Fearless Females

Hosted by Lorie Jones

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128

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Jun 2026

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About the show

Welcome to Fearless Females – the podcast designed to inspire and guide young women forging their paths in traditionally male-dominated industries. Your host, Lorie Jones owner of FearLess Financial Advisors, is here to kindle the flames of ambition and resilience in every 20-something listener. Immerse yourself in the grace of conversations with seasoned women entrepreneurs and executives who've triumphed over challenges and achieved remarkable success. Whether you're navigating the professional world or aiming to uplift others, join us for candid discussions that reveal the triumphs, trials, and transformative moments shaping extraordinary careers. Unlock the strategies, skills, and a fearless mindset needed to thrive in any industry. Fearless Females is your compass for gracefully navigating uncharted waters, breaking barriers, and fostering a community of unstoppable women. Are you ready to be fearless? Tune in now and let the journey to professional greatness begin!

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60 recent

June 15, 202641 min

The Courage to Say No with April Joy Damian: Leading Without Losing Yourself

In this episode, Lorie Jones welcomes trailblazing leader Dr. April Joy Damian, chief scientific officer and director at the Weitzman Institute. April Joy brings candid wisdom to the table, from practical strategies for setting boundaries to the truth behind the myth that only hard work guarantees success. You will discover why "no" is a complete sentence, and how learning to step forward, even when you don't feel fully ready, can open powerful new doors. April Joy shares her journey from aspiring physician to nationally recognized advocate for children's mental health, along with the real stories of facing self-doubt, caregiving pressures, and being the only woman in the room. This conversation is packed with honest advice, professional insights, and motivating lessons sure to empower women to build careers that truly align with their values and vision. Show Highlights: A book to help rediscover the power of discomfort. [04:10] Learning to say no as a caregiver and professional before reaching depletion. [09:29] How to balance priorities by what's important vs. urgent. [12:09] The importance of women making their achievements visible. [15:09] Why embracing opportunities despite impostor syndrome matters. [19:40] The dividends investing in your growth and enrichment pays. [24:01] How do you navigate feelings of otherness in professional spaces? [27:09] Allowing vulnerability in professional and personal mentorship. [31:52] What exactly does it mean to live a purpose-driven life? [35:42] Three powerful rules to live by for young women. [39:07] Connect with April Joy Damian on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/apriljoydamian/. If you enjoyed this episode, please go to Apple Podcasts and leave a review! For more information about Lorie Jones, go to https://fearlessfinancialadvisors.com/fearless-females.

June 8, 202644 min

The Courage to Be Seen with Savannah Abney: Building a Brand Around You

In today's conversation, host Lorie Jones sits down with Savannah Abney, co-founder and CEO of The Breezy Company, to explore the intersection of ambition, authenticity, and entrepreneurial success. Savannah shares how embracing her personal brand opened new doors for her business and discusses why founders, and anyone building a career, should invest in their individual visibility. From candid stories about early financial struggles and navigating "cringy" first steps in self-promotion, to actionable advice on building resilience and leveraging your unique value, this episode is packed with insights for breaking boundaries and building a life and business on your own terms. Whether you're just starting out or aiming to level up, get ready to be inspired to lead with courage, own your story, and become the driving force behind your own success! Show Highlights: A life-changing must-read for honing true entrepreneurial grit. [03:08] Transitioning from business instincts to business ownership. [05:45] Personal branding power in a future of faceless brand failure. [09:37] Discover trust insights for brand optimization on social media. [12:07] How to better use AI for original content the market rewards. [13:41] The danger of fear-based advice vs. the value of adaptability. [22:42] Are you worried about appearing cringy in marketing efforts? [28:08] Should you live below your means early for business benefits? [29:42] Neutralizing gender bias with results-focused feminine confidence. [37:30] Real-life advice to young women on investing early in the future. [41:13] Find Savannah Abney on Instagram @SavAbney. Connect with Savannah on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/savannahabney/, or via email at Savannah@Thebreezycompany.co. If you enjoyed this episode, please go to Apple Podcasts and leave a review! For more information about Lorie Jones, go to https://fearlessfinancialadvisors.com/fearless-females.

