Don’t Limit Yourself

Sherry Shannon-Vanstone is the Founder of Profound Impact Corporation, aiming to connect individuals for great causes and improve data, AI, and analytics solutions. A mathematician, cryptographer, philanthropist, and serial entrepreneur with successful startups in Silicon Valley and the Toronto-Waterloo Corridor, she has a rich background in system security and technological innovation. Sherry champions women in STEM and strives to influence a culture of inclusivity and empowerment.

As a business leader and advocate for female entrepreneurship, she co-founded Women Funding Women to amplify women-led ventures. Sherry holds both a Master of Science degree in Mathematics and an honorary doctorate for her work promoting girls and women to study and pursue a career in STEM.

Sherry Shannon-Vanstone
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Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

  • [5:44] Sherry Shannon-Vanstone’s journey from cryptologic work with the US government to entrepreneurship
  • [10:15] The importance of being risk-aware rather than risk-averse
  • [11:29] Sherry highlights the significance of cultural competence in global leadership.
  • [13:30] How culture, inclusivity, and diversity shape leadership and success in startups
  • [17:57] Sherry shares the concept and mission of Women Funding Women 
  • [30:20] The value of seeking advice on career and personal growth from experienced mentors
  • [35:08] Sherry discusses pushing beyond failure with a mindset of persistence and resilience

In this episode…

Have you questioned whether taking risks and stepping into the unknown would bring you to where you wanted to be? Is it possible to bridge the gap between fulfilling one’s potential and overcoming societal expectations?

Sherry Shannon-Vanstone, a crusader for female empowerment, tackles these issues head-on. With an illustrious background in cryptology and a fearless leap into entrepreneurship, Sherry’s story is nothing short of inspiration, as she highlights the challenges and triumphs of being a woman in male-dominated fields such as tech and government, as well as the journey to fostering a culture of inclusivity and achieving successful startup ventures.

Listen to this episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show, as host Andrea Heuston sits down with Sherry Shannon-Vanstone, the Founder of Profound Impact Corporation and Co-Founder of Women Funding Women, Inc., to talk about leveling the playing field for women in tech and entrepreneurship. They delve into Sherry’s commitment to supporting women-led ventures and how she carved a significant path for herself and future generations of women leaders in STEM.

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Quotable Moments:

  • “Leading like a woman is not just saying, I don’t understand the risk. I think you have to be risk aware.” 
  • “We need to understand and respect other people’s perspectives, and bring a culture of inclusivity and diversity.”
  • “Be persistent because as you said, we’re gonna fail. And get back up and put one foot in front of the other and keep moving forward.” 
  • “Don’t limit yourself and be broader with your foundation, and then that can take you anywhere and everywhere.” 
  • “One advice that I was given and this applies to whether you’re studying or whether in work is learn how to pick your battles.”

Action Steps:

1. Embrace risk awareness – Understanding and evaluating risks is crucial for making strategic decisions and pursuing entrepreneurial success.

  • Being risk aware encourages a balanced approach to challenges, enabling you to weigh options and make informed choices as Sherry Shannon-Vanstone demonstrated in her career transitions.

2. Seek out mentorship – Reaching out to experienced professionals can provide guidance and accelerate your learning curve.

  • Sherry’s success story highlights the positive impact of seeking advice and how mentorship can help navigate professional paths, especially in fields like STEM.

3. Build a culture of inclusivity – Champion diversity and respect in your workplace and venture to foster an environment where everyone feels valued.

  • Sherry’s experience shows that a supportive culture not only improves morale but also inspires innovation and retains talent.

4. Support women-led initiatives – Actively participate in or create platforms that empower women entrepreneurs to access resources and opportunities.

  • Inspired by Women Funding Women, Inc., such initiatives can drastically alter the business landscape by increasing female representation in areas like angel investing.

5. Encourage education in STEM – Advocate for relevant science and math educational programs that engage young women and open career opportunities.

  • Consistent with Sherry’s initiative to teach teachers STEM curricula, such advocacy ensures that future generations are better equipped to contribute significantly to evolving sectors.

Sponsor for this episode…

This episode is brought to you by Artitudes Design by Andrea Heuston. Artitudes Design is an award-winning creative agency that has been creating visual communication for Fortune 500 companies for over 25 years. They have worked with notable companies such as Microsoft, Starbucks, Expedia, and have also served startups and nonprofit organizations.

They specialize in connecting speakers with audiences by creating visual value with presentations and through the creation of motion graphics, video, and content.

To learn more about Artitudes Design, visit their website today. Checkout their portfolio to see their previous projects, and contact them today to find out how they can help you bring your business a cut above the rest.

