CEO School with Suneera Madhani

Episod

• 
  Build to Sell: A Private Equity Insider's Hiring and Exit Playbook 29.07.2026 48min

  PE introductions, C-suite connections, companies exiting because of one conversation; that's what happens inside the MFC. We're opening spots for ambitious women at the 7-figure mark who are ready to be in the room where the best deals happen. Apply here: https://bit.ly/MFCApplication -- Welcome back to the CEO School podcast! In today's episode, our host Suneera Madhani sits down with powerhouse executive and proud Latina mom, Vivian Gonzalez. With nearly 30 years in executive search—20 of which were spent deep in private equity—Vivian brings a wealth of insider knowledge on scaling companies, strategic exits, and the art of assembling world-class leadership teams. Together, they dive into the realities of selling to private equity, what it takes to build truly exitable enterprises, and the unique challenges and opportunities for women in the male-dominated world of finance and leadership. Plus, Vivian shares actionable insights on retention, hiring, and the mindset shifts women founders need to unlock the next level of growth. Whether you're building your first company or preparing for a big exit, this episode is packed with must-know strategies and inspiration for ambitious women in business. Time Stamps: (00:00) Introducing Vivian Gonzalez: 30 Years Placing C-Suite Talent in PE-Backed Companies (05:20) From Law School Dropout to Running a Firm at 25 (07:44) Private Equity 101: What It Is, What It Isn't, and Why It Got a Bad Rap (12:17) The Gender Gap in PE: 15% on Deal Teams, 2% as Operating Partners (13:45)  Vivian's Rule: No Woman on Your Deal Team? No Introduction. (19:49) No Is a Gift: How Rejection Builds Better Founders (23:50)  What PE Buyers Actually Grade You On: Retention, Scalability, and Letting Go (25:50) The Mindset Shift: If the Business Can't Run Without You, It's Not Sellable (28:00) "I Can't Afford to Hire"... Here's How to Think About It Instead (33:47) The $1M, $5M, and $10M Inflection Points And What Breaks at Each One (39:17) The Case Study Hiring Method That Removes Risk and Gets You to Yes (44:19) The 30/60/90 Framework: Why Hires Fail Without It (46:00) — Where to Find Vivian and the MFC Follow Vivian and discover her ventures: Instagram: @viviangonzales.parkcapital LinkedIn: Vivian Gonzales Remember, every "no" is just a step closer to your "yes". Keep building businesses that create wealth and impact! -------------------------------------------------------------------- Vivian just told you the business that can't run without you isn't sellable. The 6P quiz will show you exactly which pillar is holding you back. Take it, get your weakest area, and get the custom workbook to fix it → https://bit.ly/FounderOrCEOQuiz --- Only 2% of female founders ever break $1 million in revenue. We're on a mission to change that. Subscribe to the CEO School and join the movement. Watch and listen to us at: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1525261018 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/06KIvFFJP0yJv67N9ugigU YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CEOSchoolPodcast/?sub_confirmation=1 Learn more about CEO School because nothing bad ever happens when women make more money: Website: https://theceoschool.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ceoschool/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ceo-school TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theceoschool Learn more about how Suneera Madhani is paving the way for powerhouse female CEOs like you to take center stage, not just in your industries but in your whole life. Website: https://suneeramadhani.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suneeramadhani/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suneeramadhani/ This episode was produced by Hi Hello Labs: https://www.hihellolabs.com/. ------------------------------------------------------------------ SOCIAL Hashtags: #PrivateEquity #ExitStrategy #WomenInBusiness #FemaleFounders #WomenInLeadership #FounderToCEO #CSuiteRecruitment #BusinessGrowth #CustomerRetention #HiringStrategy #ScaleYourBusiness #CEOSchool
• 
  Stop Ghosting, Start Leading: The Cost of Avoiding Hard Talks in Business 22.07.2026 13min

