Episodes

  • Episode 134 | SmartStop Presents: Spirits with a Mission | Cyndi Smith, CEO/ Co-Founder, Fierce and Kind Spirits

    Episode 134 | SmartStop Presents: Spirits with a Mission | Cyndi Smith, CEO/ Co-Founder, Fierce and Kind Spirits
    Feb 21 2025
    Presented by SmartStop Self Storage, this week's episode of SheEO Lead-In, we listen to our host, Rebecca Jones, engaging in a thought-provoking discussion with Cyndi Smith, CEO and Co-Founder of Fierce and Kind Spirits.

    Cyndi Smith shared her journey from a high school teacher to a corporate executive and now an entrepreneur. She discussed the company's mission to support economic equity and leadership in underserved communities through their spirits brand. Fierce and Kind Spirits launched in January 2023 and hosts events like the Bourbon and Blues music series to engage the community and raise funds for partner organizations. Cyndi emphasized the importance of finding passion in work, balancing career and personal life, and encouraging young women to explore their interests and skills.

    We want to thank our incredible sponsor, SmartStop Self Storage, a leader in self storage real estate, and a company that upholds its core principles of leading together, embracing change and enhancing everyone's journey. To learn more about SmartStop, please visit SmartStop Self Storage.

    Thank you for being a part of the SheEO Lead-In community! Please be sure to share our episodes and subscribe to this storage vault of wisdom and knowledge, built by women and for women.
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    36 mins
  • Episode 133 | SmartStop Presents: Baking Dreams into Reality | Grace Kelly Ayala, CEO/ Founder, Muñecas Desserts

    Episode 133 | SmartStop Presents: Baking Dreams into Reality | Grace Kelly Ayala, CEO/ Founder, Muñecas Desserts
    Feb 14 2025
    Presented by SmartStop Self Storage, this week's episode of SheEO Lead-In, we listen to our host, Rebecca Jones, engaging in a thought-provoking discussion with Grace Kelly Ayala, CEO and Founder of Muñecas Desserts.

    Kelly Ayala shared her journey in the dessert business, inspired by her passion for baking. Starting at 13, she worked in her family's taco business before branching out to create Moon Yakas, offering desserts in Oceanside and catering to Frida's locations. Diagnosed with lupus at 18, Kelly found new motivation and started her business. Despite challenges, including a car crash into her restaurant, she persevered with community support. Kelly emphasized the importance of choosing one's path, asking for help, and believing in oneself. She aims to grow her business and possibly franchise in the future.

    We want to thank our incredible sponsor, SmartStop Self Storage, a leader in self storage real estate, and a company that upholds its core principles of leading together, embracing change and enhancing everyone's journey. To learn more about SmartStop, please visit SmartStop Self Storage.

    Thank you for being a part of the SheEO Lead-In community! Please be sure to share our episodes and subscribe to this storage vault of wisdom and knowledge, built by women and for women.
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    28 mins
  • Episode 132 | SmartStop Presents: Balancing Life and Work | Kristin Tillquist, Attorney, Kristin Tillquist Performance Consulting

    Episode 132 | SmartStop Presents: Balancing Life and Work | Kristin Tillquist, Attorney, Kristin Tillquist Performance Consulting
    Jan 31 2025
    Presented by SmartStop Self Storage, this week's episode of SheEO Lead-In, we listen to our host, Rebecca Jones, engaging in a thought-provoking discussion with Kristin Tillquist, Attorney, Kristin Tillquist Performance Consulting.

    Kristin Tillquist shared her journey from a small town in Canada to various career paths, including law school, working in the Czech Republic, and serving as Chief of Staff for a mayor. She emphasized the importance of curiosity, authenticity, and saying "yes" to opportunities. Kristin discussed the challenges of balancing life and work, the value of mentorship, and the need for kindness in business. She also highlighted the significance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in teams. Despite setbacks, Kristin remains committed to her values and continues to find fulfillment in her current role at Kaiser Permanente.

    We want to thank our incredible sponsor, SmartStop Self Storage, a leader in self storage real estate, and a company that upholds its core principles of leading together, embracing change and enhancing everyone's journey. To learn more about SmartStop, please visit SmartStop Self Storage.

    Thank you for being a part of the SheEO Lead-In community! Please be sure to share our episodes and subscribe to this storage vault of wisdom and knowledge, built by women and for women.
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    43 mins
  • Episode 131 | SmartStop Presents: Resilience in Tech | Laura Munkholm, President/ Co-Founder, Walla

    Episode 131 | SmartStop Presents: Resilience in Tech | Laura Munkholm, President/ Co-Founder, Walla
    Jan 23 2025
    Presented by SmartStop Self Storage, this week's episode of SheEO Lead-In, we listen to our host, Rebecca Jones, engaging in a thought-provoking discussion with Laura Munkholm, President/ Co-Founder, Walla.

    Laura Munkholm discusses her journey from teaching yoga to building a software platform for the fitness industry. She highlights the challenges of balancing family and career, the importance of support systems, and the necessity of adapting to constant changes in technology. Laura emphasizes the value of community and mentorship, citing her yoga teacher and Sara Blakely as inspirations. She shares insights on overcoming barriers as a woman in tech and the significance of risk-taking and resilience. Looking ahead, Laura aims to expand Walla globally and continue fostering a supportive community for wellness entrepreneurs.

    We want to thank our incredible sponsor, SmartStop Self Storage, a leader in self storage real estate, and a company that upholds its core principles of leading together, embracing change and enhancing everyone's journey. To learn more about SmartStop, please visit SmartStop Self Storage.

