Welcome to WomenShare, a celebration of women in financial services. In this episode, hosts Leah Alter and Joanna Ehresman are joined by Amy Young—a transformative speaker, intuitive, and coach who specializes in guiding women to reclaim their power and lead from their intuition. Amy is the creator of Invincible, a rite-of-passage experience for women ready to step into their most authentic selves.

This episode explores how the divine feminine—a concept rooted in embracing intuition, being, and authentic emotional expression—can bring profound change to industries often dominated by conventionally “masculine” models of success. Amy’s personal journey dovetails with the experiences of many women in financial services who find themselves out of step with traditional industry norms and in search of a more aligned, fulfilling leadership style.

Leah and Joanna connect the dots between Amy’s teachings and the realities of life in financial services. Citing industry research and personal stories, they discuss how many women have started their own advisory firms after feeling out of place at larger institutions. Amy illuminates this "forced entrepreneurship" as a natural creative response, rooted in feminine energy’s urge to build something more aligned.

Throughout the episode, Amy shares her own awakening—moving from experiencing burnout as a business owner, to discovering the importance of slowing down, listening to her inner knowing, and allowing her feminine energy to guide decision-making. She describes the challenges and rewards of reorienting her life and work around these values—including navigating the fear of change, being okay with messiness, and modeling transparent leadership for others.

Embracing Divine Feminine in Finance: Amy explains how embracing the feminine principles of being, feeling, and creation can help women navigate industries that prioritize action, achievement, and logic. Recognizing and honoring these energies brings a sense of homecoming and new appreciation for women’s unique strengths.

Why Burnout Isn’t Your Fault: Many high-achieving women blame physical exhaustion on health or capability, when often it’s the result of operating in a model that doesn’t honor natural cycles or ways of working. Smaller, more cyclical bursts of productivity paired with intentional rest can lead to more sustainable success.

The Power of Creation: Leaving ill-fitting workplaces and starting new ventures is not just a necessity, but also a manifestation of feminine energy’s drive to build belonging, connection, and innovation.

Universal Balance: Every individual, regardless of gender, contains both masculine and feminine energies. The key is not to suppress one in favor of the other, but to seek balance—this leads to healthier workplaces and more fulfilling careers.

Leadership Through Vulnerability: Amy and Leah discuss the value of showing up transparently—even (and especially) when navigating messy periods of change. This models resilience and gives others permission to honor their own journeys.

Permission to Be Messy and Evolving: Transitions are rarely clean or immediate. Both Amy and Leah recount how giving themselves time and grace in career transitions led to more authentic alignment and personal growth. Trusting the process, even in phases of "unrest and destruction," paves the way for genuine renewal.

Courage to Challenge Industry Norms: Financial professionals don’t have to choose between certainty and authenticity. By...

Welcome to WomenShare: a celebration of women in financial services. Today, hosts Joanna Ehresman and Leah Alter sit down for an insightful and heartfelt conversation with Nina Smith: a seasoned growth and business development leader known for her marketing ingenuity and her passion for community leadership. Nina joins the show at a pivotal transition point in her career, moving from a seven-year tenure at boutique firm Kendall Capital to an exciting new role at global powerhouse UBS.

The interview kicks off with Nina’s signature career philosophy—never fleeing, always advancing. Nina traces her decision to leave a role she genuinely loved at Kendall Capital for a bigger stage at UBS, sharing the inner workings of her decision-making process, the value of listening to your gut, and the importance of not waiting until you’re dissatisfied to make a bold move. Her story powerfully reframes what courage and timing look like for women aiming high in financial services.

Joanna and Leah also dive into Nina’s playbook for leaving jobs on great terms, maintaining relationships, and nurturing a robust network that pays dividends throughout one’s career. Nina reflects candidly on her New York agency days, her pivotal years at Capital One, and her success in fostering long-lasting professional connections—including turning former bosses and clients into references and partners.

You'll get a behind-the-scenes look at Nina’s “Women and Wealth” client development program—rooted in community, fun, and low-pressure engagement. From pickleball socials to lavender farm gatherings, Nina explains how she prioritized authentic relationships over transactional networking, with an emphasis on events that create belonging and loyalty rather than sales quotas.

As the discussion turns personal, Nina opens up about the challenges and joys of balancing her role as a mom with her professional ambitions. She reveals her strategies for managing the ever-evolving demands of work and home, and the critical importance of asking for help, cultivating a supportive community, and modeling ambition and adaptability for her children.

