Mikaela Kiner, founder and CEO of Reverb, shares the candid story of leaving big corporations to craft a purpose-driven, people-first company that prioritizes work-life harmony. Her journey reveals unexpected lessons about leadership, boundary-setting, and building a culture where everyone thrives—not just survives.

This episode is perfect for entrepreneurs hungry for practical strategies to foster workplace kindness, craft a sustainable business, and leave a lasting positive impact on your team and yourself.

Show Notes

Embracing Purpose and Flexibility in Leadership with Mikaela Kiner

Discover how Mikaela Kiner transitioned from corporate HR to founding Reverb, a company dedicated to creating inclusive cultures, and explore her insights on leadership, and understanding the true purpose behind her business.

In this episode, you will learn:

• Mikaela’s motivation to leave corporate HR for entrepreneurship rooted in seeking authenticity and balance
• The importance of setting clear boundaries and values for sustainable success
• Strategies Mikaela uses for effective delegation and leadership development
• The benefits of cultivating community through retreats and peer groups like WPO

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introducing Mikaela Kiner: leadership, purpose, and organizational culture
02:02 - Mikaela’s journey from corporate HR to entrepreneurship
05:16 - What fuels Mikaela’s fire to be an entrepreneur
09:02 - Reassessing self-criticism through mentorship insights
10:16 - Building a strong team and professional network
14:09 - Business management disciplines and hiring strategies
15:53 - The challenge and ease of delegation
16:47 - Achieving and maintaining work-life balance
20:09 - Regrets in business and lessons learned
21:35 - Setting boundaries and living by core values
22:32 - How Mikaela’s team perceives her as a boss
26:42 - Essential leadership and management books
28:47 - The value of peer groups such as WPO
31:47 - The value of roundtable discussions for peer support
33:50 - Surfing in Costa Rica: a hobby that fosters mindfulness

Resources & Links:

• Female Firebrands by Mikaela Kiner
• Reverb - Creating Inclusive Cultures
• The Leadership Pipeline by Ram Charan
• Multipliers by Liz Wiseman
• The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker
• WPO - Women Presidents' Organization
• Costa Rica Travel Guide

Connect with Mikaela Kiner:

• LinkedIn
• Twitter

The conversation with Divyata Rajaram covers her entrepreneurial journey; motivation to start a business; childhood and early influences; career aspirations; working with a spouse in business; challenges and successes in entrepreneurship; authorship and its impact on business; global business expansion; business management disciplines; and work-life balance and wellness.

Divyata shares insights into her experiences and the intersection of creativity, business, and personal well-being. The conversation covers topics such as leadership, emotional intelligence, creating a happy work environment, challenges of entrepreneurship, agility in small businesses, strategic thinking, long-term vision, benefits of WPO membership, opportunities for women entrepreneurs in Dubai, and promoting literature and cultural advocacy.

Takeaways

• Entrepreneurial Journey
• Global Business Expansion Emotional intelligence
• Agility in small businesses

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Divyata Rajaram
• 05:15 Childhood and Early Influences
• 11:40 Working with a Spouse in Business
• 19:45 Impact of Creativity on Business
• 26:31 Business Management Disciplines
• 32:41 Leadership and Emotional Intelligence
• 38:26 Strategic Thinking and Long-Term Vision
• 46:29 Opportunities for Women Entrepreneurs in Dubai

Rose Cholewinski, a respected businesswoman and community leader, shares her journey of starting and growing a successful swim school business.

Her passion for water safety and dedication to serving the community have been the driving forces behind her business. Rose's commitment to mentorship, business growth, and community involvement reflects her values and leadership style.

The conversation with Rose Cholewinski covers themes of generosity and contribution, demonstrating purpose, water safety and impact, life-saving experiences, business books and learning, and continuous learning, Women Presidents' Organization (WPO), peer advisory groups, future plans and motivation, community impact and swim lessons, and concluding remarks.

Takeaways

• Passion and purpose drive business success.
• Mentorship and community involvement are essential for business growth and impact. Generosity and purpose drive business impact.
• Continuous learning and peer advisory groups are essential for business growth.

Chapters

• 00:00 The Introduction of Rose Cholewinski
• 06:03 Childhood and Family Influence
• 12:06 Mentorship and Support
• 22:43 Work-Life Balance and Regrets
• 28:43 Generosity and Contribution
• 35:10 Life-Saving Experiences
• 41:08 Podcasts and Continuous Learning
• 47:52 Future Plans and Motivation
• 53:06 Concluding Remarks