Natalie Holloway: On Bala, Motherhood, and Why Balance Isn't Always the Goal

In this episode of Mountaintop Conversations, Allyson Felix and Wes Felix welcome Kira Mackenzie Jackson, a private equity investor and former PR professional. Kira shares her journey from PR to private equity and how she transitioned before she turned 30. She also discusses her thoughts on career planning and finding your own path to success. Kira started her PR career at a small agency in San Diego. After a few years, she moved to Los Angeles and worked for a few larger agencies. Eventually, she made her way back to her original agency, which had been acquired by a private equity firm. This gave Kira her first exposure to the private equity world, and she was immediately intrigued. After a few years in PR, Kira decided to jump into private equity. She joined RX3 Growth Partners, a firm that invests in consumer brands. Kira loves her new job, and she is excited to use her skills and experience to help companies grow and succeed. Kira also offers some advice for listeners who are thinking about changing careers. She says that it is important to focus on what you are passionate about, and to find a career that allows you to use your skills and talents. She also says it is important to be open to new opportunities and not be afraid to take risks. Interested in learning more about career planning, and finding your own path to success? This is the perfect episode for you. Follow Kira on Instagram.

Lynn Martin, the president of NYSE Group, joins Allyson and Wes on "Mountaintop Conversations" to discuss her journey to becoming the leader of the world's biggest stock market, her insights into the financial industry, and her thoughts on diversity and inclusion. Martin began her career as a programmer, but her passion for finance led her to pursue a master's degree in the field. In 2021, she was named the president of NYSE Group, becoming only the second woman to hold the position in the company's 226-year history. Lynn is passionate about diversity and inclusion in the financial industry. She believes that a more diverse workforce is essential for innovation and success, and she is committed to creating a more inclusive workplace at NYSE Group. She is also a strong supporter of women in business, and she mentors and sponsors many young women in the industry. During her conversation with the Wes and Allyson, Lynn discusses a variety of topics, including: Her journey to becoming the president of NYSE Group Her insights into the financial industry Her thoughts on diversity and inclusion The challenges and opportunities facing women in business This episode of "Mountaintop Conversations" is an inspiring and informative look at the life and career of one of the most powerful women in finance.

FOR A LIMITED TIME, LISTENERS WILL RECEIVE A FREE MONTH SUBSCRIPTION COMPLIMENTS OF ELLEVEST BY USING PROMO CODE: SAYSH. In this episode, Sallie Krawcheck, the CEO and co-founder of Ellevest and former CFO of Citigroup, shares her insights on building a successful career, investing for women, and giving back. She talks about the importance of having a clear vision for your job, taking risks, and never giving up on your dreams. She also discusses the challenges women face in the workplace and how to overcome them. Finally, she talks about giving back to the community and making a difference.

In this episode of the podcast, Abby Wambach and Glennon Doyle discuss the importance of vulnerability, authenticity, and the power of truth. They share their experiences with being open about their struggles and challenges and how doing so has helped them connect with others and live more fulfilling lives. They also discuss the challenges of balancing their public personas with their private lives and how they find strength in each other's support. This episode is a powerful reminder that it is okay to be imperfect and that sharing our true selves with the world can be a powerful force for good.

In this "Mountaintop Conversations" episode, Allyson Felix and Wes Felix sit down with Ty Haney, the co-founder of Outdoor Voices, Joggy, and Try Your Best. Haney shares her experiences as a female founder and how she has overcome challenges such as sexism and unfair media coverage. She also discusses her vision for the future of Web3 and how it can be used to create a more direct and equitable relationship between brands and fans. Haney is a passionate advocate for women in business, and she believes that the tech industry is ripe for change. She is committed to using her platform to empower other female founders and is excited to see what the future holds for Web3. In this episode, Haney also discusses: The importance of forgiveness for female founders who have faced challenges. The need for more diversity in the tech industry. How Web3 can create a more direct and equitable relationship between brands and fans. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in female entrepreneurship, the future of Web3, or simply hearing from an inspiring woman in business.

