In this inspiring conversation, international matchmaker Rivkah Fox joins Talia Mashiach to discuss revolutionizing the traditional matchmaking model in the Jewish community. Rivkah shares her journey from volunteer matchmaker to professional entrepreneur, setting up nearly 50 couples since 2019 while building a sustainable business model. The discussion explores the challenges of monetizing a mitzvah, the importance of setting boundaries, and why the community needs both volunteer and professional matchmakers. Rivkah opens up about her creative approaches to dating—from anonymous bio posts to spontaneous blind dates—and how she's making matchmaking more accessible and fun for the next generation. [1:48] How Rivka set up Talia's daughter [5:00] Rivka's husband's role as Penn campus rabbi & their kiruv mission [14:15] Rivka's family background & father's ba'al teshuva story [21:45] The volunteer vs. professional matchmaker distinction [28:20] Why women struggle with monetizing chesed work [35:40] The moment Rivka decided to go professional [41:20] Pushback & the discomfort of charging for mitzvos [53:30] The transformative conversation with the business coach [1:03:20] How charging changed client dynamics [1:10:00] Addressing the "only wealthy people get help" concern [1:18:45] Building systems: assistants, databases & AI [1:22:30] Creative matchmaking approaches (Instagram polls, blind dates, spontaneous connections) [1:30:00] The painful phone call that changed everything [1:45:00] Educating the community about shadchan gelt & hakaras hatov [2:00:45] Advice for singles: Be the person you're looking for [2:03:20] The importance of Instagram in kiruv & staying connected [2:05:15] Rivka's superpower & message to her younger self   Guest Summary Rivkah Fox is an international professional matchmaker based in Philadelphia with nearly 50 successful matches since 2019 and a database of 4,000 singles. She holds a graduate degree in education with a focus in psychology from the University of Pennsylvania. Married to a Penn campus rabbi, Rivkah is a mother of four who has pioneered innovative matchmaking approaches including Instagram-based anonymous profiles, public voting on date pairings, and spontaneous video call setups. She's passionate about creating sustainable professional models for matchmakers while maintaining accessibility across all economic backgrounds. Her work spans eight countries and breaks traditional barriers in the Orthodox dating world through creativity, technology, and a fresh perspective on this mitzvah. This Episode is brought to you by Roth & Co. Innovators in accounting and business advisory. To learn more visit https://rothcocpa.com/ Early Bird tickets for the annual JWE Powered by Her Conference are now live! to purchase tickets visit Thejwe.com/conference. Use code PODCAST to save an additional $10 off your purchase.

In this inspiring episode of Inspired to Lead, host Talia sits down with Ziva Glanz, a pioneering "rainmaker" who has carved a unique path in Israel's infrastructure and investment landscape. Ziva shares her journey from New Jersey to Jerusalem, the challenges and triumphs of being a religious female leader in a male-dominated field, and her mission to build not just projects, but communities and legacies. The conversation delves into navigating Israeli bureaucracy, the importance of women's leadership, balancing family and career, and the power of resilience in the face of adversity. Ziva's story is a testament to the impact of purpose-driven leadership and the importance of contributing your unique skills to the greater good. 05:00 – Becoming a Rainmaker: Bridging Investors and Bureaucracy 10:00 – The Disney Park Story & Missing Opportunities 15:00 – Navigating Bureaucracy: Skills & Strategies 20:00 – Building Trust & Respect as a Female Leader 30:00 – Ziva's Personal Journey: Family, Education, and Career Pivots 40:00 – The Power of Community and Mentorship 50:00 – Balancing Family, Career, and Self-Care 1:00:00 – Turning Tragedy into Purpose: Advocacy and Social Impact 1:10:00 – The Office of the Geula: Vision for the Future 1:20:00 – Advice for Aspiring Leaders & Final Reflections About Our Guest:  Ziva Glanz is an international project manager and "rainmaker" specializing in connecting global investors with Israeli infrastructure opportunities. With a background in urban planning, nonprofit leadership, and government relations, Ziva has become a trusted advisor for complex, high-impact projects. She is known for her ability to navigate bureaucracy, build consensus, and deliver results in challenging environments. A passionate advocate for women's leadership and community building, Ziva draws on her personal experiences as a mother, a bereaved parent, and a leader to inspire others to contribute their unique talents to the world. Her work is driven by a deep sense of purpose, resilience, and a commitment to making a positive impact on Israeli society and beyond.   Powered By Roth & Co. For guest suggestions, please email Talia: [email protected]

