Invest In Her with Catherine Gray

Today on the Invest In Her podcast, host Catherine Gray talks with entrepreneur and AI innovator Bethany Crystal, founder and CEO of Build First, an AI learning lab and product studio focused on helping people turn ideas into working products—often in under an hour. With a background spanning startups, venture capital, workforce development, and leadership roles at organizations including Union Square Ventures, Tech:NYC, and Stack Overflow, Bethany has spent more than a decade helping people adapt to major technology shifts. She is passionate about making AI approachable and practical for everyday people, and has already trained more than 1,500 individuals through hands-on workshops, hackathons, and live build sessions. In this episode, Bethany and Catherine dive into the rapidly evolving world of AI and what it means for entrepreneurs, creators, and the future of work. Bethany shares how she unexpectedly began building AI-powered mini apps for her own family and how that experience led her to launch Build First. The conversation explores why learning to "build" with AI is becoming an essential skill, how non-technical founders can use AI tools to bring ideas to life faster than ever before, and why experimentation is more important than perfection in today's business landscape. Bethany also discusses balancing entrepreneurship with motherhood, her grassroots leadership work in New York City, and her belief that the future belongs to people willing to adapt, create, and embrace emerging technology. Websites Mentioned: https://buildfirst.ai/ https://www.showherthemoneymovie.com 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 Briana Cash, a Grammy®-nominated musician and award-winning singer-songwriter whose work spans television, film, and advertising, with placements across major platforms like Amazon Prime, Paramount+, and Hulu. An accomplished live performer, Briana has shared the stage with notable artists across genres and is an active member of leading industry organizations including The Recording Academy and the Society of Composers and Lyricists. Beyond her music career, she is also a passionate advocate for creators' rights, having successfully defended her own name and trademark in a multi-year legal battle. She now educates others on intellectual property, branding, and the evolving impact of AI on creative ownership. In this episode, Briana shares her journey navigating the music industry while maintaining ownership of her identity and work. The conversation dives into the realities of sync licensing, building an independent career, and why protecting intellectual property is more critical than ever—especially in an era shaped by rapidly advancing technology. Briana also discusses the lessons learned from her legal battle, how it reshaped her mission, and the importance of educating creators to safeguard their brands. This episode offers valuable insight for entrepreneurs, artists, and anyone building a personal brand in today's digital landscape. 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 Melissa Moody, a founder and marketing leader known for building products and movements that create meaningful impact. She is the cofounder of Wednesday Women, a global movement and executive membership designed to amplify extraordinary women leaders. Melissa has led multiple startups, including serving as CEO of Matcha and founding CMO of Gated, and spent over 14 years at Google helping major brands develop innovative digital strategies and user experiences. Now based in Anchorage, Alaska, she continues to advise early-stage founders and champion purposeful growth and leadership. In this episode, Melissa shares her perspective on building businesses and communities that truly matter, emphasizing the importance of clarity, focus, and taking bold action. She and Catherine dive into what it means to create movements—not just companies—and how relationship-driven growth can unlock new opportunities for founders. Melissa also discusses her experience transitioning from corporate leadership at Google into startup life, offering insights on navigating risk, scaling with intention, and supporting women in leadership through initiatives like Wednesday Women. The conversation highlights the power of community, the value of aligning work with purpose, and the mindset shifts needed to build something impactful and enduring. WednesdayWomen.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 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

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

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 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 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

Today on the Invest In Her Podcast, host Catherine Gray interviews Nomiki Petrolla, a product leader and tech founder on a mission to close the access gap for women in technology and entrepreneurship. With more than 15 years of experience leading product, design, and strategy across healthcare, fintech, artificial intelligence, and enterprise SaaS, Nomiki has built and scaled products in some of the most male-dominated sectors of tech. She is the founder of PDS Lab, an accelerator launched to help women build and launch tech companies from the ground up, and the creator of Theanna, a data-networking platform designed to bring transparency, insight, and connection to the female founder journey. Based in Ohio and a mother of four, Nomiki is also an active mentor, educator, and speaker, working with organizations such as Techstars and speaking at institutions including Harvard. In this conversation, Catherine and Nomiki explore the structural barriers women face in tech entrepreneurship and why access to product knowledge, data, and networks remains one of the biggest challenges for women founders. Nomiki shares what she observed firsthand while advising startups—how women are often excluded from critical early-stage information—and how that insight led to building platforms that democratize knowledge and connection. The discussion also dives into the importance of community, the role of data in leveling the playing field, and what investors, accelerators, and ecosystems must do differently to support women-led innovation at scale. This episode is a powerful look at how intentional infrastructure and transparency can transform outcomes for women founders—and the future of tech as a whole. Websites mentioned: https://theanna.ai 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 sits down with Valerie Milano, a respected Senior Editor and entertainment critic at The Hollywood Times. With a journalism career spanning publications such as Communications Daily, Discover Hollywood, Hollywood Today, Television International, and Video Age International, Valerie brings decades of experience covering film, television, music, and cultural events. Beyond media, she is deeply committed to community service and advocacy, volunteering with organizations including Human Rights Campaign, LAMBDA Legal, and The LGBTQ Center of the Desert. A longtime member of the Los Angeles Press Club, Valerie is also known for her ability to connect people, build community, and foster meaningful conversations—often from her Palm Springs home, where she hosts gatherings for creatives and changemakers. In this episode, Catherine and Valerie explore the evolving role of women in media, the importance of amplifying emerging voices in entertainment, and how The Hollywood Times differentiates itself by spotlighting up-and-coming talent rather than chasing clickbait headlines. Valerie shares behind-the-scenes insights from major film festivals, including the Palm Springs International Film Festival, and reflects on her years helping organize the Television Critics Association Press Tours. The conversation also dives into Valerie's passion for philanthropy, LGBTQ+ advocacy, and creating safe, inclusive communities—particularly in Palm Springs, a long-standing cultural hub for artists and activists alike. Listeners will come away inspired by Valerie's commitment to storytelling with heart, service-driven leadership, and the power of media to elevate voices that shape culture and drive social progress. 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 sits down with award-winning musical writer Nico Juber and Tony-nominated director Kristin Hanggi for a dynamic conversation about what it really takes to develop, produce, and invest in Broadway musicals. Nico—named a "Woman to Watch on Broadway" by the Broadway Women's Fund—is the creator of Millennials Are Killing Musicals and co-writer of Winner, with work supported by New York Theatre Barn, IAMA Theatre Company, and multiple national arts organizations. Kristin is best known for directing the smash-hit Rock of Ages, earning a Tony nomination for Best Direction of a Musical, along with acclaimed projects including bare, Clueless, Romy and Michele, Accidentally Brave, and Netflix's Julie & the Phantoms. Together, they bring unparalleled insight into the creative and business side of musical theatre. In this episode, Catherine explores how Nico and Kristin develop new musicals, navigate the Off-Broadway and Broadway pipeline, and collaborate with investors and producers to bring original work to life. They discuss the economic engine behind musicals, how investors participate in both purpose and profit, and what makes an impact-driven Broadway project successful. Nico also shares stories from her creative lineage—her grandfather, Sherwood Schwartz, created The Brady Bunch and Gilligan's Island, and her father, Laurence Juber, played lead guitar for Paul McCartney and Wings—and how that legacy fuels her storytelling. This insightful conversation gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at artistic development, producing partnerships, and why Broadway can be a powerful and meaningful investment opportunity. 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 Hillary Talbot and Jennifer Kuan, Ph.D., Managing Partners of être Venture Capital. Hillary is a sailor, surfer, and former competitive Alpine skier who brings over 20 years of startup ecosystem experience to VC, helping founders shape strategy, drive profitability, and build toward successful exits. She co-founded être to dismantle barriers for women and minority founders and support entrepreneurs solving real-world challenges through manufacturing and critical technologies. Jennifer, a Ph.D. in Business from UC Berkeley and MS from Stanford, is a tenured economics and entrepreneurship professor whose academic research explores how nonprofit structures support innovative industries like venture capital, open-source software, and semiconductors. She co-founded être to put collaborative, research-driven VC principles into practice, and developed the free online course Venture Capital 101 for Women to make the industry more accessible. In this episode, Catherine, Hillary, and Jennifer dive into the journey of becoming a lead investor—what it means, why it matters, and how women can confidently step into this influential role. They discuss how être VC structures investments to empower women as leaders in capital deployment, the importance of understanding term sheets and due diligence, and why taking that first leap as a lead investor can create ripple effects for future founders and funds. The conversation also touches on the collaborative nature of successful venture ecosystems, the mindset required to lead a round, and how women can use their lived experience and decision-making strengths to transform the investment landscape. Catherine and her guests break down both the strategic and psychological components of leadership in venture capital, offering listeners a clear roadmap for getting started and building confidence in the process. 🌐 être Venture Capital — https://www.etre.vc 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