#WisdomOfWomen
#WisdomOfWomen

#WisdomOfWomen

A Force for Good Inc.

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Welcome to the #WisdomOfWomen Show, dedicated to amplifying the wisdom of women in business. A new model of leadership is emerging, and we are here to elevate the voices of women leading the way. We feature trailblazing women founders, investors, and growth experts illuminating the path of growth and prosperity for women-led enterprises. Join your host, Coco Sellman, 5x founder, impact investor, advisor to 500+ entrepreneurs, and creator of the Force for Good Business System(TM) -- the only comprehensive entrepreneureal operating system desiged for women leaders.

Recent Episodes

Why Estate Planning Can’t Wait And How Women Are Changing It with Renee Fry
NOV 18, 2025
Why Estate Planning Can’t Wait And How Women Are Changing It with Renee Fry
The primary focus of our discussion centers on the transformative impact of Gentreo, an innovative online estate planning platform founded by Renee Fry. Through the lens of personal anecdotes and professional insights, we explore how Gentreo is revolutionizing estate planning by making it accessible, affordable, and comprehensible for families across the United States. Renee's unique experiences, including overcoming significant health challenges, have shaped her vision for a service that not only simplifies the estate planning process but also empowers families to make informed decisions. The conversation delves into the importance of addressing these often-daunting tasks proactively, ensuring that individuals do not leave their loved ones burdened with uncertainty. We invite our listeners to consider the profound implications of estate planning and how Gentreo can facilitate a smoother path toward securing one’s legacy for future generations.Our Guest This Week:In this week’s episode of #WisdomofWomen we have an 🌟 Revolutionary Estate-Building Innovator🌟 in our midst!  Renee Fry is the CEO and Co-Founder of Gentreo, a pioneering online estate planning platform that makes protecting what matters most simple, affordable, and accessible. With a career spanning public policy, entrepreneurship, and leadership in high-growth ventures, Renee helped lead GT Solar’s IPO and served in Governor Mitt Romney’s cabinet before launching her own company. A graduate of Penn State and Harvard Business School, she has guided Gentreo into partnerships with more than 100 credit unions, banks, and organizations nationwide. Her vision is to transform estate planning from a daunting, expensive task into an empowering experience for every family. Featured in outlets like Forbes and Kiplinger’s, Renee is a glassbreaking leader committed to changing how America plans for the future—one family at a time.Takeaways:Renee discusses the transformative vision behind her estate planning platform, Gentreo. Listeners are encouraged to understand that estate planning is vital for all families. The episode highlights personal stories that shaped the speaker's journey as an entrepreneur. Renee's experience with unexpected health challenges underscored the significance of having a solid estate plan. The conversation stresses the need for accessible and affordable estate planning solutions for everyone. Chapters:03:46 - Personal Growth and Overcoming Challenges11:04 - The Birth of Gentrio19:47 - Approach to Growth and Partnerships23:11 - Navigating Life Milestones36:00 - Legacy and Inspiration: A Family's Journey38:03 - Inspiring the Next GenerationBurning Questions Answered:1.Why do so many families get stuck—or blindsided—when something unexpected happens?2.What does “estate planning you can actually use in real life” look like?3.How do personal crises shape the companies we feel called to build?Guest Offers & Contact Information:https://www.linkedin.com/in/renee-fry-a4ab133/Follow the #WisdomOfWomen show for more inspiring stories and insights from trailblazing women founders, investors, and experts in growth and prosperity.YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/yja3w7nhSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/4tak8ajk Amazon Prime: https://tinyurl.com/366syddj Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/bdhananz RSS Feed: https://feeds.captivate.fm/womengetfunded/ Coco Sellman, the host of #WisdomOfWomen, believes business is a force for good, especially with visionary women at the helm. With over 25 years of entrepreneurial experience, she has launched five companies and guided over 500 startups. As Founder & CEO of A Force for Good, Coco supports purpose-driven women founders in unlocking exponential growth and prosperity. Her recent venture, Allumé Home Care, reached eight-figure revenues and seven-figure profits in just four years before a successful exit in 2024. A venture investor and board director, Coco’s upcoming book, *A Force for Good*, reveals a roadmap for women to lead high-impact, high-growth companies.Learn more about A Force for Good:Website: https://aforceforgood.biz/Founders Circle: https://courses.aforceforgood.biz/landing-founders-circle#WisdomOfWomen Show: https://aforceforgood.biz/podcast-wowFFG Tool of the Week: https://aforceforgood.biz/weekly-tool/The Book: https://aforceforgood.biz/book/Force for Good Business Show: https://aforceforgood.biz/podcast-ffgb