Key Takeaways

1. Run Toward, Not Away: Nina’s anchor advice—credited to her close friend and HR executive Melanie—reminds women not to wait for unhappiness to drive career decisions. Instead, look for opportunities that inspire excitement, and don’t be afraid to revisit doors you once closed.

2. Relationships Are Your Legacy: Professional moves can be amicable and even mutually empowering. Nina’s career is a testament to the value of keeping bridges unburned and actively sustaining relationships with references, mentors, and colleagues, especially among women in financial services.

3. Healthy Departures Require Honesty and Openness: Both Nina and Leah share how transparency—with the right timing—about growth ceilings or changing ambitions can lead to smoother transitions and continued support from previous employers and peers.

4. Community-Focused Client Development Works: The most successful business development efforts are about genuine connections. Nina’s “Women and Wealth” events emphasize fun and wellness, swapping hard pitches for experiences that foster trust and a sense of belonging. Her approach demonstrates that a light touch and consistency build better business than aggressive prospecting.

5. The Power of Women’s Networks: From ex-bosses to clients to peers, Nina’s story demonstrates how investing in long-term, supportive female relationships opens doors and creates opportunities—personally and professionally.

6. Balancing Ambition and Family with Flexibility: Nina is transparent about the demands of raising children while pursuing growth....

Welcome to another episode of WomenShare, a celebration of women in financial services. In this week’s episode, hosts Joanna Ehresman and Leah Alter are joined by trailblazer Cokie Cox, founder and CEO of AlphaVest LLC. With nearly three decades of experience, Cokie stands out as a passionate advocate for women’s advancement and equity in wealth management, bringing fresh perspective and a tangible framework for meaningful change.

Cokie Cox’s journey into finance didn’t start with passion—it began with practicality and a desire to take charge of her own financial future. From her candid story about fighting for her book’s original title (“I majored in finance so I wouldn’t get screwed”) to her eventual embrace of the industry’s potential for impact, Cokie’s narrative is both authentic and relatable.

Throughout the episode, Cokie unpacks the philosophy behind her book, Perfect Day: A Guide for Overcoming Lifestyle Deficit Disorder, and the innovative planning process she developed to help clients reclaim wellness, growth, and a sense of contribution in addition to financial stability. This lifestyle-forward approach turns traditional wealth management on its head, empowering women to design fuller, more integrated lives.

Listeners will be inspired by Cokie’s commitment to cultivating an all-female advisory firm, AlphaVest, and her mission to create a ripple effect of opportunity and mentorship for women in an industry still grappling with gender imbalance. As wealth is poised to shift increasingly into women’s hands over the next decade, her call to “invest in women” is both timely and essential.

Redefining Wealth Through Lifestyle-Forward Planning: Cokie’s Perfect Day framework moves beyond spreadsheets and dollars, encouraging clients to prioritize wellness, personal growth, experiences, and giving back—alongside financial strategy. Her “4/1/1” routine (taking a small step in each area before 11 AM) empowers individuals to claim agency over their days, their well-being, and their impact.

The Power and Necessity of Investing in Women: AlphaVest’s all-female approach is not about exclusion but about correcting a systemic imbalance. With women expected to control two-thirds of U.S. wealth in coming years but still vastly underrepresented in advisory roles, Cokie is building a firm that matches the needs and preferences of future clients.

Mentorship, Community, and Pathways Forward: Cokie, Leah, and Joanna dive into the importance of mentorship, frameworks for retention, and community-building that go beyond just hiring more women. With references to studies like the Carson Group’s Women in Wealth Management and their own lived experiences, the conversation advocates for creating clear, supportive pathways for women at every stage of their careers.

Outcomes That Matter: Diversity Drives Performance: Citing twenty-year data and industry research, Cokie makes a strong case: Diverse and female-led financial teams don’t just create better workplaces, they deliver better investment outcomes and manage risk more effectively. For firms and clients alike, the message is clear—empowering women isn’t just fair, it’s smart business.

Personal Agency and Self-Care: Cokie’s advice extends to working mothers and professionals navigating multiple roles. Through the story of wise words from a seasoned colleague, she underscores the importance of giving oneself permission to build a sustainable career—knowing that “children need you at 13,” not just in their baby years, and planning your...