  The avoidance patterns we broke down today show up in your business too, and our Founder or CEO quiz will tell you exactly where. Uncover your weakest area and get a custom workbook to strengthen it → https://bit.ly/FounderOrCEOQuiz In today's solo episode, Suneera takes a direct and honest look at one of the biggest challenges holding women back in business and life: our collective fear of direct conversations. From ghosting and gossip to building stories in our heads, Suneera unpacks the patterns of avoidance that can undermine relationships, leadership, and personal growth. Through practical lessons and personal insights, she'll show you how embracing direct yet kind communication is the key to true leadership and lasting success. It's time to pick up the phone, have the tough conversations, and build a reputation and relationships that stand the test of time. Let's dive in!Time Stamps:(01:00) Cold open: we are terrified of direct conversations(02:18) Lesson 1: Leaders pick up the phone, not the voice note(03:40) Lesson 2: Giving direct feedback without the 12 disclaimers(04:11) Feedback is just data; it's not a verdict on your worth(04:56) Lesson 3: "It's you and me against the problem"(06:19) How to stop the story before resentment builds(07:22) Lesson 4: Stop living in zero or 100(08:09) Why women's reactions cost them trust and relationships(09:33) Lesson 5: Your reputation outlasts every disagreement(10:55) Zero to scorched earth: that's ego, not strength(11:27) The PSA: build the muscle for direct, kind conversations Share this with a founder who's been writing the text, then deleting it, then writing it again.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Your network is only as strong as your ability to protect it. The women inside MFC have already learned that. Come have the real conversations with us → https://bit.ly/MFCApplication--- Only 2% of female founders ever break $1 million in revenue. We’re on a mission to change that. Subscribe to the CEO School and join the movement. Watch and listen to us at: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1525261018 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/06KIvFFJP0yJv67N9ugigU YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CEOSchoolPodcast/?sub_confirmation=1 Learn more about CEO School because nothing bad ever happens when women make more money: Website: https://theceoschool.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ceoschool/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ceo-school TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theceoschool Learn more about how Suneera Madhani is paving the way for powerhouse female CEOs like you to take center stage, not just in your industries but in your whole life. Website: https://suneeramadhani.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suneeramadhani/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suneeramadhani/ This episode was produced by Hi Hello Labs: https://www.hihellolabs.com/.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SOCIAL Hashtags:#leadership #directconversations #feedback #communication #conflictresolution #emotionalintelligence #womeninbusiness #avoidance #givingfeedback #receivingfeedback #businessrelationships #problemsolving #winwinmindset #assumption #ghosting #gossip #triangulation #personalgrowth #professionalboundaries #reputation #integrity #emotionalregulation #mentorship #teamdynamics #empathy #networkoverlap #peoplepleasing #burningbridges #ceoschool #foundertoceo
• 
  Give Your Money a Job: How Women Founders Build Wealth 15.07.2026 43min

  You can't build wealth on a business that falls apart the second you step back. The Founder-to-CEO Shift guide is the free first step out of the founder trap → https://bit.ly/FounderToCEOGuide Welcome back to CEO School! In today's episode, we sit down with Michelle Taylor: licensed wealth manager, founder of Women In Wealth, and host of the Talk Wealthy To Me podcast. Michelle shares her inspiring journey from entrepreneurial pivots and personal financial struggles to building a thriving practice focused on advising women business owners about wealth. We dive deep into the realities of juggling business and family, why your business shouldn't be your only retirement plan, and how women can shift their money mindset. Plus, we'll break down practical strategies for putting your money to work, discuss the importance of building a strong advisory team, and explore where and how wealthy women are investing for long-term growth.  Whether you're a founder or just getting started on your wealth journey, Michelle brings honest advice, sharp insight, and a much-needed perspective on investing in your business (and yourself). Grab a notepad, because this episode is packed with actionable wisdom you won't want to miss! Time Stamps: (01:00)  Selling Everything to Move to Italy (Then Pivoting)(05:54)  Leukemia at 17 & Why Health Is the First Wealth(07:41)  The Louboutin Product, IVF & Picking the Real Baby(09:57)  Why She Built Women in Wealth(15:33)  Bet on Yourself: Your Business Is the Home Run(17:02)  Where Founders Waste Money (And Where to Put It Instead)(20:37)  Stop Sitting on Cash: Give Your Money a Job(24:24)  The Pie: Allocating by Age, Goals & Risk(27:39 ) "Mailbox Money": Replacing Your Income With Real Estate(29:56)  Angel Bets & Why "When I'm Ready" Is a Trap(32:54)  Swing Big: The Baseball Rule of Risk(39:42)  Fire the CPA Who Says No(40:30)  Tax Moves That Don't Lock Up Your Cash Share this with a founder whose money is asleep on the couch. Connect With Michelle:Website: https://womeninwealth.co/Instagram: @itschelletaylor -------------------------------------------------------------- The honest money conversations only happen with women who get it. That room has a name. The Millionaire Founders Club has a few spots left → https://bit.ly/MFCApplication --- Only 2% of female founders ever break $1 million in revenue. We’re on a mission to change that. Subscribe to the CEO School and join the movement. Watch and listen to us at: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1525261018 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/06KIvFFJP0yJv67N9ugigU YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CEOSchoolPodcast/?sub_confirmation=1 Learn more about CEO School because nothing bad ever happens when women make more money: Website: https://theceoschool.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ceoschool/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ceo-school TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theceoschool Learn more about how Suneera Madhani is paving the way for powerhouse female CEOs like you to take center stage, not just in your industries but in your whole life. Website: https://suneeramadhani.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suneeramadhani/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suneeramadhani/ This episode was produced by Hi Hello Labs: https://www.hihellolabs.com/. -------------------------------------------------------------- SOCIAL Hashtags: #WealthManagement #WomenAndWealth #BusinessOwners #FemaleFounders #Entrepreneurship #BuildingWealth #FinancialLiteracy #MoneyMindset #PassiveIncome #Investing #TaxStrategy #RealEstateInvesting
• 
  How I Escaped the Founder Trap (and Built a Billion-Dollar Company) 08.07.2026 14min

  The first step out of the founder trap is free. Get the Founder-to-CEO Shift guide → https://theceoschool.com/ Welcome back to CEO School! In today’s solo episode, Suneera Madhani shares the pivotal moment when her ambition outgrew her systems—and how that breakthrough became the foundation for building businesses that don’t depend on her every move. From the high of a Fast Company feature to the low of realizing she’d become the bottleneck, Suneera Madhani walks us through the lessons she learned transitioning from founder to CEO.  Tune in for practical tools, the must-have 6P framework for sustainable growth, and an invitation to break free from founder burnout with systems that actually set you up for true freedom and scale. If you’re ready to audit your business, embody your CEO self, and set your sights higher, this episode is for you! Time Stamps: (00:00) Facing overwhelming demand (04:16) Harnessing Inner Leadership Power (09:45) Building an Inclusive Business Accelerator (12:40) Using AI to streamline CEO tasks Send this to a founder who's still doing everything herself and wondering why she's stuck. ------------------------------------------------------------- When the strategy that got you here stops working, the next level is about the room you're in. The Millionaire Founders Club has a few spots left. Apply today: https://bit.ly/MFCApplication --- Only 2% of female founders ever break $1 million in revenue. We’re on a mission to change that. Subscribe to the CEO School and join the movement. Watch and listen to us at: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast//id1525261018 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/06KIvFFJP0yJv67N9ugigU YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CEOSchoolPodcast/?sub_confirmation=1 Learn more about CEO School because nothing bad ever happens when women make more money: Website: https://theceoschool.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ceoschool/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suneeramadhani/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theceoschool Learn more about how Suneera Madhani is paving the way for powerhouse female CEOs like you to take center stage, not just in your industries but in your whole life. Website: https://suneeramadhani.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suneeramadhani/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suneeramadhani/ This episode was produced by Hi Hello Labs: https://www.hihellolabs.com/. ------------------------------------------------- SOCIAL Hashtags: #self image #mindset #femaleentrepreneurs #confidence #style #environment #personalgrowth,#ambition #fear #emotions #overcomingfear #selfconcept #transformation #selfworth #provingenergy #ambitionwithease #playfulness #selfcare #fashion #bookrecommendations #surroundings
