Advertise on podcast: Her Success Story

This week, Ivy Slater, host of Her Success Story, chats with her guest, Lindsay Busfield. The two talk about Lindsay's entrepreneurial roots, her journey from auditing chicken barns to becoming a partner at Optimize My Firm, a boutique legal SEO agency, and the power of finding your niche in a crowded market. In this episode, we discuss: How Lindsey Busfield leveraged her strengths in project management and operations to scale Optimize My Firm from a small operation to a recognized national brand. What motivated Lindsey to write her book, "How Personal Injury Lawyers Get Leads: What Works, What Doesn't, and Why," and how the book was a distillation of interviews, podcasts, and industry observations. When Lindsay Busfield's podcast, Personal Injury Marketing Minute, began (about four years ago), and how it has evolved in cadence and production. Why Lindsey doesn't believe SEO is "dead" with the rise of AI, explaining how good SEO practices feed AI models and why continuing quality content creation remains essential. Who the ideal clients are for Optimize My Firm, and what characteristics make for the best client relationships from both business and ethical perspectives. What makes Optimize My Firm stand out in a crowded legal marketing industry, such as their boutique approach, values-driven client selection, geographic exclusivity, and no-contract model.   Lindsey Busfield, Vice President of Optimize My Firm, a niche SEO agency catering exclusively to law firms around the US.  Coming from a highly entrepreneurial family with many successful – and some wildly unsuccessful businesses, Lindsey was born into a life of business development.  After starting her career over about a dozen times, from English teacher to egg farming to legal marketing, Lindsey not only figured out how different businesses operate, but she figured out how she operated as a person and a professional. Today, as a partner at a specialized SEO agency that elevates some of the nation's most powerful legal websites, Lindsey draws upon her diverse background to empower clients and find fulfillment in both her professional and personal journey.  Lindsey has turned her legal marketing experience over the past decade into a highly acclaimed marketing guide for law firms: How Personal Injury Lawyers Get Leads: What Works, What Doesn't, and Why. While a dozen or so SEO agencies can tout the same accomplishments, Busfield has become an industry disrupter by revolutionizing the client-law firm relationship. Rather than locking clients into long-term contracts and overpromising results and timelines, Busfield's company has done away with contracts…which attorneys surprisingly love. Busfield also hosts her own podcast, the Personal Injury Marketing Minute, which Attorney At Law Magazine named one of the Best Legal Podcasts of 2025.  Lindsey has been featured in: Benzinga – The Woman Behind Some Of The Most Powerful Law Firm Website Marketing In The Nation USA Today – How her SEO firm is disrupting traditional agency-client relationships IBI Times – Dispelling the Misconceptions of SEO Website: https://optimizemyfirm.com/ Social Media Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsey-busfield/

In this episode, Ivy Slater chats with us about the importance of strategic planning as the fourth quarter approaches, the value of reflecting on business and personal achievements, and how to set a vision for growth through 2027. In this episode, we discuss: How to set a clear vision for 2027 by reflecting on last year's accomplishments and planning accordingly. What reflection process to follow at the end of September and the start of October, including reviewing what has worked well and identifying accomplishments in both business and personal growth. When to carve out time in the fourth quarter for strategic planning, and why it's important to use practical tools like the soon-to-be-released strategic planning toolkit. Understanding exactly which tactics led to success (e.g., marketing initiatives, conferences, speaking engagements) is crucial when forming plans for upcoming years. How to draw key takeaways from the reflection process and commit to actionable steps to achieve future goals. Ivy Slater is a professionally certified business coach, speaker, best-selling author and podcast host. After owning and operating a 7-figure printing business, having been in the industry for 20 years, she started Slater Success which focuses on developing great leaders and facilitating business growth and expansion. Ivy holds masterminds and retreats with her private client base and corporate training on communication and strategic planning. She speaks nationwide on the topics of leadership, sustainable growth, relationships and sales. Best Selling Author of From the Barre to the Boardroom Website: https://slatersuccess.com/

