Women Influencers

Hosted by Veronica Malolos, CCIM

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111

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Jun 2026

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About the show

Imagine getting to know the most successful women influencers in business and commercial real estate today. Hi, I am Veronica Malolos, CCIM, Founder and CEO of Capital Stack Real Estate Group, a commercial real estate company serving the Greater Orlando area. By bringing the unique stories of successful women on my podcast, my hope is to inspire and motivate other women in the different stages of their lives or careers. For corporations looking to increase their female talent pool perhaps this will help open more doors for women in their industry. I invite you to tune in and be inspired. Remember...if they can do it, you can do it, too! Get ready to be inspired and motivated by some of the most successful women influencers in business and commercial real estate today!

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60 recent

June 15, 202624 min

Unapologetic: Cassy Williamson

In this episode, I sit down with Cassy Williamson, keynote speaker, author, founder of Unapologetic Women, and strategic performance coach at Impact Eighty-Eight, whose story begins as a military kid learning the value of service, leadership, and showing up for something bigger than herself. From an early age, Cassy knew she was different, full of energy, passion, and a voice that did not always fit neatly into the boxes others expected.Cassy shares how her journey took her from music and advocacy for military families, to pediatric healthcare, to the homebuilding industry, where she eventually found herself in sales training and leadership development. Through each transition, the same theme kept showing up: the tension between being fully herself and being asked to compromise the very qualities that made her effective.She reflects on the moment that helped launch the Unapologetic movement, when a leader told her she would not be taken seriously by executive leadership unless she learned to “tone it down.” Instead of shrinking, Cassy wrote the chapter “No You Tone It Down” and leaned into a message that would become her book, her community, and her mission: helping women own their voice, their authenticity, and their impact.Today, Cassy leads Unapologetic Women, a growing community of women across the country built on love, kindness, growth, and connection. Her advice to the audience is a reminder that courage often has to come before confidence:“Do the thing before you actually feel ready to do it.” — Cassy WilliamsonConnect with Veronica:https://capstrata.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronica-malolos-ccim-401649218/Connect with Cassy:https://www.cassywilliamson.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassywilliamson/#womeninbusiness #CRE #commercialrealestate #businesspodcast #realestatepodcast #commercialbroker #entrepreneur #CCIM #unapologetic

May 21, 202623 min

From Sri Lanka to Strategic Finance: Dana Udumulla’s Story of Resilience and Balance

In this episode, I sit down with Dana Udumulla, Head of Strategic Relations at Madison Trust, whose story begins in Sri Lanka and leads to the United States with just $200, two suitcases, and a dream. As an immigrant, woman, and young professional in finance, Dana has built a career around helping investors, sponsors, and operators better understand alternative investments and retirement capital.Dana shares how she came to America nearly 10 years ago after losing her father at a young age and helping care for her mother and sister. She arrived with very little, worked multiple jobs while going to school, and eventually pivoted from her original goal of becoming a lawyer into finance, where she discovered a passion for capital, investment structures, and helping people stand out instead of becoming just another number.She reflects on her early career at Madison Trust, where she started in customer service and grew into leadership roles by staying curious, learning the business, and building credibility one conversation at a time. Dana also opens up about the challenge of being taken seriously in rooms where people often underestimated her, and how persistence, preparation, and confidence helped her earn trust and create real impact.Today, Dana works with sponsors and operators across the country, helping them understand how retirement capital can support alternative investments and capital raising. Her advice to ambitious professionals is a reminder that success should not come at the cost of your well-being:“Learn the art of balance.” — Dana UdumullaConnect with Veronica:https://capstrata.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronica-malolos-ccim-401649218/Connect with Dana:https://www.madisontrust.com/sponsors/dana-udumulla/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/thanuriudumulla/#womeninbusiness #CRE #commercialrealestate #businesspodcast #realestatepodcast #commercialbroker #entrepreneur #CCIM #immigrantstories

