often fails without addressing the underlying money mindset. Ruchi discusses her signature RIR Method™ for recognizing, interrupting, and reframing negative self-talk to cultivate a feeling of abundance. Listen in to learn how to connect your self-worth to your net worth and build a shame-free relationship with your finances for lasting profitability and growth.  What You’ll Hear:  Heal Your Mindset, Grow Your Revenue: Learn why a healthy money story is the most critical asset for unlocking your financial success.   From Inspiration to Action: Hear how Ruchi was inspired by her immigrant single mother’s journey and how that shaped her mission to empower other women financially.  The Worthiness Equation: Learn how the price you put on your time and expertise, from project fees to your annual salary, is a mirror of your own feeling of worthiness.  Find Your Magic Number: Hear the one question every entrepreneur should ask to align their business revenue with their personal financial goals to fund their ideal life.  Important Links: Savvy Ladies Precious Williams' LinkedIn Lisa Zeiderman's LinkedIn Ruchi Pinniger's LinkedIn  Important Links for Ruchi:  Watch Her Prosper Website  About Ruchi Pinniger:  Ruchi Pinniger, International Speaker, Venture Capital Investor, Founder and CEO of Watch Her Prosper®, is dedicated to providing financial mentorship, support and services that women-led service-based businesses need to succeed. Recently named one of the “Women Leading the Finance Industry,” Ruchi’s signature approach fosters shame-free empowerment, enabling clients to achieve significant results in profitability and economic growth. Ruchi leverages her years of experience on Wall Street to provide expert advice on financial leadership, tax-time readiness, and small business finances.   She is dedicated to philanthropy, serving on the executive boards of Savvy Ladies and the Pajama Program. Recognized with the Entrepreneur Community Leadership Award 2024, she is committed to helping entrepreneurs thrive, and cherishes moments with her family exploring food and diverse cultures around the world.

Certified Financial Therapist Erika Wasserman returns to The Power of the Ask to discuss how women can stop feeling shame around money and start building more confidence. Learn how a “personal board of directors” can help you on your financial journey. This conversation provides the tools you need to rewrite your money story and build a supportive community that helps you move forward.  Key Takeaways  Asking for Help is a Strength: Leaning on your community during difficult times allows others to show up for you, strengthening your relationships and helping everyone involved.   Make Your Ask Specific: Vague requests get vague results. To get what you need, practice making your asks direct and targeted.   Confidence is a Practiced Skill: A lack of financial confidence doesn’t mean you’re bad with money, it just means you haven’t practiced yet.   Boundaries Create Freedom: Setting financial boundaries isn’t just about saying “no.” Create intentional rules that work for you, which may include saying “yes” to the right things in moderation.  Important Links: Savvy Ladies Precious Williams' LinkedIn Lisa Zeiderman's LinkedIn Important Links for Erika: Erika Wasserman's LinkedIn  Your Financial Therapist Website  About Erika Wasserman:  Erika Wasserman, the visionary CEO and founder of Your Financial Therapist, established the company in 2019 with a mission to transform how people view and manage their financial lives. As a Certified Financial Therapist (CFT-I™)—a prestigious certification held by fewer than 70 professionals worldwide—Erika blends her expertise in finance and international economics with her passion for empowering individuals, couples, and organizations to rethink their relationship with money. She is also the creator of the innovative Let’s Talk Finances: Financial Wellness Conversation Cards. This unique tool features 50 thought-provoking questions designed to spark meaningful conversations about money, fostering financial clarity and emotional connection. Erika’s academic credentials include a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) from the University of Florida and a Graduate Certificate in Financial Therapy from Kansas State University. Her work reflects a deep commitment to financial well-being, making her a trusted expert in financial therapy.

