How to Build A Brand Experience

How can you structure your team so that a large project does not derail your core business? If you are building a major project, launching an event, or trying to create a stronger brand experience, this episode gives you a candid look at what execution actually demands. In this solo episode, Suneera Madhani shares the five biggest lessons she learned while building the Unicorn Summit, from project management and cash flow to team structure and customer experience. You will hear what worked, what she would change, and how to lead through uncertainty when the stakes are high and the vision matters deeply. What you’ll learn in this episode: (00:01:51) Why a memorable brand experience depends less on the original idea and more on the systems, leadership, and execution required to bring it to life. (00:04:30) How launch timing can affect ticket sales, audience awareness, and momentum, especially when you are trying to market during holiday slowdowns. (00:07:11) Why large initiatives need dedicated focus, separate from day-to-day business operations, so your team can protect both the new project and the existing business. (00:13:08) Why your team can make or break a major initiative, especially when you need solution-oriented people who can stay positive and adapt quickly under pressure. (00:15:56) How to design an event experience strategically by thinking through pacing, programming, speaker flow, preparation, and every transition your audience will feel. (00:18:31) What leadership looks like when outcomes are uncertain, including how to carry private pressure, manage doubt, stay present with your team, and still move the vision forward. Join the CEO School’s Millionaire Founders Club: https://theceoschool.com/join. We're building a table where every female founder has a seat. Subscribe to the CEO School podcast because only 2% of female founders ever break $1 million in revenue, and we’re changing that: * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast//id1525261018 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/06KIvFFJP0yJv67N9ugigU * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CEOSchoolPodcast/?sub_confirmation=1 Learn more about CEO School because nothing bad ever happens when women make more money: * Website: https://theceoschool.com/ * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ceoschool/ * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suneeramadhani/ Learn more about how Suneera Madhani is paving the way for badass female CEOs like you to take center stage not just in your industries but in your whole life. * Website: https://suneeramadhani.com/ * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suneeramadhani/ * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suneeramadhani/ This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/

What changes when you stop thinking like a founder and start leading like a CEO? This episode takes you inside the energy, emotion, and leadership lessons from Unicorn Summit 2026, and what it meant to bring ambitious women founders together in one place. In this solo episode, Suneera Madhani shares what she learned about community, asking for support, building a one-of-one brand, and making the shift from founder to CEO. If you are building something meaningful and need a reminder that growth is messy, leadership is learned, and you are not doing this alone, this conversation will meet you right where you are. What you’ll learn in this episode: (00:00:49) You will hear why Unicorn Summit 2026 felt like such a defining moment for Suneera and what stood out most about gathering hundreds of ambitious women in one room. (00:03:23) You will learn why community can be one of the most valuable assets in business, even when the event or initiative is not built around immediate profit. (00:06:00) You will learn why making the ask is uncomfortable for many leaders and why asking clearly for support, attendance, or participation is often necessary for growth. (00:08:38) You will hear why major visions require a true village and how team support, thoughtful planning, and shared ownership shape successful execution. (00:11:40) You will learn how Suneera redefines the idea of a unicorn beyond valuation and why being one of one in your category matters more than chasing a single financial metric. (00:17:46) You will hear what it really means to move from founder mode into CEO mode and why scale demands process, people, profit, and structure. (00:19:14) You will learn why struggle exists at every level of entrepreneurship and how community can help you stay grounded when the pressure feels isolating. (00:25:32) You will hear how Suneera’s accelerator certification is designed to help founders build the operational playbooks, systems, and confidence needed to lead at a higher level. Join the CEO School’s Millionaire Founders Club: https://theceoschool.com/join. We're building a table where every female founder has a seat. Subscribe to the CEO School podcast because only 2% of female founders ever break $1 million in revenue, and we’re changing that: * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast//id1525261018 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/06KIvFFJP0yJv67N9ugigU * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CEOSchoolPodcast/?sub_confirmation=1 Learn more about CEO School because nothing bad ever happens when women make more money: * Website: https://theceoschool.com/ * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ceoschool/ * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suneeramadhani/ Learn more about how Suneera Madhani is paving the way for badass female CEOs like you to take center stage not just in your industries but in your whole life. * Website: https://suneeramadhani.com/ * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suneeramadhani/ * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suneeramadhani/ This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/

Lock in your spot for the Unicorn CEO Summit today at https://theceoschool.com/ceo-school-summit What happens when a business idea everyone rejects turns out to be right? Every major company begins with a moment when someone decides to keep going even after being told no. In this episode, Suneera Madhani sits down with Nathan Chan to discuss the early risks, difficult decisions, and long road behind building a payments company that would eventually become a fintech unicorn. As you listen, you will hear what it actually takes to build a business through uncertainty, push past rejection, and stay focused on the long game. Nathan Chan is the founder and CEO of Foundr, a global media and education company that helps entrepreneurs build and scale successful businesses. Through the Foundr podcast and platform, he has interviewed many of the world’s most successful founders and business leaders. What you’ll learn in this episode: (00:00) Discover how an idea that was initially dismissed eventually became the foundation for a billion dollar fintech company. (03:53) Understand how early exposure to entrepreneurship and small business shaped the mindset required to start a company. (09:56) Learn what it takes to leave a stable job and commit fully to building a company from scratch. (11:20) See how early traction, including processing millions in payments, can validate a startup concept quickly. (17:55) Explore the strategic decision to bet on omnichannel payments before the broader market recognized the opportunity. (22:06) Examine the reasoning behind rejecting a $17.5M acquisition offer and choosing to keep building. (28:15) Gain insight into the realities of raising hundreds of millions in funding and navigating investor relationships. (36:31) Understand the strategic thinking behind rebranding a growing company as it scales to new markets. Learn more about Nathan Chan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanhchan Join the CEO School’s Millionaire Founders Club: https://theceoschool.com/join. We're building a table where every female founder has a seat. Subscribe to the CEO School podcast because only 2% of female founders ever break $1 million in revenue, and we’re changing that: * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast//id1525261018 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/06KIvFFJP0yJv67N9ugigU * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CEOSchoolPodcast/?sub_confirmation=1 Learn more about CEO School because nothing bad ever happens when women make more money: * Website: https://theceoschool.com/ * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ceoschool/ * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suneeramadhani/ Learn more about how Suneera Madhani is paving the way for badass female CEOs like you to take center stage not just in your industries but in your whole life. * Website: https://suneeramadhani.com/ * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suneeramadhani/ * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suneeramadhani/ This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/

Today’s episode is a special re-air from Suneera’s conversation on The Community Podcast with Kristina. In this powerful live interview from Orlando, Suneera shares the real story behind her billion-dollar exit and the relationships that made it possible. From building Stax to founding CEO School and launching the Unicorn Summit, this conversation unpacks how community became her greatest growth strategy. If you’ve ever wondered how to scale as a first-time female founder, raise venture capital, and grow your visibility without losing yourself, this episode pulls back the curtain. In this episode, you’ll hear: • Why the people closest to you will shape both your business and your identity • The advice that helped Suneera scale from startup to unicorn exit • What it truly means to “collect relationships” and why community compounds • How to build the courage to be disliked as your impact grows • How her upbringing shaped her ambition and leadership style • Why you must find rooms that sharpen you and support you Learn more about Kristina: https://www.instagram.com/kristina.bartold/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinabartold/ Learn more about The Social Snippet: https://www.thesocialsnippet.com/ You’re invited to attend Kristina’s High Vibe Women event in Toronto on March 7: https://www.highvibewomen.ca/march-2026-event Use the code PODCAST50 for a discount. Subscriber to Kristina’s podcast: https://communitypodcast.buzzsprout.com/ Join the CEO School’s Millionaire Founders Club: https://theceoschool.com/join. We're building a table where every female founder has a seat. Subscribe to the CEO School podcast because only 2% of female founders ever break $1 million in revenue, and we’re changing that: * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast//id1525261018 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/06KIvFFJP0yJv67N9ugigU * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CEOSchoolPodcast/?sub_confirmation=1 Learn more about CEO School because nothing bad ever happens when women make more money: * Website: https://theceoschool.com/ * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ceoschool/ * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suneeramadhani/ Learn more about how Suneera Madhani is paving the way for badass female CEOs like you to take center stage not just in your industries but in your whole life. * Website: https://suneeramadhani.com/ * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suneeramadhani/ * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suneeramadhani/ This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/

What happens when you hit the goal and still feel empty? You are told to chase the million, then the ten million, then the billion. But no one talks about what happens when you actually get there and realize success without intention can still leave you burned out and unfulfilled. In this deeply honest conversation, Jay Shetty interviews Suneera Madhani on his podcast On Purpose about building a billion-dollar company, losing herself in the process, and redefining success around time, impact, and values instead of just revenue. About Jay Shetty: Jay Shetty is a global bestselling author, former monk, and host of the chart-topping podcast On Purpose, where he interviews world-class leaders, founders, and cultural icons about purpose, mindset, and modern leadership. His work blends ancient wisdom with practical strategies to help high achievers build meaningful lives and businesses. What you’ll learn in this episode: (00:00:00) How defining your end goal first helps you reverse engineer real progress. (00:01:59) Why freedom of time matters more than freedom of money as a founder. (00:03:37) How to use the do, delegate, delete method to reclaim your schedule. (00:06:10) Why CEOs must prioritize ruthlessly and focus on needle-moving work. (00:19:35) How to evaluate risk by asking what happens if you do not act. (00:32:03) How to build powerful networks and navigate rooms not built for you. (00:54:39) Why everything breaks at each stage of scale and how to rebuild smarter. (01:00:24) What hitting a billion-dollar valuation taught about identity and fulfillment. Lock in your spot for the Unicorn CEO Summit today at https://theceoschool.com/ceo-school-summit Thank you to Jay Shetty for being on our show! Learn more about Jay: https://jayshetty.me Join the CEO School’s Millionaire Founders Club: https://theceoschool.com/join. We're building a table where every female founder has a seat. Subscribe to the CEO School podcast because only 2% of female founders ever break $1 million in revenue, and we’re changing that: * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast//id1525261018 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/06KIvFFJP0yJv67N9ugigU * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CEOSchoolPodcast/?sub_confirmation=1 Learn more about CEO School because nothing bad ever happens when women make more money: * Website: https://theceoschool.com/ * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ceoschool/ * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suneeramadhani/ Learn more about how Suneera Madhani is paving the way for badass female CEOs like you to take center stage not just in your industries but in your whole life. * Website: https://suneeramadhani.com/ * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suneeramadhani/ * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suneeramadhani/ This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/

Lock in your spot for the Unicorn CEO Summit today at https://theceoschool.com/ceo-school-summit How does ignoring your health quietly cap your leadership potential? Also, how can pausing actually increase long-term performance? If you’re building something meaningful but regularly feel depleted, this conversation invites you to stop and reassess what success really costs. In this episode, Suneera Madhani talks with Rajinder Rai about how health span determines wealth span. Rajinder Rai is a licensed pharmacist and functional medicine–trained practitioner specializing in women’s health and longevity. She is the founder of Sunrais Health, where she helps high-achieving women align their bodies with their ambition to expand both health span and wealth span. What you’ll learn in this episode: (02:25) How chronic stress and productivity-driven identity impact women’s physiology. (05:54) Why unprocessed life events quietly accelerate aging and burnout. (10:38) How Rajinder's DOSE of PAUSE framework helps restore clarity, capacity, and alignment. (16:49) Why small daily habits matter more than extreme biohacks. (20:07) The difference between biological age and chronological age—and why it matters. (22:54) Why women often live longer but in more debilitated states. (24:27) How knowing your health data empowers better leadership decisions. Lock in your spot for the Unicorn CEO Summit today at https://theceoschool.com/ceo-school-summit Thank you to Rajinder Rai, PharmD, for being on our show! Learn more about Rajinder and Sunrais Health: https://www.sunraishealth.com/ Be sure to take Sunrais Health’s biological age quiz to better understand your health trajectory. Join the CEO School’s Millionaire Founders Club: https://theceoschool.com/join. We're building a table where every female founder has a seat. Subscribe to the CEO School podcast because only 2% of female founders ever break $1 million in revenue, and we’re changing that: * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast//id1525261018 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/06KIvFFJP0yJv67N9ugigU * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CEOSchoolPodcast/?sub_confirmation=1 Learn more about CEO School because nothing bad ever happens when women make more money: * Website: https://theceoschool.com/ * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ceoschool/ * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suneeramadhani/ Learn more about how Suneera Madhani is paving the way for badass female CEOs like you to take center stage not just in your industries but in your whole life. * Website: https://suneeramadhani.com/ * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suneeramadhani/ * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suneeramadhani/ This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/

What happens when leaders design cultures around safety and trust? This episode will challenge you to rethink what success really means and how impact is created. Suneera sits down with Erika Sinner to explore building eight-figure businesses, leading with empathy, and turning profit into purpose. Erika Sinner is the CEO of Directorie and the Chief Empathy Officer of TinySuperheroes. She is also the author of the book Pets Are Family and a passionate advocate for empathy-driven leadership and generational impact. What you’ll learn in this episode: (02:25) How creating your own opportunities early in your career can change everything. (04:39) Why financial safety is a powerful motivator for building scalable businesses. (06:45) How leading with empathy and accountability fuels sustainable growth. (08:19) Why grief, vulnerability, and leadership are deeply connected. (10:22) How pet bereavement policies can transform workplace culture. (15:24) How reframing childhood illness through mindset creates resilience and hope. (18:25) Why mindset work matters just as much for children as it does for CEOs. (26:15) How business success creates the freedom to pursue passion-driven impact. Lock in your spot for the Unicorn CEO Summit today at https://theceoschool.com/ceo-school-summit Thank you to Erika Sinner for being on our show! Learn more about Erika: https://www.erikasinner.org/ Erika on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikasinner/ Erika on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erika_sinner/ Learn more about Directorie: https://tinysuperheroes.com/ Learn more about TinySuperheroes: https://www.directorie.com/ Join the CEO School’s Millionaire Founders Club: https://theceoschool.com/join. We're building a table where every female founder has a seat. Subscribe to the CEO School podcast because only 2% of female founders ever break $1 million in revenue, and we’re changing that: * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast//id1525261018 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/06KIvFFJP0yJv67N9ugigU * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CEOSchoolPodcast/?sub_confirmation=1 Learn more about CEO School because nothing bad ever happens when women make more money: * Website: https://theceoschool.com/ * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ceoschool/ * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suneeramadhani/ Learn more about how Suneera Madhani is paving the way for badass female CEOs like you to take center stage not just in your industries but in your whole life. * Website: https://suneeramadhani.com/ * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suneeramadhani/ * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suneeramadhani/ This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/

How do you build meaningful relationships without treating networking like a transaction? If you want to grow your business through deeper relationships instead of chasing quick wins, this episode will shift how you think about networking. In this episode, Suneera Madhani talks with Kristina Bartold about community building, podcasting, events, and the long game of influence. Kristina Bartold is the CEO of Social Snippets, a podcast and launch agency helping founders grow their influence. She is also the founder of High Vibe Women, a community that brings female entrepreneurs together through events and experiences. What you’ll learn in this episode: (02:21) How Kristina built her business by prioritizing relationships over immediate ROI. (03:31) Why podcasting is one of the most powerful networking tools for business owners. (06:16) How in-person events can dramatically accelerate community and brand growth. (07:44) How to choose the right rooms and leaders before investing time or money. (09:25) Why proximity and smaller, more intimate settings often lead to better connections. (15:28) How to create systems that make follow-up intentional instead of overwhelming. (17:30) What podcast and content trends matter most heading into 2026. (28:33) How to start building a community. Lock in your spot for the Unicorn CEO Summit today at https://theceoschool.com/ceo-school-summit Thank you to Kristina Bartold for being on our show! Learn more about Kristina: https://www.instagram.com/kristina.bartold/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinabartold/ Learn more about The Social Snippet: https://www.thesocialsnippet.com/ You’re invited to attend Kristina’s High Vibe Women event in Toronto on March 7: https://www.highvibewomen.ca/march-2026-event Use the code PODCAST50 for a discount. Subscriber to Kristina’s podcast: https://communitypodcast.buzzsprout.com/ Join the CEO School’s Millionaire Founders Club: https://theceoschool.com/join. We're building a table where every female founder has a seat. Subscribe to the CEO School podcast because only 2% of female founders ever break $1 million in revenue, and we’re changing that: * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast//id1525261018 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/06KIvFFJP0yJv67N9ugigU * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CEOSchoolPodcast/?sub_confirmation=1 Learn more about CEO School because nothing bad ever happens when women make more money: * Website: https://theceoschool.com/ * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ceoschool/ * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suneeramadhani/ Learn more about how Suneera Madhani is paving the way for badass female CEOs like you to take center stage not just in your industries but in your whole life. * Website: https://suneeramadhani.com/ * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suneeramadhani/ * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suneeramadhani/ This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/

Lock in your spot for the Unicorn CEO Summit today at https://theceoschool.com/ceo-school-summit If you’re the CEO of a creative business, how do you stop being the bottleneck? What mindset shifts are required? Stepping into the world of luxury design requires more than just a good eye; it demands a strategic business mindset. In this episode, Suneera Madhani and Sabah Mansoor discuss the journey of building a high-end interior design firm from the ground up. Sabah Mansoor is the founder of Sabah Mansoor Design, where she helps brands translate vision into thoughtful, strategic design while building a business rooted in clarity and sustainability. What you’ll learn in this episode: (03:12) How Sabah transitioned from hands-on designer to business owner with a long-term vision. (07:45) Why creative founders often struggle to step into true CEO leadership. (12:30) How setting boundaries improves both client relationships and profitability. (18:05) The role perfectionism plays in keeping businesses stuck at a certain size. (23:40) How to price your work confidently without tying it to self-worth. (29:10) What systems and structures unlock sustainable growth for creatives. (34:55) How to recognize when it’s time to step out of execution and into strategy. (40:20) Why building a business that supports your life is the ultimate success metric. Thank you to Sabah Mansoor for being on our show! Learn more about Sabah: https://www.sabahmansoordesign.com/ Join the CEO School’s Millionaire Founders Club: https://theceoschool.com/join. We're building a table where every female founder has a seat. Subscribe to the CEO School podcast because only 2% of female founders ever break $1 million in revenue, and we’re changing that: * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast//id1525261018 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/06KIvFFJP0yJv67N9ugigU * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CEOSchoolPodcast/?sub_confirmation=1 Learn more about CEO School because nothing bad ever happens when women make more money: * Website: https://theceoschool.com/ * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ceoschool/ * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suneeramadhani/ Learn more about how Suneera Madhani is paving the way for badass female CEOs like you to take center stage not just in your industries but in your whole life. * Website: https://suneeramadhani.com/ * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suneeramadhani/ * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suneeramadhani/ This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/

Lock in your spot for the Unicorn CEO Summit today at https://theceoschool.com/ceo-school-summit Who is in your inner circle, and are they helping you grow? This episode is a deeply personal reflection on growth, boundaries, and alignment through different seasons of leadership. Suneera Madhani shares eight powerful lessons learned from her 38th year, offering insights into saying “no” without guilt, protecting energy, and finding joy along the way. If you’re building, leading, and balancing ambition with life, this episode invites you to pause, reflect, and realign with what truly matters to you. What you’ll learn in this episode: (02:25) Why saying “no” without guilt protects your peace and focus. (06:48) How shrinking your circle can strengthen your growth and confidence. (10:53) Why boundaries are an act of love rather than a way to push people away. (12:42) How embracing the courage to be disliked creates true alignment. (15:41) Why prioritizing family builds a foundation for meaningful success. (17:38) How movement supports mental clarity, energy, and leadership stamina. (19:10) Why clear communication prevents resentment in business and life. (20:40) How finding joy in the journey makes long-term success sustainable. Join the CEO School’s Millionaire Founders Club: https://theceoschool.com/join. We're building a table where every female founder has a seat. Subscribe to the CEO School podcast because only 2% of female founders ever break $1 million in revenue, and we’re changing that: * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast//id1525261018 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/06KIvFFJP0yJv67N9ugigU * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CEOSchoolPodcast/?sub_confirmation=1 Learn more about CEO School because nothing bad ever happens when women make more money: * Website: https://theceoschool.com/ * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ceoschool/ * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suneeramadhani/ Learn more about how Suneera Madhani is paving the way for badass female CEOs like you to take center stage not just in your industries but in your whole life. * Website: https://suneeramadhani.com/ * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suneeramadhani/ * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suneeramadhani/ This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/