Invest for Better With Janine Firpo and host Catherine Gray Ep. 485

Today on the Invest In Her Podcast, host Catherine Gray talks with Janine Firpo, an accomplished speaker, author, and social entrepreneur who has spent her career working at the intersection of women and their money. From her early days at Apple Computer to leadership roles at Hewlett-Packard, the World Bank, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Janine has consistently driven meaningful impact. In 2017, she pivoted from a 35+ year career in technology and international development to focus on empowering women through investing. She is the author of Activate Your Money: Invest to Grow Your Wealth and Build a Better World and co-founder of Invest for Better, a nonprofit dedicated to mobilizing women to use their financial power for positive change.  In this episode, Janine and Catherine dive into the critical role women play in reshaping the financial landscape through intentional investing. They discuss how many women are already investing—often unknowingly—but may not realize the power they have to align their money with their values. Janine shares actionable insights on how to "activate" your money, shift from traditional investing mindsets, and build wealth while supporting companies and initiatives that create a better world. The conversation also highlights the importance of education, community, and confidence in helping more women step into investing as a tool for both personal growth and global impact. Websites Mentioned https://www.showherthemoneymovie.com www.sheangelinvestors.com    Follow Us On Social Facebook @sheangelinvestors Twitter (X) @sheangelsinvest Instagram @sheangelinvestors & @catherinegray_investinher LinkedIn @catherinelgray & @sheangels   #InvestInHer #FinancialWellness #WomenInFinance #FinancialEmpowerment #MoneyMindset #InclusiveFinance #FintechForGood #BehavioralEconomics #WealthBuilding #FinancialHealth #EmpowerWomen #MoneyMatters #SheAngelInvestors #InvestInYourself #FinancialFreedom  

Today on the Invest In Her Podcast, host Catherine Gray talks with Deborah Stavis and Chelsea Stavis, a dynamic mother-daughter duo redefining private wealth management through a family-first lens. Deborah brings over 35 years of experience as a private wealth manager, having built and led two successful Registered Investment Advisory firms with approximately $1 billion in assets under management. A respected educator and community leader, she has taught at Rice University and been recognized by major publications including Forbes and The Wall Street Journal. Her daughter, Chelsea, serves as Co-Founder and Chief Growth Officer of Stavis Wealth, where she leads marketing, media, and community initiatives while also producing original content and programming. With a background in investment banking and a creative career in film and storytelling, Chelsea brings a multidisciplinary approach to empowering families and communities through financial education and engagement.  In this episode, Deborah and Chelsea share how they are modernizing wealth management by integrating legacy planning, philanthropy, and education into a more holistic and approachable experience. They discuss the importance of financial literacy—especially for women—and how creating open, engaging conversations around money can transform generational outcomes. The conversation also explores the evolution of family offices, the role of storytelling in financial empowerment, and how their "edu-tainment" approach is helping clients feel more confident and informed. Together, they offer a compelling perspective on building wealth with purpose, strengthening family legacies, and making financial planning more inclusive for future generations. Websites Mentioned https://www.showherthemoneymovie.com www.sheangelinvestors.com    Follow Us On Social Facebook @sheangelinvestors Twitter (X) @sheangelsinvest Instagram @sheangelinvestors & @catherinegray_investinher LinkedIn @catherinelgray & @sheangels   #InvestInHer #FinancialWellness #WomenInFinance #FinancialEmpowerment #MoneyMindset #InclusiveFinance #FintechForGood #BehavioralEconomics #WealthBuilding #FinancialHealth #EmpowerWomen #MoneyMatters #SheAngelInvestors #InvestInYourself #FinancialFreedom  

Catherine Gray, host of the Invest In Her Podcast, interviews Laura Rippy, Managing Partner and Board Member at Alumni Ventures, where she leads multiple funds, including The Yard Ventures (Harvard), Green D Ventures (Dartmouth), the Women's Fund, and the U.S. Strategic Tech Fund. Laura was ranked the #1 Woman Early Stage Investor in 2025 by Business Insider. A three-time CEO and seasoned executive, she has led and scaled numerous tech startups across Boston, Seattle, and Dallas-Fort Worth, and brings deep experience from her time at Microsoft. With a background in strategy consulting during Germany's economic unification and degrees from Harvard Business School and Dartmouth College, Laura brings a uniquely global and operationally grounded perspective to venture investing.  In this episode, Laura shares her journey from operator to top-ranked venture investor and unpacks what truly differentiates successful founders in today's competitive landscape. She and Catherine discuss the evolving venture capital ecosystem, the importance of access and education for women entering investing, and how Alumni Ventures is democratizing venture capital by opening doors to a broader investor base. Laura also offers insight into evaluating early-stage opportunities, building high-performing teams, and the critical role of pattern recognition and conviction in investing. The conversation highlights both the challenges and opportunities for women in venture, reinforcing the importance of visibility, community, and strategic capital in driving long-term impact.   Websites Mentioned https://www.showherthemoneymovie.com www.sheangelinvestors.com    Follow Us On Social Facebook @sheangelinvestors Twitter (X) @sheangelsinvest Instagram @sheangelinvestors & @catherinegray_investinher LinkedIn @catherinelgray & @sheangels   #InvestInHer #FinancialWellness #WomenInFinance #FinancialEmpowerment #MoneyMindset #InclusiveFinance #FintechForGood #BehavioralEconomics #WealthBuilding #FinancialHealth #EmpowerWomen #MoneyMatters #SheAngelInvestors #InvestInYourself #FinancialFreedom  