This week, Ivy Slater, host of Her Success Story, chats with her guest, Anna Murray. The two talk about the evolution of women in technology, navigating inflection points in a rapidly changing industry, and the groundbreaking work Anna Murray is doing in digital transformation and quantum cybersecurity. In this episode, we discuss: How Anna Murray accidentally started her career in technology after a background in journalism, and how early technological shifts in journalism led her into tech entrepreneurship. What quantum computing is, how it differs from traditional computing, and why it matters for both security and business opportunities in the near future. When quantum computing is expected to impact cybersecurity, including Google's 2029 benchmark for "Q-Day," when current cryptography may be broken. Why it's important for business leaders and entrepreneurs to educate themselves about coming changes in technology, rather than relying solely on experts. Who should be your partners and advisors: why approachability and the ability to explain complex tech concepts matter when choosing collaborators. What it means to be an entrepreneur in tech, including the importance of taking calculated risks and knowing when to push forward or pull back, and how experience shapes those instincts. Anna Murray is a tech entrepreneur and founder of emedia LLC, a provider of software development, high-level technology consulting, and project and program management. She is also a co-founder of SIX3RO, a frontier tech startup in post-quantum, decentralized information exchange. Anna has consulted with brands worldwide on their digital strategies, served as interim CIO for Time Out NY, head of interactive at Harvard Business Publishing, and led the digital transformation at the American Association of Advertising Agencies. Anna is well known for her ability to bridge business and tech and is the author of several books, including Quantum Computing 101, A Concise Guide to the Future of Computing, Security, and the Coming Q-Day, as well as The Complete Software Project Manager (John Wiley & Sons). Website:https://emediaweb.com/ Social Media Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-murray-a04255/

This week, Ivy Slater, host of Her Success Story, chats with her guest, Jo Stewart-Rattray. The two talk about building a career as a woman in technology, overcoming barriers in male-dominated fields, and advancing global initiatives to support women in IT. In this episode, we discuss: How Jo Stewart-Rattray built her career as a woman in technology, starting from the infrastructure side and climbing the ranks despite being one of very few women in the field. What inspired the creation and global rollout of ISACA's She Leads Tech initiative, and how it responded directly to the needs expressed by women in technology focus groups. When Jo had her leadership "aha" moment, realizing the importance of encouraging and supporting other women rather than just pursuing her own success. Why building a strong support network, both at work and at home, is essential for women pursuing leadership roles in tech, and how having honest mentors has benefited Jo Stewart-Rattray throughout her career. Who has influenced and supported Jo Stewart-Rattray on her journey, including trusted mentors, professional peers, and her late husband, who provided personal encouragement and practical support, How she became involved with ISACA, what the organization does, and the mission of global professional development and support for technologists. Jo Stewart-Rattray, Director of Cyber Security & Assurance Jo has over 30 years' experience in the IT field some of which were spent as CIO in the Utilities and as Group CIO in the Tourism space, and with significant experience in the Information Security arena including as CISO in the healthcare sector. She underpins her information technology and security background with her qualifications in education and management.   She specialises in consulting in risk and technology issues with a particular emphasis on governance and security in both the commercial and operational areas of businesses. Jo provides strategic advice to organisations across a number of industry sectors including banking and finance, utilities, manufacturing, tertiary education, retail, healthcare and government.   Jo has extensive board and committee experience.  She has chaired a number of ISACA's international committees including the Board Audit & Risk Committee, Leadership Development and Professional Influence & Advocacy.  She served as an Elected Director on ISACA's international Board of Directors for seven years and was the founder of its global women's leadership initiative, SheLeadsTech and is Vice President, Communities for the Australian Computer Society.   CAREER HIGHLIGHTS Because of her involvement with the SheLeadsTech program and her rural background Jo was selected from a large number of candidates to be one of only two non-government delegates to join the official Australian Government delegation to the 62nd Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW62) held in New York in March 2018.  She returned to the UN in 2019 and again virtually spoke at UN events in 2021, 2022 and conducted a conversation circle with women from 12 nations in 2023. She has spoken on Capitol Hill during a Day of Advocacy designed to bring tech leaders together in one place to discuss issues related to women in technology and then to meet with Congress representatives and Senator's offices. Jo has an annual award established in her honour to recognise her outstanding leadership and commitment to increasing the representation of women in technology leadership.  The inaugural ISACA Oceania Jo Stewart-Rattray Award was awarded in September 2018. QUALIFICATIONS, MEMBERSHIPS AND AWARDS Master of Education Studies – Psychology Bachelor of Education in Adult Education - Psychology Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT) Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) Fellow, Australian Computer Society, Certified Professional (Cyber Security) Vice President, National Rural Women's Coalition (2023-2024) Vice President (Community Boards), Australian Computer Society (2021-2024) Director, International Board of Directors, ISACA (2012-2014, 2015-2018) National ICT Professional of the Year (iAwards 2011) Paul Williams Award for Inspirational Leadership (2014) SA Women's Honour Roll Inductee (2015) IFSEC Global Top 20 Security Thought Leaders (2019) Eugene M. Frank Award for Meritorious Performance, ISACA Global (2020) Fellow & Life Member, Australian Information Security Association, AISA (2021) https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-stewart-rattray-gaicd-4991a12/

