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, 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]

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

In this 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]

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

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

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, 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 of 'Inspire to Lead,' host Talia Mashiach sits down with Aliza Shapiro, a clinical therapist who overcame personal struggles and scaled her practice across multiple cities. Aliza shares her journey from growing up in Milwaukee with influential parents, navigating the challenges of dating and the desire for family, to making a pivotal decision that transformed her career. She delves into the importance of filling life's gaps with meaningful endeavors, what it means to be a leader, and the power of empathy in business. Aliza's insights are not only inspiring but also offer a refreshing perspective on finding happiness and fulfillment despite life's unpredictable timelines.   00:00 Introduction to Inspire to Lead 00:29 Meet Aliza Shapiro: A Journey of Resilience 03:10 Growing Up in Milwaukee: Family and Career Influences 11:22 Balancing Career and Personal Life 14:33 Overcoming Personal Challenges 19:10 Finding Inner Strength and Support 25:26 Advice for Aspiring Therapists and Entrepreneurs 27:36 Empowering Single Women 28:21 The Pain of Unfulfilled Desires 28:44 Finding Happiness in the Present 29:20 Challenges of Married Life 31:41 Taking Risks and Embracing Opportunities 33:34 Overcoming Fear and Anxiety 34:35 The Joy of Marriage and Career Fulfillment 36:37 Building a Business and Mentorship 44:22 Leadership and Personal Growth 46:42 Reflections and Future Aspirations   About our guest: Aliza Shapiro, LCSW, is a licensed therapist and founder of Therapy In The City, a private practice in NY, FL, and CA. In her clinical work, Aliza specializes in treating adults with anxiety, depression, OCD, and related disorders. A strong advocate for mental health awareness, Aliza serves on the wellness advisory board of Popsugar Wellness, Miami Concierge Pediatrics, and Teen Health 101 and has been featured in articles in Glamour, New Beauty, and Wundermind magazines.   www.instagram.com/therapist in nyc Powered By Roth & Co The JWE For guest suggestions, please email Talia: [email protected]