WIN/WIN: Women in Innovation

In this episode, Amy Divaraniya, Founder & CEO of Oova, shares her unexpected journey to becoming a founder of a data-first, at-home hormone-tracking solution. She shares the ins and outs of building a multi-sided marketplace and how she turned her own struggles with fertility and the medical system into Oova. Throughout the conversation, Zoia and Amy touch on the challenges of the medical system that are specific to women and women's health and how data can be used to empower women to ensure that they are advocating for themselves.Key takeaways: Imposter syndrome can be overcome by surrounding yourself with mentors and being open to asking questions.Women's health care needs better solutions that empower women with data and enable them to advocate for their own health.Building a strong network and relationships with investors and mentors is crucial for success as a founder.The future of women's health care lies in data-driven approaches and conversations prioritizing women's needs.Learn more:Get 10% off an Oova product - URL: oova.life/win OR use "WINOOVA" on the siteZoia Kozakov (Host): http://www.linkedin.com/in/zoiaAmy Divaraniya (Guest): https://www.linkedin.com/in/aparna-amy-divaraniya/Women in Innovation: http://www.womenininnovation.co Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Amruta Moktali, Chief Product Officer at Skyflow, shares her journey in product management and discusses the challenges and decisions she has faced throughout her career. Amruta also explains the role of a Chief Product Officer at a Series B company and the need for a strong partnership between product and engineering. Amruta encourages women to overcome imposter syndrome and seek feedback to grow their careers.Key takeaways: Surround yourself with intelligent people who challenge and inspire you.Believe in yourself and your ability to learn and grow.Build a strong partnership between product and engineering for successful innovation.Protect and use sensitive data while preserving privacy.Learn more:Zoia Kozakov (Host): http://www.linkedin.com/in/zoiaAmruta Moktali (Guest): https://www.linkedin.com/in/amrutamoktali/Women in Innovation: http://www.womenininnovation.co Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Nisreen Hasib, CEO and founder of Signoff, shares her journey from being the COO of Unbound to starting her own company that focuses on solving the housing crisis. Nisreen challenges the traditional definition of success in the startup world and shares insights on getting into Techstars.Key takeaways: Align your career choices with your foundational values.Trust your intuition and take risks when making career decisions.Challenge the traditional definition of success and choose your path.Focus on building a scalable impact rather than solely raising venture capital.Learn more:Zoia Kozakov (Host): http://www.linkedin.com/in/zoiaNisreen Hasib (Guest): https://www.linkedin.com/in/nisreen-hasib/Women in Innovation: http://www.womenininnovation.co Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode explores Betsy Cohen and Amanda Abrams’ journey and experiences in the finance and investment industry. They discuss the skills and qualities they seek in founders, the vision for Cohen Circle and Radiate Capital, and their role in innovation in fintech. Through a discussion of their personal and professional experiences, Zoia, Amanda, and Betsy touch on what diversity means to them and conclude with a discussion on gender dynamics in the workplace and the industry.Listen for advice on: How thinking outside the box and reinventing oneself plays a unique role in the financial and investment industriesWhy financial inclusion and impact investing are essential areas of focus for innovation in fintechHow diversity can drive innovation and successThe challenges and opportunities within fintech and the future outlook on its next phaseLearn more:Zoia Kozakov (Host): http://www.linkedin.com/in/zoiaCohen Circle: http://cohencircle.comWomen in Innovation: http://www.womenininnovation.co Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, host Zoia Kozakov shares her personal experience with elective egg freezing and interviews Dr. Fahimeh Sasan, Chief Innovation Officer and Founding Physician at KindBody. They discuss the importance of proactive fertility care, the challenges and barriers in the industry, and the need for accessibility and equity in women's health. They also provide an overview of the egg-freezing process, debunk misconceptions, and highlight the benefits of being proactive about fertility. The episode emphasizes the importance of empowering women to make choices about their bodies and the future of reproductive health.Listen for advice on:Egg freezing is a proactive and preventative approach to fertility care, allowing women to preserve their eggs for future use.Access to fertility care and egg freezing should be improved to ensure equity and empower women to make choices about their bodies.The egg-freezing process takes about two weeks, with minimal disruption to daily life and a short recovery period.KindBody is leading the way in innovation and accessibility in the fertility care industry, focusing on improving the patient experience and providing transparent pricing.Learn more:Zoia Kozakov (Host): http://www.linkedin.com/in/zoiaDr. Fahimeh Sasan (Guest): https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-fahimeh-sasan-b18408169/Women in Innovation: http://www.womenininnovation.co Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, join Zoia as she interviews Patrice Meagher, CEO and founder of Milkmate, a revolutionary breast-pumping solution for the workplace. Milkmate’s solution is comprised of modular furniture components, including a multi-user breast pump, and single-use parts that are all ready for immediate use. Patrice shares her journey, from her career in commercial real estate to developing and running her own company. They also discuss the importance of inclusive workplaces and the power of advocating for yourself.Listen for advice on:Navigating the nuances of being a working parent in the workplaceInclusive workplaces