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44 MIN
Igniting a Global Movement: Women’s Entrepreneurship Day with Wendy Diamond
NOV 11, 2025
Igniting a Global Movement: Women’s Entrepreneurship Day with Wendy Diamond
Our episode this week revolves around the transformative power of women's entrepreneurship and the critical importance of amplifying women's voices in the business sphere. We are privileged to host Wendy Diamond, a distinguished entrepreneur and advocate for compassionate capitalism, who has dedicated her career to empowering women globally. She elucidates her journey of creating Women's Entrepreneurship Day, an initiative aimed at fostering economic empowerment and systemic change for women entrepreneurs. Through her numerous ventures, Wendy highlights the significant impact that women-led enterprises can have on societal progress and economic development. This episode serves as a rallying call for listeners to engage with and support the movement towards gender equality in business, emphasizing the vital role of collaboration and community in achieving these goals.Our Guest This Week:In this week’s episode of #WisdomofWomen we have a 🌟 Trailblazing Visionary of Compassionate Capitalism 🌟 in our midst!  She is a Legendary Firestarter for Women Worldwide!Wendy Diamond is a serial entrepreneur, impact investor, and global changemaker whose ventures span business, philanthropy, and media. She is the founder of LDP Ventures and the visionary behind the Women’s Entrepreneurship Day Organization (WEDO), a movement celebrated in 144 countries and 65 universities to empower women in business worldwide. Wendy also pioneered the pet lifestyle industry as Chief Pet Officer of Animal Fair Media, Inc., where she built the first-ever media company devoted to animal rescue and the pet–human bond. As an author of 10 books, sought-after global speaker, and frequent media guest, she has amplified conversations around purpose-driven business, women’s leadership, and social good. Recognized by the United Nations, she continues to convene heads of state, investors, and women founders to drive systemic change through entrepreneurship.Takeaways: Women's Entrepreneurship Day, established in 2013, aims to empower women globally through entrepreneurship. Wendy's initiatives focus on providing microloans to impoverished women, fostering economic empowerment. The collaboration of governments and business leaders is essential to create systemic change for women entrepreneurs. Empathy and community are critical for successful entrepreneurship, as demonstrated by Wendy Diamond's journey. The Women's Entrepreneurship Day Organization actively seeks to engage women in meaningful collaborations worldwide. Burning Questions Answered:1.What actually happens when you join WEDO — beyond the feel-good impact?2.How has Wendy designed WEDO so members get access, education, and community that genuinely moves their businesses forward?3.What kinds of rooms does WEDO open for women — from the UN to hedge fund salons to maximum security prisons?4.How can you contribute as an ambassador, member, or founder in a way that feels aligned and sustainable?Chapters:05:24 The Birth of Women's Entrepreneurship Day15:11 Empowering Women Entrepreneurs16:51 The Impact of Women's Entrepreneurship Day26:08 Shifting Focus to Impactful CausesFavorite Quotes:“You’d rather have a little of something huge than a lot of nothing.”“Wherever you are in this world, you can make a difference.”Guest Offers & Contact Information:Attend the WEDO Summit on November 14th – Virtual or in NYC at the United Nations:  https://tinyurl.com/ytepawthBecome a WEDO member:  http://joinwedo.orghttps://wendydiamond.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendydiamond/ Join the Win-Win-Win Challenge!Create your 2026 Growth Plan and A Force for Good will donate $100 to WEDOhttps://courses.aforceforgood.biz/WEDO-Celebration Follow the #WisdomOfWomen show for more inspiring stories and insights from trailblazing women founders, investors, and experts in growth and prosperity.YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/yja3w7nhSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/4tak8ajk Amazon Prime: https://tinyurl.com/366syddj Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/bdhananz RSS Feed: https://feeds.captivate.fm/womengetfunded/ Coco Sellman, the host of #WisdomOfWomen, believes business is a force for good, especially with visionary women at the helm. With over 25 years of entrepreneurial experience, she has launched five companies and guided over 500 startups. As Founder & CEO of A Force for Good, Coco supports purpose-driven women founders in unlocking exponential growth and prosperity. Her recent venture, Allumé Home Care, reached eight-figure revenues and seven-figure profits in just four years before a successful exit in 2024. A venture investor and board director, Coco’s upcoming book, *A Force for Good*, reveals a roadmap for women to lead high-impact, high-growth companies.Learn more about A Force for Good:Website: https://aforceforgood.biz/Founders Circle: https://courses.aforceforgood.biz/landing-founders-circle#WisdomOfWomen Show: https://aforceforgood.biz/podcast-wowFFG Tool of the Week: https://aforceforgood.biz/weekly-tool/The Book: https://aforceforgood.biz/book/Force for Good Business Show: https://aforceforgood.biz/podcast-ffgb
