In each episode of Art of the App, I talk with trailblazing founders, investors and other top minds to discuss their journey and role as agents of change. We dig into the frameworks, thought processes and values that help guide them from early ideas to the stand-out products and brands that people love and trust. Plus, what routines and philosophies do they live by and who are they learning from right now?
Jessica Bledsoe on Intentional Productivity with Pav*r
Finding balance as an entrepreneur isn’t always easy. It can be difficult for us as business owners to find productivity tools and schedules that actually work for our personalities. Paper is not going to be for everyone and a productivity app won’t be for everyone. It’s about finding out what works best for you. In episode 28 of Art of the App Podcast, Jessica Bledsoe and I discuss the importance of not being “busy” and pushing but instead letting things come easily to us. We also dig into how we reconcile wanting to make an impact and do our best work in the world but not wanting to be constantly busy. Jessica Bledsoe is a serial entrepreneur, dog mom, part-time van lifer, and the co-founder of pav*r, a time management app that integrates with your Google Calendar. Jessica is passionate about helping business owners and busy people reclaim their time so they can live more and work less.Some of the things Jessica Bledsoe and I discuss: Transitioning from a local service business model to creating a global tech productivity tool.Jessica’s journey as she found a productivity schedule that worked best for her.How to decide what you say “yes” or “no” to a potential opportunity and the distinction between saying “no” or “not right now”.We all have something that we think is out of reach that isn't actually out of reach. It's about just being intentional about what we want and saying "no" to the things that don't align with those goals and intentions.Using market research and customer feedback to improve the product.The easiest productivity change that a busy person can make.Be sure to tune in to all the episodes to receive inspiration from founders and investors shaping the future.Thank you for listening!If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about Art of the App and Michelle Cherian at https://artoftheapp.buzzsprout.com/ CONNECT WITH MICHELLE CHERIAN:LinkedinInstagramFacebookFree Gift: Guide for Creating a Product People AdoreWork with Michelle Cherian CONNECT WITH JESSICA BLEDSOE:Website Linkedin
11/30/2021 • 46 minutes, 51 seconds
Tamar Blue on Creating a Mental Health Toolkit with MentalHappy
With the increasingly visible mental health crisis that is impacting our world, it’s important that people find support no matter where they live. Creating a mental health toolkit and finding a community that understands what you’re struggling with can be especially beneficial. In episode 27 of Art of the App Podcast, Tamar Blue and I discuss the importance of mental health support. We also dig into how there are benefits to having a support group along with professional help. Tamar Blue is the founder and CEO of MentalHappy, an online mental health platform on a mission to make mental health care accessible, affordable and stigma-free for everyone. After selling her first company—an online staffing platform— in 2013, Tamar decided to pursue her passion in the mental health technology space. Today, MentalHappy helps people around the world overcome challenging life events and improve their daily lives through positive, peer support, including free, low cost and anonymous support groups, as well as self-help toolkits. Having suffered from panic attacks most of her life, Tamar personally understands the difficulty people face in finding the emotional support they need to lead happier, healthier lives. Tamar was recently recognized as a "Forbes Next 1000" honoree and just closed her first seed round of $1.1Million dollars for MentalHappy.Some of the things Tamar Blue and I discuss: Some strategies that worked for Tamar before she started MentalHappy which has included gratitude, meditation, and communicating with others who are experiencing the same thing.How positive language can create resilience. Sometimes the language used around mental health can hold us back from managing it in a functional way.The thought process behind the market research, and monetization framework that went into creating MentalHappy.The evolution and pivots that have happened as MentalHappy moved from a startup to a company. Some of the marketing strategies used to grow the community of professional leaders and supported members.The direction MentalHappy is headed in the coming months and years.Thank you for listening! Be sure to tune in to all the episodes to receive inspiration from founders and investors shaping the future.If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about Art of the App and Michelle Cherian at https://artoftheapp.buzzsprout.com/ CONNECT WITH MICHELLE CHERIAN:LinkedinInstagramFacebookFree Gift: Guide for Creating a Product People AdoreWork with Michelle Cherian CONNECT WITH TAMAR BLUE:MentalHappyLinkedinInstagram
11/23/2021 • 36 minutes, 51 seconds
Rachel Soper Sanders on The Importance of Personalized Nutrition with Rootine
With 90% of the United States not getting an adequate daily intake of vitamins and minerals, it’s no surprise that the lack of micronutrients is causing issues like fatigue, stress, mood imbalance, and even chronic illness. It’s hard to get the nutrients you need everyday from your food alone. When you layer on genetics that adds another complication. In episode 26 of Art of the App Podcast, Rachel Soper Sanders and I discuss the importance of micronutrients and its role in a person’s overall health. We also dig into the four key pillars of how people stay healthy: nutrition, sleep, movement, and mental health. All these pillars play into each other and they all matter for each other.Rachel Soper Sanders, CEO and co-founder of Rootine, spent her career in high-stress roles that required her to maximize the time she had — first as an investment banker and now as a startup founder and first-time mom. For her, that means doing everything she can to stay healthy and ensuring she is performing at her best both mentally and physically throughout the day. Early on in her career she was suffering from burnout, fatigue, stress, and brain fog which hampered her ability to give her best everyday. As she had done in the past when looking to solve health concerns, she turned to nutrition and fitness as a way to get more from her day when sleep wasn’t always an option - constantly iterating on products, exercises, and ways to fuel her body to add performance gains throughout the day. Through this, she learned that what she puts into her body everyday matters when it comes to her work, fitness gains, and the type of parent and partner she is able to be. She also learned that investing in self-care matters; the more you invest in taking care of yourself the better output you will have and investing early and often could help tremendously in the long term.Some of the things Rachel Soper Sanders and I discuss: Behind the scenes of building a business in the medical field and creating partnerships.The aspects of a person’s daily life that play into our health and wellbeing and the way that Rootine is working to help the whole person.The importance of understanding your personal data and using a solution that’s built for it because a one-size-fits-all solution doesn’t work for the majority of people.When we should start addressing our nutrients and how it changes as we grow or age.Health optimization is not just for the standard biohacker of the world. The more you know about your body, the better choices you can make.Be sure to tune in to all the episodes to receive inspiration from founders and investors shaping the future. And don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about Art of the App and Michelle Cherian at https://artoftheapp.buzzsprout.com/ CONNECT WITH MICHELLE CHERIAN:LinkedinInstagramFacebookFree Gift: Guide for Creating a Product People AdoreWork with Michelle Cherian CONNECT WITH RACHEL SANDERS:RootineLinkedinInstagramTwitterRESOURCES:The Tell-Tale Brain by V.S. Ramachandran
