Fearless Females

Hosted by Lorie Jones

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143

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Oct 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

October 12, 202638 min

How to Stop Being Your Own Career Roadblock with Sara Altuna

In today's episode, host Lorie Jones sits down with Sara Altuna, president of Base—a company revolutionizing executive support for today's leaders. Sara's journey is anything but traditional, from navigating unexpected early motherhood and career pivots, to redefining success on her own terms. Sara and Lorie explore how asking for what you want can unlock unprecedented career growth, the importance of self-advocacy, and the value of challenging outdated beliefs—like whether a woman's success should ever be limited by tradition or fear. Stay tuned as Sara shares the crucial lessons and actionable frameworks that have shaped her extraordinary rise, plus the advice she believes every ambitious woman should hear. If you've ever wondered what's truly possible when you dare to be curious, courageous, and unapologetically yourself, this episode is for you. Show Highlights: Returning to college and a career path after a teen pregnancy. [04:03] The executive assistant stigma vs. its limitless potential. [07:16] The limitless power of asking for what you want in a career. [08:59] Is keeping your head down the answer to workplace toxicity? [12:19] Getting a law degree or MBA as a default for an unclear path vs. ROI. [20:48] Advice on handling impostor syndrome after a work hiatus. [22:49] Perception of comfort when reporting to male vs. female managers. [26:29] Learn a CEO's proven career success framework for young women. [31:34] How to connect with Sara Altuna for early-career advice. [38:00] 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 .

October 5, 202654 min

Fear Made the Decision. She Regretted It for Years with Trudy Leal

In this episode, Lorie Jones sits down with Trudy Leal, an inspiring healthcare executive, entrepreneur, and lifelong learner who has boldly headed back to nursing school at age 50 after already building an extraordinary career! Trudy opens up about the powerful lessons she has learned along her unconventional path—from mastering the art of public speaking as her greatest investment to embracing a "win or learn" mindset when overcoming business and personal setbacks. She shares candid stories about navigating male-dominated fields, learning to live authentically without fear, and raising her children to be confident investors. Whether you're just starting out or looking for a spark to reignite your own fearless journey, Trudy's wisdom and genuine encouragement will remind you that every pivot, mistake, and triumph is a vital step in building the career—and life—you were meant for. Show Highlights: Is public speaking mastery the ultimate accelerator? [08:48] Why join Toastmasters—plus, learn the secret of public speaking. [10:04] Life, family, and startup lessons from concurrent adoption. [15:55] The "win or learn" outlook on failure and resilience. [24:58] Discover an investment tool for raising financially savvy kids. [28:19] Why a financial advisor is an essential part of a secure future. [32:56] Overcoming fear and speaking up in the OR pressure-cooker. [34:50] Harassment and gender bias, and a journey to authenticity. [39:54] Are male and female boardroom "emotionality" different? [45:42] Key financial advice for the young and how Lorie and Trudy can help. [51:56] Connect with Trudy Leal on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/trudy-castillo-leal/ . 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 .

September 28, 202636 min

The Hidden Career Trap Women Keep Saying Yes To with Heather Bell

In this episode, Lorie Jones throws open the door to tech sales industry secrets and bold stories as you meet Heather Bell, the powerhouse VP of Sales at Vector, who has helped scale multiple high-growth tech companies. Heather offers sharp insights into why saying yes to every opportunity may be slowing your progress, and how learning to choose wisely can supercharge your trajectory. She brings a fresh perspective on the difference between true imposter syndrome and simply lacking the resources or support to succeed, an obstacle many women face as they climb the ranks. Expect actionable mindset shifts for building respect, making quicker decisions, and confidently taking up space in leadership roles. This conversation is your invitation to rethink what it means to stand out—and step forward with both courage and clarity. Show Highlights: Get this must-read on applying hospitality in sales leadership. [03:39] Impostor syndrome vs. internalized systemic flaws in senior execs. [09:16] The importance of establishing non-negotiables for your role. [11:56] How to stop saying yes habitually at the office as a woman. [14:54] Do leaders always have to create decision buy-in? [17:17] Why a respectful work culture is helpful when offboarding. [21:00] College-age Roth IRAs and financially mindful life choices. [22:17] Making work–life tradeoffs in tech past the "good girl" trap. [26:53] What to do to be heard as the only woman in the room. [30:09] Advice for young women in sales on their unique advantage. [34:23] Reach out to Heather Bell on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherbell-sales/ . Remember to mention in your connection request that you found her on the Fearless Females podcast! 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 .