This week, Ivy Slater, host of Her Success Story, chats with her guest,  Sayre Blake. The two talk about merging art and engineering to revolutionize corporate training, leveraging AI as a disciplined cognitive tool, and building a lean, sustainable technology company.  In this episode, we discuss: How gamified software platforms address the gap in training soft skills like communication, sales, and conflict management.  What it takes to build a lean, decentralized team while avoiding the high burn rates of traditional startup culture. When using AI internally is genuinely effective, and why avoiding agentic workflows protects both cost and workflow.  Why viewing AI as a mathematical description of shared human experience, rather than an expert intelligence, changes how we interact with technology. Who you allow into your cap table as investors, and why being selective preserves long-term vision. How AI can be used as a "cognitive prosthesis" to boost team productivity by 10x to 30x without causing burnout.     Sayre Blake, Technical Founder & CEO @ SkillSaige  At the beginning of my career, I studied engineering and design with equal enthusiasm (and drove my illustration professors up a wall with my attempts to link what I'd learned about light in my quantum mechanics classes with our studies of color theory). Now, 10+ years on in my career as a systems engineer, programmer, and designer, nothing delights me more than the challenge of balancing complex technical needs with striking, artful visuals. I'm equally at home creating custom 3D art pipelines as I am refining nuanced decisions of light, form, and narrative design.  Programming languages are like visual mediums to me: there's no one right answer, and the right choice depends intimately on the needs of a client and project. When not diving deep into a new aspect of 3D development or illustration techniques, I'm balancing work with life with my two kids, dog, and leopard gecko in the beautiful outdoors of Colorado. For me, creation isn't about a specific medium or project, but the joy of the process as a whole: whether it's programming, animation, or design, it all lends itself to the magic of storytelling in any form.   Website: https://www.sayreblake.com/ Social Media Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sayre-blake/

This week, Ivy Slater, host of Her Success Story, chats with her guest, Victoria Strickland. The two discuss the evolving role of technology in healthcare, the importance of mentorship and sponsorship for women in tech, and the innovative work PwC is doing to help major healthcare organizations navigate complex business and technology transformations. In this episode, we discuss: How technology serves as the backbone for innovation and operational efficiency in healthcare, impacting everything from administrative processes to patient outcomes. What unique challenges and opportunities exist in integrating tech with healthcare, especially as new entrants continually reshape the field alongside legacy platform companies. Shifting from traditional healthcare roles to technology-driven careers can open new doors for impact, highlighted by the journey from pre-med aspirations to industry consultancy. Why it is vital to have women, and especially diverse voices, represented in tech leadership, particularly as AI and automation become more central to healthcare. How embracing continuous change—both personally and within companies—is essential in the rapidly evolving tech and healthcare landscape.   Victoria Strickland is a Director in PwC's Health Industries Advisory practice, where she has spent the last 14 years helping some of the nation's largest healthcare organizations navigate complex business and technology transformations. She specializes in payer modernization, healthcare operations, and technology-enabled transformation, with a particular passion for how AI and emerging technologies can reshape the future of care. An Agile-certified leader known for guiding organizations through complexity, Victoria has stood up and scaled enterprise Agile operating models, led Agile governance and delivery across 300+ person programs, and driven maturity across some of the most ambitious transformation efforts in the industry. She works shoulder-to-shoulder with executive teams to turn bold goals into practical, sustainable outcomes that improve both business performance and the experiences of the patients and members behind every system. Victoria's impact hasn't gone unnoticed: she was recognized by Women We Admire as one of The Rising Star Women Leaders in Healthcare for 2025, a nod to the fresh thinking and technical depth she brings to a field that's being rewritten by data and AI. Originally from Washington, DC, Victoria's passion for healthcare started early and led her to the University of Pennsylvania, where she earned her degree in Public Health with minors in Healthcare Management and Neuroscience. That blend of healthcare, business, and behavioral science still shapes how she leads and solves problems today, balancing strategy, technology, and the very human side of change. Outside of work, Victoria loves staying active, trying new things, and planning her next trip. A fun fact: she competed in the 2012 Olympic Trials for track, which explains why she's still just a little competitive. She's also a devoted travel enthusiast who proudly names her mom as her favorite travel partner. Together they've explored more than 25 countries across Southeast Asia, South America, and Europe. Website:https://www.pwc.com/us/en.html Social Media Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriastrickland/

