Welcome to NAWBO ON THE GO: A podcast for and featuring busy women entrepreneurs and hosted by the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) The NAWBO on the Go podcast delivers quick doses of fun, inspiration and education for today’s busy women entrepreneurs who want to grow their businesses and care for themselves. This podcast is just one of the many ways that NAWBO fulfills our mission to propel women business owners into greater economic, social and political spheres of power worldwide. To learn more about NAWBO, visit: https://nawbo.org/

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Can AI help you find your business community? In this mini episode, host Sertrice Shipley takes us to NAWBO’s 2026 On The Rise Miami Summit, where two women entrepreneurs share how ChatGPT and Claude led them to the same place: NAWBO.  Hear Melanie Domeisen, Founder of Ospelt Catering and NAWBO Virtual Member based in Switzerland, as she shares her story of traveling from Switzerland to connect with women business owners in the U.S. and Erika Obando’s powerful reminder of how one meaningful connection five years ago helped her keep going when she was ready to quit.  From finding your people to paying it forward, these conversations highlight the power of community, mentorship, and having a network that meets you wherever you are in your entrepreneurial journey. To learn more about NAWBO, visit:<a href="https://nawbo.org" rel="nofollow"> https://nawbo.org</a>

When AI Leads You to Your People

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What does it take to leave a successful career behind and start something completely new? In this episode, host Dr. Lena Graham sits down with Daphne Simpson, a former nurse practitioner turned McDonald’s franchise owner, to explore her unexpected journey from healthcare to the fast-food industry, and how she grew from two restaurants to eight. From learning every job in the restaurant to navigating labor challenges and building high-performing teams, Daphne shares the realities of franchise ownership, the lessons she’s learned about leadership and growth and why being willing to start over can open doors you never imagined. ﻿Plus, hear her advice for women considering franchising, the importance of knowing when to delegate and why sometimes the biggest rewards come from doing the hard things. To learn more about NAWBO, visit: <a href="https://nawbo.org" rel="nofollow">https://nawbo.org</a>To learn more about McDonald’s franchising, visit: <a href="https://www.mcdonalds.com/us/en-us/us-franchising.html" rel="nofollow">https://www.mcdonalds.com/us/en-us/us-franchising.html</a>

Big Risks, Bigger Rewards

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Your voice has value, and the world needs to hear it. In this episode, new host Dr. Lena Graham sits down with Jennifer R. Hudson, public relations strategist, entrepreneur and keynote speaker for the upcoming NAWBO’s On the Rise: Miami Edition summit, to explore what happens when women business owners stop playing small and start owning their expertise. From her journey as a corporate communications executive to building her own business, Jennifer shares lessons on finding your voice, communicating with confidence, asking for what you&#39;re worth and recognizing the power of what you bring to the table. ﻿Plus, get a sneak peek at her interactive Miami keynote, &#34;Your Voice Is an Economic Force,&#34; and why speaking up can create opportunities and impact far beyond your own business. To learn more about NAWBO, visit: <a href="https://nawbo.org" rel="nofollow">https://nawbo.org</a>

Your Voice Is Your Power: Are You Using It?

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For Diane Yetter, expertise is about more than mastering a subject. It’s about using your knowledge to educate others, shape your industry and create meaningful impact. As president of YETTER Tax and the Sales Tax Institute, Diane has spent nearly 30 years building a thriving business in one of the most technical niches imaginable while becoming a trusted voice on sales tax policy. When she’s not helping clients navigate complex regulations, you’ll likely find her tending to her thriving garden in downtown Chicago or unwinding with classical music. In this episode, Diane shares how embracing a niche has opened unexpected doors, why thought leadership is one of the most powerful ways to grow your business and how a strong culture has helped her build an award-winning remote workplace. To learn more about NAWBO, visit: <a href="https://nawbo.org" rel="nofollow">https://nawbo.org</a>