September 21, 202641 min

Most People Don't Fear Failure, They Fear This Instead with Shara Prophet

In this episode, Lorie Jones is joined by Shara Prophet, subconscious wealth strategist and founder at The B.E.M.A.G.I.C. School. Shara's journey will inspire you—from her roots in the arts to a winding path through corporate America, and finally, to her work empowering entrepreneurs to break through mental and emotional barriers. Shara discusses the often unseen childhood money stories that may still be shaping your current decisions and what's really holding many women back—sometimes, it's not fear of failure, but a hidden fear of success. She shares lessons learned from investing in herself, the costly mistakes she'd avoid if starting over, and how she rebuilt her business after facing unexpected challenges even with other women. She also highlights the power of doing your own inner work, understanding your energy, and designing a business and life that align with your values. If you're ready to break free from what's holding you back and redefine what success means to you, this conversation with Shara is not to be missed! Show Highlights: Discover Your Word Is Your Wand on you shaping reality. [02:15] Hear the nonlinear story of a founder who let her path find her. [04:03] How understanding the mind is the key to self-discovery. [07:38] How best to unlearn subconscious limiting life or money scripts. [13:36] Do all entrepreneurs have to do the daily social media grind? [17:12] Why bootstrapping is overrated—and having a strategy is not. [19:37] Can gut instincts guide better investment choices? [23:59] What you're really scared of that you think is a fear of failure. [26:33] The surprising truth that women who sabotage other women teach. [30:25] The value of positivity beyond face value. [36:49] Early advice for young women on the power of inner work. [39:39] To connect with Shara Prophet on LinkedIn, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharaprophet/ . To reach out to Shara directly, email her at info@themagicschool.org . 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 .

September 14, 202639 min

How to Stop Comparing Yourself and Start Running Your Own Race with Charlene Polite Corley

This week, Lorie Jones sits down with Charlene Polite Corley, a powerhouse media research executive renowned for uncovering the stories hidden behind data and a passionate advocate for representation and authenticity in the workplace. Listen in as Charlene shares how growing up in a small Southern town fueled her determination to carve out new possibilities through education and courage. She reveals why understanding the "why" behind people's decisions can become your ultimate career advantage. From lessons about balancing ambition with personal fulfillment to navigating the unique challenges of being a Black woman in male-dominated industries, Charlene's insights deliver inspiration for any woman ready to stop comparisons, trust her instincts, and build a life and career she truly loves with the confidence to choose her own path. Show Highlights: The power of self-discovery on the journey out of small towns. [03:20] How representation data helps change businesses and lives. [06:11] Why "the why" behind numbers matters with a Beyoncé example. [08:26] Advantages of attending a top HBCU as a Black student. [10:03] Making choices against the grain and winning against the odds. [11:18] The truth about women's freedom to choose marriage. [13:38] Lessons on allowing career trade-offs for personal happiness. [16:16] Find out why estate planning is for all and why early is better. [25:14] How do gender and racial biases play out in the media? [30:38] How to find your voice in corporate culture with authenticity. [33:49] Discover Charlene's biggest advice for rising professionals. [37:28] To connect with Charlene Polite Corley on LinkedIn, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlenepolitecorley/ . Look for Charlene on Instagram @CharlenePoliteCorley . 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 .