This week Ivy Slater, host of Her Success Story, chats with her guest, Jacqueline Corbelli. The two talk about breaking through gender barriers in male-dominated industries, the journey of building and scaling BrightLine, a company revolutionizing the television viewing experience with interactive, streaming-driven technology, and practical strategies for women navigating fundraising and leadership in tech. In this episode, we discuss: How technology served as a means to improve business outcomes and consumer experiences, rather than being an end in itself. What BrightLine does to transform the television viewer experience, enabling deeper two-way engagement with streaming content through embedded technologies. The pandemic accelerated changes in TV consumption patterns, creating rapid growth and new opportunities for companies operating in the streaming ad model. Why raising money as a technology entrepreneur is uniquely challenging, especially for women, and how networking and proven results help overcome those challenges. What opportunities does the rise of AI present for women founders today, creating a more level playing field if they harness these new tools for smarter business development and research? Jacqueline Corbelli, Author, Founder and CEO of BrightLine Jacqueline Corbelli is an innovator, transformational change leader, and technology entrepreneur, known for identifying technology inflection points and building companies at the intersection of innovation and impact. She's a founder and the current CEO of two companies, including one folks in the room may know well, BrightLine - the original pioneer of turning TV into a two-way interactive experience.  Jacqueline originally began her career in the financial services industry, where she led corporations through large-scale transformational change efforts across businesses and brands. She's also led major initiatives in African economic development and sustainability, and is a three-time author. Jacqueline began to apply her transformational change methodologies outside of business and into the world of economic development and sustainability. Most recently she founded the US Coalition on Sustainability and created SustainChain, a reinforcement learning AI technology built with the single purpose to unify and accelerate informed action on climate change across global supply chains.  SustainChain is a Fast Company 2023 Innovation by Design, and 2022 World Changing Ideas awards recipient. She sits on numerous public and private boards, including the SDG Center for Africa, the NY Academy of Sciences, Luminari Capital, Second Curve Capital, is a co-founder of Ethics in Action, a commission of the Vatican's Pontifical Academy of Sciences, and is on the Leadership Council of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network. Her latest book, "Changemaker: A Modern Playbook for Creating Personal Impact and Transformational Change," distills decades of experience across technology, finance, and global development into a playbook for driving meaningful change. She advises on organizational change, including the United Nations and the Vatican, while mentoring future leaders. Her achievements have been recognized with numerous honors, including Fast Company's World Changing Ideas Award, Innovation by Design Award, and New York Business Journal's Women of Influence. Her thought leadership has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Variety, Bloomberg Radio, Fox Business, Business Insider, and Advertising Age. Jacqueline holds a Master's in International Banking, Business, and Finance from Columbia University. She continues to mentor future leaders, serve on global boards, and champion transformational change. Originally from Batavia in upstate New York, she is now based in New York City with her husband. She enjoys her garden, time with her adult daughters, golf and the company of her dog. Website:https://brightline.tv/ https://www.jacquelinecorbelli.com/ Social Media Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacquelinecorbelli/

This week Ivy Slater, host of Her Success Story, chats with her guest, Ann Cloyd. The two talk about building a technology solutions company from the ground up, the importance of authentic leadership and long-term relationships in business, and navigating the challenges and surprises of being a woman leader in the tech industry—all while delivering innovative IT services and fostering a supportive, growth-oriented culture at Deep Tech. In this episode, we discuss: How Ann Cloyd transitioned from audio engineering into owning a technology solutions company, recognizing her knack for business and relationship-building along the way. What challenges Ann faced as a woman leader in a male-dominated tech industry, and what surprised her most about the journey, such as the lack of women applicants and unexpected joys like revisiting construction job sites. When support systems, friends, mentors, and family come into play, sharing ideas out loud helps shape and validate the next steps in business growth. Why trusting herself and being authentic, choosing blue jeans and a blazer instead of conforming to a more traditional image—helped Anne build stronger client relationships and business growth. How Deep Tech's approach of meeting clients where they are, rather than pushing predetermined solutions, builds long-term trust and value. Ann Cloyd is the Owner and CEO of DeepTech, a technology solutions provider renowned for its over 25-year commitment to client success. What began in 1999 as a focus on hands-on technology support has blossomed into a partnership model, positioning DeepTech as the integral technology partner for over 200 businesses. As the proud owner of a woman-led enterprise,  Ann Cloyd  is deeply invested in fostering diversity and empowering women within the Information Technology space, frequently sharing her insights at Women in Tech events and actively engaging in continuous industry learning. She leads a dedicated team of over 30 professionals, driven by the belief that the pursuit of the right solution fundamentally drives real results for their loyal client base. As the Owner and CEO of DeepTech, a New York City-based Technology Solutions Provider,  Ann Cloyd  brings over 25 years of proven expertise in delivering reliable, technology-driven solutions that foster business growth. Since founding DeepTech, her mission has been to cultivate lasting client relationships, serving not just as a vendor, but as a dedicated business partner, a comprehensive technology department, and a trusted strategic advisor. Ann Cloyd's journey in the tech industry began in 1999 with hands-on implementation, evolving into a leadership role focused on strategic business development. As the proud head of a woman-owned business, she is deeply committed to advancing women in IT, championing diversity and inclusivity, and frequently shares her insights at Women in Tech events. Her dedication to continuous learning is evident through her active participation in industry conferences, peer networks, and professional development initiatives. Today,  Ann Cloyd leads a talented team of over 30 professionals, supporting a growing client base of more than 200 organizations nationwide, some of whom have been trusted partners for over two decades. On a personal level, her passion for gardening profoundly influences DeepTech's culture, cultivating an environment rooted in growth, meticulous care, and attentiveness. This philosophy, along with core values of client-first service, leading with kindness, and unwavering honesty, guides her leadership and fosters genuine connections within her team and with every client. Website: https://deeptechinc.com/ Social Media Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anncloyd/