From Expertise to Influence

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Jenelle Dito, Vice President of Consumer Empowerment Programs and Partnerships at FICO®, is on a mission to make credit education more accessible and less intimidating. In this episode, she breaks down what a FICO® Score is, why it exists and why every entrepreneur should understand it. From qualifying for a credit card or auto loan to securing a mortgage or financing future growth, your FICO® Score plays a critical role in the opportunities available to you. ﻿Jenelle explains how knowing your score empowers you to make informed borrowing decisions, improve your financial health over time and position your business for long-term success. Whether your score is exactly where you want it to be or needs some work, understanding it is the first step toward expanding your options. To learn more and monitor your FICO® Score, visit: <a href="https://www.myfico.com/" rel="nofollow">myFICO.com</a> and <a href="https://www.myfico.com/free" rel="nofollow">myFICO.com/free</a>To access FICO®’s credit empowerment programs, visit <a href="https://www.fico.com/empowerment" rel="nofollow">https://www.fico.com/empowerment</a>

The Number That Opens Doors

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Rhonda Brunson has never been afraid to follow a new path. From high school French teacher to wedding photographer to leading a nonprofit serving survivors of domestic abuse, each chapter of her career taught her something new about resilience and human connection. But it was a chance encounter with breathwork that changed everything. After a deeply transformative experience, Rhonda found herself asking: What exactly just happened? That question launched a deep exploration into the nervous system. Today, as co-founder and lead facilitator of Waypoint Wellness HQ, Rhonda helps leaders and organizations better understand how their bodies respond to pressure, burnout and overwhelm. In this episode, she shares why nervous system health matters and two simple practices you can start using today to create more calm, clarity and resilience. To learn more about NAWBO, visit: <a href="https://nawbo.org" rel="nofollow">https://nawbo.org</a>

Nervous System Tools Every Leader Needs

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Internationally recognized speaker, motivational singer and LOUD Women Nation founder Adrianna Foster is on a mission to help women remember who they are. A member of NAWBO South Florida and a champion for women’s empowerment, Adrianna blends music, leadership development and emotional transformation to help women step into their power, purpose and prosperity. Her signature LOUD philosophy—Loving, Open, Unapologetic and Deserving—was born from years of working with women who shared a common struggle: feeling disconnected from their worth and potential. In this episode, Adrianna shares how creativity fuels her work, from writing and recording music to releasing a new album in celebration of her 40th birthday. She also discusses the biggest mindset barrier she sees holding women back from wealth and how embracing your authentic voice can transform every area of life. To register for NAWBO On the Rise: Miami Edition (Adrianna is a speaker!): <a href="https://nawbo.org/on-the-rise-miami-edition-save-the-date" rel="nofollow">https://nawbo.org/on-the-rise-miami-edition-save-the-date</a>

Get LOUD to Reclaim Your Truth and Wealth

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For Amy Miller, entrepreneurship began with an unexpected turning point. The New Mexico-based president of AMM Communications Coach and AMM Consulting spent more than 25 years building expertise in public affairs, strategic communications and stakeholder engagement before being blindsided by a layoff. After jumping into another role that wasn’t the perfect fit, Amy decided to build a business of her own rooted in helping organizations communicate with clarity, confidence and purpose. ﻿In this episode, Amy shares the challenges of learning how to price her services and the fulfillment of working with values-aligned clients as well as doing pro bono work with young people. She also talks about the communications coaching framework she uses with clients and the common challenges they face when trying to connect with their audiences. To learn more about NAWBO, visit: <a href="https://nawbo.org" rel="nofollow">https://nawbo.org</a>

Communicating With Confidence

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Judi Firestone Roth, NAWBO Lifetime Member, past Cleveland (now Northeast Ohio) Chapter President and former National Board Member, has spent decades championing women business owners and building a legacy of leadership, mentorship and service. Now a member of NAWBO Indianapolis, Judi reflects on receiving the 2026 Susan Hager Award and what the honor means to her after more than 40 years of involvement with NAWBO and being nominated by her peers. In this episode, Judi shares memories of briefly meeting NAWBO founding president Susan Hager, the responsibility women have to lift one another up and the three legacies she hopes to leave behind. To learn more about NAWBO, visit: <a href="https://nawbo.org" rel="nofollow">https://nawbo.org</a>