June 1, 202658 min

Thriving in the Messy Middle with Jessica Studholme: Where Growth Actually Happens

This week, Lorie Jones sits down with Jessica Studholme, CRO of Hello Sunshine, for a candid and empowering conversation about embracing obstacles, career pivots, and the power of authenticity. Jessica shares her journey from dreaming of being a Rockette to climbing the corporate ladder in media and entertainment, emphasizing how every challenge became a stepping stone. The discussion pans lessons learned from mentorship, the art of self-advocacy, and the importance of showing up as your true self in male-dominated industries. Whether you're charting your own course, facing the messy middle, or just need a reminder to take a fearless first step, this episode will inspire you to see obstacles not as roadblocks, but as the pathway to growth and greatness. Let the journey begin! Show Highlights: Reframing obstacles as the path rather than what's in its way. [04:25] The power of mentorship and networking in career transitions. [11:41] How work–life integration can inform and enrich leadership. [15:23] Engaging in the "ugly work" of self-discovery with a coach. [17:19] Should you change who you are for a job or be masculine in business? [24:10] Listening to your gut and leaving earlier for your next chapter. [28:37] Pivotal question to ask yourself to negotiate your worth. [32:26] How to find everyday fearlessness in the messy middle. [39:30] Facing bias due to gender and motherhood in the workplace. [46:02] Modeling ambition for kids with lessons from Jessica's mom. [49:53] Why young women must network and embrace "burnt toast." [54:19] Find Jessica Studholme on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-jones-studholme-7b57b94/. You can also contact her via email at jessicajstudholme@gmail.com. If you enjoyed this episode, please go to Apple Podcasts and leave a review! For more information about Lorie Jones, go to https://fearlessfinancialadvisors.com/fearless-females.

May 25, 202643 min

Accidental Entrepreneurship with Stefanie Francis: Building What You Couldn't Find

In this episode, Lorie Jones sits down with Stefanie Francis, founder and CEO of Hootology, to uncover the twists and turns of her inspiring career. From her beginnings as a Division I volleyball player to unexpectedly launching her own tech-enabled market research firm, Stefanie shares how embracing uncertainty and following her intuition led her to build the company she had always hoped to work for. Stefanie offers candid reflections on leaving comfort zones, navigating challenges as a woman leader, and her commitment to inner growth through therapy and self-discovery. Whether you're forging your own path or still figuring out the next step, Stefanie Francis's fearless wisdom will spark your curiosity and encourage you to embrace every possibility along your journey. Show Highlights: Finding success in the present on an evolving career path. [07:22] A journey to founding the company you couldn't find to work at. [08:15] What does modernized market research look like? [12:31] The role of therapy as a transformative personal investment. [15:49] Why advice isn't absolute and needs your unique filter. [18:12] Hollow personal branding vs. "warning" signals of authenticity. [21:14] The value of understanding your own psychology of money. [29:39] Is fear a necessary part of growth? [33:32] Exposure to locker room talk as masculine-presenting women. [35:45] Embracing the inner voice, fear, and quiet as young women. [39:14] Connect with Stefanie Francis on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefaniefrancis/. You can also reach out to Stefanie via email at stephanie@hootology.com . If you enjoyed this episode, please go to Apple Podcasts and leave a review! For more information about Lorie Jones, go to https://fearlessfinancialadvisors.com/fearless-females.

May 18, 202650 min

Owning Your Value with Lauren Kwedar Cockerell: Starting Before You Feel Ready

In today's conversation, Lori Jones sits down with Lauren Kwedar Cockerell, president of Kwedar & Co., who shares her inspiring journey from book-loving child to successful entrepreneur. Listen in as Lauren recounts how being laid off at eight months pregnant became the catalyst for launching her own business—and how embracing lifelong learning and valuing her own worth transformed her professional path. You'll also hear candid advice on negotiating salaries, trusting your intuition, scaling teams with heart, and the importance of taking time to rest and rejuvenate. This episode is packed with real stories, practical lessons, and encouragement for any woman aiming to carve her own fearless trail in the business world. Show Highlights: Do great PR careers evolve from a childhood love of stories? [08:26] How being laid off can be an entrepreneurial springboard. [12:13] The power of coaching to help start and sustain a business. [16:00] The certification and accelerator that transformed Lauren's path. [17:45] Are you undercharging without negotiating first offers? [21:44] Pitfalls of boosting headcount without strategy during rapid growth. [25:58] The importance of delegating financial administration. [30:44] Why "hire slow, fire fast" is true—better done with humanity. [35:36] Fostering rest and adventure beyond work as an employer. [41:38] AI and entry-level job challenges vs. unlocking unique value. [43:32] Connect with Lauren Kwedar Cockerell on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenkwedar/ or via email at hello@kwedarco.com. You can also find Lauren's work or contact her at https://www.kwedarco.com/. If you enjoyed this episode, please go to Apple Podcasts and leave a review! For more information about Lorie Jones, go to https://fearlessfinancialadvisors.com/fearless-females.