• 
  Self-Image As a Business Strategy: The Framework Every CEO Needs 02.07.2026 44min

  The inner work underneath your strategy is what scales it, and it's exactly what we cover in Module 1 of the CEO Accelerator Certification. See how it works: https://accelerator.theceoschool.com/join-now Welcome back to CEO School! In today's episode, we're joined by Tonya Leigh, founder of the School of Self Image and host of the podcast “School of Self-Image .” Tonya takes us through her inspiring journey from a critical care nurse and single mom in the deep South to becoming a food and wine writer in France, transforming her life by reimagining who she could be. We dive into Tonya's unique framework for self-image, which centers on mindset, style, and environment, and how these pillars empower women, especially high-achieving entrepreneurs, to design a life they love.  Get ready for an important conversation on overcoming fear, the true currency of change, and actionable steps to step confidently into your highest self. Time Stamps: (00:00) Introduction: Tonya Leigh and the Art of Becoming(03:18) The one word that rewrote an entire life(08:51) The fear wasn't failing... it was not knowing how(10:32) The worst thing that can happen is a feeling(14:54) When she decided to french-kiss life(17:00) The strategy that built it is the strategy capping it(23:57) The thought ladder: how to shift a thought without lying to yourself(27:07) Dress to impress yourself, not the room(30:35) The three-nail-color rule for founders with no time(33:47) Beauty standards built to keep you chasing(34:44) Define beauty so it includes you(37:57) Your environment is shaping you. Audit it!(39:55) The bookshelf swap that changed everything(41:37) Where to find Tonya and her programs Share this with a founder who treats self-image like a soft skill.----------------------------------------------------------------------- When the strategy that got you here stops working, the next level is about the room you're in. The Millionaire Founders Club has a few spots left. Apply today: https://bit.ly/MFCApplication --- Follow Tonya and discover her ventures: Instagram: @tonyaleigh Website: https://schoolofselfimage.com/ Her free Elegant Success Framework:  https://schoolofselfimage.com/success --- Only 2% of female founders ever break $1 million in revenue. We’re on a mission to change that. Subscribe to the CEO School and join the movement. Watch and listen to us at: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast//id1525261018 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/06KIvFFJP0yJv67N9ugigU YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CEOSchoolPodcast/?sub_confirmation=1 Learn more about CEO School because nothing bad ever happens when women make more money: Website: https://theceoschool.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ceoschool/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suneeramadhani/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theceoschool Learn more about how Suneera Madhani is paving the way for powerhouse female CEOs like you to take center stage, not just in your industries but in your whole life. Website: https://suneeramadhani.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suneeramadhani/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suneeramadhani/ This episode was produced by Hi Hello Labs: https://www.hihellolabs.com/. --------------------------------------------------------------------- SOCIAL Hashtags: #selfimage #mindset #femaleentrepreneurs #confidence #style #environment #personalgrowth #ambition #fear #emotions #overcomingfear #selfconcept #transformation #selfworth #provingenergy #ambitionwithease #playfulness #selfcare #fashion #bookrecommendations #surroundings
• 
  The Power Couple Origin Story: From The Poker Table to The Boardroom 24.06.2026 1j 3min

  We've proven you can have it all, and we've built the framework that makes it possible: The CEO Accelerator. Six pillars, live calls with Suneera, and your own plug-and-play CEO Operating System. Apply now: https://accelerator.theceoschool.com/join-now *** Welcome to a very special episode of CEO School, in honor of Father's Day.  On this episode of CEO School, Suneera sat down with her husband, Fazail Madhani, for a candid conversation about their journey as entrepreneurs, partners, and parents. They talk about building businesses from the ground up, navigating failures together, what it means to truly support each other's ambitions, and how we make family our foundation.  