This week Ivy Slater, host of Her Success Story, chats with her guest, Parminder Batra. The two talk about redefining career paths as a non-technical founder in the tech industry; the journey from practicing law to creating TraknProtect, a company dedicated to improving hotel staff safety and combating human trafficking; and the powerful impact of mission-driven innovation on both business success and social change. In this episode, we discuss: How TraknProtect's initial concept was sparked by a family frustration with keeping track of personal belongings, and how this evolved into a tech solution. What unique challenges and perspectives Parminder faced as a non-technical founder entering both the tech and hospitality industries. When the pivotal shift occurred to prioritize safety and anti-human trafficking as core missions for TraknProtect, notably around 2017 in response to regulatory and social movements like #MeToo. Why the vulnerability of hotel staff and the prevalence of human trafficking in the hospitality industry highlighted an urgent need for better safety solutions. Who is impacted by the work, emphasizing both hotel employees' safety and survivors of human trafficking, as well as the broader industry's responsibility to protect. Parminder Batra is the Founder and CEO of TraknProtect, a leading hospitality technology company focused on employee safety, operational efficiency, and connected workplace solutions. With a background spanning business, law, mediation, and entrepreneurship, Parminder has built her career around solving complex operational challenges through innovation, strategic leadership, and purpose-driven technology. Since founding TraknProtect, she has led the company's growth into a trusted partner for some of the world's most recognized hospitality brands, such as Hilton, IHG, Peninsula, Accor and several others, helping organizations modernize how they approach safety, communication, compliance, and real-time visibility across their properties. Under her leadership, TraknProtect continues to pioneer solutions including employee safety technology, connected communications, location-based services, and intelligent IoT innovations designed to protect teams while elevating operations. Parminder is also a passionate advocate for workplace safety, women in leadership, and social impact, with a strong commitment to helping organizations create environments where people feel protected, empowered, and supported because she believes Safety is a Right for every person in every organization.  Her leadership combines strategic vision with a deep understanding of the human side of business, driving meaningful change across the hospitality and technology industries. Website: https://www.traknprotect.com/ Social Media Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/parminderbatra/

In this episode, Ivy Slater chats with us about launching a new series, Women Leaders in Technology, highlighting stories of perseverance and progress. The purpose: to showcase how women are making an impact in technology and to inspire listeners to take action in their own fields. In this episode, we discuss: How Ivy Slater envisioned and launched the Women Leaders in Technology series, starting with only two interviews despite extensive outreach. What motivates women leaders in tech to share their stories, challenges, and breakthroughs, creating new opportunities for others. When Ivy Slater began her own journey in a traditionally male field (printing), facing frequent rejection but ultimately building her own successful company. Why sharing real stories and conversations from a diverse set of women leaders can inspire listeners to take meaningful action in their own industries. How women have gradually gained traction and acceptance in technology, moving from entry-level roles to leadership position   Ivy Slater is a professionally certified business coach, speaker, best-selling author and podcast host. After owning and operating a 7-figure printing business, having been in the industry for 20 years, she started Slater Success which focuses on developing great leaders and facilitating business growth and expansion. Ivy holds masterminds and retreats with her private client base and corporate training on communication and strategic planning. She speaks nationwide on the topics of leadership, sustainable growth, relationships and sales. Best Selling Author of From the Barre to the Boardroom Website: https://slatersuccess.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivyslater/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/slatersuccesscoaching Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivyslaterssc/