Welcome to WomenShare, a celebration of women in financial services. In this episode, hosts Leah Alter and Joanna Ehresman sit down with Jania Stout, President of Prime Capital Retirement and Prime Capital Wellness, for a rich and candid conversation about following your intuition, championing women in finance, navigating career-defining transitions—and why taking the leap is sometimes the most powerful move you can make.

Jania Stout brings nearly three decades of expertise in the retirement plan space. This episode charts her career journey, beginning with thriving at Fidelity on the recordkeeping side, to taking bold, non-linear paths—including major pay cuts and the gut-wrenching decision to leave a billion-dollar book of business. As the show’s first retirement plan adviser guest, Jania shares unfiltered insights on what it means to build, leave, and lead with courage in a male-dominated industry.

You'll hear firsthand how Jania’s choices spring less from calculated risk and more from an unwavering belief in following your heart and intuition. With characteristic warmth, she reveals how personal values—not just business metrics—shaped her biggest decisions, including starting at Prime Capital and letting go of mentorship “crutches” so her team could fly solo.

Key Takeaways:

Navigating Change with Courage: Jania recounts navigating emotional and professional turmoil—from being the “mom” of her old team and fearing to let them down, to surviving a protracted legal battle after leaving her previous firm. Her story is a testament to resilience and to trusting that, when you act with integrity, the right opportunities will follow—even if they arrive as “hippie-ish” moments of serendipity.

The Power (and Necessity) of Proactive Female Recruitment: Quite simply, women aren't applying for finance roles at the rates organizations desire. Jania breaks down why leaders need to go beyond passive recruiting. Her proactive strategies—such as recruiting nontraditional candidates like a women's lacrosse player with no finance background—demonstrate the untapped potential in overlooked talent pools. She urges listeners, “Don’t sit on your laurels and wait—go out there and find them.”

Mentoring and Modeling Success: Jania’s passion for mentorship, especially for women returning from career breaks, sets her apart. Through personal anecdotes, she details how she “shoots confidence” into women, offering real roles of responsibility (not just administrative support) and encouraging them to do things before they feel ready. Her philosophy: “Do it scared.”

Embracing Your Strengths—Not Mimicking the Status Quo: Drawing from her own experience, Jania encourages women—and the men who champion them—not to suppress emotions or adopt exclusively “male” professional norms. Diversity in approach and perspective, she argues, results in healthier, more innovative teams and client solutions.

Industry Evolution & Advocacy: The episode spotlights positive changes: from NAPA events where women’s presence has grown from mere handfuls to 30%. Still, the path forward depends on deliberate action—outreach, tailored encouragement for young women (and those pivoting careers), and helping new generations realize the creative, relationship-driven rewards of financial advisory work.

Jania also shares the impact of her mother’s role...

Welcome to WomenShare, a celebration of women in financial services. In this episode, hosts Joanna Ehresman and Leah Alter sit down with Michelle Borkowski, Head of Marketing at F2 Strategy, to explore the evolving intersection of human connection, brand storytelling, and innovation in the finance industry.

Michelle brings to the table more than a decade of leadership in financial services marketing, with a career that spans architecture, nonprofit, and strategic creative direction. Her unique blend of creativity and industry insight makes this episode a must-listen for professionals who want to elevate their brands while maintaining deep, purpose-driven client relationships.

This episode dives into how the most successful financial firms establish lasting brand loyalty—not just through superior services, but by expressing authentic values and forging genuine human connections. Michelle explores the power of authenticity in a highly regulated industry, the creativity that flourishes within constraints, and the increasingly crucial role of alignment between client and adviser values.

From her own unexpected journey into financial marketing to current trends in technology-driven strategy, Michelle gives listeners an insider look at what it takes to build powerful brands in finance today. She also shares tactical insights into when firms should bring in external experts, how to leverage proprietary research, and the delicate balance between data-driven decisions and instinctive creativity.

1. Authenticity Trumps Uniformity in Financial Marketing

Michelle underscores that, despite a crowded industry where offerings often appear similar, genuine human connection and personal storytelling create differentiation. She advocates for brands to “lead with the need” and focus on showing empathy and alignment with clients’ life goals—not just selling solutions. This authenticity, she explains, is especially resonant with younger, values-driven investors.

