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Her First: Reinventing What it Means to be a High-Achieving Woman

Michelle Pualani & Joanna Newton
74 episodes   Last Updated: Dec 16, 24

The Her First Podcast, hosted by Michelle Pualani & Joanna Newton is all about helping women reinvent what it means to be a high-achiever. We highlight women of impact and discuss the struggles they face as business owners and high-profile individuals.Are you ready to put yourself first in business and in life? The Her First Collective: A community of female online business owners, coaches, and creators to grow both personally and professionally. Join here: www.facebook.com/groups/herfirstcollective/As a founding member of this community, you'll have an opportunity to get support and feedback from Joanna and me as well as access our podcast guests. Each week, we'll post our latest episode and we encourage you to add your thoughts and questions.

Episodes

We’re diving into Ariana Grande’s rollercoaster of a career—because let’s be real, being a child star, pop icon, and now Glinda in Wicked is no small feat. We talk about everything from her rise to fame and surviving the chaos of the music industry to handling public scrutiny and bouncing back from major challenges. Her story is basically a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and how to keep going when life throws shade (or scandals). Oh, and of course, we’re dishing on how her journey can teach us all a thing or two about personal branding, perseverance, and staying fabulous even under pressure.Time Stamps:01:54 Breaking into the Music Industry02:39 The Manchester Bombing and Personal Struggles03:35 Reinvention and Growth04:18 Landing the Role of Glinda in Wicked08:42 Manifestation and Hard Work14:04 Overcoming Scandals and Setbacks15:06 Lessons for Entrepreneurs26:35 The Power of Personal Branding[Subscribe | Leave a Review | Share]10-Day Course Creation Challenge Build a Successful Online Business Using Kajabi 33 Proven Ways to Drive Massive Traffic to Your Online Business FitCEO: From Hustle to Harmony Get Descript for PodcastingTry Out Monday.com Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/herfirstcollective/ Social: @themichellepualani | @joanna_atwork Michelle: https://michellepualani.com/work-with-me Joanna: https://www.millennialmktr.com
Ever had some issues working with founders—those idea-generating machines who keep you on your toes. Together with Jessica Noon, we explore the ups and downs of managing opportunity costs, staying aligned with company values, and balancing personal branding with effective leadership. With a mix of personal stories and practical strategies, we unpack how founders can avoid falling into the ‘cult of personality’ trap, manage their ideas without overwhelming their team, and foster a balanced, self-aware leadership style that supports growth and collaboration.Connect with Jessica:Insta: https://www.instagram.com/daybreak_jess/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicahnoon/Offer: https://www.daybreakideas.com/swtTime Stamps:01:26 Why It Sucks to Work with Founders06:53 The Cult of Personality in Business08:18 Challenges of Scaling a Founder-Led Business15:44 The Importance of Self-Awareness for Founders17:41 Hiring and Managing a Team as a Founder23:24 Managing Ideas and Priorities in a Founder-Led Business[Subscribe | Leave a Review | Share]10-Day Course Creation Challenge Build a Successful Online Business Using Kajabi 33 Proven Ways to Drive Massive Traffic to Your Online Business FitCEO: From Hustle to Harmony Get Descript for PodcastingTry Out Monday.com Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/herfirstcollective/ Social: @themichellepualani | @joanna_atwork Michelle: https://michellepualani.com/work-with-me Joanna: https://www.millennialmktr.com
We’re diving into Project 2025—a roadmap laid out by a conservative political organization—and unpacking what it could mean for business owners like us. From reproductive rights and healthcare to education and labor laws, we explore the ripple effects these potential changes could have on you personal and professional life. We talk about staying informed, preparing for shifts in laws and regulations, and finding balance in the chaos. Plus, we share tips on spotting opportunities in uncertain times and staying true to your values while navigating it all.Time Stamps:01:13 Understanding Project 2025's Impact03:03 Navigating Political Changes as a Business Owner05:38 Personal and Business Financial Strategies08:19 Health Insurance and Reproductive Rights15:14 Adapting to Economic and Labor Changes21:52 Emotional and Strategic Business Planning28:18 Seizing Opportunities in Uncertain Times[Subscribe | Leave a Review | Share]10-Day Course Creation Challenge Build a Successful Online Business Using Kajabi 33 Proven Ways to Drive Massive Traffic to Your Online Business FitCEO: From Hustle to Harmony Get Descript for PodcastingTry Out Monday.com Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/herfirstcollective/ Social: @themichellepualani | @joanna_atwork Michelle: https://michellepualani.com/work-with-me Joanna: https://www.millennialmktr.com