Join Lisa Zeiderman and Precious Williams as they welcome Erika Wasserman, one of only 100 certified financial therapists in the United States and founder of Your Financial Therapist, to the Power of the Ask podcast. Drawing from her personal journey through divorce and reinvention, Erika shares her signature Money Mindset Method and reveals how our backgrounds, cultural influences, and past experiences shape our relationship with money.  In this eye-opening conversation, Erika demonstrates how to move beyond financial shame and fear to create healthier money conversations in every area of life. Whether you're navigating a breakup, planning for retirement, or simply want to feel more confident about your financial decisions, this episode offers practical tools and compassionate guidance.  You'll discover:  The Foundation of Financial Therapy: Learn what financial therapy really means and why talking about money feels so uncomfortable for most people  The Money Mindset Method: Erika's five-step framework (M.O.N.E.Y.) for having productive financial conversations in any situation  Breaking Generational Patterns: How family background, culture, and personal experiences create our money stories and how to rewrite them  Practical Conversation Starters: Real strategies for discussing finances with partners, family members, and even yourself  Financial Trauma Recovery: Compassionate approaches to healing from past financial wounds and building trust in new relationships   Important Links: Savvy Ladies Precious Williams' LinkedIn Lisa Zeiderman's LinkedIn Important Links for Erika: Erika Wasserman's LinkedIn  Your Financial Therapist Website  About Erika Wasserman:  Erika Wasserman, the visionary CEO and founder of Your Financial Therapist, established the company in 2019 with a mission to transform how people view and manage their financial lives. As a Certified Financial Therapist (CFT-I™)—a prestigious certification held by fewer than 70 professionals worldwide—Erika blends her expertise in finance and international economics with her passion for empowering individuals, couples, and organizations to rethink their relationship with money. She is also the creator of the innovative Let’s Talk Finances: Financial Wellness Conversation Cards. This unique tool features 50 thought-provoking questions designed to spark meaningful conversations about money, fostering financial clarity and emotional connection. Erika’s academic credentials include a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) from the University of Florida and a Graduate Certificate in Financial Therapy from Kansas State University. Her work reflects a deep commitment to financial well-being, making her a trusted expert in financial therapy.  

On this episode of The Power of the Ask, we speak with Ivette Rivera, an inspiring Afro-Latina Nuyorican from Camden, New Jersey who transformed her life from homelessness to founding Harley, a trauma-informed fintech platform dedicated to helping women escape financial abuse and build wealth.  Ivette shares her incredible journey of resilience, faith, and the bold asks that paved her path to success, including selling a domain to rapper and entrepreneur Nas and her pivotal experience with Tesla. Learn how she diversified her investments with the guidance of Savvy Ladies, turning potential setbacks into powerful momentum. This episode explores:  Financial Independence: Ivette’s journey highlights how asking for help and clarity is the first step in rebuilding your life, even from rock bottom.  Female Fintech: Learn about Harley, a platform designed to meet the specific financial needs of women, offering everything from high-yield accounts and robo-investing to a “diamond squad” for women-supporting-women funding.  Cultural Entrepreneurship: Understand how cultural entrepreneurship, like Ivette’s Loiza Foods and Bodega Flavor, can be a powerful act of healing, identity affirmation, and creating spaces for underrepresented communities.  Digital Safety: Recognize the growing need for women to embrace cybersecurity and digital safety as a core part of their financial lifestyle, protecting themselves from online scams and financial targeting.  Important Links: Savvy Ladies Precious Williams' LinkedIn Lisa Zeiderman's LinkedIn Ivette Rivera's LinkedIn  

Think insurance is dull? Think again! Join us as visionary CEO and turnaround expert Monica Adwani shatters myths about the insurance industry and entrepreneurship. With nearly two decades of experience, Monica shares how she built a thriving career from the ground up, empowering Latino and immigrant entrepreneurs through innovative solutions. Tune in to hear the surprising ways insurance saves lives and businesses, the truth about the entrepreneurial journey, and the vast, often overlooked opportunities within this dynamic industry.  Insurance is Not Boring: Find out how a dynamic career in insurance has led to Monica’s greatest reward: saving lives and businesses.  Self-Made Success: Learn how Monica built her career from “zero” to CEO, arriving in the U.S. as an immigrant with no immediate family or help.  Industry of Opportunity: The insurance sector faces a massive workforce gap, presenting significant career opportunities for new talent.  Cultural Inclusion & Legacy: Monica is a passionate advocate for bringing diverse, younger talent into the industry. She hopes to leave a legacy of positive impact and enabling opportunities for others.  About Monica Adwani  Monica Adwani is a visionary CEO and turn-around expert with over 18 years in the insurance and business world. As the founder of Breezy Seguros, she empowers Latino and immigrant entrepreneurs through innovative insurance solutions and business growth strategies.   Recognized with multiple honors—including the AXL100 and Top 50 Women Leaders of Massachusetts—Monica is also a passionate advocate for inclusion, a board advisor for women entrepreneurs, and the voice behind the TranscendWithM podcast. Her journey from immigrant to impact-maker continues to shape industries and inspire change.  Important Links: Savvy Ladies Precious Williams' LinkedIn Lisa Zeiderman's LinkedIn Monica Adwani's LinkedIn 