May 11, 202638 min

Rewriting the Playbook with Cary Carbonaro: Designing Finance for Women

This week, Lorie Jones welcomes powerhouse financial advisor Cary Carbonaro, whose remarkable path proves success rarely follows a straight line. From her early days in private banking to weathering professional pivots and personal upheaval, Cary stands out as a relentless force finding opportunity through adversity. She opens up about rewriting the rules in a male-dominated industry and why women don't have to fit neatly into any one box—advisor, author, marketer, or speaker. You will find fresh perspectives in her ironclad commitment to self-belief and her strategic take on building a career where confidence is non-negotiable. Don't miss Cary's practical advice for owning your ambition, championing your credentials, and celebrating milestones along the way. This is a conversation designed to energize growth-minded women ready to shape their own legacy. Show Highlights: A nonlinear journey in finance to a No.4 national ranking. [04:34] Betting on your talent over job security at a prestigious firm. [08:34] Why you should get Cary's book Women and Wealth. [10:47] Is occupying a single career box important to be successful? [12:23] The high-return investment of earning CFP certification. [13:37] Risks of unqualified people vetting your separation agreement. [17:36] The importance of listening to good parental and CFP advice. [21:47] Explicit and subtle discrimination against women in finance. [27:59] Two non-negotiables for women entering male-dominated fields. [31:34] Practical advice for young women who want to become CFPs. [35:26] To contact Cary Carbonaro, visit her website https://carycarbonaro.com/ or find her on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/carycarbonarocfp/. Click the link to get Cary's book Women and Wealth: https://www.amazon.com/Women-Wealth-Playbook-Empower-Clients/dp/1394300271 If you enjoyed this episode, please go to Apple Podcasts and leave a review! For more information about Lorie Jones, go to https://fearlessfinancialadvisors.com/fearless-females

May 4, 202646 min

Designed for More with Sarah Simmons: Finding Strength in Risk and Reinvention

In this inspiring episode, Sara Simmons, founder of Sera Swimwear and a seasoned HR executive, joins Lorie Jones for a candid conversation about blazing your own trail in male-dominated industries. They'll explore the difference between confidence and competence, the power of investing in yourself, and the reality of growing a career—and a business—from the ground up. Sara shares her unconventional journey from childhood fashion dreams to building startups, navigating setbacks, and undertaking unique challenges as a woman leader. Whether you're just getting started or facing your own crossroads, this episode delivers the wisdom, grit, and practical advice you need to take the next fearless step in your career. Get ready to be inspired and empowered on your own path to success! Show Highlights: Two must-reads for leading organizations with a competitive edge. [03:48] The opportunity in underserved plus-size apparel with data. [10:58] The indispensable value of CE and professional certification. [16:06] How to recognize a stagnant job and cues for a change. [16:37] Who's in your combined Voltron of key advisors? [19:54] Why the advice you take must fit your context and realism. [20:33] The truth about fearlessness and micro steps. [28:52] Advice to find a 401(k) employer match. [32:24] Balance vs. work-life integration for multi-hyphenate women. [34:24] Avoid opportunistic thought leaders as early-career women. [39:47] Confidence vs. competence in real-life business building. [41:51] Connect with Sara Simmons on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-s-053a1a126/. Sara can also be reached via email at sara@seraswimwear.com. If you enjoyed this episode, please go to Apple Podcasts and leave a review! For more information about Lorie Jones, go to https://fearlessfinancialadvisors.com/fearless-females.

April 27, 202654 min

Relationships and Referrals with Sarah Hubbard: Building a Network That Actually Works

In this episode, Lorie Jones sits down with Sarah Hubbard, author of The Intentional Networker and senior residential mortgage loan officer, to uncover the real stories behind thriving as a woman in a male-dominated field. From Sarah's nonlinear journey from athletic aspirations and physical therapy to succeeding in the world of mortgage lending, to her candid lessons about debt, networking, and staying true to oneself, this conversation is packed with honest insights and a dash of humor. Discover why authenticity is the secret to attracting the right people, the importance of intentional networking, and how trusting your intuition can make all the difference. If you're ready to be inspired by genuine resilience and actionable advice from a woman who carved her own path against the odds, this episode is for you. Tune in and celebrate the magic of showing up exactly as you are. Show Highlights: Why your networking journey is the path to a thriving career. [08:52] What's the real "work" in networking that makes it work? [11:13] Does networking boost sales more than costlier direct mail? [16:25] Tweaking male-originated playbooks in finance as a woman. [19:43] Can introverts be powerful networkers? [21:25] Lessons from legal intake for securing referral partners or contacts. [23:34] Do you have to spend money you don't have to find business? [26:29] Who are the best referral partners for mortgage loan officers? [30:09] Standing out with resonance in diverse speaking spaces. [39:27] Writing and self-publishing a book despite dyslexia. [47:13] What young women must establish with intuition for a shining career. [50:23] Learn more about Sarah Hubbard at https://sarah-hubbard.com/#about. Follow her on Instagram @sarahannflann. Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-hubbard-flannery/. If you enjoyed this episode, please go to Apple Podcasts and leave a review! For more information about Lorie Jones, go to https://fearlessfinancialadvisors.com/fearless-females.

