In this timely and illuminating episode, Raven sits down with six-time founder and global entrepreneur Oz Merchant to discuss the complexities of global expansion—especially for women leaders.

With over $147M raised and 18+ years in B2B SaaS and e-commerce, Oz brings his extensive knowledge and experience as the Program Director of Founder Institute Raleigh to this powerful conversation. Together, they unpack the nuanced challenges of scaling a business internationally, highlighting critical topics like understanding cultural differences, building credibility in male-dominated industries, and securing funding for diverse founders.

Oz shares actionable strategies for entering new markets, maintaining company culture across borders, and leveraging local partnerships for a successful expansion. From defining the “why” behind international growth to navigating the unique obstacles faced by women in leadership, he provides real-world insights that entrepreneurs can put into practice immediately.

Oz also dives into overlooked aspects of global growth, like evolving your leadership style as your company scales and tapping into emerging funding opportunities designed to support diverse founders.

Listeners will walk away with invaluable guidance on everything from infrastructure planning to sophisticated market entry strategies, making this episode essential for entrepreneurs at any stage of their global journey.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Consider if your business is truly ready for international expansion.
• Cultural understanding is crucial when entering new markets.
• Building local partnerships can significantly ease market entry.
• Funding opportunities exist specifically for diverse founders.
• Women entrepreneurs should seek supportive cultures for business.
• Navigating logistics and local customs is essential for success.
• Utilizing consultants can streamline the transition to new markets.
• Maintaining company culture is vital during international growth.
• Future trends indicate a rise in women-led global businesses.
• Assumptions about markets should be tested and validated.

DISCUSSION TIMELINE:

• 02:49 Challenges of International Business
• 06:09 Strategizing for Global Growth
• 09:12 Navigating Cultural Differences
• 11:59 Building Partnerships for Success
• 14:47 Funding and Financial Considerations
• 18:07 Consultants and Support Systems
• 21:04 Maintaining Company Culture
• 23:53 Advice for Women Entrepreneurs
• 27:05 Future Trends in Global Entrepreneurship
• 29:55 Top Three Hacks for Diverse Founders

CONNECT WITH OZ:
Oz's Website: www.ozmerchant.me Oz on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ozmerchant Oz on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ozmerchant/

HOST INFO:
Hi, y'all! I'm Raven O'Neal, a diversely curious serial entrepreneur with over a decade of experience. But the fun doesn't stop there. I'm also a mentor, wife, mother, and business expert. I see my business as an extension of all my personal and professional life experiences, embracing growth and learning from a few fumbles along the way.

Throughout my business journey, I've supported over 500 female-led startups, advised more than 200 founders 1:1, and played a role in facilitating over $100M in funding. My calling is to help women transform their businesses and lives through collaboration and partnerships. I look forward to being with you every step of the way on your journey to growth and transformation. If you want to join the conversation, be sure to hit Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

⁠www.hackingthepatriarchypodcast.com

Discover the power of scaling your business with a distinctly female approach in this insightful conversation with Katrina Purcell. Drawing from her extensive startup experience, Katrina shares strategies for leveraging your natural strengths as a woman to navigate the unique challenges of high-growth entrepreneurship.

The episode delves into Katrina's journey transitioning from the corporate world to becoming a successful business owner. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining a flexible mission, vision, and values framework during periods of rapid scaling, and explores how women can capitalize on their innate abilities in empathy and change management.

Listeners will gain valuable insights on navigating the fundraising landscape, making strategic decisions about capital allocation, and cultivating the personal resilience needed to sustain scaling efforts. Katrina also underscores the power of building a strong support network of mentors and advisors to provide guidance along the way.

Throughout the discussion, Katrina offers a refreshingly authentic and practical perspective, addressing topics such as overcoming the fear of failure, setting ambitious goals, and achieving work-life balance as a female founder. Her insights provide a roadmap for entrepreneurs seeking to scale their businesses with intention, adaptability, and a distinctly feminine approach.

Whether you're in the early stages of growth or navigating the complexities of a scaling enterprise, this episode is a must-listen for any woman looking to build a sustainable and thriving business.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Women need to lean into their superpowers.
• Surrounding yourself with a supportive network is crucial.
• Resilience can be built through personal challenges.
• Authenticity in leadership fosters trust and connection.
• Change management is essential for leading teams through transitions.
• Mission, vision, and values should be clear and inspiring.
• Accessing capital requires confidence and a strong narrative.
• Not all capital is good capital; choose wisely.
• Scaling takes mental and physical preparation.
• It's okay to decide not to scale if it doesn't align with your goals.