What does it take to build something that moves people — literally and figuratively? In this episode, host Talia Mashiach sits down with Sue Gilad — Tony Award-winning Broadway producer and co-producer of Moulin Rouge!, The Outsiders, Who's Tommy, and Buena Vista Social Club — for a conversation about creative risk, resilience, leadership, and what the theater industry can teach us about life. Sue's path wasn't a straight line. She started as an actress, realized her real joy was in building — the team, the story, the room — and pivoted to producing before most people even knew that was a career. Today, she's behind some of the most celebrated shows on Broadway, driven not by the promise of profit, but by an irrational, unwavering love for the art form. This episode is about far more than Broadway. It's a frank, joyful conversation about the power of rejection, the discipline of creativity, what it means to lead a room full of artists, and why the skills of a theater kid might be exactly what the world needs most right now. Timestamps: 3:10 — What does a Broadway producer actually do? 5:34 — Finding the show: 8-10 years to develop a Broadway musical 6:37 — The art meets commerce challenge — and what makes a story evergreen 9:07 — How scripts get optioned and what writers actually get paid 14:30 — Each show is its own startup: fiscally and artistically 17:41 — From actress to producer: the pivot that changed everything 20:28 — The first show Sue ever produced — and the friend who handed her the script 22:07 — "I loved being in the room where we're all strangers — and two weeks later you can't imagine one person being gone" 26:32 — How Sue builds her team and what the "no jerks rule" really means 29:13 — The CEO and the janitor: what it means to lead a Broadway show 30:01 — Moulin Rouge!, The Outsiders, and the moment a show tells you it needs to fly 31:37 — Investors, risk, and why you can't make a living but you can make a killing 35:30 — Recoupment on Broadway — and why it's getting harder 36:09 — The Stay Gold Project: turning teenage boys into theater kids 36:49 — Ticket prices, access, and the fight to bring new audiences into the theater 38:27 — Social media and how it drives ticket sales today 42:32 — The rise of Orthodox women's theater: a new creative frontier 45:28 — AI, creativity, and why analog theater is going to matter more, not less 46:23 — COVID and Broadway: 18 months dark, and how they kept skills alive 47:33 — "You can't make a living, but you can make a killing" 51:37 — Rejection in theater — and why "no" never means no forever 51:40 — What theater kids become in the real world 59:30 — October 7th, antisemitism on Broadway, and Sue's most important contribution 1:02:03 — Fast Five: rock bottom moments, sacrifices, skydiving with her daughter, and her message to women About the Guest: Sue Gilad Sue Gilad is a Tony Award-winning Broadway producer whose credits include Moulin Rouge!, The Outsiders (Best Musical, Tony Award 2024), The Who's Tommy, Buena Vista Social Club, and Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812, among others. She began her career as a performer, discovering along the way that her true passion was building — assembling teams, developing stories, and creating the conditions for theatrical magic to happen. A longtime collaborator with producing partner Larry Rogowsky, Sue is known for her relentless optimism, her refusal to treat rejection as permanent, and her deep belief that theater has the power to open hearts and change minds. Through initiatives like the Stay Gold Project and the Matinee Mission, she works to bring first-time theatergoers — especially young people — into Broadway houses across the country. Sue is a proud mother of three, a passionate advocate for the arts in education, and someone who would happily pay for the privilege of doing what she does. 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.  

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 Talia Mashiach converses with Dr. Jessica Jacob, a solo practice OBGYN since 1995. Dr. Jacob shares her inspiring journey from starting college at 16 to becoming a mother of seven while building a successful medical career. She discusses the challenges she faced, including balancing family and professional life, managing her practice with family support, and her profound passion for obstetrics. Dr. Jacob also reflects on her biggest influences, sacrifices made, and advice for aspiring female physicians. Join us for an engaging discussion on persistence, passion, and dedication in the pursuit of one's dreams.   Powered By Roth & Co The JWE For guest suggestions, please email Talia: [email protected]

In this episode of Inspire to Lead, host Talia Mashiach sits down with Dr. Aimee Baron, founder and executive director of I Was Supposed to Have a Baby, for a deeply moving conversation about resilience, purpose, and building a nonprofit from personal experience. Aimee shares her journey from a lifelong dream of pediatrics, through the heartbreak of multiple second-trimester miscarriages, to finding new meaning by supporting others facing fertility challenges in the Jewish community. The discussion explores the realities of career pivots, the emotional toll of loss, and the power of vulnerability in leadership. Aimee opens up about the challenges of leaving medicine, the process of founding a nonprofit, and the importance of community, support, and being open to life's unexpected turns.  03:15 – Aimee 's Early Passion for Pediatrics and Medicine 06:45 – The Reality of Medical Training and Family Life 10:00 – Facing Repeated Loss and Leaving Medicine 18:00 – Speaking Out: Breaking the Silence on Fertility Challenges 22:00 – Volunteering and the Birth of a Nonprofit 28:00 – Building "I Was Supposed to Have a Baby" from the Ground Up 35:00 – Fundraising, Hiring, and Growing a Team 41:00 – Redefining Success: Support Over Outcomes 46:00 – Advice on Difficult Decisions and Listening to Your Gut 52:00 – The Power of Community and Giving Back 58:00 – Aimee 's Superpower and Final Reflections About Our Guest: Dr. Aimee Baron is a pediatrician, nonprofit founder, and advocate for those facing fertility challenges. After a successful medical career, Aimee 's personal experiences with loss inspired her to create I Was Supposed to Have a Baby, a platform dedicated to providing emotional support and resources to the Jewish community. Known for her empathy, candor, and commitment to making a difference, Aimee 's work has touched thousands and continues to foster connection,community, and hope.

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 episode of Inspire to Lead, host Talia Mashiach sits down with Chayale Kaufman, founder of the Jewish Content Network and Consult Write Media. Chayale shares her remarkable journey from her early days in print media to becoming a trailblazer in digital marketing and nonprofit strategy. Discover how she built two thriving companies, the sacrifices and grit required for true success, and the unique challenges and triumphs of women in leadership. 01:30 – Chayale's Early Career and Founding Her Companies 06:00 – What Makes Consult Right Media Unique 10:00 – The Power of Personal Branding 14:00 – Marketing Strategies for Businesses and Nonprofits 20:00 – Lessons from 15 Years in Print and Digital Media 25:00 – The Role of Grit and Sacrifice in Success 30:00 – Women, Leadership, and the Value of Mentorship 36:00 – Navigating Partnerships and Financial Confidence 42:00 – The Impact of AI on Marketing 48:00 – Balancing Family, Business, and Personal Growth 54:00 – Overcoming Guilt and Embracing Support 1:00:00 – Chayale's Superpower: Tenacity and Moving Forward 1:05:00 – Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 1:10:00 – Final Reflections and Takeaways   Guest Description: Chayale Kaufman is the founder and CEO of the Jewish Content Network and Consult Write Media, two innovative agencies specializing in digital and print marketing, PR, and strategic communications for businesses and nonprofits. With over 15 years of experience in the industry, Chayale is recognized for her expertise in campaign strategy, branding, and her deep commitment to helping organizations amplify their impact. She is a passionate leader, mentor, and advocate for women in business, known for her authenticity, creativity, and relentless drive to make a difference in the Jewish community and beyond.

In this episode, Melissa Bernstein shares her remarkable journey from a creative, "unsettled" child to the co-founder of Melissa & Doug. She opens up about channeling her internal chaos into creativity, the early struggles and scrappy beginnings of the company, and the mission-driven philosophy that guided their growth. Melissa discusses the challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of resilience, and the lessons learned from both setbacks and successes from building a business from her basement to selling the company for over a billion dollars. She also talks about balancing business and family, working with her husband, and her new venture, Lifelines, which focuses on well-being and helping others find meaning. Melissa's story is a testament to the power of creativity, grit, and staying true to one's mission. Timestamps 03:45 – Channeling chaos into creativity: the start of Melissa & Doug 08:30 – Melissa's upbringing and search for meaning 13:00 – Quitting corporate jobs and the fateful weekend 16:30 – Early mission and building a company from scratch 22:00 – First product, "fuzzy puzzle," and manufacturing challenges 27:00 – Getting burned by a factory agent 32:00 – Serendipity, resilience, and finding the right factory 36:00 – Building the business from their home 41:00 – Balancing family, business, and self-funding 48:00 – Sales, rejection, and learning to overcome objections 55:00 – Expanding categories: puzzles, wooden toys, plush, costumes 1:05:00 – Entering mass market and the Amazon story 1:15:00 – Taking on investors and the eventual sale 1:25:00 – Leaving the company, starting Lifelines, and finding new meaning 1:33:00 – Advice for entrepreneurs, women, and parents 1:38:00 – Melissa's book and mentoring the next generation 1:45:00 – Final thoughts: creativity, meaning, and living authentically Guest Description Melissa Bernstein is the co-founder of Melissa & Doug, one of the world's leading toy companies, and a passionate entrepreneur, creator, and advocate for mental health and authentic living. Over 35 years, Melissa and her husband Doug built their company from scratch, focusing on sparking children's imaginations with high-quality, open-ended toys. After selling the company for over a billion dollars, Melissa launched Lifelines, a new venture dedicated to well-being tools for adults, and authored the book "The Heart of Entrepreneurship." Her journey is marked by creativity, resilience, and a mission-driven approach to business and life.      

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: [email protected]