April 20, 202650 min

The Power of Listening Within with Brittany Churchill: Turning Awareness into Action

Today's episode features Brittany Churchill, founder and CEO of Strategies for Moms, bestselling author of Tap In Not Out, and champion of parental mental health. Join host Lorie Jones for a conversation with Brittany that explores the journey of rebuilding after divorce, embracing financial self-sovereignty, and thriving as a woman entrepreneur. From investing in yourself and overcoming unexpected transitions to how deep listening can break cycles of overwhelm, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice. Whether you're navigating the challenges of motherhood, considering your next career move, or seeking empowerment in your financial life, you'll find wisdom and encouragement in the life lessons Brittany brings to this discussion. Get ready to tap in—not out—and discover how cultivating self-awareness, resilience, and independence can shape an extraordinary career and help cultivate peace in life. Show Highlights: Mind-clearing with deep listening, with a junk drawer analogy. [07:09] Invest in yourself to "tap in, not out" after a divorce or life overhaul. [11:14] How a book coach can help you write and get published. [17:32] Advice for stay-at-home moms on financial self-sovereignty. [20:46] Why it's not humble to shrink self-confidence and growth. [24:58] What would you be if you were Michelangelo and etched yourself out? [30:35] The empowering foundation of taking a money course. [36:09] Lessons for betting on yourself and allowing setbacks to torpedo. [38:16] Shocking data on access to capital for female founders. [43:40] Strides in maternal mental health and advocacy. [45:27] Keeping a compassionate inner voice as young women. [47:54] Get Brittany Churchill's book Tap In Not Out at https://tapinnotout.com/. To connect with Brittany, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittany-churchill/ on LinkedIn, or email her at brittany@brittany-churchill.com. If you enjoyed this episode, please go to Apple Podcasts and leave a review! For more information about Lorie Jones, go to https://fearlessfinancialadvisors.com/fearless-females.

April 13, 202642 min

Authenticity as Strategy with Rebecca Blacker: Winning Without Dimming Your Light

In this episode, Lorie Jones sits down with Rebecca Blacker, a New York City real estate broker who dared to bet on herself transitioning from maternity leave with a career pivot and found success with her commitment to authenticity, even when she was advised to "tone it down" to be taken seriously in a male-dominated industry. This conversation is a masterclass for young women forging their way in leadership, finance, and business, fields where so many are told to "dim their light." Rebecca shares how she flipped that script, building a thriving brand and career anchored in her true character. She also discusses family legacy, strategic video marketing for social media, navigating setbacks, investing in professional growth, and balancing the demands of home and work. If you've ever wondered whether you should play smaller to succeed, or if you need a reminder to show up as yourself, this episode is for you. Share it with someone who needs this encouraging message today! Show Highlights: The Full Fee Agent and the power of strategic questions in real estate. [03:28] Navigating a family legacy and rediscovering true ambitions. [06:59] Why invest in professional video marketing and not DIY it. [15:21] Can you thrive in male-dominated fields with a bubbly nature? [18:55] Asking for help and learning from mistakes in early career. [22:19] The future value of buying an apartment when you're young. [28:25] Tips for handling fear of job loss in high-pressure careers. [31:07] Do you have a "cheerleading bench" ready to encourage you? [33:23] Resilience in the ongoing mental load of working motherhood. [36:13] Managing life's seasons with imperfect but achievable balance. [40:45] Follow Rebecca Blacker on Instagram @RebeccaBlacker. To reach out to Rebecca, email her at rblacker@cbwarburg.com or visit https://blackerandreed.com/. If you enjoyed this episode, please go to Apple Podcasts and leave a review! For more information about Lorie Jones, go to https://fearlessfinancialadvisors.com/fearless-females.