349. How Betches Went Viral: Aleen Dreksler on Building a Media Empire from a Blog

Five years, 350 episodes, and countless women impacted—this week’s episode of CEO School is a celebration. Host Suneera Madhani reflects on five years of showing up weekly with zero podcasting background, fueled only by passion and purpose. From the early days recording on her laptop to hitting top charts, she shares the real behind-the-scenes of what it’s taken to build the CEO School community. Want to win some CEO School Swag? Leave us a review, dm @ceoschool on Instagram a screenshot, and follow both the @ceoschool and @suneeramadhani Instagrams, and we will pick 10 people to send some swag to! Joined by podcast producer Lily Wiggle, this special AMA (Ask Me Anything) part two is packed with listener-submitted questions that cover everything from motherhood and business sacrifices to Suneera’s most expensive accessory (hint: it’s not a handbag). In this episode, you’ll learn: 🎙️ What it takes to stay consistent for five years—even when you want to quit 💬 Suneera’s biggest mindset shifts from building two companies and a podcast ⚖️ How she balances motherhood, marriage, and ambition without burning out 💎 Her unexpected answer to “what’s the most expensive thing you own?” 🧠 The mantras and advice that keep her grounded, grateful, and growing This episode is both a masterclass in consistency and a heartfelt thank-you to the women who’ve made CEO School what it is today. If you’ve ever felt like giving up or wondered if your work is making a difference—this one’s for you. 💬 Your Turn: What’s your favorite CEO School moment from the past five years? Tag @ceoschool and let us know! 📢 Loved this episode? Share it with a fellow entrepreneur and leave a review to help more women scale with confidence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ever wonder what it really takes to build a viral brand and stay relevant in today’s fast-moving content world? In this episode, host Suneera Madhani sits down with Aleen Dreksler, Co-Founder and CEO of Betches Media, to talk about launching one of the internet’s most iconic brands, navigating creative burnout, and embracing the cringe in the name of growth. Aleen shares how she and her two best friends turned a scrappy anonymous blog into a media powerhouse, landing a book deal, building a loyal audience, and eventually exiting the company while staying on as CEO. From managing friendship dynamics in business to staying consistent with content creation, Aleen gets real about the highs, lows, and evolution of leading a brand through every season of life. In this episode, you’ll learn: 🧠 How to stay creative in a chaotic world (especially when you’re wearing all the hats) 📱 The smartest way to show up on social right now (spoiler: it’s not too late!) 💬 Aleen’s advice for creating content that actually connects 👯‍♀️ The secret to working with friends without burning bridges 🔥 Why embracing the cringe is your greatest growth strategy If you’re a content creator, entrepreneur, or anyone trying to make an impact online, this episode will fire you up and give you permission to show up—messy, authentic, and all in. 💬 Your Turn: What’s one piece of content you’ve been scared to share? Tag @ceoschool and @aleen on Instagram and let us know! 📢 Loved this episode? Share it with a friend and leave a review to help more women scale with confidence. (00:07:42) Building Successful Business through Intellectual Property (00:09:29) Consistent Branding for Enhanced Audience Engagement (00:15:23) Navigating Co-Founder Dynamics in Business Success (00:19:33) Effective Engagement Strategies for Content Creators (00:22:44) Emotional Connection Through Consistent Brand Voice (00:31:48) Following Aleen's CEO Journey on Substack Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ever wish you could sit down with Suneera and ask her anything? In this special episode of CEO School, we’re flipping the script. Podcast producer Lily Wiggle takes the mic to ask Suneera your most pressing questions—completely unfiltered and unprepared. From executive style tips to productivity hacks, managing distractions, and staying motivated when burnout hits, Suneera gets real about what it takes to lead like a CEO while keeping it human. In this episode, you’ll learn: 💼 How to elevate your executive presence without sacrificing authenticity 📅 Suneera’s no-fluff strategy for staying focused through distractions and chaos 🧠 What she’s learning in this season of life and why peace is her new priority 📈 The power of showing up consistently—even when you don’t feel like it 🔥 Why reconnecting with your purpose is the ultimate fuel for staying the course This is the first installment of a brand new series called CEO Behavior—raw, real conversations about what it truly means to lead. If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing it all but still asking, "Is this worth it?"