Inspired to Lead

What does it take to be a woman with a loud voice in a world that keeps telling you to be quiet? In this episode, host Talia Mashiach sits down with Avital Chizhik-Goldschmidt — journalist, rebbetzin, and co-founder of the Altneu Synagogue on Manhattan's Upper East Side — for a conversation about ambition, authenticity, and what it really means to lead. Avital's path has been anything but conventional. A Russian-born writer who published her first viral essay at 20, landed bylines in The New York Times, The Atlantic, Vogue, and Foreign Policy, and spent years as a features editor and news editor before pivoting to co-build one of New York City's fastest-growing Orthodox synagogues — all while navigating the deeply complex terrain of being a bold female voice in the frum community. This episode is about far more than one woman's story. It's a frank, urgent conversation about the cost of conformity, the crisis of female spiritual leadership in Orthodox communities, and why, if we don't change, we're going to lose an entire generation of women. Timestamps: 2:39 — Avital's background: growing up Russian-speaking, a literary home, and big dreams 5:34 — The power of teachers and mentors in igniting ambition 6:37 — Being told her drive for ambition was a "yetzer hara" — and going for it anyway 9:07 — Writing for Haaretz, personal essays, and finding her voice as a religious woman 11:36 — The Forward years: breaking stories on the Orthodox community and navigating controversy 12:52 — Going viral before going viral was a thing; the tznius essay at age 20 17:41 — Writing about her dating life and using authenticity as a filter 20:28 — Freelancing and hitting her byline bucket list: NYT, The Atlantic, Vogue, and more 21:08 — The reality of gatekeeping in journalism and being relentless despite rejection 22:07 — "Winners always find a way to win" 22:22 — Meeting her husband: the story, the promise she broke, and the NYT essay that brought them back together 26:32 — Writing a book: 700 words a day and the unglamorous daily discipline 29:13 — Why the digital world has flattened us — and why that's dangerous 30:01 — On shidduchim, being yourself, and differentiation in dating 31:37 — "It's gonna be really hard to build leaders — especially women — who aren't bold enough to be authentic" 31:45 — Building genuine belonging vs. conformity in frum community life 35:30 — The controversy and the courage: hate mail, threats, and choosing truth anyway 36:09 — Post-October 7th: a shift in priorities and the luxury of community criticism 36:49 — How the Altneue Synagogue was born — out of crisis, pregnancy, and 40 people in a living room 38:27 — The convergence: how Avital's journalism career and community building came together 42:32 — From a living room minyan to 600 people and the Pierre Ballroom 45:28 — October 7th and the surge of young Jews searching for connection 46:23 — Building real commitment: charging membership before they had a building 47:33 — The shul as a product: finding the gap and doubling down on differentiation 51:37 — "When you engage the women, you engage the whole family" 51:40 — "We felt the hand of God in this" — 722 member families and counting 59:30 — "There should be leadership on both sides of the mechitza" — Avital's defining statement 1:02:03 — Women spiritually checking out vs. going "woke" — what Avital is actually worried about 1:05:08 — Materialism as the symptom of women with no inner spiritual life 1:08:14 — Halacha vs. Masorah: having the honest conversation 1:12:14 — "If we don't change, we're going to lose" — what senior Rabbonim are actually saying 1:15:09 — "We are so afraid of female voices" — the media we consume and the messages it sends 1:18:45 — The JWE's mission and why this podcast exists 1:19:25 — Modeling: the text from a young woman that Avital saved 1:20:10 — Blurred girls' faces in magazine ads and the message sent to young women 1:37:39 — Fast Five: controversial thing she's ever done, her superpower, and her final message About the Guest: Avital Chizhik-Goldschmidt Avital Chizhik-Goldschmidt is a journalist, rebbetzin, and community builder based in Manhattan. A daughter of Russian-Jewish immigrants, she grew up in Highland Park, New Jersey, in a deeply literary home, and knew from childhood that she wanted to be a writer. She studied at Stern College for Women (Yeshiva University) and went on to build a distinguished career in journalism, with bylines in The New York Times, The Atlantic, Vogue, Foreign Policy, The New Republic, Glamour, Haaretz, and The Forward, where she served as features editor. She later served as news editor at The Real Deal, covering New York City politics and real estate. Avital is also the co-founder of the Altneu Synagogue, an Orthodox congregation on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, which she built alongside her husband, Rabbi Benji Goldschmidt. What began in 2020 as a living room minyan of 40 people has grown into a community of 722 member families — known for its intellectual rigor, inclusive spirit, and vibrant women's section. The shul has become a model for engaged, differentiated community building in the modern Orthodox world. A sought-after speaker and thought leader, Avital is currently at work on her first book. She is passionate about female leadership in the frum community, the importance of authenticity, and helping women reconnect to a rich inner spiritual life. This episode was made possible by our friends at *Roth & Co., innovators in accounting and business advisory. We are grateful for their continued partnership in making these conversations possible.*