11/16/2021 • 31 minutes, 23 seconds
Tatiana Figueiredo on Building a Thriving Community
After many years in the industry, Tatiana Figueiredo has learned a lot of lessons, one of which is that you cannot replace the power and presence of a loyal and engaged community. She’s worked with community founders in a variety of industries to build profitable businesses that reflect them as people.In episode 25 of Art of the App Podcast, Tatiana Figueiredo and I discuss how to build sustainable communities. We also dig into how you can build a thriving community based on your own core values. Tatiana Figaredo is a community strategist and coach for community founders who are facing product, community, or growth challenges. The work she does now is the culmination of her experience in marketing and sales for small businesses, managing technology teams and projects and building and running her own businesses in tech, e-commerce and events.Some of the things Tatiana and I discuss: The three levels of community interaction; between the individual and the whole community, the individual in small groups and the 1:1 interaction among individuals.The differences between building a free and paid community, where people tend to be more committed because they’ve invested.How having a bit of friction that asks a commitment of the individual, even in free groups, helps the community member to be more engaged and participate.The importance of building a community that reflects your values and personality. The biggest mistakes community leaders are making in their community dynamics.Be sure to tune in to all the episodes to receive inspiration from founders and investors shaping the future.Thank you for listening!If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about Art of the App and Michelle Cherian at https://artoftheapp.buzzsprout.com/ CONNECT WITH MICHELLE CHERIAN:LinkedinInstagramFacebookFree Gift: Guide for Creating a Product People AdoreWork with Michelle Cherian CONNECT WITH Tatiana Figueiredo:Website LinkedinInstagramRESOURCES:Building Brand Communities Book
11/2/2021 • 38 minutes, 12 seconds
Brielle Cotterman on How to Effectively Share your Personal Story
Sometimes we are afraid to publicly tell our personal stories because we think the conversation should happen only with close friends. Other times, we feel like we have a purpose and a passion, but not a “good” story to tell. In today’s episode we are changing the narrative - literally - to talk about the dangers of not sharing your story and how to be brave so you can make a bigger impact. In episode 24 of Art of the App Podcast, Brielle Cotterman and I discuss the importance of sharing your whole story. We also dig into how you can feel confident sharing your story even when you don’t think it might be worth sharing. Brielle Cotterman is a TEDx Speaker, Contributor at Entrepreneur, Activist Against Domestic Violence, Publicity Expert, and Celebrity-Maker. She has spent the last decade helping clients to craft and scale Dream careers to 7 figures and beyond by leveraging their personal stories and passions in order to create speaking tours, author award-winning books, procure media placements, and inspire the millions of people that need to hear their story. She is a survivor of attempted murder and domestic violence and an advocate for a world where intimate partner abuse is not tolerated and survivors are met with empathy. Some of the things Brielle and I discuss: The real danger in not sharing your story because even the difficult experiences are not uncommon. By sharing those, we allow others to feel less alone. Ways our culture has been impacted by the concept of only sharing what is shiny or pretty.The importance of sharing your story to grow your personal brand; because if you aren’t adding to the conversation, it is being developed without you.How to share your story even if you don’t think you have one worth sharing. You don't have to have a story that's filled with drama, trauma, or heartbreak in order to be influential and make a positive impact. Your impact doesn’t have to be for everyone. What’s important right now is not so much about being polished to perfection but instead creating connection by shining a light on who you are as a person.The three most important stories that you can have prepared when sharing about yourself: your breakthrough story, your business zone of genius, and your passion.Be sure to tune in to all the episodes to receive inspiration from founders and investors shaping the future. Thank you for listening!If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about Art of the App and Michelle Cherian at https://artoftheapp.buzzsprout.com/ CONNECT WITH MICHELLE CHERIAN:LinkedinInstagramFacebookFree Gift: Guide for Creating a Product People AdoreWork with Michelle Cherian CONNECT WITH Brielle Cotterman:WebsiteInstagram
10/26/2021 • 41 minutes, 48 seconds
On Creating a Business with both Purpose and Profit with Kathy Varol
There is a huge benefit to creating a purpose-led strategy for your business breathing it into every aspect of the company. In episode 23 of Art of the App Podcast, Kathy Varol and I discuss the importance of building purpose into your business model.. Kathy is an expert at driving profit with purpose. Kathy created the Global Purpose (corporate social responsibility) strategy for Adidas, a 22 billion dollar global company. Now Kathy helps her clients use purpose to stand out in a competitive environment, attract the best talent, gain consumer loyalty, and fully harness the innovative brainpower of their employees. She shares her deep knowledge and “how-to” with clients, so they can skip the hard lessons and go straight to strategies that work. Kathy has 20 years of experience across brand marketing, strategy and impact, working at established brands like Adidas, MillerCoors and Microsoft. Kathy is a sought-after speaker, Purpose Strategy Expert, and CSR & ESG consultant who has spoken and facilitated workshops around the globe. Some of the things Kathy and I discuss: The value of a purpose-driven business, and why it’s important to keep that purpose in mind through every part of your business.How hiring with your purpose in mind can make for better, more aligned employees.Why Kathy doesn’t like the term CSR (corporate social responsibility)Common mistakes people make when they first start creating and implementing their purpose-driven brand.Be sure to tune in to all the episodes to receive inspiration from founders and investors shaping the future.Thank you for listening!If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about Art of the App and Michelle Cherian at https://artoftheapp.buzzsprout.com/ CONNECT WITH MICHELLE CHERIAN:LinkedinInstagramFacebookFree Gift: Guide for Creating a Product People AdoreWork with Michelle Cherian CONNECT WITH KATHY VAROL:WebsiteLinkedInInstagramPodcast
10/19/2021 • 25 minutes, 18 seconds
Manage Stress by Managing your Mood with Erika Ferszt