Tune in as Lisa Zeiderman and Precious Williams welcome Zoe Bogan, founder of ZB Agency and the visionary behind the Revenue Catalyst Program, which empowers women in traditionally male-dominated industries to excel in revenue-generating roles. Drawing on her experience as a former mergers and acquisitions leader at KPMG, Zoe shares her expertise helping women cultivate the confidence to overcome traditional barriers and boldly ask for opportunity, ownership, and the compensation they deserve. Learn how to move past fear and step into your power by:  Laying the Foundation: Explore Zoe's personal journey and the "breadcrumbs" that led to empowering women's confidence.  Cultivating Self-Belief: Learn strategies for shifting your mindset to build deeper belief in your worth and potential.  Speaking Up: Get practical tips for asking powerfully and with confidence, even when navigating fear in male-dominated environments.  Embracing an Empowered Mindset: Understand the importance of transitioning from a passive "employee" stance to an active, confident "entrepreneurial" mindset.  Demanding Your Due: Learn why confidently demanding what you inherently deserve is crucial for achieving true financial empowerment.  About Zoe Bogan Zoe Bogan is the founder of ZB Agency and a catalyst for women stepping into revenue-generating leadership roles across accounting, law, consulting, and beyond. Through her flagship program, Revenue Catalyst, now in its third cohort, she equips women to lead with confidence, close deals, and shift how they’re seen and valued in high-stakes rooms. She is the visionary behind the ZB Agency Conference: Women Leading in Revenue Generation and Dealmaking and the ZB Golf Series, which has introduced nearly 70 women to golf as a powerful tool for business growth. Zoe also leads the Capital Power-Up Initiative and upcoming Capital Power Summit, helping diverse and women-owned businesses prepare for funding and connect with aligned investors. A former Corporate Development leader at KPMG, Zoe brings deep experience in M&A, integration strategy, and culture alignment. She’s a SUNY Fredonia alum, a passionate advocate for women in business—and most likely to be found on the golf course with her dog, Angel, when not building what’s next. Important Links: Savvy Ladies Precious Williams' LinkedIn Lisa Zeiderman's LinkedIn Zoe Bogan's LinkedIn Zoe Bogan's Website , ZB Agency 

On this episode of The Power of the Ask, we welcome Melissa Cisco, Esq., Director of High School Innovation and Special Projects, NYC Department of Education, for a discussion on the surprising intersection of education and real estate. Melissa shares her journey of discovering the power of property ownership for building wealth and how she empowers her students with this knowledge. Tune in for these key takeaways:  Unlocking Wealth with Real Estate: Discover how a legal lens on the property market reveals pathways to building significant wealth, accessible to individuals from diverse backgrounds.  Making Smart Money Moves: Learn strategies for successful real estate investments, understanding the long-term game versus the quick flip for sustainable growth.  Educating for Economic Empowerment: Understand how forward-thinking educators can equip students with financial literacy skills.  Igniting Transformation Through Opportunity: Hear about Melissa's dedication to creating life-changing experiences for students, both in their local communities and across the globe.  About Melissa Cisco: Melissa is an educator, attorney, and advocate for generational wealth and global learning. With 15 years in education and a legal focus in real estate, education, and immigration, she empowers families through smart investment strategies and teaches students the value of real estate. As Director of High School Innovation and Special Projects , she supports NYC’s 1.1 million students and has led international trips to expand their worldviews. Melissa is passionate about creating meaningful, transformative opportunities for the next generation.   Welcome, Melissa! We’re so excited to have you with us today. To kick things off, why don’t you share something with our audience, something that they wouldn’t know just from reading your bio?  Important Links: Savvy Ladies Precious Williams' LinkedIn Lisa Zeiderman's LinkedIn Melissa Cisco's LinkedIn