What does it take to walk away from a 3-generation family business with just $7,000, rebuild it under your own name, raise six kids, design jewelry for the red carpet, and become an elected voice in a global Zionist party — all at the same time? In this episode, host Talia Mashiach sits down with Elisheva Chase, president and owner of Reiss Diamonds in Chicago. Elisheva is a third-generation jeweler who transformed a wholesale diamond house into a full-service custom jewelry studio — designing pieces by hand, sourcing ethically, and building a fiercely loyal clientele from scratch. After October 7th, Elisheva channeled her platform into action: coordinating gear for IDF soldiers, going viral with her hand-drawn Israel map jewelry, and earning a seat on the board of the World Zionist Organization (WZO). This is a conversation about legacy, reinvention, the real cost of building something, and trusting the process even when the path isn't clear. Guest: Elisheva Chase is the president and owner of Reiss Diamonds, a Chicago-based custom jewelry studio and diamond house. A third-generation jeweler Elisheva designs one-of-a-kind pieces and distributes diamonds to retailers nationwide. She is an educator at the JCK Jewelry Show, an activist for Israel, and an elected board member of the World Zionist Organization. She is a mother of six and a passionate advocate for women in business. 📍 Chicago, IL | 📸 Instagram: @reissdiamonds.co 🎙️ Episode Timestamps 0:58 — Welcome & Intro: Meet Ellie Chase, president of Reese Diamonds 3:45 — Growing up in a diamond house: 3rd generation jeweler origins 5:15 — How the diamond supply chain works: mines to retail, explained 18:20 — The first custom design: a green emerald and a pivotal client 26:45 — Balancing motherhood & career: 6 kids, long commutes, and the Sunday cook 30:43 — Practical tips for working moms: family systems that actually work 36:25 — Going independent: Starting Reese Diamonds with $7,000 52:25 — Opening the retail store: Growing fast without a loan 59:21 — October 7th changes everything: From jeweler to accidental activist 1:01:15 — Moving to Israel at 16: How early hardship built her resilience 1:04:22 — The viral Israel map jewelry & partnering with PK Heart 1:09:15 — Rapid fire Q&A: Biggest mistakes, unseen sacrifices & scariest risks 1:14:02 — What she knows now: "Trust the process. Keep going." 1:16:09 — Final message to women everywhere 💛 Support the JWE Conference Scholarship Fund The JWE Conference powered by Her is coming April 27th in Newark, NJ. Help us put more women in the room — donate to the scholarship fund: https://thejewishwomanentrepreneur.app.neoncrm.com/forms/jwescholarship Buy your ticket to the JWE Conference thejwe.com/conference This episode is sponsored by Roth & Co — Innovators in accounting and business advisory. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe wherever you listen. Watch on YouTube and share with a woman who needs to hear this today.

In this episode of Inspired to Lead, host Talia Mashiach sits down with Ruth Zukerman — co-founder of SoulCycle and founder of Flywheel Sports — for a raw and powerful conversation about building two iconic fitness brands, being pushed out of the company she created, and finding the strength to start over at 52. Ruth shares how she went from aspiring dancer to accidental fitness pioneer, how a painful divorce led her to discover spin, and the devastating partnership betrayal that cost her everything she built — while her former partners walked away with $90 million each. She also opens up about the personal growth, therapy, and resilience that carried her through each reinvention. Timestamps: 1:22 – Meet Ruth Zukerman 2:24 – Ruth's early dream of becoming a professional dancer 4:37 – Getting married and putting career aside 8:42 – Divorce and discovering spin at the Reebok Club 11:49 – Becoming a spin instructor and building a following 13:08 – Innovating with music and personal recognition 15:53 – The idea to open a standalone spin studio 17:57 – The three co-founders come together 20:48 – Choosing partners: lessons on friendship vs. business 24:19 – Opening SoulCycle: the hole-in-the-wall on 72nd Street 27:07 – Business explodes — the Hamptons barn 30:10 – Word of mouth, no advertising, no signage 33:08 – Scaling to the Upper East Side 36:07 – No operating agreement: a costly mistake 38:24 – The partnership unravels — Ruth is pushed out 42:20 – Going back to teach at SoulCycle as an employee 44:40 – The birth of Flywheel Sports at age 52 46:55 – What Ruth did differently the second time 49:58 – Flywheel grows to 42 locations and gets acquired 51:31 – SoulCycle sells — each partner makes $90 million 53:58 – The emotional toll and how Ruth processed the loss 55:18 – Resilience, reinvention & life's biggest lessons 59:37 – Advice on partnerships, contracts & knowing yourself 1:15:37 – Closing thoughts & sponsor message Guest Description: Ruth Zukerman is an entrepreneur, author, and keynote speaker best known as a co-founder of SoulCycle and the founder of Flywheel Sports. A former dancer turned fitness industry pioneer, Ruth helped create the boutique fitness movement and grew Flywheel to 42 locations before its acquisition. She is the author of a memoir and business book sharing the life lessons behind her journey. Ruth is the keynote speaker at the upcoming JWE (Jewish Women Entrepreneurs) conference. Come meet Ruth live at the JWE Powered by HER Conference and in person on April 27, 2026 in Newark NJ. Spots are limited. By your ticket today at thejwe.com/conference and use code PODCAST to save $10 off your ticket . This episode is sponsored by Roth and Co., innovators in accounting and business advisory.

Join host Talia Mashiach for an inspiring conversation with Jamie Geller, Chief Communications Officer and Global Spokesperson at Aish, as she shares her remarkable journey from Hollywood producer to cookbook author to nonprofit leader. Episode Highlights: [00:00] Introduction - Jamie's recognition and impact across different communities [00:19] Early career dreams and the path to broadcast journalism at NYU [07:40] Landing at CNN through networking and becoming an intern manager [09:44] Graduating Phi Beta Kappa in 3 years while working almost full-time [10:00] The importance of work ethic, confidence vs. arrogance, and hiring for culture fit [15:16] Core values and the "I GROW" acronym at Aish [22:50] Discovering observant Judaism and the life-changing decision to keep Shabbat [24:21] Walking away from CNN and the "good luck finding another job" moment [31:26] Navigating Hollywood as a religious woman at HBO [37:00] The partnership model - balancing career and traditional home roles [43:50] Missing the bat mitzvah play for a White House meeting [46:40] Transitioning from HBO to the food industry and becoming "the bride who knew nothing" [52:30] Building a digital food empire - 2 million followers, billion views, and burnout [1:02:00] The evolution of social media and the pressure of constant authenticity [1:23:30] The COVID pivot and joining Aish with a vision for digital Jewish education [1:27:05] Growing Aish from 400K to 4 million followers and 2 million daily video views [1:29:20] Fast Five: Superpower, best advice, leadership style, and final wisdom Guest Description: Jamie Geller is a former HBO producer turned cookbook author and digital media pioneer who built a food empire with over 1 billion video views before joining Aish. She's the author of 8 cookbooks, including "Quick and Kosher: Recipes from the Bride Who Knew Nothing," and has grown Aish's social media presence from 400,000 to 4 million followers. Jamie lives in Jerusalem with her husband and six children. This episode is brought to you by Roth and Co., innovators in accounting and business advisory.

In this powerful episode, Lizzy Savetsky shares her remarkable journey from fashion influencer to one of the most prominent Jewish activists on social media. Lizzy opens up about the pivotal moments that shaped her path—from growing up in Fort Worth, Texas with dreams of being a singer, to building a successful fashion blogging career, to making the courageous decision to pivot to full-time Jewish advocacy in 2021. She discusses the personal and professional sacrifices she made, including being dropped by her management company, receiving death threats, and hitting rock bottom with alcoholism before finding sobriety. Lizzy's story is one of authenticity, resilience, and the power of living your truth out loud, even when it costs you everything. [1:22] Growing up in Fort Worth, Texas and early performing dreams [5:40] Meeting her husband and the journey to Orthodox Judaism [9:37] The decision to study in Israel at Neve Seminary [20:00] Breaking into fashion PR and starting her blog [27:50] Discovering Instagram and building a following [39:20] The turning point: May 2021 and pivoting to Jewish advocacy [53:00] Getting dropped by management and facing death threats [59:00] The importance of authenticity vs. performing your life [62:30] Hitting rock bottom with alcoholism and finding sobriety [66:45] Rumors of "Lizzy for Mayor" and potential political future [70:15] Fast Five: Biggest mistakes, sacrifices, and superpowers [70:00] Final message: Invest in yourself and find your purpose Guest Description Lizzy Savetsky is a Jewish activist, digital advocate, and social media influencer known for her unapologetic defense of Israel and the Jewish people. With a background in fashion PR and blogging, Lizzy made headlines when she pivoted from fashion content to full-time advocacy work in 2021, following attacks on Israel. Despite facing death threats and losing lucrative brand partnerships, she has built a powerful platform speaking at rallies, delivering speeches nationwide, and mobilizing the Jewish community online. A mother of four and wife to a plastic surgeon Ira Savetsky. Sponsor This episode is sponsored by Roth & Co innovators in accounting and business advisory. To learn more visit https://rothcocpa.com/

In this inspiring episode of "Inspire to Lead," host Talia Mashiach sits down with singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur Shaindy Plotzker. Together, they explore Shaindy's journey of becoming a trailblazer in the Orthodox Jewish music scene. Shaindy shares candid insights about building her business, overcoming obstacles, and the importance of authenticity, leadership, and self-worth. This conversation is packed with wisdom for anyone looking to pursue their passion, break barriers, and lead with purpose. Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction & opening thoughts 01:07 – Meet Shaindy Plotzker: background and early influences 04:20 – Breaking barriers: music, business, and Orthodox Jewish identity 07:00 – Building a team and running a production company 12:43 – Growing up, family, and the power of music 17:39 – Overcoming obstacles and finding your unique voice 24:04 – Leadership, authenticity, and advice for young women 35:58 – The pivotal moments that changed everything 42:04 – Quick-fire questions and closing thoughts Guest Description: Shaindy Plotzker is a dynamic singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur known for her soulful voice and energetic performances. As a leading figure in the Orthodox Jewish music world, Shaindy has inspired thousands with her message of self-acceptance, faith, and empowerment. Beyond the stage, she runs her own production company, mentors young talent, and is passionate about using her platform to uplift others. Shaindy's journey is a testament to the power of authenticity, resilience, and following your calling.

In this episode of Inspire to Lead, host Talia Mashiach sits down with Beth Warren, CEO and founder of Nourished by Beth, to explore the journey of turning a love for food and helping others into a thriving nutrition practice. Beth shares her story of starting out in marketing, landing a coveted internship at American Express, and ultimately pivoting to nutrition—navigating the challenges of building a business from her Brooklyn home while raising a family. The conversation dives deep into the realities of entrepreneurship: from the decision to accept insurance, scaling to multiple offices, and the importance of networking and self-advocacy, to the sacrifices and resilience required to balance motherhood, business growth, and personal well-being. Beth opens up about the lessons learned through divorce, the power of having your own career, and the evolution of her practice to focus on emotional well-being and authentic connection. 03:15 – Discovering Nutrition: From Marketing to Food 07:00 – Landing the American Express Internship 10:00 – The Power of Networking & Self-Advocacy 15:00 – Starting a Private Practice While Raising a Family 20:00 – Accepting Insurance & Scaling the Business 25:00 – Building a Team: Assistants, Billers, and Dietitians 30:00 – Work-Life Balance: Juggling Family and Growth 35:00 – Navigating Financial Pressures & Business Pivots 40:00 – Resilience Through Divorce & Reinventing the Practice 45:00 – Focusing on Emotional Well-Being & Authenticity 50:00 – Writing Books & Building a Personal Brand 55:00 – Advice, Mindset, and Final Reflections About Our Guest: Beth Warren is a registered dietitian, entrepreneur, and author, known for her practical approach to nutrition and her commitment to helping others achieve lasting well-being. As the founder of Nourish by Beth, she has built a reputation for expertise, empathy, and innovation in the field of nutrition and wellness. Beth's journey is marked by resilience, adaptability, and a passion for empowering others to live their healthiest, most authentic lives.

In this episode, the host, Talia Mashiach, converses with Bluma Broner, the managing director and head of healthcare at CIBC Bank, USA. They delve into Bluma's dynamic career in banking, discussing its lucrative and flexible nature. Bluma, who is also deeply involved in community service through mentoring and board memberships, offers insights on leading a fulfilling career, staying true to one's principles, and managing societal expectations. She shares personal stories from her life in Israel, transitioning to her banking career, the challenges of being a working Orthodox Jewish woman, and the evolution of women's roles in professional and community settings. Bluma emphasizes the importance of doing what is right, building a supportive family structure, and finding fulfillment in one's work. The conversation also touches on the significance of women's representation on boards and mentoring future generations. 00:00 Introduction to Inspire to Lead Podcast 00:29 Meet Bluma Broner: Career and Community 01:27 Bluma's Early Life and Family Background 03:06 Challenges and Triumphs in Israeli Education 07:06 Navigating Career and Family in Israel 12:18 Transition to Banking and Gender Challenges 15:34 Balancing Career and Family in the U.S. 18:00 Insights on Commercial Lending and Healthcare 23:15 Support Systems and Outsourcing for Success 26:00 Corporate America: Balancing Faith and Career 27:26 Team Size and Structure 27:42 Career Trajectory and Job Satisfaction 29:45 Volunteer Work and Board Memberships 30:36 Women on Boards: Challenges and Progress 31:58 Balancing Career and Community 33:28 The Importance of Representation and Mentorship 36:01 Career Advice and Personal Reflections 50:59 Final Thoughts and Messages About Our Guest: Bluma Broner, Managing Director at CIBC, is responsible for client relationships and new business origination nationwide. She heads one of the bank's health care groups focused on providers of skilled nursing and senior housing. Broner has more than 22 years of banking experience and has spent the past 15 years as a lender to the health care industry. Before joining CIBC in 2007, she was vice president in health care at LaSalle Bank. She started her banking career in 1995 at Bank Leumi in Israel and has held a variety of positions, with a focus on middle-market entrepreneurial businesses. Broner holds a bachelor's degree in economics from Hebrew University in Jerusalem. She is a Leadership Greater Chicago 2019 fellow. Community leadership: Broner is a board member of Shalva, Associated Talmud Torahs of Chicago and NCSY, an Orthodox Jewish youth group. She also serves on the Community Building & Jewish Continuity Commission of the Jewish Federation in Chicago. Powered By Roth & Co The JWE For guest suggestions, please email Talia: podcast@thejwe.org

In this episode of 'Inspired to Lead,' host Talia Meshiach sits down with Shifra Kolsky, the Chief Accounting Officer at Discover Financial Services. Shifra shares her inspirational journey from overcoming the loss of her father during her teenage years, to working through high school and college, and eventually climbing the corporate ladder. With a special focus on balancing a high-powered career with family responsibilities, Shifra opens up about the importance of self-belief, continuous learning, and effective communication. She discusses her motivations, the challenges she faced regarding Shabbos and Yom Tov in a corporate environment, and the significance of a supportive workplace culture. Listeners will gain insights on the value of asking for growth opportunities, the power of mentorship, and the joy of contributing to both family and community. 00:00 Introduction to Inspired to Lead 01:24 Interview with Shifra Kolsky Begins 02:35 Shifra's Role at Discover Financial Services 06:18 Balancing Family and Career 07:23 Shifra's Early Life and Career Path 23:43 Challenges and Mentorship in Shifra's Career 30:20 Balancing Family and Career Responsibilities 31:15 Navigating Maternity Leave in Corporate America 33:09 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Climbing the Corporate Ladder 34:47 The Importance of Asking for Opportunities 38:04 Creating a Supportive Work Environment 41:04 Balancing Religious Observance with Corporate Demands 46:28 Leadership and Personal Growth 52:14 Final Reflections and Advice About Shifra Kolsky: Kolsky has been with Discover over 15 years and was promoted to Senior Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer in 2020. She was instrumental in driving several key initiatives, including significant accounting changes, major technology implementations and the adoption of robotic process automation in the finance function. She is the executive sponsor of Discover's Jewish Affinity Group. Prior to working for Discover, Kolsky was in public accounting in the audit practice at Deloitte and Arthur Andersen. In addition to her role at Discover, Kolsky is also active in her community, volunteering with No Shame On U, an organization dedicated to ending the stigma associated with mental health conditions; the Chicago chapter of The JWE; and the Kehillah Fund, which supports Jewish educational institutions in the Chicago area. Kolsky's husband is a rabbi who teaches in Jewish day schools and high schools. They have four children and two fabulous kids-in-law. https://www.linkedin.com/in/shifrakolsky Powered By Roth & Co The JWE For guest suggestions, please email Talia: podcast@thejwe.org

In this episode of 'Inspire to Lead,' host Talia Mashiach interviews Rachel Book, the Chief People Officer at CheckAlt. Rachel shares her journey from growing up in Monsey, New York, to working for major corporations like AT&T and transitioning to a smaller, entrepreneurial environment. They discuss the balance and harmony between career and family life, the importance of picking a fulfilling career, and the role of empathy in leadership. Rachel also talks about her approach to HR, performance management, and the necessity of enjoying one's work. With anecdotes from her professional journey and insights into effective life management, Rachel provides a deeply inspiring and practical outlook on ambitious professional life for Jewish women. 00:00 Introduction to Inspire to Lead Podcast 00:29 Meet Rachel Book: From Monsey to Corporate America 02:28 Transitioning from Corporate to Entrepreneurial 07:43 Challenges and Rewards of HR in Small Companies 16:51 Rachel's Early Life and Family Background 21:21 Balancing Career and Family Life 27:30 Navigating the Mommy Wars and Societal Expectations 28:42 Balancing Family and Career 30:40 Permission to Enjoy Your Work 32:15 The Role of Women in Society 34:53 Finding the Right Balance 35:31 Communicating with Family 42:16 Support Systems and Letting Go 46:22 Personal Growth and Community Involvement 48:00 Purpose and Superpowers 50:41 Career Highlights and Advice 55:52 Final Thoughts and Encouragement About Rachel: Rachel Book joined CheckAlt as Chief People Officer in January 2022, bringing over 20 years of HR and Talent Acquisition experience. She has held leadership roles at Stryker, Fidelity Investments, Bloomberg LP, and AT&T, where she led talent acquisition, diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Recognized for her transformational leadership, Rachel uses data-driven strategies to enhance organizational performance, employer brand, employee engagement, and diversity. She has led White House-sponsored initiatives for veteran hiring and developed programs for women returning to the workforce. Rachel is a sought-after advisor, speaker, and has been featured in top publications like Entrepreneur.com, Thrive Global, and CNBC. Rachel holds a graduate degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Harvard University and a Bachelor's in Psychology from Thomas Edison State University. She resides in Northern New Jersey with her husband and two teenage sons. https://theorg.com/org/checkalt/org-chart/rachel-book Powered By Roth & Co The JWE For guest suggestions, please email Talia: podcast@thejwe.org

In this episode of 'Inspire to Lead', host Talia Mashiach speaks with Shani Vinitsky, the founder of the Academy of Hair Design. Shani shares her journey from styling hair at 17 to establishing a successful training academy. She discusses the importance of confidence, the hard work behind her success, and how she turned her creative talent into a scalable business. The conversation also delves into the crucial role of marketing, balancing career with family life, and Shani's strategies for keeping her curriculum and skills up-to-date. Aspiring and established professionals in the hair and wig industry will find valuable insights and inspiration in Shani's story. 00:00 Introduction to Inspire to Lead Podcast 00:33 Meet Shani Vinitsky: Founder of the Academy of Hair Design 01:44 Shani's Journey: From Hobby to Career 06:22 Building Confidence as a Young Stylist 12:43 The Birth of a Teaching Career 17:40 Expanding the Academy: Advanced Courses and Beyond 24:41 Curriculum Updates and Industry Trends 26:04 Teaching Methods: In-Person vs. Zoom 28:15 Building a Team and Social Media Presence 31:15 Marketing Strategies and Business Growth 37:16 Future Plans and Innovations 40:17 Personal Insights and Advice 47:25 Balancing Business and Family About our guest: Shani is passionate about empowering women through the transformative art of hair and wigs. As an educator with years of experience in the hair industry, Shani has dedicated her career to teaching a wide range of skills, from cutting and hairstyling to wig repair, wig styling, and advanced masterclasses. For her, hair and wigs are not just about appearance—they're powerful tools for self-expression and confidence. Whether Shani is leading a masterclass, mentoring, or sharing insights, her mission is always the same: to inspire and empower women to embrace their creativity, build their confidence, and unlock their full potential. https://www.instagram.com/academyofhairdesign_ Powered By Roth & Co The JWE For guest suggestions, please email Talia: podcast@thejwe.org

In this episode, Talia Mashiach hosts Tamar Daniel, a Jerusalem-born fashion designer with an inspiring journey. Raised in Israel and England, Tamar brought her family to Philadelphia in 2008 to pursue a career in fashion, working with notable brands like Anthropologie. Despite facing significant challenges, including the 2009 financial crisis and personal setbacks, Tamar launched her own successful line of women's wear and a popular fashion sketchpad. She later navigated the complexities of managing a growing brand, ultimately selling it prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Tamar's story is one of resilience, creativity, and adaptability, embodying the spirit of perseverance. She shares valuable insights on entrepreneurship, balancing family life, and staying true to one's passions in the fashion industry. 00:00 Introduction to Inspire to Lead 00:31 Meet Tamar Daniel: A Journey in Fashion 02:10 Tamar's Early Career and Challenges 05:48 From Israel to Philadelphia: A New Beginning 06:35 The Anthropologie Experience 10:52 Venturing into Entrepreneurship 20:25 Creating Tux Bodywear 22:19 Celebrity Endorsements and Success 24:54 The Importance of Perseverance 28:32 Navigating the Volatility of Entrepreneurship 29:50 Facing Financial Uncertainty 31:46 The Turning Point and Selling the Brand 34:52 Reflecting on the Sale and Its Aftermath 37:23 Consulting and New Ventures 44:27 Balancing Family and Career 48:24 Gestational Carrier Experience 51:41 Lessons Learned and Advice 56:12 Final Thoughts and Inspiration About Tamar Daniel: With over 15 years of experience in fashion and marketing, Tamar has worked with industry giants like Anthropologie and Topshop and even built her own fashion line, which found its way into the closets of celebrities and the pages of Vogue, Oprah, and Fast Company. After selling her brand in 2019, Tamar transitioned into Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition, leveraging her sharp eye for design and business strategy to acquire and grow companies. Tamar lives in the Philadelphia suburbs with her husband and 5 kids. @tamarthemerrier (Insta) https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamardaniel/ Powered By Roth & Co The JWE For guest suggestions, please email Talia: podcast@thejwe.org

In this episode of 'Inspire to Lead,' Talia Mashiach sits down with Ahuva Basch, president of Logix ITS and a board member of the JWE. Ahuva shares her journey from discovering her passion for computer science to a flourishing 15-year career in software engineering before joining and eventually leading her family's tech business. Balancing her career with being a mother of five, Ahuva discusses the importance of hard work, the right support system, and being present in the moment. She recounts significant moments, including challenging a patent lawsuit and her experiences as a Jewish woman in tech. Tune in for valuable insights on leadership, family, and personal growth. 00:00 Introduction to Inspire to Lead Podcast 00:27 Meet Ahuva Basch: Tech Exec and Family Woman 00:41 Ahuva's Journey into Software Engineering 03:26 Balancing Family and Career 09:45 The Influence of Family on Ahuva's Career 17:18 Challenges and Successes in the Family Business 24:41 Balancing Faith and Work 25:34 Navigating Religious Holidays in the Workplace 27:45 Shabbos: A Time for Family 28:40 Discovering Your Superpower 30:59 Facing Legal Challenges 33:36 The Importance of Community and Support 37:03 Advice for the Next Generation 42:05 Finding Balance and Self-Care 44:11 Final Thoughts and Reflections About Ahuva Basch: Ahuva is President of LogixITS, a provider of proprietary Traffic Safety, Speed Enforcement and Parking Availability solutions. LogixITS has offices in five countries and sells their solutions in over forty countries. Ahuva drives Product and Innovation and oversees Manufacturing, Operations and Finance at LogixITS. She is also an active member of the JWE National Board. Powered By Roth & Co The JWE For guest suggestions, please email Talia: podcast@thejwe.org