You can’t build a values-led business without naming your values first.

In this episode, we sit down with our heart-forward operations Chief Experience Officer, Jen, to unpack how Maven’s core values—love and curiosity—were defined, debated, and eventually embraced as the compass guiding our team, community, and culture.

We talk about:
— Why defining values required radical candor (and a few tears in a cabin)
— How our values shape how we lead, hire, and show up
— What “love” and “curiosity” really mean to each of us—and why they were hard to claim
— The difference between performing values and living them

This isn’t a how-to. It’s a look behind the curtain at how one messy, meaningful conversation helped bring clarity, cohesion, and momentum to our growing team. If you’ve ever struggled to articulate what matters most to you—or if you’ve avoided the word “love” in business—this one’s for you.

💬 Join the conversation in our private network on BFF
📲 Follow us on Instagram: @maven.community
✨ If this episode moved you, a 5-star rating helps more women find us.

Next up: Part 2—how we bring these values to life through culture and daily decisions.

🔗 Connect with us:

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/maven.community

Join our community → https://links.geneva.com/invite/af6ecd07-9070-43b7-9629-7aaa166aa131

More at → www.mavenslc.com

What does it really mean to be resilient in business—not just as a catchphrase, but as a daily practice?

In this episode, Tessa and Rocky get honest about what resilience looks like behind the scenes. From personal stories of failure and fear to the small rituals that keep them grounded, they unpack how they've built tenacity in life and leadership. Whether you’re facing burnout, decision fatigue, or just trying to keep going—this one’s for you.

💡 Key Takeaways
1. Resilience isn’t a destination—it’s a lifelong practice.
2. Growth is active, ongoing, and often uncomfortable.
3. You build resilience by practicing small, daily tools like RAIN, journaling, reframing, and Byron Katie’s 4 questions.
4. Make space to feel your emotions without letting them drive your actions.
5. Go small, go steady—over time, you’ll grow stronger and more grounded.

✨ Grab our free Resilience Toolkit for 5 simple tools you can start using today → https://stan.store/mavencommunity/p/resilience-toolkit

Today’s discomfort is tomorrow’s growth story. Stay present, and keep going.

🔖 Resources & References
"The Hard Thing About Hard Things" by Ben Horowitz → https://a.co/d/iMejGfr
"Radical Acceptance" & the RAIN Meditation by Tara Brach → https://a.co/d/iZJC5xD
"Let Them" by Mel Robbins → https://a.co/d/6Tq6ZH8
Letters From Love Substack by Elizabeth Gilbert → https://elizabethgilbert.substack.com/
"The Work" by Byron Katie → https://a.co/d/9GZXA5A

💬 Join the Conversation
How do you build resilience in your life and business? Drop your story in our Geneva community and connect with other women entrepreneurs doing the hard things too.
https://links.geneva.com/invite/af6ecd07-9070-43b7-9629-7aaa166aa131

🔗 Connect with us:

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/maven.community

Join our community → https://links.geneva.com/invite/af6ecd07-9070-43b7-9629-7aaa166aa131

More at → www.mavenslc.com

What does resilience look like before you have the tools?

In this first part of our two-part conversation, Rocky and Tessa open up about the personal and professional moments that tested them most—before they had a framework for building resilience. From early challenges in business to deeply personal turning points, they share the real, unfiltered stories that shaped who they are today.

If you’ve ever felt like you were figuring it out as you went—or wondered how to keep going when things get messy—this episode will feel like a conversation with friends who’ve been there.

💡 Key Takeaways

1. Resilience is often built in the middle of the mess, not after it’s over.
2. Vulnerability can be a bridge to stronger relationships and opportunities.
3. Sometimes the most defining lessons come from your hardest seasons.
4. You don’t have to have it all figured out to keep moving forward.
5. Sharing your story can be a tool for healing—for you and others.

✨ Here’s your sneak peek for the next episode: In Part 2, we’ll share the exact tools and daily practices you can use to build resilience in business and life. In the meantime, grab our free Resilience Toolkit so you can start practicing today: https://stan.store/mavencommunity/p/resilience-toolkit

💬 Join the Conversation
What’s one hard moment that shaped your resilience? Drop your story in our Geneva community and connect with other women entrepreneurs doing the hard things too.

https://links.geneva.com/invite/af6ecd07-9070-43b7-9629-7aaa166aa131

🔗 Connect with us:

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/maven.community

Join our community → https://links.geneva.com/invite/af6ecd07-9070-43b7-9629-7aaa166aa131

More at → www.mavenslc.com

What does it really mean to ask for help, learn from others, and pay it forward as women in business?

In this episode, Tessa and Rocky dive deep into mentorship—how it’s shaped them, the fears that hold us back from asking for support, and the importance of building networks that nurture real growth. From finding the right people to embracing imperfection and giving back, they share candid stories and practical insights on creating a culture of collaboration over competition.

If you’re a woman entrepreneur looking to lead with both heart and strategy, this episode is your invitation to lean in, ask boldly, and grow together.

