Riding the Big Wheel

Hosted by Michelle Seger

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Jul 2026

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Michelle sits down with women leaders from across the globe to discuss what they do, why they do it, their challenges, and what inspires and motivates them every day. From her earliest memory of riding her Big Wheel to running a global consulting business, Michelle is always looking for those things that inspire and motivate her. In this podcast, Michelle brings to you the stories of other women that she believes will inspire and motivate you, and encourage you to live the best version of your own life.

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25 recent

July 9, 202651 min

Discussing Gen Z and Gen X's Biggest Career Questions

What does Gen Z really want from the workplace? In this episode of Riding the Big Wheel , Michelle Seger turns the microphone around and sits down with SalesGlobe's social media specialist, Avery Mealer, for an honest conversation about navigating the early stages of a career. Together, they discuss what career success looks like today, the value of mentorship, whether college degrees still matter, how AI is changing the workplace, presentation skills, work-life balance, and the expectations Gen Z has for today's leaders. Whether you're a young professional trying to find your path or a leader looking to better understand the next generation of talent, this episode offers practical insights and thoughtful perspectives from both sides of the conversation. In this episode: What success means early in your career How to build a career without a long-term plan College degrees vs. real-world experience Why mentorship still matters Developing presentation and leadership skills AI's role in the future of work What leaders often misunderstand about Gen Z Creating workplaces where people can grow and thrive Subscribe to Riding the Big Wheel for more conversations with leaders, innovators, and professionals shaping the future of work. Chapters (00:00:00) - What Does a Good Employee-Employment Relationship Look Like? (00:00:30) - Talking to Gen Z (00:01:32) - What Makes a Successful Career? Gen Z Perspective (00:03:40) - How to Build a Successful Career at 30 (00:05:56) - Mentorship in the Workplace (00:07:41) - In the Elevator With a Mentor (00:08:52) - How to Advocate for Yourself Early in Your Career (00:11:08) - Career progression and the challenges ahead (00:12:46) - Have You Changed Your Career Plans? (00:15:44) - Developing strong Presentation Skills early in their careers (00:20:45) - What Does the Employee Employer Relationship Look Like? (00:22:05) - On Boundaries in the Workplace (00:23:56) - How to Create Balance in Life (00:25:24) - A message about the work-life balance (00:29:12) - Will AI eliminate all your jobs? (00:33:38) - How Should Young Professionals Use AI? (00:36:12) - What Would You Do For Your Future Career? (00:39:55) - Post-Bacc MS in Education: College Degrees vs. (00:42:36) - What Do We Look at When We Hire? (00:43:26) - Post-Bacc MS in Business: Does It Matter? (00:45:35) - How do you feel about the courses you're taking? (00:46:45) - Gen Z on What They Want Their Leaders to Know (00:48:13) - Six Rules for Cope in the Corporate World

June 11, 20261 hr 7 min

How Do You Build a Meaningful Career in an AI-Driven World?

What does it take to build a meaningful career in a world that never stops changing? In this episode of Riding the Big Wheel, Michelle sits down with Amy Osmond Cook to discuss career pivots, entrepreneurship, leadership, remote work, AI, and the future of work. Amy shares her journey from growing up in the Osmond entertainment family to becoming a successful entrepreneur, technology leader, author, professor, and co-founder of a high-growth software company. Along the way, she opens up about balancing family and career, navigating major life transitions, building businesses from the ground up, and embracing change in an increasingly AI-driven world. Together, Michelle and Amy explore: Career reinvention and personal growth Entrepreneurship and building high-growth companies Leadership lessons from entertainment and business Balancing family, ambition, and a busy career The value of remote work and workplace flexibility Women in technology and leadership AI, creativity, and the future of work Why human connection and critical thinking still matter Whether you're navigating a career change, leading a team, building a business, or trying to understand what AI means for your future, this conversation offers practical insights and a refreshing perspective on what's next. Listen now and join the conversation about leadership, innovation, and building a meaningful career in a rapidly changing world. #FutureOfWork #Leadership #AI #CareerGrowth #Entrepreneurship #WomenInLeadership #RemoteWork #Innovation #RidingTheBigWheel Chapters (00:00:00) - Amy Cook on Women in AI (00:01:26) - Glamma on Her Professional Journey (00:03:01) - Amy Grant on Starting Her Career (00:08:29) - How to Start a Business on an Empty Budget (00:12:35) - In the Elevator With Amy Grant (00:14:50) - How Do You Keep Up With the demands of Motherhood? (00:17:57) - Michelle on Flexible Workforce (00:20:55) - In the Elevator With Fullcast's CEO (00:21:34) - In the Elevator With Women in Tech (00:23:47) - What Women Need to Know About AI (00:28:07) - Are we Ready for AI in our Workflows? (00:29:02) - How Agentic AI is transforming sales execution (00:37:15) - Will AI Outmaster Creativity? (00:40:26) - The future of higher education (00:47:10) - Five years out: Will RevOps continue to be relevant? (00:50:20) - Are We Ready for AI in Sales? (00:53:14) - Wonders of the Future: The future of work (00:56:01) - Small Business and the Future (00:58:59) - What Keeps You Up At Night? (01:02:36) - The Future of RevOps: The (01:05:40) - Amy Osman Cook on How to Connect with People