Today on the Invest In Her Podcast, host Catherine Gray talks with Tessa de Flines, co-founder of AtVenture Platform, whose mission is to close the wealth and funding gap by activating diverse angel investors through education, community, and capital. Tessa brings more than 18 years of corporate leadership experience from global institutions such as GE and ABN AMRO, along with 8 years as an entrepreneur and Fractional COO helping startups create structure, strategy, and execution as they scale. She is also a Founding Partner at Masters of Scale and an active angel investor through AtVenture Platform, Great Stuff Ventures, and her own portfolio. Passionate about increasing access to capital and opportunity, Tessa mentors founders, speaks globally on inclusive investing, and works to inspire more women and underrepresented investors to participate in the startup ecosystem.  In this episode, Catherine and Tessa discuss the barriers that keep many women and diverse investors from entering the world of angel investing—and how education, community, and access to deal flow can change that. Tessa shares insights from her work building AtVenture Platform, where she focuses on demystifying investing and empowering individuals to become early-stage backers of impactful startups. The conversation explores the importance of expanding the investor base, how more inclusive investing leads to stronger innovation, and why activating new angel investors is critical to closing the funding gap for women founders. Together, they highlight practical ways people can get involved in startup investing while helping reshape the future of entrepreneurship.   Websites Mentioned https://www.showherthemoneymovie.com www.sheangelinvestors.com    Follow Us On Social Facebook @sheangelinvestors Twitter (X) @sheangelsinvest Instagram @sheangelinvestors & @catherinegray_investinher LinkedIn @catherinelgray & @sheangels   #InvestInHer #FinancialWellness #WomenInFinance #FinancialEmpowerment #MoneyMindset #InclusiveFinance #FintechForGood #BehavioralEconomics #WealthBuilding #FinancialHealth #EmpowerWomen #MoneyMatters #SheAngelInvestors #InvestInYourself #FinancialFreedom  

Today on the Invest In Her podcast, host Catherine Gray talks with Marcia Dawood, an experienced angel investor, venture partner, and passionate advocate for increasing women's access to capital. Marcia is a venture partner with Mindshift Capital, a founding member and past chair of Golden Seeds, and a longtime leader in the angel investing ecosystem. She has invested in dozens of early-stage companies and has become a prominent voice encouraging more women to participate in investing and building wealth through early-stage opportunities. In this episode, Marcia shares insights from her new book, Unapologetic Wealth, which is currently available for preorder through March 31. https://www.amazon.com/dp/058Uzl5O The book encourages women to rethink their relationship with money, power, and investing, and to step confidently into wealth-building opportunities without hesitation or apology. Marcia discusses how angel investing can be a powerful path for women to support innovative founders while also creating financial growth and long-term impact. She and Catherine explore why more women investors are needed in the startup ecosystem and how shifting our mindset around wealth can help drive both financial success and meaningful change. Websites Mentioned https://marciadawood.com https://mindshiftcapital.com https://goldenseeds.com https://www.showherthemoneymovie.com www.sheangelinvestors.com    Follow Us On Social Facebook @sheangelinvestors Twitter (X) @sheangelsinvest Instagram @sheangelinvestors & @catherinegray_investinher LinkedIn @catherinelgray & @sheangels   #InvestInHer #FinancialWellness #WomenInFinance #FinancialEmpowerment #MoneyMindset #InclusiveFinance #FintechForGood #BehavioralEconomics #WealthBuilding #FinancialHealth #EmpowerWomen #MoneyMatters #SheAngelInvestors #InvestInYourself #FinancialFreedom  

Catherine Gray, host of the Invest In Her Podcast, interviews Mirela Sula, global award-winning entrepreneur, author, and founder of the Global Woman movement. With a background in psychology, counseling, journalism, and teaching, Mirela has built an international platform dedicated to empowering women to start businesses, become public speakers, write books, gain media visibility, and expand their networks worldwide. She is the Founder and CEO of Global Woman Club, with clubs in over 30 cities across more than 20 countries, and the Founder of Global Woman Magazine, the Global Woman Summit and Awards, and The Business Woman Today. A bestselling author of 15 books, including Don't Let Your Mind Go, and an international keynote speaker featured on BBC Radio 4, Sky TV, and The Guardian, Mirela's mission is to economically empower women and reach 10 million women entrepreneurs globally.  In this inspiring conversation, Mirela shares how she transformed personal adversity into a global movement, the psychology behind confidence and visibility, and why community is the fastest pathway to business growth. She and Catherine discuss the power of collaboration over competition, the importance of stepping into leadership before you feel "ready," and how women can leverage media, speaking, and publishing to accelerate their authority. Mirela also reveals practical strategies for building international connections, scaling impact-driven businesses, and creating financial independence through aligned purpose. This episode is a masterclass in global thinking, bold action, and the mindset required to build a legacy that empowers the next generation of women leaders. Websites Mentioned https://globalwomanclub.com https://www.showherthemoneymovie.com www.sheangelinvestors.com    Follow Us On Social Facebook @sheangelinvestors Twitter (X) @sheangelsinvest Instagram @sheangelinvestors & @catherinegray_investinher LinkedIn @catherinelgray & @sheangels   #InvestInHer #FinancialWellness #WomenInFinance #FinancialEmpowerment #MoneyMindset #InclusiveFinance #FintechForGood #BehavioralEconomics #WealthBuilding #FinancialHealth #EmpowerWomen #MoneyMatters #SheAngelInvestors #InvestInYourself #FinancialFreedom  

Today on the Invest In Her podcast, host Catherine Gray talks with Janet C. Salazar, a Philippine-born American businesswoman, global leadership strategist, and founder of the Alpha Whisperers International Network. Known as an advisor to top advisors, Janet is recognized for her strategic insight, discretion, and her ALPHAWHISPERERS™ philosophy, which empowers influential leaders behind the scenes. A Rockefeller Foundation Bellagio Residency alumna, she has served as Chief Representative to the United Nations for FSUN and works closely with global corporations, governments, and United Nations entities to build high-impact partnerships. She is Chairman and CEO of ALPHAWIN Venture Group, a privately held holding company engaged in transformative ventures and capital across women's healthcare solutions, longevity, communications, and innovative circular economy models. Janet operates from a fierce conviction in her life mission: helping fellow leaders channel influence, wealth, and power to unlock human potential.    In this compelling conversation, Janet shares the power dynamics behind leadership and the often-unseen influence of those who shape global decisions from behind the scenes. She discusses the philosophy behind ALPHAWHISPERERS™ and why the world in turbulence demands a new kind of steward leadership—one rooted in discretion, trust, and long-term impact. Catherine and Janet explore how women can step more fully into rooms of power, build strategic alliances across sectors, and deploy capital in ways that drive both profitability and purpose. Janet also offers insight into her forthcoming book, ALPHA WHISPERERS: Power Behind The Power, and why unlocking human potential at scale requires courage, clarity, and an unwavering commitment to mission-driven influence. Websites Mentioned: alphawhisperer.com  alphawinventures.com https://www.showherthemoneymovie.com www.sheangelinvestors.com    Follow Us On Social Facebook @sheangelinvestors Twitter (X) @sheangelsinvest Instagram @sheangelinvestors & @catherinegray_investinher LinkedIn @catherinelgray & @sheangels   #InvestInHer #FinancialWellness #WomenInFinance #FinancialEmpowerment #MoneyMindset #InclusiveFinance #FintechForGood #BehavioralEconomics #WealthBuilding #FinancialHealth #EmpowerWomen #MoneyMatters #SheAngelInvestors #InvestInYourself #FinancialFreedom  

Today on the Invest In Her podcast, host Catherine Gray interviews Julie Cole — a dynamic entrepreneur, recovered lawyer, and mom of six who traded in her legal career to co-found Mabel's Labels, the award-winning company that grew from a basement startup into a multi-million dollar industry leader. As Senior Director of Mabel's Labels, Julie has helped revolutionize the durable label market while becoming a recognized voice in entrepreneurship, parenting, and women's leadership. She is an award-winning businesswoman, best-selling author, and in-demand speaker and media contributor, with appearances on major outlets including NBC's The Today Show, CNN, and The Huffington Post. Her honors include the RBC Women of Influence Award for Excellence in Entrepreneurship and the YWCA Women of Distinction Award in Innovation and Entrepreneurship.  In this engaging conversation, Julie shares the real story behind building Mabel's Labels from the ground up — including the early scrappy days of bootstrapping, balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, and scaling a consumer product company in a competitive market. She and Catherine discuss the power of partnership, the importance of knowing your customer intimately, and how community-driven marketing helped fuel their growth long before social media became mainstream. Julie offers candid insights into navigating risk, exiting a business successfully, and what it truly means to lead as a woman in today's economy. With humor, honesty, and practical wisdom, this episode delivers inspiration and actionable takeaways for founders at every stage. https://www.showherthemoneymovie.com www.sheangelinvestors.com    Follow Us On Social Facebook @sheangelinvestors Twitter (X) @sheangelsinvest Instagram @sheangelinvestors & @catherinegray_investinher LinkedIn @catherinelgray & @sheangels   #InvestInHer #FinancialWellness #WomenInFinance #FinancialEmpowerment #MoneyMindset #InclusiveFinance #FintechForGood #BehavioralEconomics #WealthBuilding #FinancialHealth #EmpowerWomen #MoneyMatters #SheAngelInvestors #InvestInYourself #FinancialFreedom  

Today on the Invest In Her podcast, host Catherine Gray talks with Lauren Grattan, Co-founder and Chief Community Officer of Mission Driven Finance. Lauren's background in nonprofit development made her eager to activate more capital for social change, ultimately leading her to co-found Mission Driven Finance, where she leads community-based strategy and shapes both internal culture and partner relationships. With nearly a decade of experience fundraising for organizations ranging from large universities to grassroots initiatives, Lauren brings a deeply values-driven perspective to capital allocation. Her blended Irish, Chinese, and Native Hawaiian heritage informs her commitment to reconnecting capital and community, and she has served in leadership roles with the Inclusive Capital Collective at Zebras Unite and Business for Good San Diego.  In this episode, Lauren and Catherine explore how traditional financial systems often overlook mission-driven entrepreneurs—and what it takes to redesign capital to serve people, not just profits. Lauren shares how Mission Driven Finance structures investments to support underestimated founders, especially women and entrepreneurs of color, while still delivering disciplined financial returns. They discuss the importance of trust-based relationships, creative capital stacks, and community-informed underwriting, as well as the mindset shift investors must make to prioritize long-term impact over short-term extraction. The conversation also highlights how women can step into the role of capital allocators—whether as founders, fund managers, or individual investors—to help close systemic funding gaps and build a more inclusive economic future. https://www.missiondrivenfinance.com/ https://www.showherthemoneymovie.com www.sheangelinvestors.com    Follow Us On Social Facebook @sheangelinvestors Twitter (X) @sheangelsinvest Instagram @sheangelinvestors & @catherinegray_investinher LinkedIn @catherinelgray & @sheangels   #InvestInHer #FinancialWellness #WomenInFinance #FinancialEmpowerment #MoneyMindset #InclusiveFinance #FintechForGood #BehavioralEconomics #WealthBuilding #FinancialHealth #EmpowerWomen #MoneyMatters #SheAngelInvestors #InvestInYourself #FinancialFreedom  

Today on the Invest In Her Podcast, host Catherine Gray talks with Cindi Englefield, a seasoned entrepreneur, business advisor, and angel investor dedicated to helping women founders build scalable, profitable companies and achieve meaningful exits. Cindi grew up in an entrepreneurial family and went on to found Show What You Know Publishing, an education company she successfully scaled across multiple states before selling it after 20 years. She later launched Englefield Business Advisors and co-founded Accelerating Angels, along with the Accelerating Angels Foundation, to expand access to capital and investor readiness for women-led businesses. She serves on multiple boards and advisory councils and is a graduate of The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business.  In this episode, Catherine and Cindi dive into what it really takes for women founders to attract investment, scale sustainably, and position themselves for strong exits. Cindi shares hard-won lessons from both sides of the table—as an operator and as an investor—highlighting why profitability, capital efficiency, and clarity of leadership matter as much as vision. The conversation explores common mistakes founders make when preparing to raise capital, what angel investors are truly looking for, and how women can better advocate for their worth in fundraising conversations. Cindi also explains the mission behind Accelerating Angels and why changing outcomes for women founders requires both education and aligned capital, not just inspiration.  https://www.acceleratingangels.com https://www.showherthemoneymovie.com www.sheangelinvestors.com    Follow Us On Social Facebook @sheangelinvestors Twitter (X) @sheangelsinvest Instagram @sheangelinvestors & @catherinegray_investinher LinkedIn @catherinelgray & @sheangels   #InvestInHer #FinancialWellness #WomenInFinance #FinancialEmpowerment #MoneyMindset #InclusiveFinance #FintechForGood #BehavioralEconomics #WealthBuilding #FinancialHealth #EmpowerWomen #MoneyMatters #SheAngelInvestors #InvestInYourself #FinancialFreedom