💡 Key Takeaways:

- Mentorship accelerates learning and confidence
- Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness
- Great mentors ask questions, not just give answers
- Pay it forward by supporting those coming up behind you

🔖 Resources & References:
📚 The Art of Asking by Amanda Palmer
📚 Radical Candor by Kim Scott

💬 Join the Conversation:
Who’s mentored you? Who are you mentoring? Share your story in our Geneva community and connect with other women entrepreneurs.

🔗 Connect with us:

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/maven.community

Join our community → https://links.geneva.com/invite/af6ecd07-9070-43b7-9629-7aaa166aa131

More at → www.mavenslc.com

What does it really take to build habits that support your business, your team, and your well-being—not just your to-do list?

In this episode, Tessa and Rocky are joined by Maven’s COO, Jen Ungvichian, to dive into the art (and challenge) of habit-building for women entrepreneurs. They share candid stories about what motivates their habits, how they stay accountable, and why failure isn’t the end—it’s part of the process. From managing overwhelm to creating team-wide rituals, this conversation is your roadmap to turning your priorities into sustainable practices.

If you’re a woman building something real and want habits that actually serve your life and leadership, this one’s for you.

💡 Key Takeaways:

• Define what truly matters and turn it into habits
• Find accountability methods that work for you and your team
• Break big goals into bite-sized steps
• Embrace failure as part of the habit-building journey
• Build a culture of consistency in your business

💬 Join the Conversation:
What habits are you working on right now? Drop into our community on Geneva and share your journey.

🔗 Connect with us:

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/maven.community

Join our community → https://links.geneva.com/invite/af6ecd07-9070-43b7-9629-7aaa166aa131

More at → www.mavenslc.com

What does it really take to design a brand that doesn’t just look good—but feels like you and connects with your community?

In this episode, Tessa and Rocky reflect on how Maven’s brand came to life—organically, imperfectly, and through plenty of trial and error. From creating mood boards with gut instincts to learning the difference between a logo and a real identity, they share what it looked like to build something that felt true before it looked polished.

If you’re a woman entrepreneur navigating the branding process—especially without a big budget or clear blueprint—this episode offers reassurance, real talk, and a reminder that your brand starts with what you believe, not just what you build.

💡 Key Takeaways:

Click the link for our FREE Guide: Design a Brand That Builds Real Connection https://stan.store/mavencommunity/p/design-a-brand-that-builds-real-connection

🔖 Resources & References:

📚 Start With Why by Simon Sinek
📚 Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller

💬 Join the Conversation:

What story does your brand tell? Drop into our community on Geneva and share your visual identity journey.

🔗 Connect with us:

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/maven.community

Join our community → https://links.geneva.com/invite/af6ecd07-9070-43b7-9629-7aaa166aa131

More at → www.mavenslc.com

What does it really take to move from burnout to breakthrough—and lead with clear, confident strategy?

In this episode, Tessa and Rocky explore the role of “scope” in entrepreneurship: the ability to zoom out, define your vision, and lead with both clarity and intention. Rocky shares how discovering her head-work superpower helped her move beyond survival mode, set boundaries, and scale impact without losing herself. This is a conversation about moving from overwhelm to ownership, and why scope might just be the skill you didn’t know you needed.

If you’re building something real and feeling stretched thin, this episode is your invitation to step back, reframe, and lead smarter.

💡 Key Takeaways:

• Scope helps you move from burnout to strategy
• Boundaries and clarity are leadership essentials
• Your strengths are the blueprint for how you build
• Vision means nothing without focus

🔖 Resources & References:

📚 Essentialism by Greg McKeown
📚 The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks

💬 Join the Conversation:

Where in your business do you need more clarity and scope? Share your thoughts with us in the Maven Community on Geneva.

🔗 Connect with us:

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/maven.community

Join our community → https://links.geneva.com/invite/af6ecd07-9070-43b7-9629-7aaa166aa131

More at → www.mavenslc.com

What does it really mean to lead with your whole self—even the messy, vulnerable parts you’re used to hiding?

In this episode, Tessa and Rocky dig deep into the power of vulnerability, tracing Tessa’s personal journey from early trauma to courageous leadership. They explore how being real—not just polished—can create stronger connections, more impactful businesses, and a life that actually feels aligned. From emotional breakthroughs to quiet inner work, this episode is a love letter to anyone trying to lead with both strength and softness.

If you’ve ever felt like you had to choose between being professional and being human, this conversation will remind you that your truth is your superpower.

💡 Key Takeaways:

• Vulnerability invites connection and builds trust
• You don’t need to share everything to be real—just the right things at the right time
• Safe spaces in business start with self-awareness
• Your story can be your most powerful asset in leadership

🔖 Resources & References:

📚 The Power of Vulnerability by Brené Brown
📚 The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk

💬 Join the Conversation:

How does vulnerability show up in your leadership? Drop into our community on Geneva and share your journey.

🔗 Connect with us:

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/maven.community

Join our community → https://links.geneva.com/invite/af6ecd07-9070-43b7-9629-7aaa166aa131

More at → www.mavenslc.com