In this episode of the Power of the Ask podcast, hosts Lisa Zeiderman and Precious Williams reconnect with investor, writer, and facilitator Nirupa Umapathy. Nirupa explores the significance of embracing life’s transitions and advocating for your financial value. Discover how learning to say “no” and understanding your financial landscape can empower you to ask for and receive what you truly need. Key Takeaways: Community is Crucial: In times of chaos and division, the strength of your network and the people around you is paramount for support and growth. Seven-Year Cycles of Change: Recognize and embrace the natural rhythms of significant shifts and evolutions in your life and career. Advocate for Your Worth: Never undervalue yourself or index your expectations to the lowest baseline; aim for compensation and recognition that reflect your true value. Financial Literacy is Foundational: Understand your cost of living, liabilities, and the levers you can control in your financial life. Timing and Context in Asking: Be mindful of when and how you make an ask, always considering the context and the other person’s perspective. Become a Champion Receiver: Recognize and actively work against societal conditioning that may prioritize giving over receiving, particularly for women. ------ About Nirupa: Nirupa Umapathy is an independent SG-focused investor, writer, facilitator, and classical Pilates teacher. A former Managing Director at Bank of America Merrill Lynch and Whitebox Advisors, she was known for executing complex deals in structured credit markets. After leaving finance in 2017, she redesigned her life around joy and creativity.  Nirupa founded Salons for Life, a community fostering connection through unstructured play, and writes on empowered transitions. She also curates a unique alternatives portfolio, drawing on her financial expertise. Nirupa holds a B.A. in Anthropology and Economics from Smith College. Important Links: Savvy Ladies Precious Williams' LinkedIn Lisa Zeiderman's LinkedIn Nirupa Umapathy LinkedIn 

In this episode of The Power of the Ask, Jacqueline (JaQ) Campbell reveals her incredible story from a 16-year-old intern to a powerhouse wealth advisor. As founder and CEO of Alexander Legacy Private Wealth Management, she emphasizes the critical role of mentorship and is dedicated to empowering the next generation of financial leaders. Learn how her experiences have shaped her mission to create opportunities for women and people of color in the financial industry. Join us as we discuss:   Intern to Icon: Hear about JaQ’s remarkable journey from a high school internship to leading a multi-billion-dollar investment team.  The Power of Mentorship: Learn how mentors shaped her career and why she’s passionate about mentoring the next generation of advisors.  Advancing Future Leaders: Explore her mission to create opportunities for women and people of color in the financial industry.  Building Generational Wealth: Gain insights into strategies for sustaining and growing wealth for future generations.  Navigating the Future of Finance: Understand the importance of human connection and personalized advice in an increasingly AI-driven world.  The Importance of the Ask: Learn why JaQ, like all our guests, believes asking for what you want and deserve is crucial for financial success.  More About Jacqueline “JaQ” Campbell:  Her professional background began in 1993 as a high school intern for Comerica’s Private Bank. She ascended from high school intern to running a $1.8 billion investment team for Chase Wealth Management, and now leads Alexander Legacy Private Wealth Management, as Founder, CEO and Senior Wealth Advisor, where her mission is to advance the next generation of advisors and investors in wealth management. JaQ holds her bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts with a focus area on Diverse Leadership in Financial Services from DePaul University. She also holds her Series 63 & 65 securities registrations.  Important Links: Savvy Ladies Precious Williams' LinkedIn Lisa Zeiderman's LinkedIn Jacqueline “JaQ” Campbell’s LinkedIn

In a time filled with challenging realities, Brenda Gonzalez, founder of the Tamarindo podcast and Director of Social Impact and Engagement at VPE Communications, focuses on the crucial connection between laughter and social change. Join hosts Lisa Zeiderman and Precious Williams as they engage in a compelling conversation with Brenda, a self-proclaimed political nerd, fitness instructor, and nonprofit capacity builder, who transformed her passion for social justice into a powerful platform for change. Brenda shares her journey from an undocumented student to a dynamic advocate, emphasizing the importance of using humor to “call people in” rather than “call them out.”  Discover how comedy, education, and personal empowerment can fuel activism and drive meaningful change, even in the darkest of times. Listen as they discuss:  Humor as a Bridge: Learn how Brenda uses comedy to address critical social issues, creating a welcoming space for dialogue and action. From Personal Experience to Political Power: Understand how Brenda’s experiences as a formerly undocumented student shaped her commitment to political activism and education. The Power of Voice: Gain insights into honing your voice for advocacy, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful communication and sustained effort. Navigating Challenging Times: Discover strategies for maintaining stamina in activism, including self-care practices and recognizing the power of collective progress. The Crucial Ask: Explore the significance of women advocating for themselves financially, with real-life examples, and learn how to overcome the fear of asking. More about Brenda Gonzalez: Brenda Gonzalez is a political nerd, fitness instructor, and nonprofit capacity-builder focusing on social justice nonprofits.  In response to negative rhetoric about the Latine community in political discourse, Brenda founded Tamarindo in 2016 with the mission to use comedy and laughter to illuminate important issues impacting the community.  Brenda’s experience as a formerly undocumented student shaped her interest in politics and she taught American Government at Cal State Fullerton before she was even eligible to vote. She brings her passion for politics to Tamarindo often in the form of comical rants. Born in Puebla, Mexico, Brenda lives in Los Angeles.  Important Links: Savvy Ladies Precious Williams' LinkedIn Lisa Zeiderman's LinkedIn Brenda Gonzalez Ricards LinkedIn 

