Buying Businesses, Building Women's Wealth featuring Jeanne Wang and host Catherine Gray Ep. 507

Catherine Gray, host of the Invest In Her podcast, interviews Jeanne Wang, Founder and Managing Partner of Village Search Partners. Jeanne has more than 15 years of private equity investing experience and focuses on helping women acquire and grow established, profitable businesses. She also co-created the Women Searchers Community, a network where women pursuing business ownership can connect, share knowledge, and support one another. Jeanne explains entrepreneurship through acquisition and why buying an existing business can offer a different path to ownership than starting from scratch. As more longtime owners prepare to retire, she sees an opportunity for women to carry those businesses forward. Jeanne and Catherine discuss what investors look for in an acquisition, how buyers bring together financing, and why the right mentors and board members matter after a deal closes. Jeanne also shares what motivates her work: helping women build wealth as owners and leaders while supporting the employees, families, and communities that depend on their businesses. https://www.villagesearchpartners.com/ Show Her The Money – https://showherthemoneymovie.com She Angel Investors – https://www.sheangelinvestors.com   Follow Us On Social Facebook @sheangelinvestors Twitter (X) @sheangelsinvest Instagram @sheangelinvestors & @catherinegray_investinher LinkedIn @catherinelgray & @sheangels  

Today on the Invest In Her podcast, host Catherine Gray talks with Gabby Gabriel, Founder and CEO of GAB Inc., a cultural strategy studio that shapes narrative, identity, and cultural relevance for entertainment families, luxury founders, and global leaders. Named one of USA Today's Top Entrepreneurs of 2024 and recognized by Northeastern University's Women Who Empower Innovator Awards, Gabby brings extensive international experience to her work. After living in China for ten years and Southeast Asia for two, she developed a rare understanding of both American and Asian markets that helps brands connect with audiences across cultures. In this episode, Gabby shares how she went from teaching English in China to building a successful global marketing agency. She discusses growing an LGBTQ+ community from a small monthly gathering into a network of thousands, learning from an unsuccessful app venture, and turning those experiences into a new entrepreneurial path. Gabby also offers a look at her work advising culutural figures, entertainment families, and high-profile founders on personal branding, business launches, strategic partnerships, and cultural positioning. She explores the differences between relationship-driven and transactional business cultures, what companies should consider before entering the Chinese market, and her vision for expanding GAB INC. through media, cultural intelligence, and AI-powered tools. https://thegabinc.com Show Her The Money – https://showherthemoneymovie.com She Angel Investors – https://www.sheangelinvestors.com   Follow Us On Social Facebook @sheangelinvestors Twitter (X) @sheangelsinvest Instagram @sheangelinvestors & @catherinegray_investinher LinkedIn @catherinelgray & @sheangels    

Today on the Invest In Her podcast, host Catherine Gray talks with Marieme Sané, Founder and Managing Partner of Earthkind Ventures, a pre-seed venture fund investing in biology-first consumer health companies with a particular focus on women's health, longevity, and preventive health. An engineer, scientist, operator, and investor, Marieme brings more than a decade of experience building businesses at the intersection of healthcare, biotechnology, consumer products, and technology. Her background includes global ingredient sourcing, formulation science, manufacturing, health technology, and scaling science-backed consumer products. In this episode, Marieme explains why she launched Earthkind Ventures and how her scientific and operational experience helps her identify innovations capable of improving women's health while becoming scalable, industry-leading companies. She discusses the opportunity for more women to participate as limited partners, the importance of using investment dollars to influence the future of healthcare, and the fund's focus on companies with the potential for billion-dollar outcomes. Marieme also introduces OVUM Intelligence, a platform tracking the research, investment activity, market trends, unmet needs, and emerging opportunities shaping women's and consumer health. Websites Mentioned earthkindventures.com Show Her The Money – https://showherthemoneymovie.com She Angel Investors – https://www.sheangelinvestors.com   Follow Us On Social Facebook @sheangelinvestors Twitter (X) @sheangelsinvest Instagram @sheangelinvestors & @catherinegray_investinher LinkedIn @catherinelgray & @sheangels