Have you ever been in a bad mood but wished you weren’t? The ability to control our thoughts and in turn control how we feel in the moment is super useful. Researchers have been able to help people quickly change their mood through something called mood induction. Erika learned this through her post-graduate studies and wanted to create a tool that would help the average person quickly change their mood - and she’s done just that with her app Moodally. In episode 22 of the Art of the App Podcast, Erika Ferszt and I discuss the importance of stress management. We also dig into the tools you can use to change your mood in the moment. . Moodally founder Erika Ferszt was raised in New York City, where she graduated from The Dalton School and New York University’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study. In her 20+ year career in advertising, she has won over 70 awards for her work, most notably in her role as the Global Advertising, Media & Digital Director at Ray-Ban. Erika combined insights from these educational pursuits with her previous work as a high-ranking ad executive to create Moodally. Moodally offers extensively researched training courses that help employees combat workplace stress through the day-to-day management of their mood. Recently selected as an Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Harvard Ventures, she looks forward to sharing her vision with the world and helping organizations remove work-related stressors and effectively manage stress.Some of the things Erika and I discuss: That stress manifests in the body and Erika’s personal story through burnout.Ways that scientists can change your mood through mood inductionHow Erika drew on her background in advertising to create the cinematic experiences that researchers were using in clinical studies and put that into an app format. .How companies are handling their employee’s mental health through various platforms.That the root of our stress is cognitive, and if you can control the thought and the reaction, you control the mood.Be sure to tune in to all the episodes to inspire founders and investors who are shaping the future.Thank you for listening!If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about Art of the App and Michelle Cherian at https://artoftheapp.buzzsprout.com/ CONNECT WITH MICHELLE CHERIAN:LinkedinInstagramFacebookFree Gift: Guide for Creating a Product People AdoreWork with Michelle Cherian CONNECT WITH Erika Ferszt:Website InstagramLinkedIn
10/12/2021 • 34 minutes, 22 seconds
Erica Pattni on the Importance of Demographic Awareness
While many different types of fitness experiences exist, Erica Pattni discovered the incredible balance of fitness and fun through her platform, ROWDY. While I’ve always loved how working out makes me feel since I was young, many Americans (75% to be exact) don’t enjoy goal-oriented fitness as much as the industry would seem to believe. This statistic helped inform how Erica Pattni is building her brand, ROWDY. In episode 21 of Art of the App Podcast, Erica Pattni and I discuss the importance of demographic awareness and marketing strategy. Erica has spent many years in marketing from branding to market research. She was one of the first members of KIND, where she learned what it meant to roll up your sleeves and build something from the ground up. This started her passion for building brands. She created her own brand consulting business but eventually found that she was ready to create her own company, Rowdy.Some of the things Erica and I discuss: Why 75% of Americans aren’t exercising the daily or weekly suggested amount, and how Rowdy aims to change that by being ‘deceptively challenging’.What makes fun fitness better than goal-oriented fitness for great, and why ROWDY will never focus on before and after pictures. How to do research to land on your brand positioning, and how Erica figured out to take KIND bars to wineries.Why your brand strategy is foundational and should be done at the start of building any company. Erica has given listeners of Art of the App a coupon code. For $5 off a ROWDY plan use code: ARTBe sure to tune in to all the episodes to receive inspiration from founders and investors shaping the future.Thank you for listening!If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about Art of the App and Michelle Cherian at https://artoftheapp.buzzsprout.com/ CONNECT WITH MICHELLE CHERIAN:LinkedinInstagramFacebookFree Gift: Guide for Creating a Product People AdoreWork with Michelle Cherian CONNECT WITH ERICA PATTNI:WebsiteLinkedinInstagramErica’s Consulting PracticeRESOURCESGet $5 off a ROWDY Subscription with code ART
10/5/2021 • 30 minutes, 1 second
Camilla Hermann on Optimizing Healthcare through Cohort-based Communities
Many expectant and new parents crave the same things: the support of a community and advice from medical experts. From her experience dealing with contact tracing of Ebola to her wife’s Thyroid cancer treatment, Camilla Hermann saw that community was a huge factor in reaching positive health results. As a result she co-founded Oath Care, a cohort based experience for maternal and pediatric care. In episode 20 of Art of the App Podcast, Camilla Hermann and I discuss the importance of practicing healthcare in the community. Camilla is an entrepreneur whose quest to find the most rigorous and impactful ways of doing good has led her to refugee camps in Ghana, an underground bunker in Jordan, Ebola hot zones in Sierra Leone, border towns in Liberia, hospitals in Texas, and vibro-acoustic chambers in New York. It was through these experiences that she honed her core strengths: unwavering integrity and getting shit done.Camilla has built both for-profit companies and non-profit organizations. Her work has been featured by CBS News, Harvard University, Huffington Post, as well as at the Clinton Global Initiative University Conference, the United Nations NGO Conference, and as a semi-finalist for the Ashoka Changemaker Challenge.Notably, Camilla developed a life-saving tech platform, Assisted Contact Tracing (ACT) to scale outbreak containment of Ebola during the 2014 epidemic in West Africa. Some of the things Camilla and I discuss: Why cohort-based community health is better for you and the way of the futureHow Camilla sees healthcare transitioning since the pandemic — we’re no longer willing to privilege convenience over connection. How an intimate system for maternal health and pediatrics has the potential to greatly improve the lives of the next generation of kids. How Oath is uniquely positioned to develop novel interventions to support the families of tomorrow because of how it embeds so seamlessly into people’s everyday lives. How medical providers can use this type of platform to build rich relationships with their patients through extended conversation and cohort-based experience. Be sure to tune in to all the episodes to receive inspiration from founders and investors shaping the future.Thank you for listening!If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about Art of the App and Michelle Cherian at https://artoftheapp.buzzsprout.com/ CONNECT WITH CAMILLA HERMANN:LinkedinInstagramOath CareCONNECT WITH MICHELLE CHERIAN:LinkedinInstagramFacebookFree Gift: Guide for Creating a Product People AdoreWork with Michelle Cherian RESOURCESConscious Leadership Group
9/28/2021 • 35 minutes, 37 seconds
Jade Connelly Duggan on Designing Workplace Culture