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28 MIN
Navigating the Digital Age: Privacy Challenges and Solutions with Frances Zelazny
NOV 4, 2025
Navigating the Digital Age: Privacy Challenges and Solutions with Frances Zelazny
In this new episode I'm joined by Frances Zelanzny, co-founder and CEO of Anonybit, a company dedicated to redefining privacy and identity security in the digital age. We delve into Frances's extensive experience in the realms of cybersecurity and digital identity, exploring her unique perspective shaped by her background as a daughter of a Holocaust survivor and her professional encounters that have influenced her courageous leadership. Throughout our conversation, we illuminate the critical importance of privacy-preserving technologies, particularly in an era where identity theft and fraud are rampant. As we engage with Frances, we gain insights into her journey, the challenges she faces as a woman in a predominantly male industry, and her vision for a future where identity is safeguarded to promote social and economic progress. Ultimately, we emphasize the collective responsibility to enhance identity security and the transformative potential of women-led businesses in addressing these pressing issues.Our Guest This Week:In this week’s episode of #WisdomofWomen we have an 🌟 Privacy Pioneer🌟 in our midst!  Frances Zelazny is the Co-Founder & CEO of Anonybit, a pioneering decentralized biometrics company transforming how we protect identity and privacy in the digital age. With over 25 years of experience scaling enterprise SaaS across cybersecurity, fintech, digital identity, and analytics, she has built a reputation for turning complex technologies into market-defining businesses. She has shaped international policy on biometrics, working with governments, multilateral organizations, and the private sector to ensure responsible and impactful adoption.  Recognized on the Women in Fintech Power List 100, SIA Women in Security Forum Power 100, and as one of the 25 Most Influential Women Leaders in Biometric Digital Identity, Frances is a fierce advocate for building innovative, privacy-first technologies that also advance social and economic progressTakeaways: Frances's experience in biometrics positions her as a leader in privacy and identity protection. Identity is fundamental to social and economic development, impacting opportunities across all demographics. Frances emphasizes the importance of responsible technology deployment to ensure user privacy and security. Chapters:00:02 Amplifying Women in Leadership05:01 Defining Moments of Advocacy and Innovation10:12 The Importance of Privacy in Digital Identity20:00 The Evolution of Biometric Technology and Privacy Challenges31:59 The Impact of Digital Identity on Society32:41 The Importance of Identity in Economic DevelopmentBurning Questions Answered:1.What does it truly mean to build “privacy-preserving” technology?2.How did her father’s Holocaust survival shape her leadership and worldview?3.Why is digital identity the foundation of social and economic progress?4.What’s really at stake if we fail to secure digital identity?5.How can founders design for ethics and responsibility from day one?Favorite Quotes:“We must operate under the assumption that all of our personal data is already on the dark web.”“You can’t have innovation without responsibility.”Guest Offers & Contact Information:https://www.linkedin.com/in/franceszelazny/https://anonybit.iohttps://www.linkedin.com/company/anonybit/ Follow the #WisdomOfWomen show for more inspiring stories and insights from trailblazing women founders, investors, and experts in growth and prosperity.YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/yja3w7nhSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/4tak8ajk Amazon Prime: https://tinyurl.com/366syddj Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/bdhananz RSS Feed: https://feeds.captivate.fm/womengetfunded/ Coco Sellman, the host of #WisdomOfWomen, believes business is a force for good, especially with visionary women at the helm. With over 25 years of entrepreneurial experience, she has launched five companies and guided over 500 startups. As Founder & CEO of A Force for Good, Coco supports purpose-driven women founders in unlocking exponential growth and prosperity. Her recent venture, Allumé Home Care, reached eight-figure revenues and seven-figure profits in just four years before a successful exit in 2024. A venture investor and board director, Coco’s book, *A Force for Good*, reveals a roadmap for women to lead high-impact, high-growth companies.Learn more about A Force for Good:Website: https://aforceforgood.biz/Founders Circle: https://courses.aforceforgood.biz/landing-founders-circle#WisdomOfWomen Show: https://aforceforgood.biz/podcast-wowFFG Tool of the Week: https://aforceforgood.biz/weekly-tool/The Book: https://aforceforgood.biz/book/Force for Good Business Show: https://aforceforgood.biz/podcast-ffgb
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38 MIN
Investing in Diverse Founders for a Better Tomorrow with Laurel Mintz