If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to balance entrepreneurship with marriage and parenting, or if you need a reminder that you really can have it all with the right mindset and support, this episode is a must-listen. From humble beginnings and entrepreneurial struggles to scaling multi-million-dollar businesses and raising a family together, they share the highs, lows, and real-life lessons behind their “one team, one dream” philosophy. Whether you're seeking insights on building a supportive partnership, balancing family and ambition, or just want a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to thrive together as entrepreneurs and parents, this episode is packed with wisdom, vulnerability, and plenty of fun.  Don’t miss this intimate look into the Madhani family's dynamic and the values that drive their success, both at work and at home. Time Stamps: (00:07) Born in Tanzania, raised to never make excuses (07:57) How they met, and who was playing footsies at the poker table? (12:35) Failing together before making it together (19:17) What Faisal actually signed up for when marrying Suneera (27:41) How he describes his wife when someone asks what she does (32:01) The not-so-pretty side of being married to a CEO (45:18) The moment that showed her what real partnership means (48:33) Why they refuse to believe women can't have it all (49:36) Parenting as two CEOs: what they protect, what they teach, and what they refuse to sacrifice (58:31) The moment he never told her he was proud of (59:31) The Sunny nobody sees online, and what 18 years comes down to Share this with a founder who thinks having it all means doing it alone. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- You don't have to figure out the next level alone; that's what the room is for. Our Millionaire Founders Club has a few spots left. Apply today: https://bit.ly/MFCApplication--- Only 2% of female founders ever break $1 million in revenue. We’re on a mission to change that. Subscribe to the CEO School and join the movement. Watch and listen to us at: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast//id1525261018 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/06KIvFFJP0yJv67N9ugigU YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/c/CEOSchoolPodcast/?sub_confirmation=1 Learn more about CEO School because nothing bad ever happens when women make more money: Website: https://theceoschool.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ceoschool/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suneeramadhani/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theceoschool Learn more about how Suneera Madhani is paving the way for powerhouse female CEOs like you to take center stage, not just in your industries but in your whole life. Website: https://suneeramadhani.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suneeramadhani/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suneeramadhani/ This episode was produced by Hi Hello Labs: https://www.hihellolabs.com/. --------------------------------------------------------------------------
• 
  5 Lies Your Feed Is Selling You as a Founder 17.06.2026 27min

  If your business is running on passion instead of process, that's the gap the CEO Accelerator closes. 12 weeks to go from founder mode to CEO mode: the six pillars, the playbooks, the live calls with Suneera. Apply now: https://accelerator.theceoschool.com/join-now *** Is hustle culture dead, or have we swung too far in the opposite direction? Welcome back to the CEO School podcast!  In this episode of CEO School, our host Suneera shares an unfiltered perspective on the current state of entrepreneurship, social media marketing, personal branding, and business growth. From the rise of the "soft girl era" to the pressure women founders feel to constantly create content, build personal brands, and chase visibility, Suneera challenges the narratives dominating social media and explains why founders may be focusing on the wrong metrics. Whether you're building a startup, growing a personal brand, scaling a seven-figure company, or simply feeling burned out by social media, this episode offers practical insights and a refreshing perspective on entrepreneurship in 2026. You'll learn why:-Business is neither masculine nor feminine; it's business-Visibility without conversion is just entertainment-Social media trends are creating a culture of sameness-Over-editing content can kill authenticity -Personal branding should support your business, not become your business Time Stamps: (00:00) — Introduction: Why Social Media Feels Exhausting Right Now (01:53) — The Problem with the "Soft Girl Business" Era (03:37) — Vision Boards Don't Close Deals, Systems Do (05:27) — Business Isn't Feminine or Masculine. It's Business. (06:24) — Lessons from Building Multiple Companies (10:15) — You Birthed Your Business, Should You Be Mothering It Too? (11:44) — The Real Cost of Content Creation (13:33) — Why Over-Edited Content Is Losing Its Power (15:47) — Social Media Sameness Is Killing Authenticity (18:26) — The Personal Brand Trap Women Founders Don't See Coming (20:57) — Visibility Without Conversion Is Just Entertainment (23:30) — The Feed Audit Every Founder Should Do Today Share this with a woman founder who needs to remember that visibility without conversion is just entertainment. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- You built the business. Now it's time to build the wealth. If you're a seven-figure founder ready to scale to eight, the Millionaire Founders Club has a few spots left. Apply here: https://bit.ly/MFCApplication --- Only 2% of women founders ever break $1 million in revenue. We're on a mission to change that. Subscribe to the CEO School and join the movement. Watch and listen to us at: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast//id1525261018 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/06KIvFFJP0yJv67N9ugigU YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CEOSchoolpodcast Learn more about CEO School because nothing bad ever happens when women make more money: Website: https://theceoschool.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ceoschool/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suneeramadhani/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theceoschool Learn more about how Suneera Madhani is paving the way for powerhouse female CEOs like you to take center stage, not just in your industries but in your whole life. Website: https://suneeramadhani.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suneeramadhani/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suneeramadhani/ This episode was produced by Hi Hello Labs: https://www.hihellolabs.com/ --------------------------------------------------------------- SOCIAL Hashtags: #CEOSchool #WomenInBusiness #Entrepreneurship #FounderLife #BusinessGrowth #PersonalBranding #Leadership #BusinessStrategy #WomenEntrepreneurs #StartupFounder #ContentMarketing #CEO mindset #BusinessPodcast #ScaleYourBusiness #SocialMediaMarketing
• 
  Scared Money Don't Make Money: Your Rich BFF on Building Wealth As A Founder 11.06.2026 48min

  You built the business. Now it's time to build the wealth. If you're a seven-figure founder ready to surround yourself with women doing the same, the Millionaire Founders Club has a few spots left. Apply here: https://bit.ly/MFCApplication Welcome back to the CEO School podcast! In this episode, we're sitting down with Vivian Tu, aka Your Rich BFF, to talk about how she went from a Wall Street equities trader to a viral financial educator and a multi-million-dollar media entrepreneur. Her story starts with immigrant parents, a fourth career option nobody handed her, and a first TikTok that hit 3 million views in a week. From there, the conversation gets into the risk-calculated leap from a $625K corporate salary to building her own brand, and what it takes to turn income into wealth as a founder.Expect straight talk on the FU number, taking distributions, and why so many seven-figure founders are still broke. Plus, Vivian breaks down her latest book, Well Endowed, and Ask Dolly, her new fintech built to make financial advice accessible to everyone, not just people who already have a six-figure net worth.Practical, candid, and full of useful nuggets. Don't skip a minute of this one. Here are my top 3 takeaways: -Segregate Your Finances: The discussion explored the importance of separating personal and business finances. Treat your business as its own entity, pay yourself appropriately, and make sure you're using surplus for distributions and investments—not just reinvesting everything or using your business as a piggy bank. (17:27) -Find Your “Enough” Number: One concept discussed was the power of knowing your “FU” number—calculate what you truly need to live your ideal life, and let that number drive your wealth-building and investment strategies instead of always chasing “more.” (24:00) -Diversification is Everything: The conversation focused on what to do with distributions or windfalls: first, shore up your emergency fund, pay down high-interest debt, then diversify into tax-advantaged accounts, index funds, real estate, and even a little fun (yes, it’s okay to treat yourself!) (35:10) Time Stamps: (00:00) Introducing Your Rich BFF's Vivian Tu (01:58) The immigrant kid who found her fourth option, and ran with it (04:56) She went viral on day one, and her first call was to the legal team (07:15) She had $625K, a job she loved, and a decision to make (11:21) The moment she ran out of hours in the day (14:09) How she figured