DISCUSSION TIMELINE:

• 00:01 Empathy and Resilience in Female Leadership
• 06:11 Navigating Change Management
• 08:02 Mission, Vision, and Values
• 14:49 Accessing Capital
• 24:36 Scaling Strategies
• 29:52 The Decision to Scale or Not

CONNECT WITH KATRINA:

Katrina on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/katrina-purcell

Katrina's Website: katrinapurcell.com

The Managed Chaos Podcast: www.themanagedchaospodcast.com

HOST INFO:

Hi, y'all! I'm Raven O'Neal, a diversely curious serial entrepreneur with over a decade of experience. But the fun doesn't stop there. I'm also a mentor, wife, mother, and business expert. I see my business as an extension of all my personal and professional life experiences, embracing growth and learning from a few fumbles along the way.

Throughout my business journey, I've supported over 500 female-led startups, advised more than 200 founders 1:1, and played a role in facilitating over $100M in funding. My calling is to help women transform their businesses and lives through collaboration and partnerships. I look forward to being with you every step of the way on your journey to growth and transformation. If you want to join the conversation, be sure to hit Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

⁠⁠⁠www.hackingthepatriarchypodcast.com⁠

Discover the dynamic world of entrepreneurial growth with operations expert Meredith Patrick in this engaging episode. The conversation dives into essential aspects of building and scaling a business, covering everything from mindset shifts to practical growth strategies. Drawing from personal experiences and hard-earned wisdom, Meredith emphasizes the value of community, the power of flexible planning, and the importance of strong operational foundations.

Meredith brings a wealth of expertise from her corporate background in healthcare and health tech. Her journey reflects a common entrepreneurial experience—the pursuit of fulfillment beyond corporate achievements.

The episode stands out with its exploration of business model evolution. Meredith shares her progression from offering one-time project execution services to developing retainer packages, illustrating how organic growth happens when entrepreneurs stay open to market demands and client needs. Her current pivot toward a partnership model with scalable team potential demonstrates how businesses can expand beyond their original vision while staying aligned with their core strengths.

Throughout the discussion, Meredith offers practical wisdom, including a systematic approach to networking that provides listeners with actionable insights for building their own support systems. The conversation also tackles critical topics such as pricing strategies, setting client boundaries, and trusting one’s instincts in business decisions.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Community building is essential for entrepreneurial success and accountability.
• Time blocking helps maintain boundaries and prevent scope creep.
• Starting with one networking conversation per week is manageable and can build momentum.
• Price based on value rather than time to avoid undervaluing your services.
• Track networking connections systematically to maintain relationships.
• Being flexible with your business model can lead to unexpected growth opportunities.
• Having a routine while remaining adaptable is key to sustainable growth.

DISCUSSION TIMELINE:

• 00:10 Meredith's Entrepreneurial Journey
• 02:48 The Importance of Mindset in Business
• 04:51 Transitioning to Full-Time Entrepreneurship
• 07:53 Accountability & Community
• 10:03 Navigating Setbacks
• 13:32 Pricing Strategies and Value Recognition
• 16:32 Scaling Your Business: Strategies and Plans
• 18:47 Networking and Building Community
• 21:37 Final Thoughts on Growth and Flexibility

CONNECT WITH MEREDITH:

Meredith on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/meredithapatrick

HOST INFO:

Hi, y'all! I'm Raven O'Neal, a diversely curious serial entrepreneur with over a decade of experience. But the fun doesn't stop there. I'm also a mentor, wife, mother, and business expert. I see my business as an extension of all my personal and professional life experiences, embracing growth and learning from a few fumbles along the way.

Throughout my business journey, I've supported over 500 female-led startups, advised more than 200 founders 1:1, and played a role in facilitating over $100M in funding. My calling is to help women transform their businesses and lives through collaboration and partnerships. I look forward to being with you every step of the way on your journey to growth and transformation. If you want to join the conversation, be sure to hit Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

⁠⁠www.hackingthepatriarchypodcast.com⁠

In this insightful episode, host Raven O'Neal engages in a deep conversation with seasoned entrepreneur and Founder & CEO of Fearlyss Media, Alyssa Olerud, about the pivotal role of community and personal branding in women's entrepreneurial journeys.

Alyssa offers a methodical yet adaptive approach to networking, emphasizing the creation of meaningful, relational connections.

The discussion explores the contrasts between men’s and women’s networking styles, the importance of local and online business communities, and the impact of partnerships on business growth.

Alyssa also delves into personal branding strategies, highlighting the importance of storytelling, authenticity, and maintaining professional boundaries. She provides practical advice on leveraging social media trends, overcoming imposter syndrome, and setting boundaries to foster a positive business environment while balancing self-promotion with value creation.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Lean into networking opportunities without expectations.
• Authenticity and storytelling are key to distinguishing yourself.
• Set clear boundaries to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
• Consistency is crucial in building a strong personal brand.
• Focus on how you make people feel rather than self-promotion.
• Utilize LinkedIn as a professional platform regardless of your industry.
• Choose additional social media platforms based on where your ideal clients spend time.