April 2, 202653 min

Building Confidence in Young Girls: The Beautiful Curly Me Story

She was just six years old when she came home from school in tears… asking why she looked different. That moment changed everything. In this episode of Riding the Big Wheel , Michelle sits down with Evana Eko, the mom behind Beautiful Curly Me, a brand born from her daughter Zoe’s struggle with confidence and identity. What started as a simple conversation turned into a powerful mission to help girls everywhere feel seen, valued, and confident in who they are. But this isn’t just a story about a business. It’s about: The quiet moments that shape how girls see themselves The things we say (and don’t say) that stay with them The pressure of social media and comparison at a young age And what it really takes to raise a confident child in today’s world You’ll also hear how Zoe went from that moment to becoming a young CEO, building a brand now impacting thousands of girls and why her mom chose to build it with her, not for her. If you have a daughter, know a young girl, or have ever questioned your own confidence, this conversation will stay with you. Watch the full episode on YouTube and don’t forget to subscribe to Riding the Big Wheel for more real conversations that matter. Chapters (00:00:01) - Beautiful Curly Me (00:01:21) - Beautiful Curly Me at Emory (00:02:24) - Beautiful Curly Me (00:06:04) - When a 6-year-old Made a Doll (00:08:03) - Dolly the Doll Made in China (00:09:00) - Zoe's journey from dolls to a business (00:11:14) - ESSENCE on Zoe's 14-year-old leadership (00:16:07) - A Couple's Fight for the Love (00:16:38) - Mama of a Very Young CEO (00:18:17) - The epidemic of low self-confidence among girls (00:22:51) - Be Careful With Your Girls! (00:25:55) - Aunt's Advice for Girls Struggling With Self-E (00:32:41) - What Kindness Does a Parent Teach Their Kids? (00:33:55) - Meet the curly-haired Zoe Dolls (00:36:11) - Zoe the Beautiful Girl's Charity (00:38:23) - Beautiful Curly Me's Youth Me Business (00:40:43) - Black Dolls: The Transition from Indie to Retail (00:45:44) - African-American entrepreneur on building a business (00:48:49) - Empowering 10 Million Girls

December 4, 202551 min

The Freedom to Change Your Life At Any Age

What happens when you trade decades in high-stakes consulting for sunrise mornings on a Texas ranch? Today’s guest, Dave Worley , did exactly that and his story is a powerful reminder that your next chapter can be bold, unexpected, and deeply fulfilling. After more than 25 years advising C-level leaders and driving business development at firms like PwC and CrossCountry Consulting, Dave made a life-changing pivot: stepping away from corporate life to run his family’s 120-year-old West Texas ranch. In this conversation, he shares how he knew it was time to leave, what surprised him most about starting over, and the mindset shifts that helped him navigate divorce, reinvention, and retirement all at once. We talk about: ✨ The realities of consulting — the pace, the pressure, and the thrill ✨ Why every career (and every relationship) involves selling ✨ How AI is reshaping professional services ✨ What happens emotionally when you outgrow a path you’ve been on for decades ✨ Choosing joy, embracing risk, and giving yourself permission to change ✨ The wisdom he wishes he had earlier in his career ✨ And the reminder we all need: “This isn’t a practice life.” Dave’s story is real, grounded, and full of perspective — especially for anyone feeling stuck, craving change, or questioning what’s next. If you're considering a pivot, in career, relationship, or identity, this episode is for you. Chapters (00:00:00) - Riding the Big Wheel: Dave Worley (00:01:32) - In the Elevator With PwC's Leaders (00:02:09) - Former Consulting Pro-Volunteers Talk (00:03:48) - What's the Difference Between Working in Industry and Consulting? (00:05:01) - How to Build a Consulting Business (00:06:13) - The Importance of Sales in Consulting (00:09:35) - The Future of Consulting With AI (00:12:59) - Will Consulting Be Affected by AI? (00:15:26) - Richie's Transition Out of Consulting to the Family Ranch (00:24:22) - What Happened to Your Marriage? (00:28:28) - Why I chose to stay in my marriage (00:30:33) - Marriage and Change: What Advice Would You Give People? (00:38:33) - Living Through The Great Recession (00:38:59) - Retiring Firefighter: What Advice Do You Have for People? (00:45:33) - Dave Worley (00:49:36) - Follow Your Will: The Big Will Moment