—this one’s for you. 💬 Your Turn: What does CEO Behavior mean to you right now? Tag @ceoschool and let us know! 📢 Loved this episode? Share it with a fellow entrepreneur and leave a review to help more women scale with confidence. (00:03:14) Executive Presence: The Key to Leadership Success (00:10:03) Overcoming Burnout for Consistent Success (00:14:04) Maintaining Focus and Prioritizing Tasks as CEO (00:18:02) From Eyeliner Sales to Stax Payments (00:25:20) Staying Aligned with Purpose for Impact (00:28:11) Venturing with Purpose: Women Changing the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feeling stuck in your career or wondering what’s next in your entrepreneurial journey? Patty Arvielo’s inspiring story is proof that reinvention, resilience, and purpose can lead to incredible success at any stage of life. In this episode, host Suneera Madhani sits down with Patty Arvielo, Co-Founder and CEO of New American Funding, to discuss her journey from an entry-level job at 16 to building one of the largest independent mortgage lenders in the United States. Patty opens up about navigating imposter syndrome, building a business with her husband, and embracing her purpose in her 60s as she focuses on giving back and mentoring other women. In this episode, you’ll learn: 💼 How Patty went from working at 16 to leading a multi-billion dollar mortgage company 🤝 The secret to successfully building a business with your spouse (and staying happily married!) 🌟 How Patty overcame self-doubt and imposter syndrome to own her success 💬 Why embracing "good enough" can be a game-changer for women entrepreneurs 🔥 The powerful mindset shift that fuels Patty’s continued ambition and purpose This episode is your reminder that no matter where you are in your journey, you have the power to write your next chapter. If you’re ready to embrace your ambitions, lean into growth, and build a life filled with purpose, this episode is for you. 💬 Your Turn: What’s one goal you’re setting for this next chapter in your career or business? Tag @ceoschool on Instagram and let us know! Follow Patty on Instagram: @pattyarvielo. 📢 Loved this episode? Share it with a fellow entrepreneur and leave a review to help us inspire more women to scale with confidence. (00:01:50) Empowering Female Entrepreneurs to Break Barriers (00:07:56) Respecting Individual Skills in Succession Planning (00:09:27) Supporting Individual Aspirations in Family Businesses (00:14:47) Embracing Growth Through Shared Reflections (00:16:45) Overcoming Imposter Syndrome Through Self-Acceptance (00:19:53) Empowering Self-Talk for Overcoming Challenges (00:26:50) Breaking Stereotypes: Women Succeeding in Leadership (00:29:16) Empowering Connections for Women's Success Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feeling like success should feel better than this? After exiting her billion-dollar business, Suneera Madhani faced something unexpected — emptiness. Despite achieving her biggest goals, she realized what was missing: a circle of like-minded women who truly understood her journey. In this episode, Suneera shares how finding her "business besties" transformed her life, reignited her passion, and inspired her to create the Millionaire Founders Club — a powerful sisterhood of ambitious women dedicated to supporting each other in both business and life. In this episode, you’ll learn:  💬 Why success can feel lonely — and how to change it  🌟 How a casual girls' weekend turned into a powerful mastermind  🤝 Why connecting with peers (not just mentors) is essential for growth  💡 How authentic relationships with like-minded women can transform your business  🔥 Why building a support network is the key to thriving as a female entrepreneur This episode is your reminder that success doesn’t have to be lonely — and finding your people can change everything. If you’re ready to unlock your next level of growth and connection, tune in now! Join Millionaire Founders Club! Join Founders Club! 