Tired of the corporate climb and wondering, “Is this all there is?” Join Lisa Zeiderman and Precious Williams as they dive into the extraordinary journey of Sarah Dale, founder of Project 1490. Sarah’s story is one of audacious change, taking her from the fast-paced world of NYC ad tech to the rugged, transformative landscapes of Montana. Discover how a solo trip sparked a life-altering decision, leading her to build a community that empowers high-achieving women to embrace courage, self-reliance, and a healthy dose of badassery. Through unique, experiential challenges, Project 1490 helps women break free from their comfort zones and unlock their fullest potential.  Hear how Sarah faced down mountain lions, built fires in the wilderness, and ultimately found her true purpose. This episode explores why it’s never too late to reinvent yourself, why building community is vital, and why asking for what you want is crucial for women's financial and personal empowerment. Tune in as we discuss:  Courage & Audacity: Sarah’s courageous leap from corporate life to Montana illustrates the power of bold choices for personal fulfillment. Badassery Through Experience: Building confidence and resilience occurs by pushing beyond comfort zones and embracing new challenges. Self-Reliance & Empowerment: Discovering inner strength is a continuous journey best traveled with a supportive community. From NYC to Montana: Environmental shifts can redefine value systems, shaping personal growth and perspectives. The Power of the Ask: Women can accelerate progress by advocating for their needs and taking control of their destinies. Reinvention & Potential: It’s always possible to unlock new potential through exploration and celebrating achievements. Guest Bio: After a 30-year career in advertising, Sarah Dale created Project 1490 by combining her years in leadership with her experiences living in Montana. She’s been fortunate to work at great brands like The Wall Street Journal, Fortune and Nativo, where she led big teams and drove hundreds of millions in revenue. She’s been awarded a CannesLions, two D&AD Pencils, Folio’s Top Women in Media and the Stevies’ Gold Maverick Award, et al. While she’s had an impressive career, Sarah’s love of nature and experiences in the wilds of Montana are what started her wish to get other corporate women to build their own badassery and confidence by learning outdoor skills. Project 1490 now provides the opportunity not only for women to have unique, outdoor experience that help them go beyond who they think they are, they build their corporate networks and confidence, and have a ton of fun in the process. Important Links: Savvy Ladies Precious Williams' LinkedIn Lisa Zeiderman's LinkedIn Sarah Dale's LinkedIn

Join us this month on the Power of the Ask Podcast as we sit down with Mara Cristina Tache, co-chair of the Savvy Ladies Junior Board and a leader in the financial technology industry. Mara shares her inspiring journey, from growing up in Romania with a love for books and early exposure to technology to navigating the challenges of a male-dominated field and leading a global team. She discusses the values that drive her leadership, including financial literacy, diversity, equity, inclusion, and ethical AI. Tune in to hear about: From Student to Leader: How learning and diverse experiences shape a leader. Ethical Tech, Inclusive Finance: Mara’s commitment to building a financial world where everyone is successful. Leading With DEI: Championing diversity, equity, and inclusion, including LGBTQIA+ advocacy, in fintech. Kindness and Mentorship: Empowering others through support and guidance. Vulnerability and Opportunity: How asking for help opens doors to growth. ------- Mara Cristina Tache Bio:  As the Co-Chair of the Savvy Ladies Jr. Board, Mara Cristina Tache is deeply committed to enhancing women's financial literacy and supporting their financial independence while addressing economic and racial disparities. She was honored with the Excellence in Mentorship Award at the 2023 Savvy Ladies Awards Benefit Gala for her significant influence as an emerging leader in the financial services sector. With over 12 years of experience in the payments industry, Mara contributes to employee-led business resource groups that empower women leaders and advocate for LGBTQIA+ equity. Her dedication to diversity, inclusion, and financial education has a lasting and profound impact on her community. Important Links: Savvy Ladies Precious Williams' LinkedIn Lisa Zeiderman's LinkedIn Mara Cristina Tache