In this episode, host Madeline engages in a deep conversation with Michelle Bomberger, founder of Equinox Business Law Group. They discuss the importance of legal strategies for protecting businesses, focusing on issues like intellectual property, compliance, and employee matters. Michelle shares her journey from Northwestern University to establishing her firm, influenced by her experience with small businesses and corporate roles. They also discuss common legal issues faced by entrepreneurs today, such as employment compliance, contracts, and the impact of emerging trends like AI and data privacy. Michelle emphasizes the importance of proactive legal counsel and offers insights into her approach to law, aiming to empower rather than restrict entrepreneurs.

In this episode of Finding Fearless, host Madeline interviews Lauren Burgess, a serial social entrepreneur and nomad who lives and works out of a van. The conversation covers Lauren's journey from building and exiting several successful businesses to embracing a more balanced and authentic lifestyle. Lauren shares her experiences with burnout, discovering her queerness, and redefining success based on her values of health, wellness, and fun. The episode dives into her unique perspective on entrepreneurship, living in a van, and the importance of creating a supportive community. Additionally, Lauren discusses her recent ventures, including a digital daily planner for people with ADHD and an upcoming mastermind for women entrepreneurs.

In today’s episode, Madeline sits down with Nikki Lindgren, founder and managing partner at Pennock, a beauty and lifestyle brand marketing agency. Nikki shares her journey from her rural Minnesota roots to becoming a successful agency owner in San Francisco. They discuss the importance of maintaining a human-centric and sustainable approach to business, especially in the marketing sphere. Nikki outlines her path through various corporate roles, highlighting the shift from working at mega brands to founding Pennock. The conversation delves into how Nikki established effective systems, scaled her team, and honed the agency's niche in the beauty and lifestyle sectors. They touch on balancing business growth with personal values and navigating industry challenges. Additionally, Nikki offers insights on the critical role of creative strategy and organic content in marketing, especially for new brands. Aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners will gain valuable advice on creating sustainable growth and maintaining a values-driven company culture.

In this episode Madeline talks to Meredith Fennessy Witts, founder of Le Chéile, about one of the most important and ignored topics while building businesses: Financial Fluency. They cover topics such as the accidental path to becoming an entrepreneur, the importance of community and mentorship, financial fluency for business owners, and the challenges and strategies of scaling a business. Meredith shares her personal story, including her background, how she navigated the transition from corporate roles to founding her own company, and the lessons learned along the way. The discussion also touches Meredith’s experiences working with clients on navigating them through financial fluency and making a safe space for founders to talk about their shortcomings with their business finance goals and grip. Meredith emphasizes the importance of making informed decisions, trusting the process, and ensuring that the business serves the life you want to live.

In this episode, Madeline converses with an absolute badass, Martha Shaughnessy of the The Key PR, discussing her unconventional path to becoming a founder, her experiences navigating the tech industry as a woman, and managing work-life integration as a mom. Martha's background in cultural anthropology and sports shaped her unique perspective on team dynamics and storytelling in marketing and communications. The discussion also touches on the importance of mental and physical health, the challenges of maintaining a work-life balance in the face of societal and business pressures, and the transformative power of showing vulnerability in leadership. Both the host and Martha share insights on navigating the complexities of leading businesses in a patriarchal society, the impact of acknowledging one's limitations, and the significance of genuine connections in professional settings.