💬 Your Turn: What's one way you’ve found community in your entrepreneurial journey? Tag @ceoschool on Instagram and let us know! 📢 Loved this episode? Share it with a fellow entrepreneur and leave a review to help us inspire more women to scale with confidence. (00:00:01) Empowering Female Entrepreneurs for Business Success (00:05:37) Balancing Feminine Energy in Entrepreneurship Success (00:10:55) Striking a Balance: Business Success and Wellness (00:16:28) High-Achieving Women Entrepreneurs Building Wealth Together (00:21:27) Millionaire Founders Club: Women Entrepreneurs Network (00:24:06) Exclusive Founders Club Experience with Expert-Led Sessions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, host Suneera Madhani chats with powerhouse entrepreneur Ailsa Navarro, the inspiring founder of HILI Studios. Starting with just one reformer in her garage during COVID, Ailsa scaled her Pilates empire to eight thriving studios across Central Florida. In this episode, Ailsa shares the mindset shifts, smart strategies, and unwavering commitment that made her rapid growth possible. In this episode, you’ll learn: 💪 How Ailsa turned her garage workouts into an award-winning Pilates empire 🌟 The power of building a strong community and loyal clientele 🙌 Why giving your team the confidence to lead can transform your business 🔥 The mindset shift that helped Ailsa balance motherhood with building a successful business 🚀 The importance of trusting your gut and embracing risk to scale confidently This conversation is your reminder that success is built on grit, consistency, and believing in yourself—even when others doubt you. If you’re ready to unlock your next level of growth, you won’t want to miss this inspiring episode. 💬 Your Turn: What’s one bold move you’re making in your business this year? Tag @ceoschool and @hili.fitness on Instagram and let us know! 📢 Loved this episode? Share it with a fellow entrepreneur and leave a review to help us inspire more women to scale with confidence. (00:01:19) Ailsa Navarro's Inspiring Pilates Studio Expansion (00:03:39) From Home Garage to Multiple Locations (00:09:30) Pilates Empowerment: From Injury to Strength (00:15:55) Empowering Mothers Through Pilates Practice (00:24:33) Transforming Lives Through Women Entrepreneurship (00:27:34) Collaborative Partnerships for Community Impact in Business (00:34:32) Power of Supportive Networks in Success (00:36:42) Platform Transition: Importance of Sticking with Success (00:40:51) Embracing Growth Through Perseverance and Determination Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or like you're spinning your wheels? The secret to growth isn’t just about adding more to your plate—it’s about letting go of what’s holding you back. In this solo episode, host Suneera Madhani shares 6 things you must quit to create space for success, wealth, and true fulfillment. Whether you're a CEO, entrepreneur, or ambitious woman ready to level up, this episode will challenge you to break free from bad habits, reframe your mindset, and step fully into your power. In this episode, you’ll learn: 🚫 The #1 habit that’s keeping you stuck (and how to break it) 📌 Why saying “yes” too often is hurting your growth—and how to set boundaries 💡 How to ask for help without guilt (this one is a game-changer!) ⏳ The biggest time-waster in your business (and how to fix it today) 🔥 Why playing small with your goals is sabotaging your success ⚡ How to ditch fear and take bold action—even when it’s scary This episode is your permission slip to stop settling and start thriving. If you’re ready to clear the clutter, focus on what truly matters, and build the business and life of your dreams, tune in now! 💬 Your Turn: What’s one thing you’re quitting in 2025? Tag @ceoschool on Instagram and let us know! 