In this episode of Raise It Up, I sit down with Libby Ward, Sangita Patel, and Julie Cole for a real conversation on what motherhood actually looks like behind the highlight reel. We talk about the biggest myths we were sold, from the idea that maternal instinct just clicks, to what happens to your relationships, your identity, and your expectations once kids enter the picture. This conversation is a reminder that motherhood and entrepreneurship are not about doing it all perfectly, but about learning to navigate the constant shifts with honesty and self-awareness.

We also get into what it really takes to build a business while raising kids. From leaning on support systems and letting go of unrealistic standards, to moving through burnout, health challenges, and overwhelming seasons, this episode highlights the power of trusting yourself and redefining success on your own terms. It is an honest look at how life and business evolve together, and how finding your version of joy, even in the chaos, is what truly moves you forward.

If this episode spoke to you, share it with a mom or female founder who needs the reminder that she can build both her life and her business her way.

Guest Links:
Libby Ward:
Website: https://libbyward.com/
Instagram: @libbyward

Sangita Patel:
Website: https://thesangitapatel.com/
Instagram: @sangita.patel

Julie Cole:
Website: https://mabelslabels.ca/en-CA/juliecole
Instagram: @juliecoleinc

Sponsor:
Mave & Chez: Head to https://maveandchez.com and use code RAISEITUP to get 10% off your first pair!

Links:
Website: http://www.danikagan.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daniskagan
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@danikagan
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/danikagan

In this episode of Raise It Up, I sit down with Jessie Cruickshank to talk about carving your own lane as a woman, a mom, and a creative force in entertainment. From hosting the Golden Globes red carpet to touring as a stand up comedian and building Canada’s top comedy podcast, Jessie shares what it really takes to stand out in competitive industries while raising three kids. We get honest about balancing motherhood and ambition, why touring can feel easier than parenting, and how giving your partner space to bond deeply with your kids can be one of the greatest gifts in a working mom household.

Jessie opens up about growing up in the shadow of a beautiful older sister, discovering humor as her superpower, and building a career by asking different questions and not caring what people think. We talk about launching and scaling creative projects as a woman entrepreneur, raising kids in the public eye, trusting your instincts over rigid goal setting, and following the spark that fuels long term success. This conversation is a powerful reminder that mindful entrepreneurship for women is not about perfect balance, but about listening to your gut, protecting your joy, and redefining high performance on your own terms.

Tune in to this episode of Raise It Up and share it with a working mom or female founder who needs the reminder to trust her spark and raise it up in life and business.

Guest Links:
Instagram
Facebook
Podcast

Sponsors:
Toothpod: Head to toothpod.co using this link and use DANI10 at checkout for 10% off and get your free box when you make a purchase!

Mave & Chez: Head to https://maveandchez.com and use code RAISEITUP to get 10% off your first pair!

Links:
Website: http://www.danikagan.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daniskagan
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@danikagan
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/danikagan

In this episode of Raise It Up, I sit down with Negin Chelehmalzadeh to share her powerful story of survival, resilience, and rebuilding after years of trauma, abuse, and loss. Negin takes us through her early life, the realities of growing up in a restrictive environment, and the devastating experiences that shaped her sense of safety, identity, and worth. She reflects on how isolation, shame, and systemic failures followed her into adulthood, and how small but life changing moments of human care and connection ultimately kept her here.

We also talk about what came next, including motherhood, finding true safety, and turning lived experience into purpose driven entrepreneurship. Negin shares how becoming a mother shifted everything and how healthy partnership redefined love for her. She built PathPal to create community, on demand support, and accessible tools for people navigating grief and loss. Together, we explore the limits of traditional systems, the importance of being seen, and why building scalable businesses and financial power matters for women who want to create lasting change for themselves and others.

Tune in to this episode of Raise It Up, and give it a share to support the conversations that help women raise their lives, their families, and their impact.

Guest Links:

Website: https://www.negincheleh.com/
https://www.mypathpal.com/

Instagram: @pathpal_community
@neg_in_wonderland

Links:
Website: http://www.danikagan.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daniskagan
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@danikagan
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/danikagan