DISCUSSION TIMELINE:

• 00:25 The Importance of Community
• 01:40 Networking Strategies
• 03:02 Finding the Right Communities
• 04:49 Partnerships and Collaborations
• 07:38 Gender Differences in Networking
• 12:12 Personal Branding and Marketing Tactics
• 14:27 Balancing Support and Business Goals
• 17:02 Setting Boundaries with Clients
• 19:05 Pitfalls in Marketing and Branding
• 22:04 Crafting a Personal Brand
• 25:09 Balancing Self-Promotion and Authenticity

CONNECT WITH ALYSSA:
Alyssa on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/alyssaolerud Fearlyss Media Website: www.fearlyssmedia.com Fearlyss Media on Instagram: www.instagram.com/fearlyssmedia

HOST INFO:
Hi, y'all! I'm Raven O'Neal, a diversely curious serial entrepreneur with over a decade of experience. But the fun doesn't stop there. I'm also a mentor, wife, mother, and business expert. I see my business as an extension of all my personal and professional life experiences, embracing growth and learning from a few fumbles along the way.

Throughout my business journey, I've supported over 500 female-led startups, advised more than 200 founders 1:1, and played a role in facilitating over $100M in funding. My calling is to help women transform their businesses and lives through collaboration and partnerships. I look forward to being with you every step of the way on your journey to growth and transformation. If you want to join the conversation, be sure to hit Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

⁠www.hackingthepatriarchypodcast.com

In this engaging episode, Raven is joined by Dr. Kate Mason, a world champion debater, communications coach, and author of the forthcoming book Powerfully Likeable: How to Communicate Your Best Self and Get What You Deserve.

In this episode, Raven O'Neal and Dr. Kate Mason explore the vital role of communication in entrepreneurship, particularly for women, reframing it as foundational to business success rather than a mere soft skill. Kate shares her expertise in navigating difficult conversations, embodying authority, and balancing the challenge of being both powerful and likable without sacrificing authenticity.

Drawing on her experience with global brands like Google, Microsoft, and Netflix, she offers insights on overcoming cultural conditioning and developing a communication style that is both genuine and impactful, helping women maximize their influence in leadership roles.

Listeners will gain actionable insights as Kate discusses how building a personal communication strategy can enhance leadership effectiveness. Kate emphasizes the importance of introspection, helping women audit their communication habits and make strategic adjustments to better align with their authentic selves. They explore how calmness and authenticity often prove more effective in leadership than traditional notions of confidence, and how a well-defined communication style can elevate both personal and brand presence.

Key Takeaways:

• Communication is foundational to business success, especially for women entrepreneurs.
• Authenticity in communication is more important than adhering to prescribed "shoulds."
• Replace deference with warmth in professional interactions.
• Conduct a personal communication audit to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
• Influence often comes from calm, measured communication.
• Focus on providing value rather than appearing "confident."
• Develop a communication style that aligns with your personal values and feels comfortable.

Discussion Timeline:

• 00:10 The Importance of Communication in Entrepreneurship
• 00:45 Navigating Difficult Conversations
• 01:35 Balancing Authority and Likability
• 02:49 Conducting a Communication Audit
• 04:55 Building Confidence and Executive Presence
• 06:46 Communication in Team Building and Productivity
• 11:17 Developing Your Brand Voice
• 15:46 Tips for Effective Communication
• 20:33 Overcoming Communication Challenges
• 25:52 Final Thoughts and Book Information

CONNECT WITH DR. KATE MASON:
Dr. Kate Mason on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/katemasonphd

HOST INFO:
Hi, y'all! I'm Raven O'Neal, a diversely curious serial entrepreneur with over a decade of experience. But the fun doesn't stop there. I'm also a mentor, wife, mother, and business expert. I see my business as an extension of all my personal and professional life experiences, embracing growth and learning from a few fumbles along the way.

Throughout my business journey, I've supported over 500 female-led startups, advised more than 200 founders 1:1, and played a role in facilitating over $100M in funding. My calling is to help women transform their businesses and lives through collaboration and partnerships. I look forward to being with you every step of the way on your journey to growth and transformation. If you want to join the conversation, be sure to hit Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

⁠www.hackingthepatriarchypodcast.com

In this insightful episode, we sit down with Rachel Anderson, an accomplished marketing leader, fractional CMO, and owner of Pivot Studios and The Human-Centric Leader. With 15 years of experience driving organizational success, Rachel shares her expertise in team building and business scaling, particularly for women-led ventures in male-dominated industries.

Drawing from her background in strategic marketing and operational excellence, Rachel delves into the unique challenges faced by women entrepreneurs, including overcoming experiential bias and navigating funding disparities. She offers practical advice on determining the right time to scale, emphasizing the importance of trust and diversity in hiring practices.

Rachel's human-centric approach shines through as she discusses the balance of feminine and masculine energies in leadership, the critical role of conflict resolution in management, and the power of authenticity in building strong teams.

Listeners will gain valuable insights on fostering clear communication, promoting collaboration, and making data-driven decisions to achieve impactful change.

Whether you're a solopreneur looking to make your first hire or an established business owner aiming to cultivate a thriving workplace culture, Rachel's blend of strategic thinking and commitment to employee wellbeing offers actionable strategies for success in today's dynamic business landscape.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• The importance of overcoming experiential bias in team building.
• How to determine when it's time to scale your business.
• The value of hiring for both trust and diversity.
• Practical steps for creating and maintaining team values.
• The significance of conflict resolution skills in management.
• How to balance feminine and masculine energies in leadership.
• The importance of authenticity in building and managing teams.

DISCUSSION TIMELINE:

• 01:54 Unique Challenges for Women in Team Building
• 06:27 Experiential Bias and Its Impact
• 10:05 Recognizing the Right Time to Scale
• 13:26 Navigating Overcapacity in Teams
• 18:09 Addressing Disenchantment in Teams
• 21:26 Balancing Feminine and Masculine Leadership
• 24:18 Practical Steps for Hiring
• 29:32 Conflict Resolution in Team Dynamics
• 34:30 The Importance of Trust and Diversity
• 38:16 Tips for Scaling Teams

CONNECT WITH RACHEL ANDERSON:

Website: www.makeapivot.com
Rachel on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-anderson-62860132
Rachel on Instagram: www.instagram.com/humancentricleader

HOST INFO:
Hi, y'all! I'm Raven O'Neal, a diversely curious serial entrepreneur with over a decade of experience. But the fun doesn't stop there. I'm also a mentor, wife, mother, and business expert. I see my business as an extension of all my personal and professional life experiences, embracing growth and learning from a few fumbles along the way.

Throughout my business journey, I've supported over 500 female-led startups, advised more than 200 founders 1:1, and played a role in facilitating over $100M in funding. My calling is to help women transform their businesses and lives through collaboration and partnerships. I look forward to being with you every step of the way on your journey to growth and transformation. If you want to join the conversation, be sure to hit Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

⁠www.hackingthepatriarchypodcast.com

In this super candid, real AF episode, we sit down with Sarah Elder, a seasoned entrepreneur, executive coach, and former CEO who led a $20M art consulting company. With over 20 years of experience, Sarah’s journey from being the first employee of a small firm to overseeing a 100-person organization gives her unique insights into building, scaling, and leading businesses. She navigated major transitions, including acquisitions, the loss of a beloved founder, and the devastating impact of COVID-19. Now, as an executive coach and business consultant, she is dedicated to helping women founders and executives break free from patriarchal programming and achieve success on their own terms.

Known for her no-bullshit approach and deep empathy, Sarah shares candid advice on the often unspoken challenges of leadership, particularly for women. She emphasizes the importance of embracing your strengths as a female leader, rather than trying to emulate men, and offers practical strategies for setting boundaries, prioritizing self-care, and balancing personal and professional life. She believes that having a strong support system—whether through coaches, mentors, or peer groups—is essential to navigating the entrepreneurial journey.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Change is inevitable in entrepreneurship; learning to navigate it is crucial.
• Women leaders should embrace their strengths rather than trying to emulate men.
• Self-care and setting boundaries are essential for managing multiple life changes.
• Having a support system, including coaches and peer groups, is vital for entrepreneurs.
• It's okay to not have all the answers and to take time to make decisions.

DISCUSSION TIMELINE:

• 05:07 Navigating Leadership Transitions
• 10:02 The Gender Dynamics in Business
• 14:54 Lessons Learned from Change
• 19:47 Building Support Networks
• 24:59 Self-Care and Prioritization
• 30:08 Strategies for Managing Change
• 35:13 Top Hacks for Handling Change

CONNECT WITH SARAH ELDER:

Website: www.sarahelder.com
Sarah on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sarelder
Sarah on Instagram: www.instagram.com/coachsarahelder

HOST INFO:
Hi, y'all! I'm Raven O'Neal, a diversely curious serial entrepreneur with over a decade of experience. But the fun doesn't stop there. I'm also a mentor, wife, mother, and business expert. I see my business as an extension of all my personal and professional life experiences, embracing growth and learning from a few fumbles along the way.

Throughout my business journey, I've supported over 500 female-led startups, advised more than 200 founders 1:1, and played a role in facilitating over $100M in funding. My calling is to help women transform their businesses and lives through collaboration and partnerships. I look forward to being with you every step of the way on your journey to growth and transformation. If you want to join the conversation, be sure to hit Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

⁠www.hackingthepatriarchypodcast.com