April 30, 202621 min

Marriage, Money, and Mindset: Julia & Gino Barbaro

In this episode, I sit down with Julia and Gino Barbaro, life coaches, multifamily real estate investors, and partners in both business and life, whose journey is rooted in faith, family, and a shared commitment to helping others achieve financial and relational success.Gino and Julia share how their upbringings shaped their perspectives on money and life. Gino grew up in a hardworking Italian immigrant family with a structured approach to finances, while Julia was raised by a single mother in a household where money was often a source of stress. Their paths came together at the restaurant Gino purchased, where Julia worked, and together they built a life centered on family, raising six children and eventually stepping into coaching and education.A defining moment in their journey came when Gino considered leaving the restaurant business to pursue real estate full time and move their family to Florida. Julia’s immediate trust in that decision became a cornerstone of their relationship, reinforcing the importance of partnership, communication, and shared vision. Through their transition into real estate and coaching, they began helping others not only build wealth but also strengthen relationships, shift their mindset, and take ownership of their lives.Today, the Barbaros are most proud of the impact they’ve had on families, from helping individuals achieve financial independence to even saving marriages through their coaching. Their message blends practical wisdom with emotional growth, emphasizing both connection and personal responsibility:Gino shared a quote from Stephen Covey “Seek first to understand, then be understood.”And Julia shared, “Forgiveness… it’s an ongoing process.”Connect with Veronica:https://capstrata.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronica-malolos-ccim-401649218/Connect with Julia and Gino:https://barbaro360.com/#womeninbusiness #CRE #commercialrealestate #businesspodcast #realestatepodcast #commercialbroker #entrepreneur #CCIM #family #barbaro360

April 3, 20267 min

Answering My Guests' Questions Part 17

This week on Women Influencers, we compiled three of the great questions my guests have asked me. I am honored to have the opportunity to chat with amazing, influential women on the podcast and it is always an honor to consider and respond to insightful inquiries.Tressa LoVasco asked why I keep going professionally. Tina Thakkar asked what motivates and inspires me. Catherine Bell asked, what's the one thing I did to learn and build my wealth for my family. Watch to find out how I answered! Connect with Veronica: capstrata.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronica-malolos-ccim-401649218/ #womeninbusiness #CRE #commercialrealestate #businesspodcast #realestatepodcast #commercialbroker #entrepreneur

March 10, 202622 min

From Chaos to Control with Lisa Woodruff

In this episode, I sit down with Lisa Woodruff, Founder and CEO of Organized 365 and author of the upcoming book Escaping Quicksand, whose work focuses on helping women organize their homes and lives so they have more time to pursue what they are uniquely called to do. Lisa shares how her passion for organization began in childhood. Growing up with an artistic mother and an organized father, she often brought order to the household in creative ways — even giving her mother the gift of organizing her cluttered piles as a Christmas present, something her mother genuinely loved. What started as a natural instinct for creating order eventually grew into a mission to help women reclaim their time and energy through organization.She reflects on a difficult season in her late 30s when life felt overwhelming. After adopting two children, managing complex family needs, losing income during the recession, and navigating the illness and passing of her father, Lisa found herself feeling stuck in what she later described as “quicksand.” That period ultimately led her to start Organized 365 and begin rebuilding her life with a renewed sense of purpose and self-care.Today, Lisa has built a thriving community of more than 11,000 members and continues to teach that organization is not just about tidy spaces, but about creating the capacity to live intentionally. Her message to women navigating the busy decades of life is both reassuring and empowering: “You’re going to have so much time.” — Lisa Woodruff Connect with Veronica: https://capstrata.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronica-malolos-ccim-401649218/ Connect with Lisa: linkedin.com/in/lisawoodruff https://organize365.com/escapingquicksand/ https://organize365.com/podcast-landing-page/ #womeninbusiness #CRE #commercialrealestate #businesspodcast #realestatepodcast #commercialbroker #entrepreneur #CCIM #organize365

February 16, 202632 min

Building Wealth with Intention: Karen Rands

In this episode, I sit down with Karen Rands, best-selling author, investor advocate, and founder of the Compassionate Capitalist movement, whose work is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and investors build wealth through informed, purposeful investing.Karen shares how her outlook on money and success was shaped by growing up with a single mother who valued education but struggled financially, and a father she later discovered was an inventive entrepreneur who built wealth after securing a patent at age 50. That realization became a defining moment for her: it’s never too late to reinvent your life or pursue your vision.After earning an economics degree from Emory and spending over a decade at IBM working with emerging technologies and startups, Karen stepped into the world of angel investing, eventually leading an investor group that grew into one of the top networks in the Southeast. When the Great Recession halted investment activity and dismantled her platform, she faced one of her greatest challenges, forcing her to rebuild her confidence, clarify her mission, and recommit to helping others access capital and opportunity.Throughout the conversation, Karen emphasizes her passion for teaching women how to invest, close wealth gaps, and support businesses they believe in, leaving listeners with one powerful piece of advice: “Get started... You know more than you think you do.” - Karen RandsConnect with Veronica:https://capstrata.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronica-malolos-ccim-401649218/Connect with Karen:http://bit.ly/linkCCS#womeninbusiness #CRE #commercialrealestate #businesspodcast #realestatepodcast #commercialbroker #entrepreneur #CCIM #investor #venturecapital

January 12, 20261 min

Happy New Year!