Be Your Own Advocate

Chrissy McGarry is the Chief Operating Officer at Second Front, a company that streamlines software delivery. With over 12 years of experience amplifying brands such as Red Bull and Salesforce, Chrissy thrives on challenges, leveraging her expertise to navigate the unknown with confidence. Her journey underscores the belief that anyone, regardless of their background, can carve out a prosperous path in their chosen industry—provided they possess the courage to challenge conventions, expand their networks, and remain lifelong learners. Driven by an unwavering commitment to understanding the ‘why,’ Chrissy empowers individuals, particularly women and ‘working moms,’ to embrace their ambitions fearlessly.

Chrissy McGarry
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Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

  • What led Chrissy McGarry into defense tech?
  • How Chrissy uses her talents to create value in the corporate world
  • Chrissy explains how she got started in sales
  • Fostering an inclusive culture in a male-dominated field
  • What is the “Gather” metaverse tool?
  • How Chrissy guides women to realize their potential and power

In this episode…

Leveraging your strengths as a woman in the workplace is about embracing your unique perspective and skillset. These strengths can translate into powerful assets, fostering collaboration, clear communication, and a results-oriented approach. But how can you best translate these strengths into action in your specific role?

Mentor and sales expert Chrissy McGarry uses her non-military background for success in the defense industry. She has a diverse background in beverage sales and fitness instruction, in addition to her undergraduate degree in pastoral ministry and gender studies, which she leverages for her success. Highlighting the value of diverse thinking, she promotes the use of humor and confidence to navigate the male-dominated field. To manage remote teams, Chrissy recommends using virtual tools to help foster connections. She also emphasizes the value of self-reflection and routine to manage a busy schedule.

In this episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show, Andrea Heuston hosts Chrissy McGarry, the Chief Operating Officer of Second Front, to talk about using your strength as a woman in your industry and workplace. Chrissy discusses how she got into defense tech, creating value in the corporate world, and fostering inclusivity in a male-dominated field.

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Sponsor for this episode…

This episode is brought to you by Lead Like a Woman SpeakHer.

Lead Like a Woman SpeakHer is an online speakers resource dedicated to empowering women in leadership.

This subscription platform is designed to empower and equip women with the tools and resources they need to excel as speakers and influential leaders.

Its mission is to support women in harnessing their strengths, amplifying their voices, and making a lasting impact on their industries and communities.

To enroll in Lead Like a Woman SpeakHer, mention this episode by name and sign up on leadlikeawoman.biz/speakher

Go Fix It!

Tina Chamoun is the Owner and Operator of Terranean Herbs & Spices, a thriving food manufacturing business specializing in traditional Lebanese flavors. Tina is a dynamic Lebanese American businesswoman, attorney, former marketing director, blogger, and devoted mother of three. Through her company, she imports authentic Lebanese za’atar to Ohio, crafting and distributing premium products to American specialty and major retail stores. Beyond business, Tina is dedicated to giving back to her community through volunteer efforts and mentorship, particularly focusing on supporting and empowering the Arab American community.

Tina Chamoun
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Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

  • What motivated Tina Chamoun to establish Terranean Herbs & Spices?
  • Tina talks about the first product that she created for her business
  • How Tina eventually expanded her product line
  • What went right when Tina started Terranean Herbs & Spices?
  • Tina explains how her business is expanding into other states
  • The value of mentorship in business

In this episode…

Starting, developing, and expanding a business is akin to navigating uncharted waters in pursuit of untapped potential. It requires a blend of strategic planning, resilience, and adaptability to overcome challenges and seize opportunities along the way. How can you leverage your unique strengths and resources to chart a course toward sustainable growth and success in your entrepreneurial endeavors?

Lebanese American businesswoman Tina Chamoun emphasizes the importance of identifying gaps in the market and taking proactive steps to address them. This echoes the advice she received that propelled her journey: “If you’re complaining about a problem, fix it.” Tina’s approach involves meticulous planning, setting clear goals, and breaking them down into actionable steps. She encourages aspiring entrepreneurs, especially women, to outline their vision, prioritize tasks, and develop strategies to bring their ideas to fruition. To create meaningful change in the business landscape, embrace challenges as opportunities for innovation.

In this episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show, Andrea Heuston hosts Tina Chamoun, Owner and Operator of Terranean Herbs & Spices to talk about bringing your culture and heritage to the North American marketplace. Tina discusses establishing her business, expanding her product line, and the value of mentorship in business.

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Sponsor for this episode…

This episode is brought to you by Lead Like a Woman SpeakHer.

Lead Like a Woman SpeakHer is an online speakers resource dedicated to empowering women in leadership.

This subscription platform is designed to empower and equip women with the tools and resources they need to excel as speakers and influential leaders.

Its mission is to support women in harnessing their strengths, amplifying their voices, and making a lasting impact on their industries and communities.