OCT 28, 2025
Investing in Diverse Founders for a Better Tomorrow with Laurel Mintz
In this episode we are joined by an esteemed guest, Laurel Mintz, a distinguished figure at the intersection of marketing and venture capital, shares her journey as the founder and CEO of Elevate My Brand and general partner at Fabric VC. With a commitment to amplifying the voices of underrepresented founders, Laurel elucidates her mission to foster innovation and drive impactful change within the business ecosystem. Throughout our conversation, we delve into the intricacies of her unique approach to investments, emphasizing the importance of industry differentiation and the strategic application of marketing expertise in nurturing emerging brands. Join us as we uncover valuable insights that illuminate the path toward prosperity for women-led enterprises, underscoring the significance of collaboration and support within this evolving landscape.Our Guest This Week:In this week’s episode of #WisdomofWomen we have an 🌟 Equity-Infused Brandsmith 🌟 in our midst!  Laurel Mintz is a powerhouse at the intersection of marketing and venture capital. As Founder & CEO of Elevate My Brand, she has spent 16 years architecting award-winning campaigns for icons like Verizon, Paw Patrol, Sprinklr, and Squishmallows, helping brands cut through the noise and scale with measurable growth. As General Partner of Fabric VC, she channels her expertise into backing diverse founders building the next wave of consumer-tech, health, and fintech innovations. Known for blending a marketer’s creativity with an investor’s rigor, Laurel champions purpose-led companies that drive both profit and impact. Her mission is simple yet bold: to elevate innovation, amplify underrepresented voices, and shape a business ecosystem that lifts humanity forward.Takeaways:Laurel discusses her journey from family business to venture capital and marketing. The episode highlights the significance of industry differentiation for startup success. Listeners are encouraged to invest thoughtfully and educate themselves about the venture capital process. Coco and Laurel stress the necessity for women to engage in investing and support diverse founders. The episode concludes with a call to action for women-led businesses to create positive societal change. Chapters:00:08 The Emerging Model of Leadership04:19 Exploring the Entrepreneurial Journey12:17 Differentiating in the Venture Space27:20 Founders and Their Financial Journeys30:03 Getting in the Game: Small Checks and Big OpportunitiesBurning Questions Answered:1.What truly differentiates successful brands in crowded markets?2.How can founders prepare their businesses to attract investment?3.Why are women underrepresented as investors — and how can we change that?4.What should first-time investors know before writing their first check?5.How can women founders balance creativity, purpose, and profitability?Favorite Quotes“The only way to stand out is with differentiation. You’ve got to bring it.”“Go forth, be fabulous, and make change possible.”Guest Offers & Contact Information:https://www.linkedin.com/company/fabric-vc https://www.instagram.com/fabricventure/ Follow the #WisdomOfWomen show for more inspiring stories and insights from trailblazing women founders, investors, and experts in growth and prosperity.YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/yja3w7nhSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/4tak8ajk Amazon Prime: https://tinyurl.com/366syddj Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/bdhananz RSS Feed: https://feeds.captivate.fm/womengetfunded/ Coco Sellman, the host of #WisdomOfWomen, believes business is a force for good, especially with visionary women at the helm. With over 25 years of entrepreneurial experience, she has launched five companies and guided over 500 startups. As Founder & CEO of A Force for Good, Coco supports purpose-driven women founders in unlocking exponential growth and prosperity. Her recent venture, Allumé Home Care, reached eight-figure revenues and seven-figure profits in just four years before a successful exit in 2024. A venture investor and board director, Coco’s upcoming book, *A Force for Good*, reveals a roadmap for women to lead high-impact, high-growth companies.Learn more about A Force for Good:Website: https://aforceforgood.biz/ Are Your GROWING or PLATEAUING? https://aforceforgood.biz/quiz/FFG Tool of the Week: https://aforceforgood.biz/weekly-tool/ The Book:  https://aforceforgood.biz/book/ Growth Accelerator: https://aforceforgood.biz/accelerator/
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37 MIN
Creating Successful Business Transitions Through Intentional Leadership with Andrea Carpenter
OCT 21, 2025
Creating Successful Business Transitions Through Intentional Leadership with Andrea Carpenter