September 7, 202655 min

The Career Advice Women Need to Ignore with Marva Sadler

This week, Lorie Jones invites you to follow the remarkable journey of Marva Sadler, a veteran business strategist and the managing director of MLS Odyssey. The conversation focuses on three eye-opening insights from Marva's career: uncovering why some of the worst career advice given to women is often disguised as helpful, learning to stop waiting until you're "80% qualified" before pursuing bigger opportunities, and embracing the mindset shift that empowered Marva to reinvent herself and thrive at age 69. From her early days aspiring to be a journalist to navigating male-dominated boardrooms and championing women's financial independence, Marva's story is filled with practical wisdom and fearless candor. Whether you're building your career, considering a pivot, or seeking to challenge outdated norms, this episode offers tools and inspiration to chart your fearless path. Show Highlights: Three top books for boldly thriving and prospering as women. [03:00] A unique view of how journalism parallels strategy consulting. [09:10] Is there an acute need for small-biz consultants today? [10:11] Explore Theory of Constraints "Jonah" executive training. [12:41] Boosting a career past 65 and divorce with family LTC costs. [14:57] Why ditch "normal" woman advice in male-dominated boardrooms. [19:11] The value of gaining trusted male corporate allies as women. [24:16] Learning to balance outspokenness with Viktor Frankl wisdom. [28:04] How the right financial advisor can transform your life and future. [32:18] Navigating self-doubt and the journey to embracing expertise. [37:44] Must-hear gender data on competence vs. self-qualification. [40:17] How dialogue can perfectly resolve unconscious bias at work. [41:33] Personal mission and B Corp advice for young professionals. [46:37] What early career women must do to succeed as themselves. [51:56] Find Marva Sadler on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/marva-sadler/ . To connect with Marva directly, email her at marvasadler@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 .

August 31, 202650 min

Building Without Limits with Maisa Benatti: Why You Don't Have to Choose

Join host Lorie Jones as she welcomes fashion AI trailblazer and CEO of AIUTA, Maísa Benatti, to this week's episode. Expect a refreshing exchange that shatters the tired myth that women must choose between their professional dreams and motherhood. Maísa shares candid insights on forging your own blend of career success and family fulfillment—minus the guilt and imposed boundaries. She highlights what it means to thrive as a woman in international tech and harness niche expertise. You'll discover bold takes on embracing support in both work and life, letting go of perfectionism, and confidently enjoying your well-earned success. This is your invitation to reconsider the definition of balance and pursue what truly matters to you—confidently and fearlessly. If you're ready to rethink what's possible, this one's for you. Show Highlights: Insights from top book picks, Culture Map and Start with Yourself. [03:38] Discover exciting advances in fashion AI and virtual try-on. [10:10] Does niche expertise limit your career or boost differentiation? [14:44] Why returning to work after childbirth is a uniquely personal choice. [18:10] Lessons on allowing personal support and hiring specialists. [27:15] Is taking a pay cut worth a better career path? [33:40] The power to ignore eye rolls as women in male-dominated fields. [36:22] How to build confidence and set norms through results. [38:27] The importance of normalizing money talk as females. [41:24] Should young women wait to "feel ready" for opportunities? [47:59] 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 .

August 24, 202648 min

Building Success Your Way with Janine McMurdie: Letting Go of Who You're "Supposed" to Be

In today's episode, Lorie Jones sits down with Janine McMurdie, chief commercial officer for Pictor, to explore the power of authenticity, navigating career pivots, and the impact of women-led teams in traditionally male-dominated industries. Janine's career path proves that coloring outside the lines can lead to the most rewarding destinations. She shares her unconventional journey from genetics labs to executive leadership, and discusses overcoming external expectations and the lessons learned by trusting her voice. She also reveals how women's empathy and resilience give companies a competitive edge. Perfect for women ready to break molds and lead with heart as they forge their fearless paths, this conversation is a candid look at building a thriving, purpose-driven career on your own terms. Show Highlights: Pick up this remarkable page-turner on the life of cancer. [04:23] How focusing on controllables can transform life after tragedy. [07:47] Learn about pivoting from science to commercial roles. [09:21] Why fitness and mental health are the antidote to mom guilt. [16:59] Discover capacities that set women apart in male-dominated fields. [19:52] What if your mentor guides you toward a passionless career? [20:41] Why embracing authenticity matters despite industry norms. [24:47] Benefits of buying property and relocating early to industry hubs. [28:55] How to manage fear with career leaps to smaller startups. [31:54] Tips for thriving amid bias and the power of female leadership. [37:35] What does career success mean without cutthroat practices? [41:03] Advice and values that matter for young women in STEM. [45:33] 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 .