October 30, 20251 hr 7 min

The Hidden Signs of Heart Disease in Women

Women get heart disease too and many don’t realize it until it’s urgent. In this eye-opening conversation, preventive cardiologist Dr. Ijeoma Isiadinso breaks down what every woman should know about cardiovascular risk across life stages, from pregnancy through menopause, and how to take control with evidence-based prevention. In this episode: The #1 myth about women and heart disease and why awareness still lags. Traditional & female-specific risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, family history, pregnancy complications, autoimmune disease). Lifestyle that protects your heart: Life’s Essential 8 , sleep, stress management, and why strength training matters. Eating for heart health: Mediterranean & DASH (and the truth about red meat, dairy, and “clean” foods) Menopause & heart risk: what changes, what to monitor, and individualized HRT considerations. Autoimmune conditions (lupus, RA) and the emerging field of cardio-rheumatology. When stress literally hurts your heart: understanding “broken heart syndrome.” Smart screening to discuss with your clinician: lipoprotein(a) and coronary artery calcium (CAC) score. How to find a provider who really listens and what questions to ask. This conversation is a must-listen for every woman and everyone who cares about transforming healthcare from the inside out. Subscribe and watch on YouTube: youtube.com/@ridingthebigwheel #RidingTheBigWheel #WomensHealth #Podcast #WomenInLeadership #HealthcareInnovation #hearthealth Guest: Dr. Ijeoma Isiadinso, preventive cardiologist specializing in women’s cardiovascular health, risk reduction, and cardio-rheumatology. Host: Michelle, Riding the Big Wheel Chapters (00:00:00) - Dr. Izzy Adenso (00:01:52) - One of My Favorites: Dr. Izzi Adenso (00:03:50) - Women and heart disease (00:06:19) - Risk factors for heart disease in women (00:07:16) - Modifiable risk factors, health (00:07:59) - How to Get Enough Sleep (00:10:57) - Healthcare access in rural areas (00:12:58) - Preventive Cardiology for Women (00:15:14) - Health and eating for heart disease patients (00:16:54) - Healthy meals for women with high cholesterol (00:20:36) - Lactose intolerant patients and A2 Milk (00:22:47) - Exercise and strength training (00:27:41) - Heart risks of pregnancy and diabetes (00:29:13) - What advice would you give women about their pregnancy? (00:30:54) - The Real Story of Menopause (00:31:52) - Heart health of women in menopause (00:36:29) - Heart disease in rheumatoid arthritis (00:40:46) - Heart disease and emotional well being (00:45:35) - Heart disease: Broken Heart Syndrome (00:48:14) - Heart disease symptoms in women (00:53:33) - How to Get Your Physical Every Year (00:56:37) - Heart disease, calcium cardiac score (00:59:36) - Should Every Woman Have a Cardiologist? (01:00:56) - Finding a good healthcare provider (01:03:42) - Tips for women's cardiovascular health (01:04:44) - Michelle on Cardiac Disease