Communication isn’t always easy. In fact, navigating hard conversations in a workplace is one of the most important skills you can learn as a leader. Today’s guest is Jade Connelly Duggan, a designer of organizational culture who teaches us how to detect early signs of team conflicts in the workplace. In episode 19 of Art of the App, Jade Connelly Duggan shares the importance of designing workplace culture early and often. We also discuss how you can detect and prevent conflict in your team sooner rather than later because those who do this are able to grow their business 40% faster than those who suffer from workplace conflicts.Jade Connelly Duggan is transforming team culture through her approaches in transformative leadership, social and communicative change and more. As a daughter to two pioneers in wellness and organizational structure, Jade is continuing in their footsteps and paving the way for businesses to effectively work together to build stronger companies by truly being in community with each other.Some of the things Jade and I discuss: How Jade helped the NSA communicate more effectively with the CIA.How to successfully have “hard” conversations in the workplace.How to use frustrations as a way to navigate having powerful conversations.How to detect early warning signs of a future conflict by paying attention to the sensations in your own body. How she sets her mood for the day.Be sure to tune in to all the episodes to receive inspiration from founders and investors shaping the future.Thank you for listening!If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about Art of the App and Michelle Cherian at https://artoftheapp.buzzsprout.com/ CONNECT WITH JADE CONNELLY DUGGAN:LinkedinInstagramWebsiteCONNECT WITH MICHELLE CHERIAN:LinkedinInstagramFacebookFree Gift: Guide for Creating a Product People AdoreWork with Michelle Cherian RESOURCES MENTIONEDMerel Kreigsman
8/31/2021 • 34 minutes, 33 seconds
Maia Monell on Effectively Building a Community
Building a community around your new business or start-up is something many people will tell you that you need in order to grow and expand; but how do you do that effectively and with realistic goals? Maia Monell explains in great detail exactly how to go about doing this to better your business, increase your growth, and stay focused on reasonable and actionable goals along the way. In episode 18 of Art of the App Podcast, Maia Monell shares the importance of community throughout all aspects of entrepreneurship and Nav.it. We also discuss how you can build your own community effectively and the expectations vs reality around how to do so. Maia Monell is the CMO and co-founder of Nav.it. Drawing on her background in fittech analytics (for some of the biggest sports teams in the industry), she’s bringing a new face to financial literacy and healthy goal setting on the app. Nav.it. Nav.it is a financial health platform supporting consumers as they build healthy daily financial habits, reinforced by community and facilitated by better banking products.Some of the things Maia Monell and I discuss: How Maia took her analytics expertise from fitness to the financial world.The stages of community growth Nav.it saw and how you to be intentional and realistic when starting your community.When and if you should start a podcast for your startup.How to start a foundation and run it so that it can leave a true legacy.Be sure to tune in to all the episodes to receive inspiration from founders and investors shaping the future.Thank you for listening!If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about Art of the App and Michelle Cherian at https://artoftheapp.buzzsprout.com/ CONNECT WITH MAIA MONELL:LinkedInNav.itCONNECT WITH MICHELLE CHERIAN:LinkedinInstagramFacebookFree Gift: Checklist for Creating and App with SuperfansWork with Michelle Cherian
8/3/2021 • 43 minutes, 8 seconds
Donna Griffit on Standing Out Using Storytelling
Stories have been told for thousands of years. When there’s an emotional link and we can picture them in our minds we remember them better. That’s why research has found that stories are 22 times more memorable than facts or figures. In episode 17 of Art of the App, Donna Griffit shares the importance of storytelling in anything from pitch decks to job interviews. We also discuss how you can pull things from your life to create a compelling story for your business. Donna Griffit, Corporate Storyteller, has worked globally for over 17 years with Fortune 500 companies, Start-Ups and investors in a wide variety of industries. She has consulted and trained clients in over 30 countries, helping them create, edit and deliver verbal and written presentations, pitches and messages. Donna has the ability to magically spin raw data into compelling stories that captivate audiences and drive to results. Through her guidance clients have raised over a billion dollars.Some of the things Donna Griffit and I discuss: How Donna draws out the story of the businesses she works with.If we are running on empty, we won't do a good job which is why taking time to regenerate is so important. The arc of a great pitch deck. How when you find ‘X Factor’ you will always have work. Great tips for anyone out there going through job interviews.Be sure to tune in to all the episodes to receive inspiration from founders and investors shaping the future.Thank you for listening!If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about Art of the App and Michelle Cherian at https://artoftheapp.buzzsprout.com/ CONNECT WITH DONNA GRIFFIT: LinkedInWebsiteCONNECT WITH MICHELLE CHERIAN:LinkedinInstagramFacebookFree Gift: A Guide for Creating a Product People AdoreWork with Michelle Cherian RESOURCESFlowIkigai
7/27/2021 • 43 minutes, 49 seconds
Naama Barnea-Goraly on Girl Empowerment with Girltelligence
Social media is not set up to drive thoughtful and meaningful discussions and there is a gap for girls and young women to have a space to call their own. In episode 16 of Art of the App Podcast, Naama Barnea-Gorly shares the importance of building a community of girls and young women to talk peer to peer or seek advice for generations ahead of themselves. Naama Barnea-Goraly M.D. received her medical degree from the Hebrew University and Hadassah Medical School in Jerusalem, Israel, and her clinical training in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry as well as a postdoctoral neuroimaging research fellowship at Stanford University. She then went on to work as an instructor and brain researcher at Stanford. Her research on brain structure in disorders affecting social cognition was published extensively in leading psychiatric and neuroscience journals,and presented in international conferences. In the course of her work she became interested in gender equality and the importance of supportive authentic communities, especially for girls and women. This led her out of the lab and into the real world to found “Girltelligence”, an empowerment app for teen girls and young women to find a supportive community, and resources to support their mental health and to help them reach their full potential. Some of the things Naama and I discuss: The new things that our younger generations have to overcome with the rapid change and growth in technology. Teaching young men to be allies from a young age. How Girltelligence keeps its users safe and provides inclusivity for all. Applying for grants and the hurdles a startup must overcome. Be sure to tune in to all the episodes to receive inspiration from founders and investors shaping the future.Thank you for listening!If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!CONNECT WITH MICHELLE CHERIAN:LinkedinInstagramFacebookFree Gift: Checklist for Creating and App with SuperfansWork with Michelle Cherian CONNECT WITH NAAMA BARNEA GORLY:Email: naama@girltelligence.comWebsiteInstagramLinkedin
6/29/2021 • 34 minutes, 11 seconds
Claire Shorall on Being Radically Accessible with Her Coaching System, Topknot
