Episode 23: Leading with Purpose: Eileen Spitalny and Heather Lennon on Women's Entrepreneurship

Episode Summary:

Discover the vibrant world of female entrepreneurship and personal empowerment in the latest episode of the Plant.Body.Soul. Podcast! Join hosts Jen and Gordon as they dive into candid conversations with guests Eileen Spitalny and Heather Lennon, exploring topics ranging from building playgrounds to the transformative power of cannabis. Delve into their personal passions, from live music to basketball, and hear inspiring stories of overcoming health challenges with the help of medical cannabis. With engaging anecdotes, insightful reflections, and a call to destigmatize cannabis use, this episode offers a refreshing blend of business savvy, wellness wisdom, and social advocacy. Plus, don't miss out on exclusive insights into the hosts' thriving businesses and upcoming events. Tune in for an uplifting and informative journey that celebrates the resilience, creativity, and camaraderie of women in business.

Show Notes:

Segment 1: Introductions

Timestamp: [00:00:54 - 00:01:38]
Jen and Gordon introduce the Plant.Body.Soul. podcast.
Jen introduces Gordon Ogden.
Eileen Spitalny and Heather Lennon are introduced as esteemed guests.

Segment 2: Eileen's Journey with Fairytale Brownies

Timestamp: [00:01:38 - 00:07:26]
Eileen shares the origin story of Fairytale Brownies with childhood friend David.
The inspiration behind starting a brownie company.
Acquiring the domain name brownies.com and the significance of the name "Fairytale Brownies."

Segment 5: Heather's Entrepreneurial Journey

Timestamp: [00:04:54]
Heather shares her background in entrepreneurship and the influence of her family.
Transitioning from a design firm to a full-service contracting and development company.
The importance of preserving historical buildings in Downtown Phoenix.

Segment 4: Overcoming Obstacles as a Female Entrepreneur

Timestamp: [00:07:26 - 00:11:26]
Eileen discusses the challenge of being perceived as too young or inexperienced.
Overcoming obstacles through perseverance and instilling confidence in her team.
Dealing with the seasonality of the business, especially during December.

Segment 5: Challenges and Successes

Timestamp: [00:11:26 - 00:12:38]
Heather discusses challenges faced in male-dominated industries.
Being underestimated and finding strength in overcoming obstacles.
Embracing delegation and teamwork to manage multiple successful businesses.

Segment 6: Empowering Women in Business

Timestamp: [00:12:38 - 00:15:08]
Reflecting on the importance of setting an example for future generations.
Acknowledging the support of peers and the significance of asking for help.
The value of knowing one's strengths and delegating tasks to build successful ventures.

Segment 7: WomenPHX24 Event Planning

Timestamp: [00:15:08 - 00:19:16]
Jen, Heather and Eileen discuss WomenPHX24.
They share insights into the inception of the event and its objectives.
The event aims to highlight female entrepreneurs and offer workshops, networking opportunities, yoga, and breathwork.

Segment 8: Reflections on Burning Man

Timestamp: [00:19:38 - 00:25:57]
Eileen shares her experience attending Burning Man, including the challenges of the muddy year.
Jen and Gordon elaborate on the significance of Burning Man's art, community, and rituals.
They discuss the emotional impact of witnessing the burning of structures like the temple.

Segment 9: Importance of Networking in Entrepreneurial Journey

Timestamp: [00:26:02 - 00:30:58]
Eileen emphasizes the importance of networking and community involvement in her entrepreneurial journey.
Heather underscores the value of collaboration and community engagement in her cigar business.
They discuss their involvement in various organizations and the benefits of connecting with peers and competitors alike.

Segment 10: Naming the Brand

Timestamp: [00:31:01 - 00:32:30]
Heather's shares her journey of naming her brand, Raconteuse.
She discusses the influence of her love for cigars and desire to create a unique experience.
Heather emphasizes the importance of conversation and storytelling in the cigar community.

Segment 11: Work-Life Balance and Wellness

Timestamp: [00:32:43 - 00:35:22]
Strategies for managing work-life balance.
Importance of creative outlets and spending time with loved ones.
Recognizing the impact of stress and the need for self-care in entrepreneurship.

Segment 12: Maintaining Positive Energy and Supporting Team Members

Timestamp: [00:35:22 - 00:39:36]
Responsibility for energy in the room as a business owner.
Strategies for maintaining positive energy.
Balancing personal struggles with leadership responsibilities.

Segment 13: Advice for Female Entrepreneurs

Timestamp: [00:39:36 - 00:43:40]
Encouraging self-care and prioritizing personal needs.
Importance of seeking help and building a support network.
Learning from mistakes and embracing growth opportunities.

Segment 14: Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Growth

Timestamp: [00:43:40 - 00:46:52]
Recognizing areas of weakness and seeking assistance.
Viewing setbacks as learning experiences rather than failures.
Importance of adaptability and continuous learning in business and personal development.

Segment 15: Philanthropy and Social Impact

Timestamp: [00:46:56 - 00:54:52]
Mission-driven businesses and social impact.
Creative ways of giving back to the community.
Examples of philanthropic initiatives:

Offering space for COVID vaccine distribution.
Donations to organizations like Boys and Girls Club and Dress for Success Phoenix.
Partnership with Kaboom to build safe play spaces for children.

Segment 16: Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Timestamp: [00:54:56 - 01:00:42]
Importance of writing a business plan and understanding the competitive landscape.
Patience, persistence, and openness to pivot towards success.
Vision boarding, meditation, and positive self-talk for clarity and motivation.
Seeking out mentors and partners with relevant experience and skills.

Segment 15: Business and Personal Goals for the Future

Timestamp: [01:01:08 - 01:02:47]
Long-term goals for businesses and personal life.
Business growth and profit sharing.
Personal aspirations for more involvement in art and non-profit work.

Segment 16: Saving History and Experiencing Unexpected Spaces

Timestamp: [01:02:49 - 01:03:56]
Saving historic buildings in Phoenix.
Introducing cigar smokers to unique spaces in the city.
Remaining open to future opportunities and evolution.

Segment 17: Final Thoughts and Advice

Timestamp: [01:03:56 - 01:06:00]
Emphasizing the importance of using personal strengths for good.
Spreading kindness and making a positive impact.
Being visible and setting examples for future generations, particularly for women in male-dominated fields.

Segment 18: Self-Care Practices

Timestamp: 01:09:30 - 01:10:56
Prioritizing movement and yoga for physical well-being.
Reflecting on self-care practices in the context of personal loss.
Acknowledging the importance of living well in honor of loved ones.

Segment 19: Soulful Reflections

Timestamp: 01:12:20 - 01:13:28
Finding soulful fulfillment through various avenues like music, art, and spirituality.
Gratitude for impactful relationships and memories, even in times of loss.

Segment 20: Personal Passions and Hobbies

Timestamp: [01:13:30 - 01:15:56]
Eileen and Heather share their passions outside of work, including live music, art, and basketball.
Heather discusses the importance of being mindful and respecting different cultures through travel.

Segment 21: Closing Remarks and Business Promotion

Timestamp: [01:16:00 - 01:18:45]

Heather and Eileen express gratitude and excitement for future collaborations.
Contact information and business promotion for Imagine Develops, Raconteuse Cigars, and Fairytale Brownies are shared.