Good Things Come in Threes

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For Monica Roca-Quesada, numbers aren’t something to fear. They’re pieces of a bigger picture waiting to come together. A Florida-based fractional CFO and financial operations strategist, Monica helps growth-focused entrepreneurs turn financial chaos into clarity by understanding the story behind the data. Surprisingly, one of her favorite ways to unwind is building Legos, and she sees a lot of similarities between constructing a Lego masterpiece and building a business: there’s a vision for what’s possible, but the real magic happens through the process, problem-solving and lessons learned. In this episode, Monica shares how women business owners can remove the fear around finances, start interpreting what their numbers are really saying and even discover that financial strategy can be empowering and fun. To learn more about NAWBO, visit: <a href="https://nawbo.org" rel="nofollow">https://nawbo.org</a>

What Story Is This Data Telling?

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For Kathy Rudkin, entrepreneurship has always been part of the wild adventure. The San Antonio, Texas-based founder and CEO of Rudkin Productions and Top 3 Finalist for Woman Business Owner of the Year grew up in a zoo in Oklahoma, where raising chimpanzees, tigers and even bringing baby jaguars to school sparked a fearless curiosity and creative spirit that would shape her future. Coming from a long line of entrepreneurs, Kathy launched her own marketing and advertising agency at just 24 years old and spent the next 34 years growing it into a thriving business while adapting through every industry shift, including the rapid move to digital marketing during COVID-19. In this episode, Kathy also shares the deeply personal story behind her nonprofit, Aid the Silent, created after her daughter became deaf at age 3, and how it now helps provide hearing aids and resources to deaf children. To learn more about NAWBO, visit: <a href="https://nawbo.org" rel="nofollow">https://nawbo.org</a>

Raised in a Zoo, Built for Entrepreneurship

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Licensed clinical psychologist, practice founder and “builder of bigger tables,” Mirjam Quinn, PhD believes care should extend far beyond the therapy room—it should shape how we lead, hire and live. Born in Germany, raised across three continents and arriving in the United States at 17, Mirjam went on to found Mirjam Quinn and Associates on the south side of Chicago, where her practice now serves patients from age 3 to well into their 90s. A Top 3 Finalist for NAWBO’s 2026 Woman Business Owner of the Year Award, she’s redefining what it looks like to care for both clients and clinicians. In this episode, Mirjam shares how investing deeply in her team—from 32-hour work weeks to employer-provided childcare—creates a ripple effect of extraordinary care. To learn more about Top 3 Finalist Mirjam Quinn, visit: <a href="https://nawbo.org/blog/a-human-first-philosophy-mirjam-quinn-leads-with-purpose-and-connection" rel="nofollow">https://nawbo.org/blog/a-human-first-philosophy-mirjam-quinn-leads-with-purpose-and-connection</a>

Everyone Is Worthy of Love and Care

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Latina founder, restaurateur and community advocate Diva Name is building more than a place to eat—she’s creating an experience rooted in culture, connection and bold leadership that’s worth slowing down to savor. As the owner of La Mexicana Taco Bar and The Local All-in Catering in South Florida, and a Top 3 Finalist for NAWBO’s 2026 Woman Business Owner of the Year Award, Diva brings together her love of food, music and art to create something truly unforgettable. In this episode, Diva shares what inspired her journey, how she’s weathered the ups and downs of the restaurant industry by expanding into catering and why community-centered events she hosts like her annual Cinco de Mayo festival are just as important as what’s on the menu. To learn more about Top 3 Finalist Diva Name, visit: <a href="https://nawbo.org/blog/finding-flavor-and-building-community-diva-name-turns-a-dream-into-la-mexicana" rel="nofollow">https://nawbo.org/blog/finding-flavor-and-building-community-diva-name-turns-a-dream-into-la-mexicana</a>