Natalie Holloway is the co-founder of Bala, a Los Angeles-based movement company that makes weighted fitness accessories. She and her husband, Max, started the company in 2017 and quickly grew it into a global brand. In 2019, they appeared on "Shark Tank" and secured an investment from Mark Cuban and Maria Sharapova. Natalie joins us on this episode of "Mountaintop Conversations" to discuss her experience on "Shark Tank," how she and her husband have managed to balance their personal and professional lives, and the challenges and rewards of being a mompreneur.

In this "Mountaintop Conversations" episode, hosts Allyson and Wes Felix welcome tennis superstar Naomi Osaka and sports manager Stu Duguid. The focus is on Naomi's excitement about becoming a mom, NIKE's support during her pregnancy, and managing two of the world's most marketable female athletes. Allyson shares her experiences as a mother and praises NIKE for their support. Stu discusses the challenges of managing top athletes. They discuss Naomi's expectations for her return to tennis, and Allyson gives her valuable tips. The atmosphere is filled with positivity, inspiration, and encouragement for Naomi's journey as a mother and athlete. The episode concludes with hope and excitement for Naomi's future.

Mellody Hobson, co-CEO and president of Ariel Investments, didn’t grow up privileged, but her mother constantly empowered her and let her know that she could do anything no matter the obstacles she might face due to her gender and race.  From a young age, Mellody learned how to advocate for herself and what she needed. Before attending Princeton University, fate would have her meet John W. Rogers Jr., founder and co-CEO of Ariel Investments, whom she’d eventually end up working with.  In this episode of Mountaintop Conversations, Mellody discusses how her mother motivated and influenced her to not only lead but also be a better mother to her daughter, Emory. She also shares her love for finance, her experience as a Black woman in a male-dominated field, why we need more diversity in all professions, especially the C-suite, and why financial literacy is one of the best gifts you can give yourself. Follow Ariel Investments on Instagram @arielinvestments and on Twitter @ArielInvestsFollow Allyson Felix @allysonfelixFollow Wes Felix @pwesley22Follow Saysh on Instagram and Twitter @bysaysh Learn more about Ariel Investments at arielinvestments.comJoin the Collective at bysaysh.com

Candace Parker’s career hasn’t been as easy as some may think. The two-time Olympic gold medalist and 2021 WNBA champion has received numerous accolades, but she’s also experienced her fair share of being doubted and counted out.  In this episode of Mountaintop Conversations, Candace explains her decision to leave the Los Angeles Sparks after 13 seasons and the importance of betting on yourself everyday, taking risks, and pursuing your purpose.  Candace also shares how motherhood has changed her life on and off the court, and how her career has inspired her daughter, but more importantly, how her daughter has inspired her and motivated her to chase her dreams. She also discusses the progress the WNBA is making for women athletes and the future of women in sports.   Follow Candace Parker @candaceparkerFollow Allyson Felix @allysonfelixFollow Wes Felix @pwesley22 Follow Saysh on Instagram and Twitter @bysayshJoin the Collective at bysaysh.com

Melody Ehsani never knew she could do all the things she’s done to date, as a designer, and as a creative director. Early on, she had every intention of becoming a lawyer, but that career trajectory didn’t fulfill her. Instead of following a predetermined path and repeating familial history, Melody decided to live for herself and turned to design to express herself in ways she hadn’t been able to before.  In this episode of Mountaintop Conversations, Melody discusses how she became a designer, the importance of self-awareness, practicing listening, creating groundedness, and how she hopes the sneaker and design industry will continue to grow and become more inclusive by embracing femininity.  Follow Melody Ehsani @melodyehsaniFollow Melody Ehsani’s shop @melodyehsanishop Follow Allyson Felix: @allysonfelixFollow Wes Felix: @pwesly22Follow Saysh on Instagram and Twitter: @bysaysh Check out more from Melody Ehsani at www.melodyehsani.comJoin the Collective at bysaysh.com