July 24, 20251 hr 28 min

What Every Woman Deserves to Know About Her Health

What if the most common health issues facing women were also the most overlooked? In this episode of Riding the Big Wheel , Michelle Seager sits down with Dr. Mia Chorney, Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer of The Pause Technologies, to talk about the staggering gaps in women’s healthcare, from heart disease misdiagnosis to the silence around menopause. Dr. Chorney shares her own story of being dismissed by the medical system, why 40% of a woman’s life is impacted by menopause, and how AI-powered tools are creating a new standard of care. Topics include: Why women are still being dismissed in the ER Menopause myths, symptoms, and long-term impact Hormone therapy, heart health, and precision medicine The mission behind The Pause Technologies and Harmony AI This conversation is a must-listen for every woman and everyone who cares about transforming healthcare from the inside out. Subscribe and watch on YouTube: youtube.com/@ridingthebigwheel #RidingTheBigWheel #WomensHealth #MenopauseAwareness #Podcast #WomenInLeadership #HealthcareInnovation Chapters (00:00:00) - Dr. Mia Chorney on Menopause and Artificial Intelligence (00:01:07) - Wonders of Health: Heart and Cardiology (00:01:49) - Michelle Obama on Cardiology and Her Fight for Women's Health (00:04:43) - Heart Disease and Menopause (00:07:54) - Heart disease in younger women (00:10:57) - Heart Attack 15 years old (00:11:29) - Heart palpitations in women (00:12:40) - How to Survive a Heart Attack! (00:16:55) - Do You Have Elevated LDL? (00:22:08) - Heart disease risk for women after menopause (00:25:33) - Heart disease, lipoprotein A (00:27:14) - Preventive measures for heart disease in women (00:28:29) - When I had my first panic attack (00:29:18) - How to Manage Stress in Your Life (00:33:07) - The Things That I Do for My Parents (00:33:59) - How Do You Get to Sleep? (00:38:26) - What is Menopause? (00:40:23) - What is Perimenopause and Menopause? (00:43:09) - Why Women Should Speak Out About Menopause (00:44:56) - What It's Really Like To Go Through Perimenopause (00:49:17) - Symptoms of menopause in your 40s (00:50:19) - Menopause Hormone Test (00:52:44) - HRT: My story (00:55:52) - The dangers of menopause replacement therapy (01:02:16) - Breast Cancer risk reduction with estrogen, not just heart disease (01:03:17) - Estrogen, Progesterone and Testosterone (01:09:31) - Pellets for women: a great money maker (01:10:03) - Is Bioidentical the Better Way to Replace Hormone? (01:13:48) - Michelle on Hormone Health (01:15:07) - Facebook's 'Mission and Vision' (01:16:13) - The Menopause Society Board (01:17:52) - Wellness for Women: The (01:22:01) - Favorite Childhood Memoir (01:22:38) - Dr. Annabelle on her Big Will Moment (01:28:05) - PODCAST: Run toward the Unknown

June 5, 20251 hr 14 min

The Bridal Boss Behind Wedding Angels Bridal Boutique: Business, Culture & Dresses

In this episode of Riding the Big Wheel , host Michelle chats with Jacquie Westney, entrepreneur and owner of Wedding Angels Bridal Boutique in Roswell, Georgia. At just 24 years old, Jacquie took over the boutique and transformed it into a nationally recognized bridal business—helping thousands of brides find the perfect wedding dress. Jacquie shares the challenges of taking over a business at a young age, how she built a customer-first brand, and what it takes to thrive in the competitive wedding industry. We talk wedding trends, bridal shop management, scaling a small business, and how to create a boutique experience that brides remember for life. Whether you're a bride-to-be, small business owner, or someone inspired by female entrepreneurs, this episode is full of insights on wedding industry success, brand growth, and business leadership. Chapters (00:00:00) - Baby on a Flight (00:00:48) - Riding the Big Wheel With Jackie Westney (00:02:01) - The Wedding Angels: Pearl the Dog (00:03:19) - Roswell Bridal opens in New England (00:03:55) - Wedding Angels: The Business of Wedding Dress Making (00:05:19) - Wedding Angels: Starting a Business with a Vision (00:08:03) - In the Elevator With Bridal Stores (00:09:06) - What Makes Your Wedding Jewelry Different? (00:14:30) - The Importance of Celebrating Your Employees (00:14:58) - The 'Neighbors' of Work (00:16:04) - Neighbors: What is it with the weddings? (00:18:19) - How Has the Wedding Business Changed Over the Last Two decades? (00:23:22) - What is positivity at work? (00:26:12) - The Importance of Spending Time With Women (00:27:32) - The Importance of Talking to Women of Ages (00:29:15) - The Real World of Brides (00:34:08) - Send Your Daughter Advice (00:34:37) - What Would Mother Want You To Know About Her Daughter's Wedding (00:38:38) - How to Approach a Dad in the Wedding Process (00:43:13) - Weddings for People Who've Been Married 2 Times (00:46:46) - Wedding Angels: Dating in a Social World (00:50:33) - What Makes You a Successful Leader? (00:55:36) - Bridal Gowns: Budget and Price (00:58:52) - An Advisor's Day in the Life (01:00:08) - Small Business Woman on Board of Directors (01:06:24) - How to Reward an Entrepreneur's Spirit (01:08:58) - One mother's advice for her daughter (01:11:49) - How to Build a Business With a Brides (01:13:05) - Wedding Angels In One