This week, Ivy Slater, host of Her Success Story, chats with her guest, Diane Coburn Bruning. The two talk about the origins of Diane Coburn Bruning's passion for dance, the founding and mission of the Chamber Dance Project, which pairs dancers with live musicians, and the unique challenges of sustaining a performing arts company. In this episode, we discuss: How a passion for both dance and live music inspired the founding of Chamber Dance Project, and its unique approach to performances with live musicians. What it was like to build a dance company in New York and later in Washington, D.C., including the challenges of financial sustainability and artist support. Diane Coburn Bruning recognized the need to create opportunities for dancers and choreographers during traditional company layoffs, leading to the company's founding in 2000. Why live music is essential to an authentic dance experience, and the importance of smaller, more intimate venues for both audiences and performers. What goes into commissioning new works and supporting emerging and established choreographers through the Chamber Dance Project. Why building a company is a marathon, not a sprint, and why patience and persistence are critical for growth in the arts. Diane Coburn Bruning, founder of Chamber Dance Project In 2000, choreographer Diane Coburn Bruning founded Chamber Dance Project, dancers & musicians in New York City guided by a conviction that dance should be performed with live music, that smaller venues afford a more intense experience for viewers and performers alike, and that sharing the creative process engages audiences on a deeper level. In 2013 she moved the company to Washington, D.C. Diane is an award-winning choreographer who has worked with dance, theatre, and opera companies throughout the U.S. and abroad. She has received a Guggenheim Fellowship, two fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts, two fellowships from the New York Foundation for the Arts, the McKnight National Fellowship, a Dewar's Young Artist Award, fellowships from Sundance Film Institute, Yale University School of Drama, Leopold Schepp Foundation and Virginia Commission on the Arts, and a Strauss Fellowship. She has also received support from Meet the Composer, the Harkness Foundation, New York State Council for the Arts, Heathcote Foundation, David Howard Foundation and The Carlisle Project. Diane has worked with Atlanta Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Pennsylvania Ballet, Boston Ballet, Juilliard Dance Ensemble, American Repertory Ballet, Milwaukee Ballet, Joffrey II, Nashville Ballet, Aspen Ballet, Ballet Chicago, Ballet Memphis, Daghdha Dance (Ireland), Minnesota Ballet, Chautauqua Ballet, Woolly Mammoth Theatre, and Studio Theatre, among others. Her popular Ramblin' Suite, her collaboration with the Red Clay Ramblers, was commissioned by Atlanta Ballet and performed by Milwaukee Ballet. She has worked on productions with Pittsburgh Opera, Glimmerglass Festival, and four with Washington National Opera at the Kennedy Center. Vogue Television did a feature on her, and Dance magazine named her as one of "25 to Watch." Diane's works appeared in the International Ballet Festival in Colombia, South America, and her major work Boots was premiered near Berlin with Ballett Magdeburg. She has done commercial work for top brands and clients including Nickelodeon, People magazine, Lord and Taylor, and Lladro. She has done theatrical work for Studio Theatre, Woolly Mammoth Theatre, and Shakespeare Theatre Company. At Shakespeare Theatre Company, she worked alongside director Michael Kahn, receiving a Helen Hayes Award nomination for her choreography of the musical Improbable Frequencies. She has been a guest artist at more than 25 conservatory and university dance departments, including several times for Juilliard and Tisch/NYU. She has been a teaching artist for Lincoln Center Institute and New York City Ballet and has served on many grant panels. Diane directed the Craft of Choreography Conference, helped found Pacifica Choreography Project, and has led choreographic workshops throughout the country Graduating with honors from Butler University's Jordan College of Arts, she later received their Alumni Achievement Award. She holds a master's in choreography from NYU and studied composition privately with Bessie Schoenberg and music with Juli Nunlist. Diane studied for a year with renowned designers Jennifer Tipton and Ming Cho Lee on a post-graduate fellowship from Yale University School of Drama.     Website: https://chamberdance.org/   Social Media Links: https://www.facebook.com/ChamberDanceProject/   https://www.instagram.com/chamberdanceproject/

This week, Ivy Slater, host of Her Success Story, chats with her guest, Marja Fox. The two talk about the power of diverse backgrounds in management consulting, the realities of transitioning from corporate roles at McKinsey and Ecolab to entrepreneurship, and how Marja built her own consulting practice specializing in strategic facilitation for executive teams. In this episode, we discuss: How trial and error, plus finding a community of other entrepreneurs, helped Marja Fox learn to manage the cadence between delivery and infrastructure. What it was like for Marja to join McKinsey with a science background and how the company purposefully sought out people with alternative professional degrees to bring diverse perspectives to client problems. Why Marja believes you should recognize the value of your accrued experience, "you owe me for the years, not the hours", and how this affects pricing and self-worth as a woman leader. What strategies she uses to build a client pipeline and maintain discipline in business development, including mindset shifts from "selling" to helping former clients solve problems. How Marja discovered her "source of distinctiveness" at McKinsey, focusing on problem-solving and deep intuition about people.    Marja Fox STRATEGIC FACILITATOR | EX-McKINSEY | PhD Meet Marja Fox, owner of Marja Fox Consulting. Marja is a former Associate Principal at McKinsey & Company with broad strategy, business development, and commercial operations expertise across multiple industries. Before turning independent, she was a VP of Marketing and Strategy & Business Development at Ecolab, responsible for growth strategy, innovation, new product launches, sales support, and marketing communications of a$1B growth business. As an independent consultant, she focuses on strategy and facilitation. She has found that client service - helping them succeed - is where her heart is; it's what gets her up in the morning. Marja's education is in the sciences. She holds a BS in Chemistry from Harvey Mudd College and a PhD in Physical Chemistry from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She brings her analytical background and ongoing drive to understand how things work to every project.   Social Media & Contact Email: [email protected]  Website: www.marjafox.com   LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/marjafox/   YouTube: youtube.com/@marjafox Based in Minneapolis, MN