2. Creativity Thrives with Constraints

For marketers and firms navigating heavy regulations, Michelle reframes limits as fertile ground for problem-solving and innovation. “You have the puzzle or, like, the sandbox, and you've got to make it work within the confinements of what you have. And I think that's where people produce their best work too.” By embracing these creative constraints, marketers can unlock truly distinct and effective campaigns.

3. Relationship Building Is Central to Brand Loyalty

The most enduring brands in financial services are rooted in strong relationships and mutual trust. Michelle shares how her passion for partnership has shaped her own career and why, across the industry, relationship-based marketing generates far greater impact than transactional approaches.

4. Brand, Technology, and Insights Must Work in Concert

Michelle discusses F2 Strategy’s philosophy of integrating brand narrative with technology and actionable insights. Client experience—both external (such as user interfaces) and internal (adviser workflow efficiencies)—is a core part of brand delivery. Furthermore, leveraging data and proprietary research ensures that marketing strategies remain responsive to evolving client needs and industry trends.

5. Data-Informed Decisions Enhance, Not Replace, Human Instinct

Regularly reviewing data on campaign performance and client engagement is crucial, but Michelle advises firms to avoid knee-jerk reactions to short-term fluctuations. Instead, a...

"I really love the idea of taking down the barrier that keeps people from getting to what we all need, and that's financial health and well-being." – Dr. Lisa Toppin

Welcome back to WomenShare, a celebration of women in financial services. In this episode, we had the privilege of talking with Dr. Lisa Toppin, a prominent figure in the HR and diversity landscape, who is currently redefining workforce strategies at the Carson Group. With her extensive experience in leadership roles at firms like Illumina and Charles Schwab, and as a fractional Chief People Officer, Dr. Toppin brings unmatched insight into how diversity can shape the future of financial services.

Dr. Toppin opens up about Carson Group's progressive research focused on women in wealth management, aimed at understanding their pathways to success. The initiative is set to launch findings in the second quarter, promising to shed light on effective strategies and inspire women advisors.

This conversation extends into broader themes across multiple industries, highlighting mentorship, sponsorship, and how shared experiences can dismantle barriers for women. Dr. Toppin shares her personal journey in navigating the financial world as a Black woman, observing the positive shifts in inclusivity, while also pinpointing areas needing further work. Her optimism and actionable insights offer a roadmap for cultivating a more supportive and diverse environment in wealth management.

Key takeaways:

1. Research-Driven Support for Women: Dr. Toppin discusses Carson Group's commitment to understanding women's experiences in financial advisement to provide better support and pathways for success. The forthcoming report promises new insights into creating successful advisory practices for women.
2. Mentorship and Community Building: The episode underscores the importance of mentorship and community among women in financial services. Dr. Toppin emphasizes that candid discussions can challenge and change industry norms, enhancing growth opportunities for women.
3. Cultural Sensitivity in Client Relations: Dr. Toppin highlights the importance of understanding diverse client backgrounds and tailoring financial advice to fit cultural and individual needs, fostering trust and building long-lasting client relationships.
4. Strategic Industry Positioning: With an imminent adviser shortage and a diversifying client base, Dr. Toppin's role at Carson Group exemplifies how firms can strategically position themselves for sustainable growth through inclusivity and proactive HR practices.
5. Optimism in Diversity: Despite the challenges faced, Dr. Toppin remains optimistic about the evolving landscape of financial services. Her message is one of encouragement and action—enabling women to rise, mentor each other, and forge paths through traditionally male-dominated spaces.

Dr. Lisa Toppin is not just shaping the future of Carson Group but also inspiring women across financial services to break barriers and lead with empathy and expertise. Her approach demonstrates the power of inclusivity and strategic empowerment, setting a benchmark for the industry as a whole. Join us for this deep dive into the intricacies of diversity, support systems, and career growth for women in finance.

"Surely, by now, we should be teaching people it's your career to run. You are the CEO of your life and career."

Welcome to WomenShare, a celebration of women in financial services. In this episode, co-hosts Leah Alter and Joanna Ehresman sit down with Liz Ryan, CEO and founder of Human Workplace, to discuss transformative shifts in career dynamics and Human Resource practices. Liz, recognized globally for her forward-thinking approach to work and career management, invites listeners to rethink the paradigms of employment, career growth, and personal empowerment.

In this conversation, Liz shares her journey from opera student to HR executive, highlighting how her diverse experiences shaped her pioneering outlook on career treks. With over 3 million members in the Human Workplace movement, Liz is championing a work-life evolution where individuals are encouraged to lead their own career paths and embrace their roles as the CEOs of their lives.

Key Takeaways:

Transforming Career and Life Management: Liz opens up the conversation by re-emphasizing that each individual is the CEO of their own career and life. She encourages listeners to take active roles in shaping their career trajectories to align with personal goals and values, rather than conventional corporate expectations.

Human Resource Practices Reimagined: Drawing from personal experiences, Liz narrates her initial encounters with dysfunctional corporate practices and how these ignited her passion to transform HR into a more human-centric and empowering function within organizations.

Shifting Mindsets and Breaking Boundaries: Liz challenges listeners to break free from the outdated paradigms and fears imbibed in traditional work cultures. She highlights the importance of embracing freelance and entrepreneurial mindsets, even within corporate roles, for authentic and successful career journeys.

Empowerment Through Personal Power: Empowering individuals to step into their personal power is highlighted as a pivotal element Liz promotes, where she stresses the need for professionals to reclaim their narrative, assert their worth, and pursue meaningful career paths that reflect personal authenticity.

Managers and Leaders as Enablers: Liz shares transformative insights into effective leadership, focusing on how true leaders are those who remove obstacles, foster environments where talent thrives, and allow individuals to organically develop their strengths

Join us in this conversation and let Liz Ryan's insights transform the way you navigate your career journey. Because when women embrace their power and careers, industries revolutionize. Let’s keep pushing these boundaries together.

Explore more from Liz Ryan and her innovative approach at Human Workplace. Visit humanworkplace.com to dive deeper into the resources and community she has built. Also, for more enriching episodes, subscribe to WomenShare on your favorite podcast platform.

"I don't know why this memo never made it to our industry, but in every single other industry, bar none, maybe the exception of real estate agents, but every other industry, the owner of the business hires other people to do the work of the business."

Welcome to WomenShare, a celebration of women in financial services. In today's episode, we sit down with Erin Botsford, a trailblazer in the financial advisory field. Erin has revolutionized her professional journey from being in the Barron's top 100 advisors to developing systems that empower other advisors to achieve remarkable success. She's the founder of the Elite Advisor Success System and author of "Seven Figure Firm: How to Build a Financial Services Business That Grows Itself."

This conversation dives into Erin's transformative career path, starting from humble beginnings filled with personal adversity to selling her successful advisory practice. Her story is not only inspiring but also offers a fresh perspective on constructing a financial firm that thrives independently. Erin emphasizes the importance of building a business that holds value without relying solely on one individual's direct involvement. Her systems and teaching focus on training advisors to elevate their skills, broaden their market, and empower their teams effectively.

Additionally, Erin shares her expertise on strategic business structuring and why planning for your practice's enduring value should begin on day one. She talks about overcoming industry norms, educating new advisors straight from college, and building a firm that continues to succeed even in the absence of its founder. Erin presents insights on focusing on risks as opposed to merely investments — a model that has helped her reach high-worth clientele successfully.

Key takeaways:

Value-Driven Business Models: Erin discusses the significance of establishing a business that can sustain itself beyond the founder’s involvement. Advisors should focus on creating systems that delegate client interactions to a well-trained team, ensuring the business retains its value in the marketplace.

Empowering Advisors for Growth: The episode highlights the significance of skill enhancement and personal development in order to attract high-net-worth clients. Erin emphasizes training on the "risk side" of the balance sheet, which addresses vulnerabilities that affluent clients often overlook.

Team Structure and Client Interaction: Erin introduces a transition method to gradually entrust junior advisors with client relationships. Her process aims to enhance the efficiency of the firm while ensuring that the quality of service remains uncompromised.

Mentorship and Confidence Building: The journey from being just an advisor to owning an advisory firm is about more than just financial acumen. Erin shares how mentorship and training can break barriers and foster a culture of confidence and ambition among women in finance.

Philanthropic Pursuits: Beyond her advisory triumphs, Erin invests in philanthropic efforts, supporting thousands of orphans in Zambia. Her story extends beyond financial growth, highlighting her commitment to humanitarian causes and creating a legacy of giving back.

As we align with these insights and lessons from Erin Botsford, we spark transformative conversations and advocate for more strategic empowerment in financial services. By embracing new paradigms for growth and inclusion, we aim to reshape the industry from within.