and the need for better maternal benefits and wellness solutionsThe power of advocating for yourself and creating change as a minority or as a ‘first’Learn more:Zoia Kozakov (Host): http://www.linkedin.com/in/zoiaPatrice Meagher (Guest): https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrice-hayden-meagher-268a7a19/Women in Innovation: http://www.womenininnovation.co Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, join Zoia as she delves into the world of brand building and direct-to-consumer (D2C) innovation with Suze Dowling, Co-Founder and Chief Business Officer at Pattern Brands. Discover how Suze and her team are revolutionizing the D2C industry by combining acquisitions and in-house incubations to create a family of home brands. Gain valuable insights into their approach to building successful brands, overcoming challenges, and the importance of staying customer-centric in a rapidly evolving landscape. Listen for advice on:The key feature of a winning team is How to approach equity as a founderGoing from being a brand builder to a product builderRe-thinking consumer brands and D2C’s business modelsLearn more:Zoia Kozakov (Host): http://www.linkedin.com/in/zoiaSuze Dowling (Guest): https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzedowling/Women in Innovation: http://www.womenininnovation.co Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Zoia and Emi Neitfeld, writer of “Acceptance: a Memoir,” have a captivating conversation as they delve into the gripping story of navigating workplace challenges, transitioning from engineering to writing, and challenging societal expectations. Explore the power of personal narratives, resilience beyond traditional narratives, and the future of innovation in journalism. Listen for advice on:Transitioning from engineering to full-time writingChallenging resilience narratives and embracing honest conversationsRe-thinking validation from others vs. self-importanceNavigating workplace challenges and gray areas for womenLearn more:Zoia Kozakov (Host): http://www.linkedin.com/in/zoiaEmi Nietfeld (Guest): https://www.eminietfeld.com/Women in Innovation: http://www.womenininnovation.co Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Zoia interviews Courtney Carlsson, the founder of Paradym, a mental health platform. They discuss Courtney's journey as a founder, how she approaches building her startup, and the unique features of Paradym that set it apart. Listen for advice on:What’s it like fundraising as a pregnant female founder How to innovate a two-sided marketplaceWhat makes a successful mental health product Why prioritizing healing is vital to making the most of a maternity leave Learn more:•Zoia Kozakov (Host): http://www.linkedin.com/in/zoia•Courtney Carlsson (Guest): https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneycarlsson/?originalSubdomain=uk•Women in Innovation: http://www.womenininnovation.co Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Jameelah Calhoun, Eventbrite’s Vice President and Global Head of Product and Customer Marketing, sits down with Zoia. Together, they discuss Jameelah’s tremendous trajectory, ranging from financial services to working at Amazon’s Audible and Eventbrite. Jameelah’s visionary thinking and authentic speaking make for another meaningful conversation about innovation, leadership, and intersectionality on the podcast. Listen for advice on:How to go about launching a 0-to1 initiative at a corporationWhy curiosity and portfolio-career thinking are critical to leadership Navigating innovation at a time of renaissance (vs. wartime)Balancing the impacts of being different from others in a companyLearn more:Zoia Kozakov (Host): http://www.linkedin.com/in/zoiaJameelah Calhoun (Guest): https://www.linkedin.com/in/jameelah-calhoun/Women in Innovation: http://www.womenininnovation.co Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode, Zoia sits down to talk with Shyvee Shi, Product Lead at LinkedIn. They discuss everything from navigating unconventional careers to mentorship, and the impacts of artificial intelligence on education. Listen for advice on:The most critical skills to future-proof your career growth How to navigate artificial intelligence advances in a tactical and additive way Balancing non-conventional careers and side hustles when working in corporationsImplementing innovation initiatives at large corporations Learn more:Zoia Kozakov (Host): http://www.linkedin.com/in/zoiaShyvee Shi (Guest): https://www.linkedin.com/in/shyveeshiWomen in Innovation: http://www.womenininnovation.co Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode, Zoia connects with Inna Lobel, Creative Director, Head of Industrial Design, North America at frog, a leading innovation consultancy. Inna discusses the craft, art, and science of innovation, along with her role in enabling Campfire to raise $8 million in funding. Listen for advice on:The differences and similarities of working in-house vs. agency-sideHow to stay user-centric without having all of the data The skills needed to succeed in innovationThe role of experimentation in building hardware productsLearn more:Zoia Kozakov (Host): http://www.linkedin.com/in/zoiaInna Lobel (Guest): https://www.linkedin.com/in/innalobel/Women in Innovation: http://www.womenininnovation.co Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode, Zoia sits down with Evelyn Chou, Senior Product Manager at Coursera, one of the most prominent innovators in the edtech space. Evelyn breaks down the journey of finding her voice through her various career stops and how she embeds innovation into her products (hint: she weaves it into her planning!). Listen for advice on:Navigating the likability trap at work Why this is the most pivotal time for edtechApproaching prioritization as you consider growth opportunitiesEvaluating innovation projects without emotionLearn more:Zoia Kozakov (Host): http://www.linkedin.com/in/zoiaEvelyn Chou (Guest): https://www.linkedin.com/in/evelynchou/Women in Innovation: http://www.womenininnovation.co Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Zoia sits down with Sharifa Murdock, KITH's Chief Impact