    Thank you for being a part of the SheEO Lead-In community! Please be sure to share our episodes and subscribe to this storage vault of wisdom and knowledge, built by women and for women.
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    31 mins
  • Episode 130 | SmartStop Presents: Persist and Believe | Dr. Cristina Versari, CEO/ Founder, San Diego University for Integrative Studies

    Episode 130 | SmartStop Presents: Persist and Believe | Dr. Cristina Versari, CEO/ Founder, San Diego University for Integrative Studies
    Jan 17 2025
    Presented by SmartStop Self Storage, this week's episode of SheEO Lead-In, we listen to our host, Rebecca Jones, engaging in a thought-provoking discussion with Cristina Versari, CEO/ Founder, San Diego University for Integrative Studies.

    Dr. Christina Versari, founder and CEO of San Diego University for Integrative Studies, shared her journey from a childhood influenced by strong women to becoming a pioneer in sports psychology. She discussed her early career in the NBA, overcoming gender barriers, and founding her university to address educational gaps. Dr. Versari emphasized the importance of aligning career choices with personality types and shared her life-changing experience of being shot at 18, which reinforced her positive outlook. She highlighted ongoing projects, including an AI-driven English language program and a sports psychology app. Dr. Versari's advice to young women: believe in yourself, ignore negativity, and persist in your goals.

    We want to thank our incredible sponsor, SmartStop Self Storage, a leader in self storage real estate, and a company that upholds its core principles of leading together, embracing change and enhancing everyone's journey. To learn more about SmartStop, please visit SmartStop Self Storage.

    Thank you for being a part of the SheEO Lead-In community! Please be sure to share our episodes and subscribe to this storage vault of wisdom and knowledge, built by women and for women.
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    36 mins
  • Episode 129 | SmartStop Presents: Mentorship and Self-Belief | Kayla Schaffroth, CEO/ Founder, Project Performer

    Episode 129 | SmartStop Presents: Mentorship and Self-Belief | Kayla Schaffroth, CEO/ Founder, Project Performer
    Dec 21 2024
    Presented by SmartStop Self Storage, this week's episode of SheEO Lead-In, we listen to our host, Rebecca Jones, engaging in a thought-provoking discussion with Kayla Schaffroth, CEO/ Founder, Project Performer

    Kayla shares her journey from a shy child who loved dancing and theater to a professional in the field. She emphasizes the importance of resilience, creativity, and self-belief, particularly in the face of rejection. Kayla discusses the challenges of balancing personal and professional life, the obstacles of being a female leader in a male-dominated industry, and the value of listening and mentorship. She also highlights her plans for expanding Project Performer and her passion for nurturing the next generation of leaders and performers.

    We want to thank our incredible sponsor, SmartStop Self Storage, a leader in self storage real estate, and a company that upholds its core principles of leading together, embracing change and enhancing everyone's journey. To learn more about SmartStop, please visit SmartStop Self Storage.

    Thank you for being a part of the SheEO Lead-In community! Please be sure to share our episodes and subscribe to this storage vault of wisdom and knowledge, built by women and for women.
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    30 mins
  • Episode 128 | SmartStop Presents: Internships and Inspiration | Kristen Fogle, Executive Director, San Diego Writers, Ink.

    Episode 128 | SmartStop Presents: Internships and Inspiration | Kristen Fogle, Executive Director, San Diego Writers, Ink.
    Dec 12 2024
    Presented by SmartStop Self Storage, this week's episode of SheEO Lead-In, we listen to our host, Rebecca Jones, engaging in a thought-provoking discussion with Kristen Fogle, Executive Director, San Diego Writers, Ink.

    Kristen discusses her journey and leadership experiences. She emphasizes the importance of creativity, curiosity, and community in measuring success and balancing work with personal life. Kristen shares her early career challenges, including being underestimated due to her age and gender, and highlights the significance of perseverance and taking risks. She advocates for exploring various opportunities and not being afraid of failure. She also stresses the value of internships and diverse experiences in finding one's passion. Lastly, Kristen concludes by encouraging young women to pursue what brings them joy and to consider the life they want to live.

    We want to thank our incredible sponsor, SmartStop Self Storage, a leader in self storage real estate, and a company that upholds its core principles of leading together, embracing change and enhancing everyone's journey. To learn more about SmartStop, please visit SmartStop Self Storage.

    Thank you for being a part of the SheEO Lead-In community! Please be sure to share our episodes and subscribe to this storage vault of wisdom and knowledge, built by women and for women.
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    31 mins
  • Episode 127 | SmartStop Presents: Balancing Life and Wildlife | Dr. Alexis Wohl, San Diego Humane Society

    Episode 127 | SmartStop Presents: Balancing Life and Wildlife | Dr. Alexis Wohl, San Diego Humane Society
    Nov 14 2024
    Presented by SmartStop Self Storage, this week's episode of SheEO Lead-In, we listen to our host, Rebecca Jones, engaging in a thought-provoking discussion with Dr. Alexis Wohl, San Diego Humane Society.

    Dr. Wohl shares her journey from aspiring veterinarian to wildlife rehabilitation specialist, highlighting the importance of mentorship and resilience. She discusses the unique biodiversity of San Diego, the challenges of balancing work and personal life, and the significance of community engagement in wildlife conservation. Dr. Wohl emphasizes the "sit and stay" campaign to reduce unnecessary animal intake at rehabilitation centers and the importance of respecting wildlife. She also mentions the renesting and reuniting initiative for raptors, aiming to release healthy babies back into the wild.

    We want to thank our incredible sponsor, SmartStop Self Storage, a leader in self storage real estate, and a company that upholds its core principles of leading together, embracing change and enhancing everyone's journey. To learn more about SmartStop, please visit SmartStop Self Storage.

    Thank you for being a part of the SheEO Lead-In community! Please be sure to share our episodes and subscribe to this storage vault of wisdom and knowledge, built by women and for women.
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    34 mins