In this episode I'm joined by Andrea Carpenter, a next-generation entrepreneur who is redefining leadership and succession in family businesses. We engage in a profound exploration of her unconventional pathway, which includes acquiring and leading an established firm rather than adhering to the prevalent startup narrative. Andrea expounds upon the intricacies of facilitating successful transitions while prioritizing interpersonal relationships and preserving the integrity of familial connections within business contexts. As we delve into pivotal moments that have shaped her vision, we uncover insights on the significance of intentional leadership and the need for strategic planning in ensuring the longevity and prosperity of women-led enterprises. This episode serves not only as an inspiration but as a practical guide for aspiring leaders to navigate the complexities of business transitions with foresight and empathy.Our Guest This Week:Today we have a 🌟 Truth-Telling Transitionist🌟 in our midst!  Andrea Carpenter is a next-gen entrepreneur, G2 successor, and the incoming President of The Transition Strategists—where she helps families and founders design people-first business transitions that protect both relationships and results. Her somewhat unconventional entrepreneurial journey—buying into and leading an established business instead of starting from scratch—challenges the dominant startup myth and offers a powerful alternative path. As the creator of Your Next Gen Friend, she’s built a soul-centered platform and podcast that gives rising leaders space to explore identity, wealth, and legacy with honesty, grace, and strength. A former UX designer turned transition strategist, Andrea understands both the technical mechanics and emotional layers of family business planning—because she’s lived it. With fierce clarity and generous wisdom, she’s helping the next generation step out from invisible pressure and into intentional leadershipTakeaways:Andrea emphasizes the importance of intentional business transitions that prioritize relationships and outcomes. The episodes discusses the significance of identifying pivotal moments in life that shape one's entrepreneurial journey and leadership style. Effective family business transitions require careful planning and consideration of the emotional and operational dynamics involved. The discussion highlights the necessity of establishing a clear vision for the future, particularly in navigating the complexities of business transitions. Listeners are encouraged to explore the Objectives Matrix, a tool designed to clarify personal and business priorities for effective decision-making. Chapters:03:19 Defining Moments in Life10:20 Navigating Business Transitions16:56 The Journey of Growth and Team Evolution21:20 Transitioning Family Businesses25:59 Transitioning Business Roles and Responsibilities30:21 Transitioning Leadership and Business ValuesBurning Questions Answered:1.What does it really take to build a self-managing company that thrives beyond the founder?2.How can second-generation leaders bring their own vision while honoring what came before?3.Why do most business transitions fail—and how can women founders avoid the same traps?4.How do you create space for new leadership without losing your company culture?5.What are the emotional and strategic steps to design a successful handoff?Favorite Quotes “Sometimes what needs to die is just an old version of you.”“It’s okay to build differently than the generation before you.” “Legacy is powerful—but it’s also deeply personal.”GUEST OFFERS & CONTACT INFORMATION:LinkedIn (Andrea): https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreashaverThe Transition Strategists –Free Resource: https://transitionstrategists.com/forceWebsite: https://transitionstrategists.comLinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/transitionstrategists/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@transitionstrategistsYour Next Gen Friend –Website: https://yournextgenfriend.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yournextgenfriendYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@yournextgenfriendPodcast: https://yournextgenfriend.captivate.fm/Follow the #WisdomOfWomen show for more inspiring stories and insights from trailblazing women founders, investors, and experts in growth and prosperity.YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/yja3w7nhSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/4tak8ajk Amazon Prime: https://tinyurl.com/366syddj Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/bdhananz RSS Feed: https://feeds.captivate.fm/womengetfunded/ Coco Sellman, the host of #WisdomOfWomen, believes business is a force for good, especially with visionary women at the helm. With over 25 years of entrepreneurial experience, she has launched five companies and guided over 500 startups. As Founder & CEO of A Force for Good, Coco supports purpose-driven women founders in unlocking exponential growth and prosperity. Her recent venture, Allumé Home Care, reached eight-figure revenues and seven-figure profits in just four years before a successful exit in 2024. A venture investor and board director, Coco’s upcoming book, *A Force for Good*, reveals a roadmap for women to lead high-impact, high-growth companies.Learn more about A Force for Good:Website: https://aforceforgood.biz/ Are Your GROWING or PLATEAUING? https://aforceforgood.biz/quiz/FFG Tool of the Week: https://aforceforgood.biz/weekly-tool/ The Book:  https://aforceforgood.biz/book/ Growth Accelerator: https://aforceforgood.biz/accelerator/ 
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35 MIN