Don’t Come If You’re in a Rush

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For women business owners, the ability to vote is a business imperative. In this episode of NAWBO On the Go, we’re joined by Thresette Briggs, NAWBO National Advocacy Chair, for a clear breakdown of the SAVE Act (Safeguard American Voter Act) and why NAWBO is paying close attention to its potential impact on women, especially women business owners who have experienced name changes due to marriage, divorce, or other life events. Thresette explains:<ul><li>What the SAVE Act is and what it would require for federal voter registration and voting</li><li>Why NAWBO supports election integrity and free, fair elections while raising concerns about added documentation burdens</li><li>What forms of proof could be required (and why common IDs like standard driver’s licenses may not qualify in many states)</li><li>The potential unintended consequences, including time, complexity, and access issues for eligible voters</li><li>Why fewer voices at the polls can shape the policies that directly affect women-owned businesses</li></ul> To read NAWBO and WIPP’s joint statement on the SAVE Act:<a href="https://nawbo.org/blog/womens-business-groups-thank-leader-thune-for-removing-save-america-act-from-pending-business" rel="nofollow">https://nawbo.org/blog/womens-business-groups-thank-leader-thune-for-removing-save-america-act-from-pending-business</a> Learn more about NAWBO:<a href="https://www.nawbo.org" rel="nofollow">https://www.nawbo.org</a> Learn more about NAWBO Advocacy:<a href="https://nawbo.org/advocacy" rel="nofollow">https://nawbo.org/advocacy</a>

Could the SAVE Act Create Voting Barriers? Election Integrity vs Access

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Lindsey Paulsen, Vice President of Digital Innovation at Opportunity International, is working at the intersection of technology, funding and purpose to expand access to opportunities for women entrepreneurs around the world. In this episode, she shares how her organization is investing in women living in extreme poverty, supporting small businesses, and what those efforts reveal about the universal drive women share, no matter where they live. From wanting to provide for their families to creating better futures for their children, the goals are the same, but the barriers are not. Lindsey also reflects on a powerful truth: potential is equally distributed, but opportunity is not. She explores what it takes to close that gap and how we can all think differently about access, equity and impact. To learn more about Opportunity International, visit: <a href="http://www.opportunity.org/" rel="nofollow">www.opportunity.org</a>

Potential Is Everywhere, Opportunity Is Not

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Behind every great experience is someone making it all work, and for NAWBO, that’s Katie Hatfield. As Executive Assistant to the CEO and a key force behind the NAWBO Institute, Katie plays a central role in organizing, expanding and bringing to life the resources that support women business owners at every stage. In this episode, Katie pulls back the curtain on the NAWBO Institute’s educational Journeys—designed to meet women where they are, from just starting out to scaling beyond $1M—and shares how a common challenge sparked one of NAWBO’s most exciting innovations yet: Susan, a new AI-powered chatbot guide who cuts through the overwhelm and helps women business owners quickly find the right resources, tools and next steps based on their unique goals. ﻿To learn more about NAWBO Institute Journeys, visit: <a href="https://nawbo.org/nawbo-journeys" rel="nofollow">https://nawbo.org/nawbo-journeys</a> To access the Institute and start your journey with Susan’s help, visit: <a href="https://nawbo.org/institute" rel="nofollow">https://nawbo.org/institute</a>

Meet Susan: Your AI Guide to the Institute

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What happens when advocacy efforts hit a roadblock, but the mission is too important to pause? Elle Patout, Director of Advocacy and Public Relations at NAWBO, returns to share insights from the latest visit to Capitol Hill and continued efforts to advance a national microbusiness definition. While the issue gained traction across party lines, it’s not a current priority for Congress. So what’s next? Elle breaks down how NAWBO is shifting from a federal legislative push to building coalitions, expanding state-level momentum and equipping chapters with the tools to drive change where it matters most. She also shares updates on NAWBO’s regional advocacy efforts and offers ways for all members to get involved, lend their voice and help shape the future of policy for women business owners. To learn more about NAWBO, visit: <a href="https://nawbo.org" rel="nofollow">https://nawbo.org</a>To learn more about Advocacy, visit: <a href="https://nawbo.org/advocacy" rel="nofollow">https://nawbo.org/advocacy</a>