Officer and founder of ENVSN Festival. She shares her journey going from working in retail to now leading impact initiatives for one of the most established and fashion-forward brands. Sharifa also discusses how she approached building out ENVSN Festival, a culture-first experience to inspire the next generation to be innovative with their careers. Listen for advice on:Finding a career and company which aligns with your visionWhat makes someone stand out when seeking a mentor/sponsorWhy women's superpower is reinventing themselves at all ages and stages of their livesThe retail landscape and the importance of innovation in fashionLearn more:Zoia Kozakov (Host): http://www.linkedin.com/in/zoiaSharifa Murdock (Guest): https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharifa-murdock-a0a5024/Women in Innovation: http://www.womenininnovation.co Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we are joined by Anomaly's Chief Innovation Officer, Natasha Jakubowski. Natasha is an "innovation veteran" with over 20+ years of experience in the industry, building out her own innovation practice, and growing it within Anomaly. Natasha has helped build new brands as well as put others, such as EOS (beauty brand) on the map. Listen for advice on:How to lean into your communication and leadership styleWhy innovation has no singular definition or outputThe importance of using innovation to solve business problems How to get into leadership roles without over-engineering or over-planningLearn more:Zoia Kozakov (Host): http://www.linkedin.com/in/zoiaNatasha Jakubowski (Guest): https://www.linkedin.com/in/natashajakubowski/Women in Innovation: http://www.womenininnovation.co Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Cynthia Plotch shares how running into her boyfriend’s mom while buying a pregnancy test factored into her journey to start a company focused on women’s healthcare. One of Inc.’s 100 Female Founders in 2021, and the co-founder of Stix, she aims to create better experiences and solutions with women’s healthcare products and talks about the challenge of raising funds from male VCs. Listen for advice on:Getting close to your customers The importance of building and maintaining resiliency The extreme optimism and pessimism of being an entrepreneur Holding yourself accountable when success comes Learn more: Zoia Kozakov (Host): http://www.linkedin.com/in/zoiaCynthia Plotch (Guest): https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthiaplotch/Women in Innovation: http://www.womenininnovation.co Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Zoia sits down with Jess Houlgrave, who heads up crypto and go-to-market strategy at Checkout.com, an international payments platform valued at over billions of dollars. The conversation touches on how Jess navigates being a leader in an industry that often draws criticism and doubt, while leaning into being at the helm of innovation. Listen for advice on:How to balance helpful feedback while blocking out the noiseChoosing the right team for innovative projectsBalancing learning a new industry while knowledge-sharing with othersHow to have conversations about inclusivity with othersLearn more:Zoia Kozakov (Host): http://www.linkedin.com/in/zoiaJess Houlgrave (Guest): https://www.linkedin.com/in/houlgrave/Women in Innovation: http://www.womenininnovation.co Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we celebrate the 100th episode of the WIN/WIN podcast by bringing back the incredible Enshalla Anderson, who is the Global Head of Brand & Creative at Google Cloud. Enshalla was the very first WIN/WIN podcast guest, and she comes back to discuss her trajectory since the podcast and what she’s learned about the world of innovation through her new role and experiences.Listen for advice on:How to create impact in meetings as an introverted personBuilding in learning opportunities to develop and learn new skillsetsThe importance of the customer experience when building technical productsRethinking imposter syndrome at all stages of your career Learn more:Enshalla Anderson (Guest): https://www.linkedin.com/in/enshallaanderson/Zoia Kozakov (Host): https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoiaWomen in Innovation: https://www.womenininnovation.co Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Whitnee Hawthorne, Chief Customer Officer of Navan (formerly TripActions) joins the podcast to discuss innovation in the world of travel, and how she’s thinking about it in her current role. Whether it is exploring the consolidation of expense management, travel bookings, and corporate cards or imagining the airport of the future, Whitnee is a multi-faceted leader with tangible and tactical advice on how to succeed in the field.Listen for advice on:How to implement customer insights into features and innovationsPrioritizing between the customer and business to reach goalsFinding the balance between being authentic and professionalPositioning yourself to be considered for innovation roles/projectsLearn more: Whitnee Hawthorne (guest): https://www.linkedin.com/in/whitneehawthorne/Zoia Kozakov (host): https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoiaWomen in Innovation: https://www.womenininnovation.co Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Zoia sits down with Sharon Gauci, Executive Director, of Design at Global Buick, GMC, and GMC Hummer at General Motors. They discuss Sharon’s career and rise in the world of automotive. They touch on big trends in the electric car industry and how Sharon thinks beyond innovating on a “feature level.”Listen for advice on:Navigating innovating 5-10 years ahead (vs. for the short-term)Working cross-functionally with Engineers, Designers, and Product managersThe importance of finding the right mentorsHow to think about career growth in traditionally male-dominated industriesLearn more: Zoia Kozakov (Host): https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoiaSharon Gauci (Guest): https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-gauci-0780207/Women in Innovation: https://www.womenininnovation.co Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.