We’re diving into the all-important topic of financial literacy for women and why it’s time to shift our mindsets around money to use it as a tool for empowerment. Drawing inspiration from Tori Dunlap and her push for financial education, we explore everything from building savings and investing wisely to understanding how politics impact women’s financial stability. Packed with practical advice and resources, this episode is all about helping women take control of their finances, tackle economic challenges, and feel confident navigating the money game.Time Stamps:00:35 Empowerment Through Financial Literacy01:26 Tori Dunlap's Financial Advocacy07:10 Navigating Political and Financial Changes18:03 Practical Steps to Financial Stability26:41 Empowering Women to Make More Money32:10 Conclusion: Taking Control of Your Finances[Subscribe | Leave a Review | Share]10-Day Course Creation Challenge Build a Successful Online Business Using Kajabi 33 Proven Ways to Drive Massive Traffic to Your Online Business FitCEO: From Hustle to Harmony Get Descript for PodcastingTry Out Monday.com Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/herfirstcollective/ Social: @themichellepualani | @joanna_atwork Michelle: https://michellepualani.com/work-with-me Joanna: https://www.millennialmktr.com
We’re excited to welcome Barbara Clarke Ruiz, CEO of BC Swirl Incorporated, to the podcast! Barbara takes us through her amazing career in the global activewear world, where she’s worked with giants like Adidas, Nike, and Eleven by Venus Williams. From her early days to leading big projects like designing for Walmart and boosting sales with Kohl’s Tech Gear, Barbara’s story is packed with big moves and bold choices. She also shares her leap into entrepreneurship with her pet treat brand, Lick You Silly, and her latest adventure in children’s book publishing. This episode is full of real, practical insights for anyone dreaming big in business!Get to Know Barbara:https://www.facebook.com/barbara.c.ruiz.3https://www.instagram.com/barbaraclarkeruiz/https://linkedin.com/in/barbaraclarkeruizLick You Silly Pet Products:https://www.facebook.com/lickyousillypetproducts/https://www.instagram.com/lickyousillyyumyum/https://www.tiktok.com/@lickyousillypetproductsTime Stamps:01:10 Barbara Clark Ruiz's Impressive Career Journey02:19 Early Career and Major Accomplishments06:22 Navigating Challenges and Success in the Activewear Industry11:53 Collaborating with Venus Williams15:07 Transition to Entrepreneurship: Lick You Silly19:27 Building a Successful Pet Product Business23:42 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs28:35 New Ventures and Final Thoughts[Subscribe | Leave a Review | Share]10-Day Course Creation Challenge Build a Successful Online Business Using Kajabi 33 Proven Ways to Drive Massive Traffic to Your Online Business FitCEO: From Hustle to Harmony Get Descript for PodcastingTry Out Monday.com Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/herfirstcollective/ Social: @themichellepualani | @joanna_atwork Michelle: https://michellepualani.com/work-with-me Joanna: https://www.millennialmktr.com
We dive deeper into the concept of personal power and how to sustain it over time. Building on a previous episode that covered the basics of reclaiming personal power, today's discussion focuses on the continuous process of maintaining alignment, overcoming setbacks, and leveraging both intuition and analytical data for long-term success. We explore practical strategies for self-care, productivity, and creating supportive environments, aiming to help high-achieving women stay empowered in both their personal and professional lives.Time Stamps:01:15 Recap of Personal Power Part One02:58 Continuing the Journey of Personal Power03:43 Long-Term Growth Strategies03:55 Maintaining Alignment in Business and Personal Life04:40 Overcoming Setbacks and Challenges06:34 Sustaining Personal Power Over Time13:24 The Importance of Perspective26:23 Creating a Supportive Environment[Subscribe | Leave a Review | Share]10-Day Course Creation Challenge Build a Successful Online Business Using Kajabi 33 Proven Ways to Drive Massive Traffic to Your Online Business FitCEO: From Hustle to Harmony Get Descript for PodcastingTry Out Monday.com Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/herfirstcollective/ Social: @themichellepualani | @joanna_atwork Michelle: https://michellepualani.com/work-with-me Joanna: https://www.millennialmktr.com
We dive into the journey and impact of Kamala Harris as the first female, Black, and South Asian U.S. Vice President, exploring the unique challenges and criticisms she faces as a woman in leadership. Reflecting on Kamala’s story, we share insights on how diverse representation can shape leadership and offer practical lessons for business owners, coaches, and creators.Call Her Daddy Snippet: Kamala Harris Talks 'Humble' vs. Childless Women on 'Call Her Daddy'Time Stamps:00:53 Kamala Harris's Background and Career02:18 Criticism and Public Perception03:56 Kamala Harris's Leadership Qualities05:58 The Importance of Representation08:06 Gender and Leadership12:40 The Future of Leadership[Subscribe | Leave a Review | Share]10-Day Course Creation Challenge Build a Successful Online Business Using Kajabi 33 Proven Ways to Drive Massive Traffic to Your Online Business FitCEO: From Hustle to Harmony Get Descript for PodcastingTry Out Monday.com Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/herfirstcollective/ Social: @themichellepualani | @joanna_atwork Michelle: https://michellepualani.com/work-with-me Joanna: https://www.millennialmktr.com
Today we’re chatting about the double standards and pressures that high-achieving women face—especially when they're in the spotlight. Highlighting Chappell Roan, we chat about the scrutiny female musicians deal with, from political expectations to public criticism. We also get real about juggling careers, motherhood, and handling relentless media glare. Plus, we dish out tips on how to stay grounded, set boundaries, and focus on what really matters: personal goals, self-love, and redefining success on your own terms. It's about finding happiness without losing your sanity!Time Stamps:02:45 Chappell Roan's Rise to Fame03:14 Challenges of Fame and Privacy04:46 Political Pressures and Backlash06:17 Mental Health and Public Scrutiny08:17 Balancing Public and Private Life12:19 Gender Double Standards in Society15:50 Balancing Life and Business17:22 Setting Boundaries and Differentiation18:08 Navigating Criticism and Decision Making19:03 The Role of PR in Public Perception20:34 Personal Strategies for Professional Growth21:41 Cultural Expectations and Personal Vulnerability24:39 Mindset and Authenticity29:25 Redefining Success and Self-Worth[Subscribe | Leave a Review | Share]10-Day Course Creation Challenge Build a Successful Online Business Using Kajabi 33 Proven Ways to Drive Massive Traffic to Your Online Business FitCEO: From Hustle to Harmony Get Descript for PodcastingTry Out Monday.com Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/herfirstcollective/ Social: @themichellepualani | @joanna_atwork Michelle: https://michellepualani.com/work-with-me Joanna: https://www.millennialmktr.com
One of our longtime listeners, Jackie Stone, joins Joanna and Michelle on today’s episode to share her incredible, life-changing story. After listening to one of our earlier episodes, Jackie was inspired to dive into a topic we covered, leading her down a path of exploration that unearthed some unexpected and life-altering family secrets. Tune in to hear how she uncovered surprising truths about her past and how it’s reshaped her life in ways she never imagined![Subscribe | Leave a Review | Share]10-Day Course Creation Challenge Build a Successful Online Business Using Kajabi 33 Proven Ways to Drive Massive Traffic to Your Online Business FitCEO: From Hustle to Harmony Get Descript for PodcastingTry Out Monday.com Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/herfirstcollective/ Social: @themichellepualani | @joanna_atwork Michelle: https://michellepualani.com/work-with-me Joanna: https://www.millennialmktr.com
In this episode of the Her First Podcast, we dive into the chaotic and rewarding world of entrepreneurship. We dish out the real talk on starting a business—why it’s not just about passion, but also mastering business models, emotional resilience, and, you know, profitability. With insights from big names like Elon Musk and Alex Hermosi, plus our own hard-learned lessons, we tackle freelancing vs. business ownership, debunk the "four-hour workweek" myth, and share tips on staying sane while scaling. If you’re ready for a dose of entrepreneurial reality, this one’s for you!Time Stamps:01:06 The Reality of Entrepreneurship03:06 Why You Shouldn't Start a Business05:18 The Emotional Labor of Business09:51 The Importance of Business Skills19:55 Understanding Business Models22:48 Freelancing vs. Business Ownership23:49 Motivation for Starting a Business26:34 The Desire for Freedom in Entrepreneurship30:56 Debunking the Four-Hour Work Week Myth36:19 Identifying and Solving Problems in Business41:19 The Importance of Enjoying Business Concepts[Subscribe | Leave a Review | Share]10-Day Course Creation Challenge Build a Successful Online Business Using Kajabi 33 Proven Ways to Drive Massive Traffic to Your Online Business FitCEO: From Hustle to Harmony Get Descript for PodcastingTry Out Monday.com Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/herfirstcollective/ Social: @themichellepualani | @joanna_atwork Michelle: https://michellepualani.com/work-with-me Joanna: https://www.millennialmktr.com