August 17, 202649 min

Leading Without Shrinking with Saly Fayez: Why Playing Small Costs You More

In today's episode, Lorie Jones is spotlighting Saly Fayez, director of Victim Services at Fairfax County Police Department, whose story exemplifies bold leadership, unwavering empathy, and a powerful choice to never shrink in the face of challenge. From being voluntold into an unexpected path to building and nurturing high-performing teams that now carry her legacy, Saly's journey is a testament to letting your voice be heard. With over two decades in law-enforcement advocacy, she reveals hard-earned insights about loyalty and confidence, and the importance of leading with purpose and heart. Tune in for a conversation beyond procedural advice. Saly shares vulnerable career lessons and discusses the high stakes of advocating for victims of violent crime. She offers actionable strategies for young women to claim their seat and lead unapologetically, with a reminder that your place at the table is not just deserved, but needed. Show Highlights: Lorie's family experience with trauma and victim advocacy. [01:06] Choosing careers that choose us that arise outside plans. [07:25] What leadership and a leadership legacy really means. [10:12] The power of refusing to shrink your voice and expectations. [14:55] Are direct victim advocacy roles suited for everyone? [17:07] Surprising work text misreading to beware of with Gen-Zers. [19:05] How to build better teams—and why female collegiality matters. [20:36] Navigating loyalty in professional relationships with wisdom. [24:14] Why a well-earned, guaranteed retirement package is a win. [30:30] Learn about the weight and reality of victim advocacy. [34:43] Gender bias in the police, and confidence tips for all fields. [38:29] Wisdom for handling gossip and unwarranted people issues. [42:09] Strong advice for young women to grow and pick their battles. [46:49] 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 .

August 10, 202647 min

Choosing What Fuels You with Angela Troccoli: Building a Life That Gives Energy Back

Today, Lorie Jones sits down with Angela Troccoli, head of marketing at Revecore, to shine a light on what it really takes to build a standout career as a woman in traditionally male-driven industries. Angela brings her refreshingly honest perspective, sharing how she charted a unique course from supply chain analytics to marketing leadership by embracing risk, using her natural strengths, and never losing sight of her personal goals. She offers tangible tips on self-advocacy, strategic networking (especially for introverts!), and the power of tracking your professional wins. This episode offers a wealth of actionable mentorship, covering key themes from smart financial investments to why investing in yourself and setting boundaries are non-negotiable. Join Angela with Lorie for inspiration to keep your ambitions front and center, and step confidently into your next chapter! Show Highlights: A top book for powerful, likable leadership and confidence. [02:36] The role of thoughtful pivots behind steady career trajectories. [04:25] Are "math brain" supply chain skills transferable to marketing? [06:56] Why build your brand, even if you're an introvert, and ways to do it. [09:32] How to make time to network and do it in the right spaces. [12:44] Uncommon advice to lean into building life beyond strengths. [14:52] Why women must learn self-promotion to get promoted fast. [16:49] A deep look at learning to set boundaries at all work levels. [22:41] Early financial planning moves not to miss for lasting freedom. [29:53] Experiencing otherness as working women, and tips for resolving it. [37:57] Key advice to early career women to keep their "pitch book." [43:45] How to connect with Angela Troccoli or reach out to her for guidance: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela1morel/?skipRedirect=true (Mention in your message to Angela that you found her through the Fearless Females podcast!) Angela's website: https://www.angelatroccoli.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 .