Today on the Invest In Her podcast, host Catherine Gray talks with Nikkie Kent, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Red Clover Venture Partners, the first Vermont-based venture capital fund dedicated to investing in female founders across the United States. Nikkie leads the firm's investment strategy, supports its portfolio companies, and helps women-led businesses grow. She brings 20 years of operational experience spanning publicly traded companies, private equity, and venture-backed startups. Before launching Red Clover, Nikkie served as Chief Revenue Officer at Mamava, where she helped grow the female-founded company to profitability and global recognition in women's health and family infrastructure. In this episode, Nikkie shares how her experience as an operator shaped Red Clover's hands-on approach to investing and supporting female founders. She and Catherine discuss the persistent venture capital funding gap, the coming transfer of wealth to women, and how gender-lens investing can create meaningful impact while building generational wealth. Nikkie also explains Red Clover's investment strategy, its focus on sectors including women's health, the care economy, family technology, and sustainable innovation, and the story behind the fund's name. The conversation highlights why more women should consider venture capital as an investment, funding, or career path—and how increasing women's participation can influence which innovations reach the marketplace.   Websites Mentioned https://www.redclovervc.com Show Her The Money – https://showherthemoneymovie.com She Angel Investors – https://www.sheangelinvestors.com   Follow Us On Social Facebook @sheangelinvestors Twitter (X) @sheangelsinvest Instagram @sheangelinvestors & @catherinegray_investinher LinkedIn @catherinelgray & @sheangels    

Today on the Invest In Her podcast, host Catherine Gray talks with Kathy Eldon, an award-winning film and television producer, bestselling author, journalist, and founder of Creative Visions. Inspired by the life and legacy of her son, Reuters photojournalist and creative activist Dan Eldon, Kathy launched the nonprofit with her daughter, Amy. Creative Visions has supported hundreds of creative projects around the world, while Kathy's films, documentaries, and television productions have appeared on Columbia Pictures, Netflix, CNN, PBS, TBS, and OWN. She is also the author of 17 books, including The Journey Is the Destination, Hope Rising, and her forthcoming book, Boundless. In this episode, Kathy shares how she transformed unimaginable loss into a global movement supporting filmmakers, artists, educators, and changemakers who use storytelling to create positive social impact. She explains how Creative Visions provides fiscal sponsorship to mission-driven projects and discusses several initiatives close to her heart, including youth creative-expression programs, women's sports media, impact investing, and her animated project, Harper's Yellow Goggles. Kathy and Catherine also explore the importance of funding women-led innovation, investing with purpose, and using creativity to move through difficult experiences. Kathy reminds listeners that even when the world feels overwhelming, everyone can use their voice, resources, and creative spark to make a meaningful difference. Websites Mentioned www.creativevisions.orgwww.kathyeldon.com Show Her The Money – https://showherthemoneymovie.com She Angel Investors – https://www.sheangelinvestors.com   Follow Us On Social Facebook @sheangelinvestors Twitter (X) @sheangelsinvest Instagram @sheangelinvestors & @catherinegray_investinher LinkedIn @catherinelgray & @sheangels    

In this episode of Invest in Her, host Catherine Gray talks with Christy Brown, CEO of Dr. Noze Best, a pediatric wellness company delivering hospital-grade respiratory care solutions to families at home. Christy shares how she unexpectedly became an entrepreneur while building Mask Digital, an early e-commerce strategy company that helped major brands understand the emerging digital marketplace. What began as a solution to an immediate customer need grew into the first of four successful company exits across both public and private organizations. Christy also discusses her evolution from entrepreneur to angel investor and venture capitalist. Her first angel investment taught her valuable lessons about founder commitment, due diligence, and the realities of investing in early-stage companies. She explains why more women need to become angel investors, limited partners, and general partners—and why teaching young women about venture capital can help change who receives funding and which products and services shape our future. Christy and Catherine also explore the story behind Dr. Noze Best. Founded by pediatric ENT Dr. Steven Goudy, the company created the NozeBot, a hospital-grade nasal aspirator designed to help families manage nasal congestion at home. Christy explains how the company is expanding its pediatric respiratory wellness platform, growing nationally, and introducing additional products focused on breathing, congestion, and symptom relief.   Connect With Christy and Dr. Noze Best Website: www.drnozebest.com Connect with Christy Brown on LinkedIn. https://www.businessofher.com Show Her The Money – https://showherthemoneymovie.com She Angel Investors – https://www.sheangelinvestors.com   Follow Us On Social Facebook @sheangelinvestors Twitter (X) @sheangelsinvest Instagram @sheangelinvestors & @catherinegray_investinher LinkedIn @catherinelgray & @sheangels

Today on the Invest In Her podcast, host Catherine Gray talks with Justine Reiss, a speaker, storyteller, humanitarian, professional voiceover artist, breast cancer survivor, and recipient of the Heart of Humanity Award. Justine is dedicated to helping women reclaim their voices, stories, and futures. Her humanitarian work includes partnerships with the Nguzo Women & Youth Foundation in Tanzania, the Pink Lady Foundation, CouldYou? Cup, and local organizations in Kenya to advance reproductive health education, menstrual equity, and access to essential resources for women and girls. Through writing, filmmaking, public speaking, and documentary development, she also amplifies the experiences of women whose stories often go unheard. In this episode, Justine explains how period poverty can force girls to miss or leave school, enter early marriages, and face exploitation simply because they lack access to menstrual products. She and Catherine discuss the transformative potential of reusable menstrual cups, which can last seven to ten years, as well as the importance of community education and training to reduce shame and create lasting change. Justine also shares stories from her humanitarian work in Kenya and Tanzania, her commitment to ethical filmmaking, and an upcoming documentary project centered on women rebuilding their lives after leaving a high-control religious community. Their conversation highlights how courage, collaboration, and storytelling can help women overcome fear, reclaim their voices, and become the authors of their own lives. https://www.businessofher.com Show Her The Money – https://showherthemoneymovie.com She Angel Investors – https://www.sheangelinvestors.com   Follow Us On Social Facebook @sheangelinvestors Twitter (X) @sheangelsinvest Instagram @sheangelinvestors & @catherinegray_investinher LinkedIn @catherinelgray & @sheangels  

Today on the milestone 500th episode of the Invest In Her podcast, host Catherine Gray talks with Alexis Meruelo, founder of The Business of Her and author of Getting You Ready for Power. A passionate advocate for the next generation of women leaders, Alexis creates high-energy conferences, educational experiences, and supportive communities designed to help young women develop confidence, expand their professional possibilities, and recognize their ability to create meaningful change. Through The Business of Her, she is building a platform that connects ambition with opportunity while encouraging women to pursue leadership, entrepreneurship, financial independence, and personal fulfillment. In this inspiring conversation, Alexis opens up about the deeply personal experiences that shaped her mission, including heartbreak, professional burnout, imposter syndrome, rejection, and the struggle to rebuild her identity during a major transition. She shares how her healing journey led to writing Getting You Ready for Power, a book intended to help women reconnect with their self-worth and prepare emotionally and professionally for the opportunities they desire. Alexis and Catherine discuss why success must be defined individually, how setbacks can redirect women toward a more authentic path, and the importance of building wealth with intention. They also explore the power of investing in women-led businesses, surrounding yourself with people who support your growth, and using influence to create opportunities for others. Alexis highlights The Business of Her's work to empower young women and its commitment to awarding a $10,000 grant to a female-owned business in Las Vegas, demonstrating how confidence, capital, education, and community can work together to help women step fully into their power. Websites Mentioned https://www.businessofher.com Show Her The Money – https://showherthemoneymovie.com She Angel Investors – https://www.sheangelinvestors.com   Follow Us On Social Facebook @sheangelinvestors Twitter (X) @sheangelsinvest Instagram @sheangelinvestors & @catherinegray_investinher LinkedIn @catherinelgray & @sheangels  

Today on the Invest In Her Podcast, host Catherine Gray talks with 6-time Emmy award-wining Actress Tyne Daly of Cagney and Lacey fame and award-winning director Eric Dyson, to talk about their upcoming fundraiser for his important and moving Alta Dena fires film.  On Sept 17, 2026 there will be an Extraordinary Evening of Legacy, Storytelling, and Purpose. Join us at an intimate private theater in West Hollywood for an exclusive Cagney & Lacey Reunion featuring Emmy Award-winning actresses Tyne Daly and Sharon Gless, hosted by Golden Globe-nominated actress Susan Anton.   Limited to just 50 guests, this unforgettable evening includes a premiere short film, a live reunion conversation, audience Q&A, and an auction of rare Cagney & Lacey memorabilia—all in support of an important cause. The event benefits Parable of the Ashes, a feature documentary inspired by the prophetic work of acclaimed author Octavia Butler and the devastating aftermath of the Eaton Fire. This event is sponsored by the Sunset Marquis.   The film explores the profound disparity that left Altadena disproportionately impacted while many surrounding communities were spared—echoing the social inequities and climate realities Butler envisioned decades ago. More importantly, it will help preserve Altadena's history, document its recovery, educate future generations, and serve as a fundraising tool to support the community's rebuilding efforts. Directed by award-winning filmmaker Eric Dyson, whose acclaimed documentary short on the Eaton Fire won Best Documentary Short at the Pasadena International Film Festival and the Burbank Film Festival, will direct a feature will expand this powerful story through the voices of residents, historians, and community leaders.   Your tax-deductible contribution through 501(c)3 From The Heart Productions directly supports the production and distribution of this documentary, ensuring it reaches audiences, schools, and communities while generating awareness and resources for Altadena's continued recovery.   Together, we can preserve an important story, honor an extraordinary community, and transform film into a lasting instrument for education, remembrance, and renewal. A portion of the proceeds will also go to Civic Soul, a non profit stated by Actor John Stamos and his wife Caitlin- that is helping the fire survivors.   We hope you'll join us and become part of this important journey with your donation or investment. For tickets and/or producing opportunities, contact www.EricDyson.net Or reach out to Catherine Gray or Eric Dyson on LinkedIn! Websites Mentioned: Show Her The Money – https://showherthemoneymovie.com She Angel Investors – https://www.sheangelinvestors.com   Follow Us On Social Facebook @sheangelinvestors Twitter (X) @sheangelsinvest Instagram @sheangelinvestors & @catherinegray_investinher LinkedIn @catherinelgray & @sheangels  

*A TOPIC SO GOOD WE HAD TO RE-AIR! What happens when high-impact women have a global space designed to preserve their voices, strengthen meaningful relationships, and expand their influence? Catherine Gray, host of the Invest In Her Podcast, talks with Kristin Thomas, founder of Marble Collective—an AI-powered global salon that deepens cross-sector relationships and amplifies the presence and digital legacies of women leaders. Kristin explains how Marble Collective creates an intentional community where influential women can connect, collaborate, and thrive across industries. Drawing from her 20-year career in real estate, advisory work, and advocacy for mental health, diverse founders, and inclusive leadership, she shares why visibility and meaningful connection are essential for creating lasting impact. This conversation offers an inspiring look at how technology and community can help women preserve their stories, broaden their influence, and build enduring legacies. In this episode: What inspired Kristin to create Marble Collective How AI can preserve and amplify women's voices The value of meaningful cross-sector relationships Why intentional communities matter for women leaders Lessons from Kristin's 20-year career in real estate Supporting mental health, diverse founders, and inclusive leadership How women can strengthen their visibility and create lasting legacies Show Her The Money – https://showherthemoneymovie.com She Angel Investors – https://www.sheangelinvestors.com Follow Us On Social Facebook @sheangelinvestors Twitter (X) @sheangelsinvest Instagram @sheangelinvestors & @catherinegray_investinher LinkedIn @catherinelgray & @sheangels #InvestInHer #KristinThomas #MarbleCollective #WomenLeaders #WomenInBusiness #ArtificialIntelligence #WomenInAI #FemaleFounders #InclusiveLeadership #DigitalLegacy #CommunityBuilding #WomenSupportingWomen #SheAngelInvestors #CatherineGray #LeadershipDevelopment