This week, Ivy Slater, host of Her Success Story, chats with her guest, Jo Stephens. The two talk about Jo's journey from janitor to CEO at Law Firm Sites, the transformative power of building strong business relationships, and how prioritizing human connection over revenue has shaped the company's growth and its vision for expanding into new industries. In this episode, we discuss: How Jo Stevens began her career at Law Firm Sites as a janitor, using her cleaning skills to secure her first job and later move up within the company through dedication and attention to detail. What mindset shifts were necessary, such as seeing discomfort as a sign of growth and learning to push outside her comfort zone as a self-described introvert. When leaders should take action. Why focusing on building genuine relationships over revenue transformed the company's growth and culture, especially after Jo and her husband took ownership. How Jo leveraged personal and professional networks—highlighting the power of small-world connections and referrals in business development.   Meet Jo Stephens – CEO, Law Firm Sites, Inc. CLE Speaker | Legal Marketing Expert | Janitor to CEO Jo Stephens brings nearly two decades of hands-on experience in legal marketing, web design, and SEO to the legal community. Her journey with Law Firm Sites, Inc. began in 2006 in the most humble of roles—as the janitor. Since then, she has worked in nearly every position within the company, ultimately becoming Chief Operating Officer in 2017 and acquiring the business as CEO in 2020. Under her leadership, Law Firm Sites has grown from a small team to a nationally recognized agency with over 25 employees and more than 5,800 law firms served across the United States. The company is consistently recognized for excellence, including being featured on UpCity, Expertise.com (Best Legal Marketing Companies), and accredited by DesignRush for award-winning legal website design. Jo's insight into the legal industry runs deep. She has been quoted in Forbes and Inc., and has collaborated with organizations such as AILA, Lawyer Stories, Ms. Esquire, and multiple state and local bar associations including Florida, Utah, CABA, SEDBA, and St. Mary's. Her presentations focus on making complex concepts—like ADA compliance, UX design, and SEO—clear and actionable for law firms of all sizes. In addition to her professional achievements, Jo is a proud mother, a college graduate, and an active community volunteer. Her story is a testament to resilience, leadership, and the power of understanding every level of an organization. Today, she speaks across the country at legal conferences and CLE events, sharing strategies that help attorneys build compliant, engaging, and high-performing websites. Website: lawfirmsites.com Social Media Links: https://www.facebook.com/lawfirmsitesinc/

This week, Ivy Slater, host of Her Success Story, chats with her guest, Vivienne Wagner. The two talk about navigating the journey from side hustle to scaling Houndstooth Media Group, the evolution of digital marketing from SEO to AI-driven search, and the importance of building a values-driven team. In this episode, we discuss: How Vivienne Wagner started Houndstooth Media Group at her dining room table, transforming a personal blog into a full-scale digital marketing agency. What the arrival of AI-driven search (AEO, AIO) means for digital marketing, SEO, and how businesses are found online today. When Vivienne Wagner realized she needed to bring in help and start building a virtual team to handle growing client demand. Why recognizing the value of your skills is crucial for pricing and business growth, plus the importance of having mentors or external voices to help see your worth. How clarity on core values like integrity, kindness, thankfulness, loyalty, and humor helps Houndstooth hire the right people, choose the right clients, and build a strong company culture.   Vivienne Wagner is the founder and CEO of Houndstooth Media Group, a digital marketing agency based in Southern California. With a team of 16 specialists, she helps mid-sized businesses transform their websites into revenue-driving hubs by combining SEO expertise with the latest in AI-driven optimization. Known for her ability to make complex marketing concepts accessible, Vivienne speaks on how businesses can position themselves to be found by both human audiences and AI platforms like ChatGPT and Perplexity. Her agency's approach not only boosts visibility and organic traffic but also reduces dependence on paid ads, giving business owners the freedom to scale more sustainably. Vivienne frequently works with decision-makers who need trusted marketing leadership—either because they don't have in-house expertise or want a sharper second opinion on their current strategy. She offers a structured starting point through her SEO & AI Optimization Audit, which helps companies uncover hidden opportunities, identify weak points, and gain clarity on the steps needed to compete in today's search-driven landscape. Outside of work, Vivienne enjoys life with her husband and extended family of four grown sons. Known for her mix of humor, candor, and genuine care for the people she works with, she brings the same energy into her professional world that she does into her personal one. As a guest, she is direct, insightful, and engaging—ready to share practical strategies for AI-optimized marketing, building strong website foundations, and scaling digital strategies for long-term success. Back-story Vivienne Wagner never set out to start a marketing agency. With a degree in Public Administration, she began her career in city and state legislation, then moved into public affairs—essentially marketing for political movements. After stepping away from that world to be a stay-at-home mom, she found an unexpected new path. In the late 2000s, a friend introduced her to blogging. What started as a personal online journal—funny stories about her four boys, commentary on societal events, and the occasional DIY project—became Vivienne's crash course in the power of search and inbound marketing. A "private rant" she posted about a controversial radio contest unexpectedly drew strangers to her blog, teaching her firsthand how traffic finds content online. From there, she dove into the early "mommy blogging" community, grew an audience, and began monetizing through SEO, social media, and partnerships—long before influencer marketing became mainstream. In 2013, a friend in luxury real estate asked her to ghostwrite blogs and manage social media. Vivienne quickly saw that the brokerage's marketing efforts were missing the mark, pitched a proposal to overhaul their strategy, and spent six months rebuilding their entire department. Word spread, and soon individual agents wanted her help too. By January 2014, what started at her dining room table had grown into Houndstooth Media Group. Today, Houndstooth is a team of 16 specialists serving mid-sized businesses across industries. The agency is known for helping clients build solid digital foundations—prioritizing organic growth, SEO, and quality content before chasing shiny new trends. Vivienne's philosophy is simple: SEO will always matter, even as it evolves, and valuable content will always win, whether it's created by human hands or generated by AI. As a podcast guest, Vivienne brings humor, candor, and clear-eyed expertise. She speaks on the evolution of digital marketing, what AI means for business owners, and how companies can stop "flying blind" and finally feel confident in their marketing strategy. HMG bio Houndstooth Media Group is a boutique digital marketing agency based in Southern California. With a team of 16 specialists across the country, the agency helps mid-sized businesses turn their websites into revenue-driving hubs through SEO, AI-driven optimization, and strategic digital marketing. The majority of Houndstooth's client base comes through referrals and word of mouth, with most partnerships lasting for years. That loyalty stems from the agency's commitment to transparency and education—qualities that set it apart in an industry often clouded by jargon and "smoke and mirrors." Houndstooth eliminates the "flying blind" feeling many business owners experience when working with marketing agencies, instead giving them clarity, confidence, and measurable results. From SEO strategy and AI-optimized content to social media, branding, and revenue development, Houndstooth delivers custom solutions without cookie-cutter tactics. Clients gain not only execution but also a trusted partner who explains the "why" behind the strategy, so leaders can make informed decisions and see the direct impact on their business growth. At its core, Houndstooth Media Group is built for long-term success: results-focused, strategy-driven, and deeply invested in helping businesses grow with confidence. Website: https://houndstoothmediagroup.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/houndstoothmediagroup/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vivienne-wagner/ Vivienne's free webinar on important AIO strategies.  https://houndstooth-media-group.webinargeek.com/aio-webinar-get-your-business-found?cst=her-success-story-podcast

This week, Ivy Slater, host of Her Success Story, chats with her guest, Lee Powers. The two talk about Lee Powers' extraordinary journey from a critical care patient to a wellness entrepreneur, the power of personalized medicine through tools like DNA cheek swabs, and the importance of advocacy and a whole-person approach to navigating today's complex healthcare landscape. In this episode, we discuss: How Lee Powers transformed a traumatic personal experience as a patient into a unique business model focused on personalized medicine and patient advocacy. What it means to approach healthcare using both clinical expertise and human compassion, and why that combination is crucial for better outcomes. When Lee realized the traditional healthcare system often fails to treat patients as unique individuals, she set out to fill that gap herself. Why a simple cheek swab to analyze your DNA can make a dramatic difference in how medications affect you, based on your unique genetic makeup. Who benefits from a health advocate? Anyone navigating a complicated health challenge or supporting a loved one in the medical system should consider working with someone who understands both the human and clinical sides. What actions the average person can take to advocate for themselves in today's healthcare environment, including the importance of having an advocate present during medical decisions. Lee Powers is a nurse, health advocate, and speaker dedicated to helping individuals improve their health, build resilience, and thrive through personalized wellness strategies. Combining clinical expertise with a compassionate, whole-person approach, she empowers people to take an active role in their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. With a background in critical care nursing and advanced healthcare training, Lee brings a practical and relatable perspective to modern wellness. Her mission is to help individuals create sustainable habits, strengthen resilience, and embrace personalized approaches to health that support long-term vitality, performance, and quality of life. Lee Powers RN Speaker • Advocate • Educator • Author ICUiCare™ Founder Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS) & Critical Care Recovery Functional & Integrative Health | Healthcare That's Human Email: [email protected] Website: https://LeePowersRN.com Oxford Talk Speaker: Post Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS)