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

In this episode of Inspire to Lead, host Talia Mashiach sits down with 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 episode of 'Inspire to Lead,' host Talia Mashiach interviews Dr. Sharon Stoll, a board-certified neurologist and neuroimmunologist from Philadelphia. Sharon discusses her upbringing, her unwavering passion for medicine despite societal discouragement, and how she navigated through medical school and residency while managing family life. She shares the pivotal role her supportive husband played in her success and addresses the challenges and triumphs of balancing a demanding career with motherhood. The conversation also delves into the expectations placed on Jewish women in their communities and the importance of pursuing fulfilling careers to maintain overall happiness and effectiveness as both mothers and wives. Sharon's story is an inspiring testament to resilience, determination, and the impact of supportive relationships.   00:00 Introduction to Inspire to Lead Podcast 00:29 Meet Sharon Stoll: A Journey to Medicine 02:38 Balancing Media and Medicine 08:44 Personal Life and Family Dynamics 15:15 Navigating Career and Marriage 37:12 Parenting in Modern Times 39:14 Balancing Career and Family Aspirations 42:43 The Journey to Motherhood 43:16 Navigating Medical School and Motherhood 54:24 Support Systems and Community 01:01:46 Reflections and Advice 01:16:09 Biggest Accomplishments and Lessons Learned     About Dr. Sharon Stoll: Dr. Sharon Stoll is a board-certified neurologist, neuro-immunologist. She currently serves as Director of Neurology at Stoll Medical Group in Philadelphia. For the past 8 years she worked as assistant professor, in the department of neurology at Yale School of Medicine. She completed her neurology residency training at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia and her Neuroimmunology fellowship at Yale New Haven Hospital. Dr. Stoll played an active role in academic development and continuing medical education. She currently serves on several steering committees and advisory boards. She has been published in numerous peer-reviewed journals and served as Principal Investigator on several clinical trials. Dr. Stoll has received numerous awards, including Top Neurologist, 40 under 40, the Rodney Bell teaching award, and is a national multiple sclerosis society grant recipient. Dr. Stoll is also a medical editor for Medscape and Healthline and previously worked as a medical editor for ABC News. She is also a medical commentator for several national and local news outlets, including ABC, NBC, and CBS News, and has been on a variety of shows, including "The Doctors". She is an internationally renowned speaker and patient advocate. https://www.drsharonstoll.com   Powered By Roth & Co The JWE For guest suggestions, please email Talia: [email protected]

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

In this episode of Inspire to Lead, host Talia Mashiach sits down with Malka Katzav, owner of Big Drop NYC — a 35-year-old fashion retail brand — in sunny Miami. Malka shares her incredible journey of taking over her family's business at just 22 years old with no fashion or business degree, surviving the collapse of brick-and-mortar retail, navigating COVID, and rebuilding into a thriving brand known for making women feel celebrated and confident.   Timestamps: 2:19 – Meet Malka: Background & Family Story 2:52 – The Origin of Big Drop & How It Got Its Name 4:28 – Growing Up with Two Entrepreneur Parents 7:25 – Big Drop's Philosophy: It's Not What You Sell, It's How You Make Women Feel 9:45 – Practical Tips for Creating the "Magic Sauce" in Retail 12:17 – Team Commission Structure That Changes Everything 18:07 – Leadership Lesson: Hire Right So You Don't Micromanage 20:59 – Building a Brand Identity Through Digital & Social 26:03 – The Moment Malka Chose Big Drop Over Her Dream Career 28:09 – The Hardest Years: Taking Over at 22 with No Experience 31:46 – Letting Go of the Old Team & Starting from Scratch 38:11 – Biggest Lessons & Why There Are No Mistakes, Only Building Blocks 40:35 – Trusting Your Gut vs. Fear: How to Tell the Difference 44:56 – Surviving COVID: From Zero Revenue to Launching Online 48:28 – The $5,000 Order She Thought Was Fraud 51:26 – Getting Out of a 30-Year Lease: The Power of Honesty 55:21 – How COVID Became the Best Thing for Her Career 60:00 – Finding Her Social Media Manager by Divine Coincidence 66:27 – Closing New York & Going All-In on Miami 69:13 – The Future of Retail: Experiential Shopping 71:08 – How to Get Brands Into Your Store 73:17 – How Motherhood Changed Her Leadership 74:49 – Legacy: What She Wants to Leave Behind 77:53 – Fast Five: Advice to Her 22-Year-Old Self 78:49 – Superpower: Empathy as a Leadership Tool 79:51 – The Sacrifices No One Sees 81:06 – Most Exciting Moment: The 35th Anniversary Celebration 84:12 – Final Message: "Color the World with Your Own Colors" Guest Summary: Malka Katzav is a 32-year-old entrepreneur, first-generation on both sides , who took over Big Drop NYC from her father in 2015. What started as an overstock operation in a New York studio apartment in 1990 has evolved into a celebrated specialty boutique in Miami with a growing online presence. Malka is known for her empathy-driven leadership and her mission to make every woman who walks through her doors feel seen and celebrated.

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

  In this episode of 'Inspire to Lead,' host Talia Mashiach converses with Avigail, a multifaceted professional and volunteer. With a robust background in interior design, Avigail shares her experiences from running a bustling design firm and a procurement company to being the COO of Hatzolah Air, a volunteer-driven emergency air ambulance organization. She emphasizes the importance of a supportive family, particularly her husband, in managing her diverse responsibilities. Avigail reveals her strategies for balancing professional, community, and family obligations, and offers insights into maintaining a purposeful and fulfilling life. She also touches on the profound impact her volunteer work has on her children and discusses the importance of embracing opportunities and learning from mistakes. Join the conversation to be inspired by Avigail's unwavering optimism, resilience, and commitment to living a meaningful life.   00:00 Welcome to Inspire to Lead 01:32 Introducing Avigail 02:33 Balancing Family and Career 04:42 The Role of Support Systems 06:09 Shabbos and Family Time 07:42 Delegating and Hosting 09:56 Joining Hatzolah Air 14:04 Finding Meaning in Work 19:52 A Heartwarming Story 23:45 Interviewing the Children: A New Series Idea 24:15 Balancing Hatzolah Air and Daily Life 27:12 Empowering Your Team for Success 30:00 Discovering Your Superpower 33:51 Embracing Opportunities and Learning from Mistakes 39:41 Living with Emunah: Finding Inspiration 41:34 Final Thoughts and Words of Wisdom         About Avigail: Avigail Eisenstadt is the CEO and Founder of AE Design Group, a WMBE-certified interior design firm that offers a seamless blend of refined elegance and innovative design for commercial, healthcare, hospitality, and multi-family projects. With 15 years of experience in the industry, Avigail has led numerous successful projects both domestically and internationally, delivering exceptional value and quality to her clients.   In addition to her role as CEO of AE Design Group, Avigail also leads Design Source Group, a procurement company specializing in FF&E purchasing and logistics for construction and renovation projects nationwide. She leverages her extensive network of handpicked vendors and partners to provide unparalleled access to the finest products at the most competitive prices.   Avigail is also a NYS Certified EMT and the Chief Operating Officer of Hatzolah Air, a charitable air ambulance organization that conducts life-saving rescue missions worldwide. Alongside her husband, Rabbi Akiva Eisenstadt, she serves as the Rebbetzin of their kiruv community in Manhattan Beach, Brooklyn. Together, they are dedicated to creating a welcoming environment for outreach, inspiring and guiding individuals in their Jewish journey, whether they are exploring their roots or seeking deeper connections. Avigail balances her professional commitments with her personal dedication to the community, bringing grace and dedication to every aspect of her life.     LinkedIn  https://www.linkedin.com/in/avigaileisenstadt   Instagram @aedesigngroupllc https://www.instagram.com/aedesigngroupllc/   Powered By Roth & Co The JWE For guest suggestions, please email Talia: [email protected]

This episode , features a candid conversation with Allison Josephs, the founder of Jew in the City hosted by Talia Mashiach.   Allison discusses her transformative journey from not being raised Orthodox to becoming a fervent advocate for Orthodox Judaism and breaking down stereotypes through her organization.    Jew in the City, initiated in 2007, aims to demystify Orthodox Jewish life for the broader public, leveraging media platforms.   The discussion covers the organization's evolution into three branches:  Keter (Crown), focusing on positive media representation; Makom (Place), aiding those with negative experiences within Orthodox communities; and Tikkun (Fix), targeting systemic issues within.   Allison shares personal anecdotes from her life, including her family's transition towards religious observance and her struggles and triumphs as a social entrepreneur.   The conversation delves into the establishment of the first Orthodox Jewish Hollywood Bureau to ensure authentic representation in media, Allison's leadership journey, and the importance of mentorship, personal growth, and tackling challenges head-on for meaningful impact.   00:00 Welcome to Inspire to Lead: Unveiling the Journey 01:11 The Spark of Connection: Meeting Allison and the Birth of Jew in the City 02:31 Breaking Stereotypes: The Mission and Growth of Jew in the City 05:54 From Inspiration to Action: The Creation of the Hollywood Bureau 08:00 The Essence of Social Entrepreneurship: Allison's Story 18:59 Navigating Leadership and Criticism: Staying True to Your Voice 33:25 The Power of Growth and Mentorship: Learning from Challenges 36:34 Leaving a Legacy: Final Thoughts and Encouragement   About Allison Josephs: Allison Josephs is a Jewish American storyteller who created "Jew in the City," a nonprofit with a mission to change negatives perceptions about the Orthodox Jewish community through storytelling. "I was frustrated with the media's depictions of my community.   Powered By Roth & Co The JWE For guest suggestions, please email Talia: [email protected]

In this episode Talia Mashiach engages Aleeza Ben Shalom, Netflix's Jewish Matchmaker, to unfold her remarkable journey from a Conservative Jewish upbringing in Philadelphia to becoming a celebrated matchmaking and relationship coach.   Aleeza recounts her professional evolution, the pivotal experiences of authoring her book, and transitioning into a Netflix reality star. The episode sheds light on her Aliyah to Israel, the personal and professional challenges she faced, and her enduring impact on the Jewish community worldwide.   Additionally, it incorporates key life lessons on self-belief, overcoming mistakes, redefining leadership, and the significance of perseverance and enjoying life's moments while striving for ambitious goals.   About Aleeza: Aleeza Ben Shalom is an American–Israeli matchmaker, relationship coach, author, and reality television personality, best known for her role in the Netflix series Jewish Matchmaking. Born in Philadelphia and holding a degree from the University of Pittsburgh, she began her matchmaking career in 2007 and founded Marriage Minded Mentor in 2012. She has successfully paired over 200 Jewish singles and authored books like Get Real Get Married and Virtual Dating. Ben Shalom, who moved to Israel in 2021 with her family, emphasizes clarity and deep self-reflection in relationships, using her Jewish wisdom-based approach to help clients find true compatibility.     01:55 Meet Aleeza Ben Shalom: The Jewish Matchmaker 02:49 Aleeza's Journey to Observant Judaism 06:49 From Marriage to Motherhood 08:04 Discovering a Passion for Matchmaking 11:50 Building a Matchmaking Business 22:01 The Leap to Netflix Stardom 36:03 High Status on El-AL and October 7th Impact 37:01 Jewish Partner Priority and Show's Influence 37:38 Matchmaking Services and New Book 38:33 Advanced Reading Copy and Release Plans 40:12 Future Vision and Radio Show Aspiration 46:24 Aliyah Challenges and Family Transition 51:49 Leadership Journey and Intentional Living 57:27 Greatest Moments and Best Advice 01:01:10 Biggest Mistakes and Lessons Learned 01:08:10 Final Thoughts and Inspirational Message   Powered By Roth & Co The JWE For guest suggestions, please email Talia: [email protected]

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]