May 8, 202556 min

Building Digital Wealth through Crypto and Bold Career Pivots

What do you do when 90% of your business disappears overnight? In this episode of Riding the Big Wheel, host Michelle sits down with Sonia Dumas, digital marketing strategist, crypto consultant, and founder of Income Inbox, to talk about reinvention, resilience, and creating new opportunities in a tech-driven world. Sonia opens up about how the 2020 pandemic forced a career pivot that ultimately led her to the world of blockchain, Bitcoin, and AI-powered sales strategy. She shares how she learned to invest, how she turned experimentation into income, and why crypto isn’t just about currency, it’s about access, ownership, and freedom. Whether you're curious about digital assets, navigating change in your own career, or just want to future-proof your income strategy, this episode is packed with insight, energy, and practical advice. #Entrepreneurship #CryptoStrategy #DigitalMarketing #AIinBusiness #Podcast Chapters (00:00:00) - Riding the Big Wheel (00:00:57) - Interview (00:01:46) - How I Got Involved in Crypto (00:08:06) - Steve Ballentine: Early Investors in Tech (00:12:01) - Dovish on Crypto: ' (00:14:05) - Have You Spent Enough On Investing? (00:16:41) - Have Airbnb and VRBO Canned Up the Boutique Hotel Business (00:19:40) - Direct Bookings (00:25:13) - I Don't Think LinkedIn Is Becoming the Next Facebook (00:30:35) - LinkedIn: The Organic Ad Formula (00:32:12) - What They're Calling Quiet Luxury (00:33:07) - Oprah Winfrey on Her Personal Life (00:33:30) - Getting Out Of the Big Wheel (00:39:04) - Where Do You Fit In In the Digital World? (00:41:16) - Stay Ahead of the Change (00:43:26) - 3 Big Will Moments For You (00:49:02) - Take a Year Off to decompress (00:52:41) - Sony Dumont on LinkedIn (00:53:22) - Slow Down: What's Your Vision?

May 1, 202534 min

Amplify Your Brilliance: The New Era of Branding and AI in Business

In this episode of Riding the Big Wheel , we’re joined by multi-revenue strategist and founder of Inbox Income , Sonia Dumas . Sonia dives into the evolving role of AI in branding, sales, and marketing, and how small businesses can use it to amplify , not replace, human potential. From boutique hotel launches to C-suite strategy, Sonia’s journey is a masterclass in pivoting with purpose. She breaks down building a premium brand, understanding the deeper needs of your audience (and their audience), and how to position yourself as a trusted expert in a world full of noise. Sonia also offers her perspective on how AI is shifting the way we think about content, visibility, and performance. In This Episode: Why branding now is your sales and marketing strategy How to use AI for deeper client and market intelligence The rise of founder-led growth and “uncopyable” results How to adapt before you’re left behind by performance-tracking AI What small businesses must do now to stay competitive Chapters (00:00:00) - Riding the Big Wheel (00:01:19) - How to Accelerate Your Professional Journey (00:06:24) - What Types of Consultants Are Attractive to You? (00:10:09) - The Importance of Looking Good (00:12:16) - How AI is impacting sales, marketing (00:15:04) - The New Billies: When Will AI Win? (00:21:25) - How to Start a Business in AI (00:22:41) - What Is the Future of Small Business Advisory? (00:27:38) - What is the role of consultants in small businesses? (00:28:16) - Is AI Good for Low-Performers? (00:30:50) - Small Business: The Evolution of Sales, Marketing, AI (00:33:40) - A Taste of Guest Interviews

March 27, 20251 hr 1 min

Adapting to AI: How to Use it in Everyday Life

In this episode of Riding the Big Wheel , Michelle sits down with Beth Bergmann to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing our everyday lives . From work to home, and everything in between, they break down practical ways you can use AI tools to save time, boost productivity, and stay ahead in a tech-driven world. You'll learn: How to adapt to AI without feeling overwhelmed Real-life applications of AI you can start using today Insights on how AI is reshaping industries, communication, and daily tasks Whether you're curious about AI or looking for actionable tips, this conversation offers easy-to-understand insights for anyone ready to embrace the future.