January isn’t just about resolutions — it’s about reflection, gratitude, and renewed purpose. ✨📝 What began as an idea has grown into a community built on authenticity, encouragement, and connection. 🤝💫 As we move into a new year, I’m excited to continue amplifying women’s voices, sharing wisdom, and creating space for meaningful dialogue. 🎙️🔥 Thank you for being part of this journey. 💖🚀

December 22, 202524 min

From the Farm to the Jobsite: Vernice Atkins Bradley

In this episode, I sit down with Vernice Atkins-Bradley, Founder and CEO of Votum LLC, an Orlando-based construction firm, and a respected leader in a traditionally male-dominated industry.Vernice shares how her foundation was built early, growing up on a farm in rural Alabama with her grandparents, where she learned hard work, responsibility, and leadership. After moving to Florida to live with her mother and siblings, she became the oldest child in a large household, a role that shaped her confidence and resilience.She reflects on a pivotal moment in her career when she was denied a promotion despite being the most qualified, simply because she lacked a four-year degree. As a single mother, Vernice returned to school while working full time, eventually earning both her undergraduate degree and a law degree, before spending a decade with Turner Construction and founding Votum LLC, now operating for more than 15 years.Throughout the conversation, Vernice emphasizes her commitment to mentoring others, expanding opportunities for women and minorities in construction, and one guiding truth that defines her success:“You can be successful when you have those relationships that help you to be successful” - Vernice Atkins-Bradley.Connect with Veronica:https://capstrata.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronica-malolos-ccim-401649218/Connect with Vernice:https://votumllc.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/vernice-atkins-bradley-18a56429/#womeninbusiness #CRE #commercialrealestate #businesspodcast #realestatepodcast #commercialbroker #entrepreneur #CCIM #construction

December 8, 20258 min

Answering My Guests' Questions Part 16

This week on Women Influencers, we compiled three of the great questions my guests have asked me. I am honored to have the opportunity to chat with amazing, influential women on the podcast and it is always an honor to consider and respond to insightful inquiries.Edie Weintraub asked what I learned during my experience at REconvene.Beth Azor asked me about my investing experiences.John Crossman and I discussed advocacy for minorities and women.Watch to find out how I answered!Connect with Veronica:capstrata.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/veronica-malolos-ccim-401649218/#womeninbusiness #CRE #commercialrealestate #businesspodcast #realestatepodcast #commercialbroker #entrepreneur

November 25, 202523 min

Faith, Family, and Retail: Jessica Johnson-Kelley, CCIM

In this episode, I sit down with Jessica Johnson-Kelley, CCIM, a top-producing retail broker, industry leader, and pastor’s wife whose path is rooted in generational influence, grit, and intentional balance.Jessica shares how her love for retail began in childhood trips to Dillard’s and JCPenney with her grandmother — the woman who raised her, funded her education, showed up for every milestone, and planted in her a lifelong sense of style, strength, and possibility.She talks about finishing her degree online as a stay-at-home mom of three boys, then launching a real estate career while pregnant with twins. After seven years in residential, a community connection encouraged her to consider commercial real estate. With no prior experience, she sold a boutique firm on her drive and potential, later moving to Cushman & Wakefield and specializing in retail. Her first-year income was small, but her conviction wasn’t — and over time it opened door after door.Jessica also reflects on remarriage, serving in her church, and mentoring young brokers. Through it all, she returns to one core principle: your career should never eclipse the people you love. Protecting time for her five children and building healthy boundaries has been both her greatest challenge and her greatest success.“Your family is your first client.” — Jessica Johnson-Kelley, CCIMConnect with Veronica:https://capstrata.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronica-malolos-ccim-401649218/Connect with Jessica:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-johnson-ccim/ www.johnsonkelleycre.com https://www.instagram.com/brickandbizcre/#womeninbusiness #CRE #commercialrealestate #businesspodcast #realestatepodcast #commercialbroker #entrepreneur #CCIM 