📢 Loved this episode? Share it with a business bestie and leave a review to help more women scale with confidence. (00:08:34) Fearless Growth: Celebrating Path to Success (00:16:20) Delegate for Strategic Growth and Success (00:22:44) Strategic Task Prioritization for Goal Achievement (00:27:06) Significance of Select Validation Sources (00:32:29) Empowering Ambitious Goal-Setting without External Validation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Struggling to get your team to take ownership? Feeling stuck in the weeds instead of leading like a CEO? In this episode, host Suneera Madhani sits down with Lia Garvin, aka The Team Whisperer, to reveal how to manage like a CEO, delegate with confidence, and build a high-performing team that drives results. With experience leading teams at Google, Microsoft, and Apple, Lia shares the exact strategies that help business owners get out of the day-to-day and turn their employees into profit-generating machines. In this episode, you’ll learn: ✅ The #1 leadership mistake keeping you stuck in the weeds (and how to fix it) 📌 How to delegate without micromanaging so your team takes ownership ⚡ The simple mindset shift that makes team accountability effortless 🚀 Why operational cadences (aka meetings) are the secret weapon of high-performing teams 💡 How to lead without burnout—so you can scale without doing everything yourself 🔥 FREEBIE ALERT! 🔥 Lia is giving away her Action Tracker—a simple tool to help you track, delegate, and keep your team accountable.Grab it here: freebie.liagarvin.com/actiontracker (00:08:52) Strategic Task Prioritization for Optimal Efficiency (00:12:46) Empowering Teams through Delegation Processes (00:19:40) Enhancing Team Performance Through Unstoppable Framework (00:24:17) Punctuality in One-on-One Meetings for Engagement (00:27:48) Structured Meeting Framework for Accountability and Progress (00:30:05) Operational Excellence for Scaling Business Growth (00:39:51) Aligning Employee Roles with Company Goals (00:41:29) Empowering Women Leaders Through Empathy 💬 Your Turn: What’s your biggest leadership challenge? Tag @ceoschool and @lia.garvin on Instagram and let us know! 📢 Loved this episode? Share it with a business bestie and leave a review to help more women scale with confidence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feeling frustrated with your team or struggling to lead with confidence? You’re not alone—and this episode is exactly what you need. In this solo episode, host Suneera Madhani opens up about the real, messy, and rewarding journey of leadership. From scaling a team from 0 to 400 employees to starting from scratch again with Worth, Suneera shares her biggest wins, hard lessons, and practical tips to help you build a team you love and lead like the CEO you’re meant to be. In this episode, you’ll learn: ❤️ Why leadership is the hardest (and most important) job you have as a CEO 🤝 How to build trust, loyalty, and morale within your team 🎯 The 5 leadership habits that will reignite your connection with your team 🚩 The #1 hiring mistake women CEOs make—and how to avoid it ✨ Why your highest self leader holds the key to unlocking your full potential Whether you’re a solopreneur managing a VA or scaling a multi-million dollar team, this episode will help you step into your power as a leader and build a team that fuels your business growth. 💬 Your Turn: Who’s a leader that’s inspired you? Tag them on Instagram @ceoschool and spread the gratitude! 📢 Loved this episode? Share it with a business bestie and leave a review to help more women scale with confidence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on CEO School, host Suneera Madhani sits down with Tamara Munoz-Whilden, CEO of Behind the Screens and the ultimate operations expert, to break down how smart systems, automation, and delegation can transform your business from chaos to control. 💡 In this episode, you’ll learn: ✅ The #1 mistake business owners make that kills profitability 📌 Why failed payments are costing you thousands (and how to fix it ASAP) 🛠️ The top tools to streamline your business and eliminate busywork ⚡ How to delegate like a CEO and finally let go of control 🔑 The secret to scaling: designing systems that work without you Tamara has helped hundreds of CEOs reclaim their time, build efficient operations, and scale with ease. Now, it’s your turn. Tune in to discover how to stop spinning your wheels and start running a business that actually works for YOU. www.behindthescreensinc.com 💬 Your Turn: What’s one system in your business that needs an upgrade? Tag us on Instagram @ceoschool and @behindthescreensinc and let us know! 📢 Loved this episode? Share it with a business bestie and leave a review to help more women scale with confidence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices