She's Interesting with Rashel Hariri

Welcome back to She’s Interesting — the podcast for women building careers, businesses, and lives that feel as good as they look. I’m your host, Rashel Hariri — award-winning marketer, consultant, and startup advisor.Today’s guest is Amina AlTai — executive coach, keynote speaker, and author of The Ambition Trap. With a background in brand marketing and a powerful personal journey through burnout and autoimmune illness, Amina now helps leaders and entrepreneurs align their work with their well-being. Her signature approach blends business strategy with purpose, mindset, and wellness, guiding high performers to build successful and sustainable careers.In this episode, Amina and I talk about:How her Iraqi and Welsh roots shaped her identity and definition of successThe moment burnout forced her to rethink everythingThe difference between ambition driven by purpose vs. painHow to bet on yourself — especially when the “safe” choice feels easierThe invisible barriers holding underrepresented founders back — and how to name themHealing your relationship with money as a woman founderHow The Ambition Trap came to life (and what it taught her in the process)This conversation is a must-listen for anyone who’s ever felt the pressure to keep achieving — even when it’s costing you your health, happiness, or peace of mind. Amina brings the real talk, deep wisdom, and lived experience to help you get back in alignment.Connect with Amina AlTai:Website: aminaaltai.comInstagram: @aminaaltaiLet’s Keep In Touch:Subscribe to the newsletter for deeper insights on business, money, and well-beingFollow us on Instagram and TikTok: @shesinterestingmediaVisit our website: shesinteresting.comConnect on LinkedIn: She’s Interesting MediaMusic Credits:Intro music: Lifeline by Kaleido

This week on She’s Interesting, I’m joined by the inspiring Ana Xavier, Founder and CEO of The Podcast Space — and a true champion for purpose-driven creators and entrepreneurs.Originally from Portugal, Ana launched her first podcast back in 2008 while still in school. After a decade in broadcasting and digital marketing across Portugal and the UK, she moved to Dallas, Texas, and built a thriving business helping clients use podcasting to grow their authority — without burning out.In this episode, we talk about what it really means to start fresh in your 30s, especially when you're craving more impact, connection, and creativity.You’ll hear us dive into:Trying something new (even when it's scary)Avoiding burnout and creator fatigueHow to build community in your 30s (that feels real)Reinventing yourself and your business — again and againWhether you’re podcast-curious or simply in a season of reinvention, this episode is your permission slip to make bold moves.Let’s Keep In Touch:Newsletter: ⁠https://shesinteresting-newsletter.beehiiv.com/Instagram: @shesinterestingmediaWebsite: ⁠shesinteresting.com⁠LinkedIn: She’s Interesting Media🎵 Music Credits:Intro music: Lifeline by Kaleido

In this episode, I’m sharing the behind-the-scenes of my last-minute solo trip to SXSW — why I booked it, what I packed, and how I made the most of every moment. From navigating the conference alone to meeting incredible people and being intentional with my time, this is part travel diary, part smart travel guide.I cover:✈️ Tips for traveling alone as a woman🧠 How I organized my time at a huge event like SXSW🎒 Must-haves to stay grounded, comfortable, and open to serendipity💥 And how to make a meaningful impact, especially if you’re flying soloWhether you're planning a solo adventure or attending your next big conference, this episode is packed with real talk and helpful tips to help you feel confident and connected — even when you're on your own.Links mentioned:🏠 My Airbnb: https://bit.ly/4cc7rxO🗓 SXSW Event Lists from the Community: https://bit.ly/427lKisLet’s Keep In Touch:Newsletter: ⁠https://bit.ly/3sGFPidInstagram: @shesinterestingmediaWebsite: ⁠shesinteresting.com⁠LinkedIn: She’s Interesting Media🎵 Music Credits:Intro music: Lifeline by Kaleido

In this episode of She’s Interesting, host Rashel Hariri sits down with Maggie Adhami Boynton, the visionary Co-Founder of ShopThing, North America’s first live video commerce platform. Maggie shares how she transformed a simple Instagram deal-hunting hobby into a thriving e-commerce business that redefines how people shop for luxury fashion. We dive into the power of live shopping, the technology behind ShopThing, and how influencer-driven commerce is changing the retail landscape. Maggie also opens up about the challenges of scaling a fast-growing startup, building brand partnerships, and balancing life as a founder and mom of three. Tune in to hear Maggie’s insights on disrupting traditional e-commerce, leading with innovation, and what’s next for the future of live shopping. 👉 Subscribe, rate, and review! Follow She’s Interesting for more conversations with inspiring founders and industry disruptors. Let’s Keep In Touch: Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe ⁠ Instagram: ⁠@shesinterestingmedia⁠ Website: ⁠shesinteresting.com⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/shes-interesting-media⁠ Intro music: Lifeline by Kaleido

In this inspiring episode of She’s Interesting, host Rashel Hariri sits down with Palak Dave, the founder of Embiria Social Club (ESC) and author of Beautiful Everydays: A Guide to Living in the Here and Now. Palak shares her journey from climbing the corporate ladder in senior marketing roles at TIFF and Indigo to creating a life and career centered on joy, fulfillment, and meaningful connections. Palak opens up about the pivotal moment that inspired her to leave the corporate world and how she built ESC, a thriving community helping women live more fulfilled lives. She also shares practical advice on balancing ambition with well-being, managing finances as an entrepreneur, and building partnerships with global brands like Lululemon and Bumble. If you're curious about how to create everyday joy, make bold career moves, or simply live a more intentional life, this episode is for you. Tune in for actionable insights and an engaging conversation between Rashel and one of today's most inspiring change-makers. Let’s Keep In Touch: Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe Instagram: @shesinterestingmedia Website: shesinteresting.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shes-interesting-media Intro music: Lifeline by Kaleido Subscribe & Leave a Review: If you loved this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review. Your support helps us produce more great content!

This week we've got another YESSS GIRL!! episode of She's Interesting with Rashel Hariri and media trailblazer Amber Mac, a powerhouse in the tech and media world who has built a 7-figure media empire with AmberMac Media. In this candid and insightful conversation, we explore: (01:36) Starting in Media: Amber's journey from her early days in media to maintaining her authentic voice in a male-dominated industry. (13:15) Building a 7-Figure Business: The challenges and successes of hiring her first employees and working alongside her husband. (19:10) Negotiating Your Worth: Practical advice on setting your rates as a media creator and speaker. (28:47) Balancing Act: An honest discussion about mom-guilt and balancing a demanding career with family life. (33:14) Taking on the Tech Bros: Our unfiltered thoughts on tech culture, including Elon Musk, and standing up against misogyny in the industry. (39:38) Creating Allies: How Amber uses her platform to advocate for equality and inspire others to do the same. Let’s Keep In Touch: Newsletter: ⁠⁠https://shesinteresting-newsletter.beehiiv.com/⁠ Instagram: ⁠@shesinterestingpodcast⁠ Website: ⁠shesinteresting.com⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/shes-interesting-podcast⁠ Music Credits: Intro music: Lifeline by Kaleido Subscribe & Leave a Review: If you loved this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review. Your support helps us produce more great content!

In this episode of She’s Interesting, host Rashel Hariri sits down with Lauren Arnold, Co-Founder of Category Communications, to explore how she’s reshaping Canada’s tech PR landscape with rapid growth, bold strategies, and a mission to elevate the profiles of top founders. Lauren shares the behind-the-scenes story of building her agency, scaling a team of 8 in just 8 months, and landing top-tier media coverage in outlets like Forbes and The Globe & Mail. She also offers practical advice for: How to find the right co-founder (survey included in show notes!) Balancing hiring with the hustle of business development Strategies for landing major clients and securing press Lessons learned as a first-time founder Tips for entrepreneurs looking to break into PR and build their brand Make sure to check out the Co-Founder Survey Lauren mentioned during the episode—link below! Special ThanksA big thank you to Elevate Festival and CreatorClub for providing the studio space to record this episode. 🎧 Tune in now to hear Lauren’s journey and pick up insights you can apply to your own growth story! Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Co-Founder Survey Link: https://rashelhariri.com/founder-survey Let’s Keep In Touch: Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe Here⁠ Instagram: @shesinterestingpodcast⁠ Website: ⁠shesinteresting.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: She’s Interesting Podcast Music Credits:Intro music: Lifeline by Kaleido

Welcome to a special live episode of She’s Interesting, recorded at Startup Summit's Women In Tech Breakfast powered by Conexus! Join host Rashel Hariri as she sits down with Monique Simair, Founder and CEO of Maven Water & Environment, for an eye-opening discussion on resilience, overcoming setbacks, and sustainable growth. Monique’s journey from farm life to award-winning environmental tech entrepreneur is filled with powerful lessons on perseverance. After facing a tight job market as a PhD biogeochemist, Monique created her own path, founding her first company in 2010. But her path wasn’t always straightforward; being let go from a government job triggered self-doubt and negative self-talk. Despite this, Monique landed a $500,000 client and has since bootstrapped her way to success, now leading Maven Water & Environment with a high-growth approach. Let’s Keep In Touch: Newsletter:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://shesinteresting-newsletter.be... Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@shesinterestingpodcast Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠shesinteresting.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shes-interesting-podcast/ Music Credits Intro music: Lifeline by Kaleido

Join host Rashel Hariri for an inspiring conversation with Megan Rafuse, CEO and Co-Founder of Shift Collab, Canada’s largest online mental health practice, which is female- and clinician-owned. We explore the intersections of mental health, entrepreneurship, and personal growth. Megan shares her journey from Registered Social Worker and Psychotherapist to trailblazing entrepreneur in the mental health industry. With over 13 years of experience, Megan talks about the motivations and challenges behind founding Shift Collab and how she has successfully grown the practice into a go-to resource for mental healthcare. In this episode, we cover: (2:51) The inception of Shift Collab: Megan’s journey from losing her mother to founding a mental health business dedicated to providing quality, relatable care. (7:27) Committing fully to her vision: How Megan went all in on Shift Collab and built a self-funded clinic. (12:07) Expert advice: Megan shares strategies for managing ADHD while running a successful business. (17:19) Integrating personal and professional life: Megan discusses the decision to include her life partner in the business. (19:22) Defining roles and discovering strengths: Tips for working effectively with a life partner and finding your zone of genius. (24:39) Scaling to success: Insights on growing Shift Collab into a 7-figure business and setting up the right resources and plans. (30:22) Strategic planning: The importance of setting quarterly targets and the benefits of outsourcing to a fractional CFO. (34:10) Mental health for founders: Recognizing and addressing "compare and despair" moments to reduce anxiety and depression. Let’s Keep In Touch: Newsletter:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://shesinteresting-newsletter.beehiiv.com/ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@shesinterestingpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@shesinterestingpodcast⁠ ⁠ Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠shesinteresting.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shes-interesting-podcast For support with your mental health, reach out to Shift Collab at www.shiftcollab.com Music Credits Intro music: Lifeline by Kaleido Studio Partner: CreatorClub in Toronto

In this week's episode of "She's Interesting," I'm diving into the often overlooked but crucial step in any growth journey: pausing and reflecting. Before we can truly level up in our personal or professional lives, it's essential to take a moment to assess where we are, understand our progress, and prepare for the next steps. Join me, Rashel Hariri, as I explore the power of pausing, the importance of reflection, and how granting yourself the permission to pause can lead to greater clarity and more impactful growth. We'll discuss practical strategies to work into your routine and how this practice can set you up for long-term success. In this episode, I also share the three things I'm doing to help me level up: 1/ Planning for my future self 2/ Actively working to be in the present 3/ Only using social media to benefit me Whether you're an entrepreneur, a professional on the rise, or someone looking to make meaningful changes, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in and learn how to embrace the pause and set the stage for your next big leap. Let’s Keep In Touch: Newsletter:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://shesinteresting-newsletter.beehiiv.com/ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@shesinterestingpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@shesinterestingpodcast⁠ ⁠ Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠shesinteresting.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shes-interesting-podcast Music Credits Intro music: Lifeline by Kaleido