To enroll in Lead Like a Woman SpeakHer, mention this episode by name and sign up on leadlikeawoman.biz/speakher

Fear & Opportunity

Laura Xiao is the Founder and CEO of Henné Organics, a company that creates quality beauty products from organic ingredients. Since founding Henné Organics in 2015, Laura’s mission has been to infuse modern minimalism into the beauty industry. Her Scandinavian-inspired approach revolutionizes standard lip and skin care products, offering something truly extraordinary. Prior to establishing Henné Organics, Laura co-founded Stockholm Hardcore, a web development firm renowned for its emphasis on customization.

Laura Xiao
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Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

  • The value of work-life balance to avoid burnout
  • What is “mom guilt”, and how do you overcome it?
  • How Laura Xiao established herself as an entrepreneur
  • Laura‘s methodical approach to starting Henné Organics
  • What went right when Laura started Henné Organics?
  • Laura’s most valuable tips for handling stress

In this episode…

Work-life balance is essential for maintaining overall well-being and productivity. For instance, juggling family responsibilities while pursuing career ambitions often requires careful prioritization and boundary-setting. How can we strike a healthy balance between our professional and personal lives for long-term fulfillment and success?

Two-time founder, Laura Xiao explores the intersection of work-life balance, overcoming ‘mom guilt,’ and entrepreneurial success. Prioritizing self-care and setting clear boundaries can help us to better harmonize our professional and personal obligations. Similarly, embracing a methodical approach to entrepreneurship can foster resilience and strategic growth. Laura also stresses the importance of being open to reinventing ourselves along the way in our pursuit of happiness and success. Remember, success isn’t just about achieving goals; it’s also about maintaining our well-being along the way.

In this episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show, Andrea Heuston hosts Laura Xiao, the Founder and CEO of Henné Organics, to explore her journey to become a successful entrepreneur. Laura discusses the value of work-life balance, her strategic approach to establishing her business, and her top tips for handling stress.

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Sponsor for this episode…

This episode is brought to you by Lead Like a Woman SpeakHer.

Lead Like a Woman SpeakHer is an online speakers resource dedicated to empowering women in leadership.

This subscription platform is designed to empower and equip women with the tools and resources they need to excel as speakers and influential leaders.

Its mission is to support women in harnessing their strengths, amplifying their voices, and making a lasting impact on their industries and communities.

To enroll in Lead Like a Woman SpeakHer, mention this episode by name and sign up on leadlikeawoman.biz/speakher

It’s Not About the Numbers, It’s About the People

Kathy Svetina is the Founder of Newcastle Finance, a company that offers fractional CFO services to women-owned businesses. Kathy helps small businesses with $3 million and above in annual revenue maintain financial health and sustainability. With extensive experience in senior-level financial planning and analysis for Fortune 500 companies, she has firsthand knowledge of how big corporations use financial information to drive their businesses forward. Now, Kathy dedicates herself to showing small businesses how they can leverage similar strategies to create thriving companies. Additionally, she has hosted the Help! My Business is Growing podcast for nearly 14 years.

Kathy Svetina
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Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

  • What motivated Kathy Svetina to create New Castle Finance?
  • Top things that went right when Kathy started New Castle Finance
  • Why Kathy focuses on helping women-owned businesses
  • Using FP&A to maximize your business’ ROI
  • What is a fractional CFO?
  • Understanding why you need help when your business is growing
  • What is the Financial Health Check?
  • The role of data in scrappy financial practices

In this episode…

Financial planning is essential for the success and sustainability of small businesses, providing a roadmap for achieving their financial goals. Through meticulous budgeting and forecasting, small businesses can anticipate challenges and seize opportunities with confidence. But how can they ensure their financial strategies adapt to the ever-changing business landscape?

Fractional CFO Kathy Svetina explores how women-owned small businesses can achieve financial sustainability. She highlights a common pitfall among small businesses, particularly those led by women, where they only focus on minimizing taxes rather than holistic financial planning. Kathy emphasizes the significance of embracing a broader perspective on finance beyond mere tax planning. This entails prioritizing future financial planning and analysis (FP&A), which is crucial for the long-term success and sustainable growth of SMEs.

In this episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show, Andrea Heuston hosts Kathy Svetina, Fractional CFO and Founder of Newcastle Finance, to talk about scrappy financial practices. Kathy discusses how she started New Castle Finance, why she focuses on women-owned businesses, and how to maximize your ROI with FP&A.

Resources Mentioned in this episode

Sponsor for this episode…

This episode is brought to you by Lead Like a Woman SpeakHer.

Lead Like a Woman SpeakHer is an online speakers resource dedicated to empowering women in leadership.

This subscription platform is designed to empower and equip women with the tools and resources they need to excel as speakers and influential leaders.

Its mission is to support women in harnessing their strengths, amplifying their voices, and making a lasting impact on their industries and communities.

To enroll in Lead Like a Woman SpeakHer, mention this episode by name and sign up on leadlikeawoman.biz/speakher