Advocacy That Meets the Moment

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What if the breakthrough you’re looking for isn’t at your desk? In this episode, Deanna Novak, NAWBO Institute Board Chair and founder of The Write Journeys, shares why stepping away from your day-to-day can be one of the most powerful things you do for your business. From poolside ideas to “aha” moments in unexpected places, she explores how changing your environment sparks creativity, sharpens decision-making and helps you think bigger. She also gives a preview of an exciting retreat experience designed to do exactly that. If you’ve been feeling stuck, stretched or simply ready for fresh perspective, this conversation is your invitation to step away—and move forward. ﻿To learn more about NAWBO, visit: <a href="https://nawbo.org/" rel="nofollow">https://nawbo.org/</a> To learn more about the writer’s retreat, visit: <a href="https://writeawayretreats.com/" rel="nofollow">https://writeawayretreats.com/</a>

Your Next Big Idea Isn’t at Your Desk

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If you are a women business owner doing “good” on paper but still feeling stuck in the messy middle, this episode is for you. In this NAWBO On the Go episode, NAWBO HQ’s Tonia Chagnon sits down with NAWBO National Board Chair Megan Patton to break down Strategic Leap, a growth-focused program built for NAWBO members who are ready to scale and want real structure, real support, and a clearer path forward. We talk about who Strategic Leap is designed for (including the revenue range), why the experience is intentionally curated, and what topics help women business owners move from “busy and stuck” to scalable and strategic. Megan also shares key community updates, including a reminder about Legacy Lifetime Membership (limited spots) and why NAWBO Days in Washington, DC matters more than ever. What we cover in this episode: Who Strategic Leap is for (and why it is not for “just curious”) What it looks like to scale from $250K toward $1M with a stronger foundation The business-building topics that move the needle (KPIs, team, SOPs, scalable models) How NAWBO creates opportunity through community, leadership, and advocacy Updates on Legacy Lifetime Membership and NAWBO Days Learn more about NAWBO: https://nawbo.org Subscribe for more episodes of NAWBO On the Go. Chapters (timestamps):00:00 Welcome + what we are talking about00:38 What is Strategic Leap?04:07 Who Strategic Leap is for05:12 What the experience is designed to do06:12 The growth topics you will cover13:14 Why Megan is all-in on this work15:17 Legacy Lifetime Membership update16:10 NAWBO Days in Washington, DC (Advocacy Day)

What’s Fresh This Spring?

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What happens when women business owners’ biggest concerns are carried straight to Capitol Hill? Elle Patout, NAWBO National’s Director of Advocacy and Public Relations, joins the conversation to recap her recent trip alongside NAWBO’s CEO and National Board Chair. From meetings with members of Congress to a conversation with a Minnesota representative on the Small Business Committee, they brought forward real-time challenges women business owners are facing across the country, with each conversation tailored to the office. ﻿She also unpacks NAWBO’s latest survey results, revealing a notable shift in priorities this year. Taxes top the list of concerns, followed closely by AI, access to capital and workplace benefits. The changes signal a new chapter in the economic landscape and underscore why advocacy has never been more critical. To learn more about NAWBO, visit: <a href="https://nawbo.org" rel="nofollow">https://nawbo.org</a>

From Main Street to Capitol Hill

*Welcome to NAWBO ON THE GO: A podcast for and featuring busy women entrepreneurs and hosted by the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO)*

The NAWBO on the Go podcast delivers quick doses of fun, inspiration and education for today’s busy women entrepreneurs who want to grow their businesses and care for themselves.

This podcast is just one of the many ways that NAWBO fulfills our mission to propel women business owners into greater economic, social and political spheres of power worldwide.

To learn more about NAWBO, visit: https://nawbo.org/