Coaching can have such a positive impact on your life; but most of the time, personal, business, and professional coaching can come at a high financial cost. With peer coaching, there is more accessibility to quality coaching.In episode 15 of Art of the App, Claire Shorall shares the importance of having unbiased peer support and coaching in your life.Claire Shorall is the co-founder and CEO of Topknot, a coaching system for women to live their most fulfilled lives. Prior to starting Topknot, Claire was an award-winning educator and VC investor. She is best known for her work spearheading computer science education in Oakland, CA’s public schools. Claire graduated from Rice University where she competed for the Owls in Cross Country and Track.Some of the things Claire Shorall and I discuss: The concept of learning how to learn which is basically gaining the skills to be able to look at something and make sense of it for yourself.How Topknot is making coaching accessible to everyone!Ways that we can set goals that can’t be measured by creating a set plan but are more developmental goals, like confidence, self criticism, etc.The goal is to redefine how people approach relationships with themself and others in their circles.Be sure to tune in to all the episodes to receive inspiration from founders and investors shaping the future.Thank you for listening!If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!CONNECT WITH MICHELLE CHERIAN:LinkedinInstagramFacebookFree Gift: The Guide to Create a Product with SuperfansWork with Michelle Cherian CONNECT WITH CLAIRE SHORALL:TopknotInstagramLinkedInLINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Bravery by Alexi Pappas
6/22/2021 • 37 minutes, 29 seconds
Kt McBratney on Owning Your Story and Celebrating Your Journey with Own Trail
As women, non-binary individuals or anyone else with an oppressed identity, there is power in taking up space and owning your own story without the motive of getting a job, getting more followers, or whatever else the reason may be. In episode 14 of Art of the App Podcast, Kt McBratney shares the importance of embracing your life journey and sharing it with others. We also discuss how you can use Own Trail to seek inspiration, advice and support from other empowering and amazing women. Kt McBratney is obsessed with disrupting the status bro. She’s the co-founder and chief brand officer at OwnTrail, the peer support system for women built on the authentic sharing of our unique paths through life. She’s spent her career building non-bullshit brands as a seasoned tech and marketing leader, strategist and connector. Kt is also a visual artist, toddler mom and borderline book hoarder. Some of the things Kt and I discuss: How establishing your values and deal-breakers before entering into a business partnership can set you up on a pathway to success. The value in having a place to have a “personal life resume” of your authentic life experiences backed by a community of positive and supportive women on their own journey. Celebrating and sharing your story while also keeping a sense of agency over your information. How Own Trail has been able to attract and retain so many members from the very beginning. Be sure to tune in to all the episodes to receive inspiration from founders and investors shaping the future.Thank you for listening!If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!CONNECT WITH MICHELLE CHERIAN:LinkedinInstagramFacebookFree Gift: Checklist for Creating and App with SuperfansWork with Michelle Cherian CONNECT WITH KT MCBRATNEY:Own TrailTwitterInstagram- Own TrailInstagram- @k_to_the_tLinkedin
6/15/2021 • 42 minutes, 15 seconds
Ashley Connell on Closing the Gender Gap and Helping Women Return to Work with Prowess Project.
Although the workforce has changed over the years, the workplace has not. When women leave the workforce for childcare they have many hurdles to overcome when they decide they're ready to return. In episode 13 of Art of the App Podcast, Ashley Connell shares the negative effects women face after taking a step away from the workplace and the importance of advocating for them upon their return. We also discuss how the Prowess Project can give peace of mind knowing there are options for you to get back into the workforce.Ashley Connell, CEO and Founder of Prowess Project, is one part fearless entrepreneur, one part fearless women’s advocate landing her thought leadership pieces in Forbes, Built in Austin and at SXSW. For the first 15 years of her career, she was an award-winning tech marketer in both Austin and London. Ashley’s unstoppable drive to have both a career and time for family motivated her to start Prowess. Now she’s committed to changing the lives of overloaded employers, women seeking rewarding work, and doing all she can to close the gender gap. In her pretty much non-existent spare time she enjoys yoga, walks with her bulldog, cheering on her beloved Longhorns, and spaghetti and meatballs. Some of the things Ashley and I discuss: The ways in which having children affects not only the compensation gap mothers face once they returns to work but how it affects the workforce in general. The shame around paternal leave resulting in fathers either taking a small fraction of what is offered or not taking it at all. Culture add vs. culture fit. What goes into Prowess Project’s certification process and how they work to build you up in the areas you lack in. Reversing the stigma around working moms having less work ethic than others. Studies show where they actually excel over their coworkers in time management and efficiency. Be sure to tune in to all the episodes to receive inspiration from founders and investors shaping the future.Thank you for listening!If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!CONNECT WITH MICHELLE CHERIAN:LinkedinInstagramFacebookFree Gift: The Guide to Creating a Product People LoveWork with Michelle Cherian CONNECT WITH ASHLEY CONNELL:WebsiteInstagram Linkedin
6/8/2021 • 42 minutes, 42 seconds
Lynette Perkins on the Digital Age of Fitness with Atom
An athlete isn’t defined by the person who shows up to the gym 5 or 6 days a week. There is an athlete in all of us and when we’re able to have a personalized experience we’re able to optimize our potential.In episode 12 of Art of the App Podcast, Lynette Perkins shares the importance of transitioning fitness into a hybrid model of in person and virtual. We also discuss how her new startup, Atom is changing the game for athletes to use their data alongside their coaches to have a better overall athlete experience.Lynette has a business and computer science background with a passion for building businesses and products. She is the founder/ CEO of Bohemian Innovation, an award-winning software consulting firm that integrates business and product strategy with technological know-how to help guide businesses from application ideation through to release. Lynette specializes in customer-facing software experiences, IoT-connected devices, B2C businesses, and has been passionate about the health and fitness field for over 15 years. She’s helped businesses and startups achieve their goals while transforming industries and setting new user experience standards along the way. She works collaboratively with clients to help them attain their business objectives more effectively, and develop long-term relationships built on trust and results. Lynette has a passion for finding new ways of bringing innovative and emerging technology into new spaces. In addition to all of this, she is also a founder of IFR Ventures, a capital investment lab that provides resources and strategic guidance to help health and wellness software and CPG products get to market quickly. Lynette also stays engaged with her community by serving as a board member for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas, as well as advising and mentoring several other nonprofits and small businesses. Ultimately, she believes that the entrepreneurial spirit can help drive the greater good. Some of the things Lynette and I discuss: Shifting a business during Covid to accommodate the new needs of the industry in an emerging world.Using exercise as a holistic approach to mental health, better sleep, and overall wellbeing.As a multi-passionate entrepreneur, knowing which idea is the one to move the needle forward with. Leveraging the virtual world to build better and more educated athletes. Collecting data so that coaches can become a better resource to their athletes.Setting guidelines and structure in your business so that as a leader, you can focus on the high-level things that matter. Be sure to tune in to all the episodes to receive inspiration from founders and investors shaping the future.Thank you for listening!If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!CONNECT WITH MICHELLE CHERIAN:LinkedinInstagramFacebookFree Gift: Guide to Creating a Product People AdoreWork with Michelle Cherian CONNECT WITH LYNETTE PERKINS:Website- AtomWebsite- Bohemian InnovationLinkedin
6/1/2021 • 33 minutes, 1 second
Ravid Israel on Helping Women Advocate for Themselves with Embie Fertility Treatment Tracker
There are hundreds of apps on the market for women trying to conceive naturally but very few, if any, for women going through fertility treatments. Considering the number of women with unexplained infertility, this is an area that desperately needs support. In episode 11 of Art of the App, Ravid Israel shares the importance of changing how we approach infertility diagnosis. We also discuss how to make educated decisions in your own journey with a supportive community at your side. Ravid Israel is the founder of Embie, the first app exclusively designed for women going through fertility treatments. What started as fertility preservation and quickly turned into fertility treatments of her own, Ravid realized there was no app for women going through these treatments. Ravid started tracking all things related to her fertility and treatments in excel, her phone’s calendar and traditional TTC apps. She quickly noticed some patterns as she started comparing her cycles and began advocating for changes t o her Protocol. The result was better quality eggs and higher fertilization rates. She knew right then and there that other women needed this information too and Embie was conceived. Ravid’s fertility journey began in 2012 with a Cervical Cancer diagnosis, followed by severe endometriosis, multiple fibroids, and an MTHFR mutation. This prompted a move abroad for more affordable reproductive care which was followed by 6 full IVF cycles, 4 transfers and a lot of experimentation. After 5 IVF cycle attempts with a partner, Ravid succeeded on her Single Mother By Choice/first donor cycle, which resulted in the birth of her son in Nov 2020!Some of the things Ravid and I discuss: Ravid’s personal journey and struggles have led her to empower and educate other women in the same position.So many women have unexplained infertility. Embie gives women the opportunity to take back control in an area of their life where they feel they may have lost it. How difficult it is for women to be properly diagnosed with what’s actually causing their infertility and the protocols and the questions that need to be asked in order to change this. Endometriosis is linked to several other autoimmune disorders, yet is not treated like one even though 1 in 8 women suffer from this. Building a community to change the game for women suffering with infertility to cope and take educated action. Be sure to tune in to all the episodes to receive inspiration from founders and investors shaping the future.Thank you for listening!If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!CONNECT WITH MICHELLE CHERIAN:LinkedinInstagramFacebookFree Gift: Checklist for Creating and App with SuperfansWork with Michelle Cherian CONNECT WITH RAVID ISRAELDownload EmbieInstagram- @embieappInstagram- @embie2baby
5/25/2021 • 43 minutes, 54 seconds
Haley Lieberman on Creating a Circular Economy Marketplace with Shop Tomorrows
With exorbitant amounts of clothing waste in the United States, it’s important we do our part to ensure we don’t contribute to that waste. Buying second-hand is an easy way to do just that.In episode 10 of Art of the App Podcast, Haley Lieberman shares the importance of conscious consumerism in a fast-fashion world and what her circular marketplace Shop Tomorrows is doing to lead the way. She also gives us some tips on how to create a more sustainable closet as a consumer. Haley Lieberman is the founder and CEO of Shop Tomorrows, the marketplace for modern parents to trade up goods between neighborhoods, networks and beyond. She has worked as a costume designer and stylist for stage, screen and print for the likes of New York Fashion Week, The Metropolitan Opera, and commercials for Pepsi-Cola and Johnson + Johnson. After a decade of work on large-scale operas, films and commercials she became disturbed by the amount of textiles wasted by the industry, and estimated that per year she was contributing to nearly $1 million dollars of clothing that had nearly no life beyond its immediate use. Motivated to make a difference, she went on to research and teach fashion history and sustainability in universities throughout the Northeast. Some of the things Haley and I discuss: What happens with the fabrics and clothing items used for commercials or filmsHow Haley’s family background instilled a love for high-quality clothing and ensuring they lastWays that Shop Tomorrows is contributing to sustainable fashion as a social re-commerce platformWhat circular economy really means and how it worksThe unrealistic expectations placed on female founders Be sure to tune in to all the episodes to receive inspiration from founders and investors shaping the future.Thank you for listening!If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!CONNECT WITH HALEY LIEBERMAN: Shop Tomorrow’sLinkedInInstagramCONNECT WITH MICHELLE CHERIAN:LinkedinInstagramFacebookFree Gift: Checklist for Creating and App with SuperfansWork with Michelle Cherian RESOURCES/BOOKSBackablePlay Bigger
5/18/2021 • 40 minutes, 50 seconds
Jane Buescher on the Importance of Peer Support with the App, Toucan
We can all understand feeling overwhelmed with the stresses of life and looking for support to help with that, but then feeling like we don’t know where to start. That’s exactly what led Jane Buescher to create Toucan, an app that helps people openly speak their minds, and listeners to lend an ear while feeling that they are not alone in their experiences.In episode 09 of Art of the App Podcast, Jane Buescher shares the importance of peer support setting, not as a substitute for therapy but as a way to speak or listen to your peers in an impactful way.Jane Buescher, the Co-Founder and CEO of Toucan, has experience spanning finance, operations, management, and strategy, across financial services, recruiting, and tech. Toucan is a mobile, audio platform that bridges the gap between existing social and professional support systems by pairing two users (Speaker and Listener), peer-to-peer, one-on-one and anonymously, for Huddles via its proprietary app. Some of the things Jane and I discuss: How to create a safe environment for app users especially when personal matters are being discussed.The thought process behind monetizing the app and how Toucan approaches that.Anthem’s Digital incubator and what that looks likeStrategies that the Toucan team is utilizing to market their new app to ensure it reaches their ideal audiences.Be sure to tune in to all the episodes to receive inspiration from founders and investors shaping the future.Thank you for listening!If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!CONNECT WITH MICHELLE CHERIAN:LinkedinInstagramFacebookFree Gift: Checklist for Creating and App with SuperfansWork with Michelle Cherian CONNECT WITH JANE BUESCHER:LinkedInThe Toucan AppRESOURCESAnthem Digital IncubatorMaybe You Should Talk To Someone by Lori Gottlieb
5/11/2021 • 25 minutes, 24 seconds
Kenzie Butera Davis on bringing the positive change we want to see in the world
It isn’t easy to navigate tough growing-up conversations around mental health, reproduction, empathy, and diversity. The struggle certainly lies in the antiquated ways our society has decided to address them. That’s where Maro, an app for this exact problem, comes in.In episode 08 of Art of the App Podcast, Kenzie Butera Davis shares the importance of using our voices to bring about the change we want to see in the world. We also discuss how you can have important conversations with your own kids about topics like mental health and sex education. Kenzie Butera Davis and her co-founder, Lilly Mittenthal, launched Maro because they truly believe (and have the research to back it) that preventative education has the power to incite transgenerational impact--decreasing rates of suicide, bullying, rape & sexual assault and more. Some of the things Kenzie and I discuss: Why she’s taking an entrepreneurial approach to solving these problems.The guiding principle that Maro uses to meet parents where they’re at so that their product is inclusive and can be used by all families no matter where they are at on the liberal/conservative spectrum. How they plan to measure their impact using data and building a statistical model as the starting point (this is super impressive and something more companies can do).Be sure to tune in to all the episodes to receive inspiration from founders and investors shaping the future.Thank you for listening!If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!CONNECT WITH MICHELLE CHERIAN:LinkedinInstagramFacebookFree Gift: Checklist for Creating and App with SuperfansWork with Michelle Cherian CONNECT WITH KENZIE BUTERA DAVIS:MaroLinkedIn
5/4/2021 • 42 minutes, 25 seconds
Erin Papworth on Financial Wellbeing and Habit Formation with Nav.it
When looking at a product through the behavioral science lens we can track three key factors that lead to success — accessibility, daily habits, and community reinforcement. In episode 07 of Art of the App Podcast, Erin Papworth and I discuss the importance of demystifying the conversations around money and financial wellbeing. We also discuss how you can have a better relationship with money when you understand that it’s just a tool. Erin Papworth is the CEO and co-founder of Nav.it, a financial health platform supporting consumers as they build healthy daily financial habits, reinforced by community and facilitated by better banking products. Erin brings her behavioral science background to the financial technology industry to shift the narrative around money and define a new age of financial well-being for all.Some of the things Erin Papworth and I discuss: Three key things that behavioral programs focus on to ensure successWays that Nav.it helps people build daily financial health habitsDemystifying the varying conversations (or lack thereof) happening around money and the shame that can be associated with itHow leaders in tech can start to integrate anti-bias design in product development into their organizational cultureBe sure to tune in to all the episodes to receive inspiration from founders and investors shaping the future.Thank you for listening!If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!CONNECT WITH ERIN PAPWORTH:LinkedInInstagramTwitterNav.itCONNECT WITH MICHELLE CHERIAN:LinkedinInstagramFacebookFree Gift: Checklist for Creating and App with SuperfansWork with Michelle Cherian RESOURCES MENTIONED IN EPISODE:Center for Humane TechnologyAmerican Fintech Council
4/27/2021 • 42 minutes, 35 seconds
Camilla Olson on closing the inclusion gap in the fashion industry
5 out of the 9 body shapes are underrepresented in the fashion industry. This creates an inclusion gap where consumers can’t find pieces that fit well or flatter them. Not only is this a problem of inclusivity, but it’s a billion-dollar opportunity. In episode 6 of Art of the App Podcast, Camilla Olson shares the importance of changing the direction the fashion industry is headed. We also discuss how you can be on the right side of this change using her platform, Savitude. Camilla Olson is a serial entrepreneur who is driven by curiosity. It's led her to successfully complete her undergraduate degree in microbiology and advanced degrees in business and fashion design. Her career has covered electron microscopy, venture capital, predictive modeling, her own fashion e-commerce label, and now the AI retail technology company Savitude.Some of the things Camilla Olson and I discuss:How Camilla got her start in the fashion industry. How visualizing success helped her look at the future of her business and pulling those high-level pieces apart to fill in the blanks. The underrepresentation of different body types in the fashion industry and how Savitude has a mission to close the inclusion gap in the industry. How this AI technology will change not only the types of bodies we see on runways but the types of bodies that designers can represent in the pieces that make it into our everyday stores. Be sure to tune in to all the episodes to receive inspiration from founders and investors shaping the future. Thank you for listening!If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!CONNECT WITH CAMILLA OLSON: Website InstagramLinkedinEmail: Camilla@savitude.comCONNECT WITH MICHELLE CHERIAN:LinkedinInstagramFacebookFree Gift: Checklist for Creating an App with SuperfansWork with Michelle Cherian
4/20/2021 • 39 minutes, 7 seconds
Brooke Harley on how learning for your whole life is foundational to your wellbeing
In episode 5 of the Art of the App Podcast, my guest Brooke Harley is sharing the importance of educating yourself past college and the actionable steps you can take right now to continue your education to learn tactical and useful skills. Some of the talking points Brooke Harley and I go over in this episode include:Brooke’s career journey and how it got her to where she is today. The stigma surrounding continuing education — why people look at it negatively and how we can change that perception.How Class Rebel can move you ahead 10 years in only 8 hours of education. What this means for you and how you can use it to your benefit to learn unique but practical skills. What Brooke is taking from lululemon’s business strategy and applying it successfully to her own business. Brooke’s own investing requirements: what she looks for in a company to when it comes to investing. How Brooke’s company is filling a gap in our country by providing affordable and quality extended education. Class Rebel's tag line is — "Education is a peaceful protest against class inequality."Before closing her pre-seed round for Class Rebel, Brooke Harley was an angel investor who raised $32 million for her first venture capital fund. As both an investor and a founder, she has made hundreds of pitches, heard hundreds of pitches, made all of the mistakes and eeked out a few successes.Prior to Class Rebel, Brooke reported to the C-suite at lululemon for 6 years and prior to lululemon was a corporate attorney.Be sure to tune in to all the episodes to receive inspiration from founders and investors shaping the future.Thank you for listening!If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways! I’d love to hear from you. CONNECT WITH BROOKE HARLEY:Class RebelInstagram- Class RebelLinkedinCONNECT WITH MICHELLE CHERIAN:LinkedinInstagramFacebookFree Gift: Checklist for Creating and App with SuperfansWork with Michelle Cherian PEOPLE MENTIONED IN EPISODE:Sac SixScott GallowayJodi MonelleAlvin Glay
4/13/2021 • 48 minutes, 38 seconds
Taly Matiteyahu on combating bias and creating deeper connections
Whether we realize it or not, we judge others based on their appearance and even their actions before we take a chance to get to know them. These biases can lead to missed opportunities with regard to relationships and connections. Taly Matiteyahu is solving this in the dating realm with her new audio-only blind speed dating app, Blink.In episode 04 of Art of the App Podcast, Taly and I are discussing:What lead Taly into law and how she is now exploring the things that interest herThe importance of using resources to address the bias within each of us. One of those resources could be Blink, but it's important that we find them.What sparked the idea for her audio-only speed dating app, Blink; and the journey she took before even starting development.How Taly is using a podcast to test out her idea while the app is in developmentWho would benefit most from this unique dating experience and why it’s needed now more than ever.Be sure to tune in to all the episodes to receive inspiration from founders and investors shaping the future.Thank you for listening!If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!CONNECT WITH MICHELLE CHERIAN:LinkedinInstagramFacebookFree Gift: Checklist for Creating and App with SuperfansWork with Michelle Cherian CONNECT WITH TALY METITEYAHU:LinkedinInstagramThe Blink Date Website
4/6/2021 • 34 minutes, 43 seconds
Vanessa Jupe on designing the next 10 years and what her app, Leva, is doing to support new moms
Being a kick-ass boss woman in corporate America is not easy and when you add-in having a family, finding balance becomes even more challenging. In episode 3 of Art of the App Podcast, Vanessa Jupe is sharing the importance of finding balance in your life and actionable steps you can take right now to design a life for yourself that brings you joy. Some of the talking points Vanessa and I go over in this episode include:Being a leader in her current role as Vice President of Digital Products and Services at H&R Block while also starting her own company, Leva.Being mindful of where you are going in life — setting a plan for the future while recognizing and celebrating where we have been.Finding a work-life balance. How the traditional divide between work life and home life is no longer acceptable and how the workplace needs to address the whole person to really be successful. How her app Leva supports professional new moms with breastfeeding education, career coaching and meditations. Vanessa’s advice — don’t be scared if you are the only woman in the room because you are special and your voice should be heard. Be sure to tune in to all the episodes to receive tons of practical tips on designing a life full of empowerment, celebration, and balance and to hear even more about the points outlined above.Thank you for listening!If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me. And don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!CONNECT WITH VANESSA JUPE:WebsiteInstagramLinkedInCONNECT WITH MICHELLE CHERIAN:LinkedinInstagramFacebookFree Gift: Checklist for Creating an App with SuperfansWork with Michelle Cherian LINKS MENTIONED IN EPISODEStory 10XNo Rules RulesSara Blakely’s Masterclass
3/29/2021 • 43 minutes, 58 seconds
Alex MacCallum on leading innovation at the NY Times and leaning into your strengths
Great leadership and management are at the heart of every great company. In this episode of the Art of the App Podcast, my guest Alex MacCallum shares her experience of leading successful teams and actionable steps you can take right now to be a better manager and leader. Some of the talking points Alex and I go over in this episode include:Alex’s career journey from her early days as an editorial aide at the Washington Post to holding her current position as the Head Product for Standalone Products at The New York Times. New product development and innovation at a large legacy institution like the NY Times has its pros and cons.What it is like to lead innovation and be the first person to bridge the divide between business and news and how it’s so different now than it was 10 years ago. Building a successful team from the ground up, a team where people years later make a point to tell her how it was the most fun work experience they’ve had. 30, 60, 90 day plans to get your team winning from the start. Alex’s advice — for anyone entering their career, be yourself. Lean into the way that you are wired and trust that it is valuable and you don’t need to change anything about yourself. Be sure to tune in to all the episodes to receive tons of practical tips on innovation & leadership and to hear even more about the points outlined above.Thank you for listening!If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me. And don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!CONNECT WITH ALEX MACCALLUMInstagramLinkedInCONNECT WITH MICHELLE CHERIAN}:LinkedinInstagramFacebookFree Gift: Checklist for Creating an App with SuperfansWork with Michelle Cherian LINKS MENTIONED IN EPISODEThe First 90 Days BookThe Sum of Us Book
3/29/2021 • 33 minutes, 14 seconds
Jessica Millstone on the future of education, becoming a VC and investing in women founders
What does the future of education look like, where should we be investing and who are the key stakeholders? In this episode of Art of the App Podcast, Jessica Millstone shares her views on the future of education as well as insights on education trends and how she set up her venture fund. Some of the talking points Jessica and I go over in this episode include:How Jessica got her start in educational technology and her career journey over the years. Decoupling of school and education and the role both parents and teachers have in education going forward.How the pandemic has shifted the value we hold in standard education and the value in which we hold our teachers.Reevaluating what the physical place of school means for children beyond education — highlighting how it benefits our youth with meals, relationship building, and a safe place to be looked after. The Data for Good Movement - feeding users’ data back to them for their own benefit. The importance of investing in women-founded companies. How to start a venture fund with no finance background. How technology has helped democratize investing through things like rolling funds. Be sure to tune in to all the episodes to receive inspiration from founders and investors shaping the future.Thank you for listening!If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!CONNECT WITH JESSICA MILLSTONE Twitter- Jessica MillstoneTwitter- Copper Wire VentureInstagramLinked InCONNECT WITH MICHELLE CHERIAN:LinkedinInstagramFacebookFree Gift: Checklist for Creating an App with SuperfansWork with Michelle Cherian
3/29/2021 • 52 minutes, 44 seconds
Welcome to Art of the App
In each episode of Art of the App, I talk with trailblazing founders, investors and other top minds to discuss their journey and role as agents of change. We dig into the frameworks, thought processes and values that help guide them from early ideas to the stand-out products and brands that people love and trust. Plus, what routines and philosophies do they live by and who are they learning from right now?