out what to charge (and kept pushing) (18:02) How do you go from making income to building wealth (24:09) Stop chasing a number you can't even visualize (30:29) The economy broke its promise to this generation (35:41) Your Roth IRA is a purse. What's actually in it? (38:21) Every big purchase she makes has a milestone tied to it (41:22) Nobody runs from the Sephora sale. Why run from the stock market? (44:21) The financial advice gap no one is filling...until now Share this with the woman who's making real money but still can't answer the question: "What's actually enough?" Follow Vivian Tu and discover her ventures: Instagram: @your.richbff TikTok: @yourrichbff Ask Dolly website: https://askdolly.com/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ If you're a female founder who's built serious revenue but knows your business needs a real CEO, our CEO Accelerator Certification gives you the framework to make that shift in 12 weeks. Secure your spot today: https://accelerator.theceoschool.com/join-now. --- Only 2% of female founders ever break $1 million in revenue. We’re on a mission to change that. Subscribe to the CEO School and join the movement. Watch and listen to us at: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast//id1525261018 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/06KIvFFJP0yJv67N9ugigU YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CEOSchoolPodcast/?sub_confirmation=1 Learn more about CEO School because nothing bad ever happens when women make more money: Website: https://theceoschool.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ceoschool/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suneeramadhani/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theceoschool Learn more about how Suneera Madhani is paving the way for powerhouse female CEOs like you to take center stage, not just in your industries but in your whole life.  Website: https://suneeramadhani.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suneeramadhani/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suneeramadhani/ This episode was produced by Hi Hello Labs: https://www.hihellolabs.com/. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- #CEOSchoolPodcast #YourRichBFF #RichBFF #VivianTu #FinancialLiteracy #PersonalFinance #WealthBuilding #Entrepreneurship #ContentCreation #ViralVideo #SocialMediaStrategy #BrandDeals #PricingStrategy #Monetization #CreatorEconomy #BatchContentRecording
• 
  From Doctor to CEO: Dr. Arleen Lamba on Grit, Growth, and GLO30 03.06.2026 30min

  If you are a seven-figure female founder ready to scale to eight, our Millionaire Founder's Club has a few spots left. Apply here: https://bit.ly/MFCApplication Welcome back to the CEO School Podcast! This week on CEO School, I had the honor of sitting down with Dr. Arleen Lamba, founder of GLO300, a membership-based, medical-grade skincare franchise that has grown 1600% and is now one of the fastest-growing skincare studios in the nation. Dr. Arleen Lamba took us behind the scenes of her journey: from working as a full-time anesthesiologist while launching her first studio, to pushing through doubt, judgment, and “cringe” moments, all the way to nationwide franchise success. Here are my top 3 takeaways: Start with a Personal Problem: The most impactful businesses often solve a pain point you know intimately. Dr. Arleen Lamba built GLO30 out of her own frustrating skincare journey and turned it into a replicable, high-growth model. Embrace the Cringe & Push Forward: Every entrepreneur will face moments of doubt, external judgment, or feeling “cringe.” Dr. Arleen Lamba was handing out flyers 9 months pregnant, hearing “how’s your little spa?”—and every time, she pushed forward rather than retreating. Double Down on Systems & Execution: Scaling past your first location means obsessing over people, process, and customer experience. Dr. Arleen Lamba credits GLO30’s success to a relentless focus on quality and process, and on building a community that truly believes in the vision. If you’re sitting on an idea or in the “grind” phase, let this be your push. Sometimes the only permission you need is from yourself. Time Stamps: (00:00) Intro + Key Takeaways (01:00) Meet Dr. Arleen Lamba & GLO30 (03:42) From Anesthesiologist to Founder (06:52) Building While Working Full Time (08:12) Embrace the Cringe & Push Forward (12:15) The Moment She Went All In (16:28) The Opportunity that Changed the Trajectory (18:06) The Decision to Franchise (20:42) How to Scale Without Losing Your Standards (26:20) The Three A's: Approachable, Accessible, Affordable (28:18) What's Next for GLO30 & How to Support Them Share this with a woman who's building something real while everyone's asking, "How's your little business? "Follow Dr. Arleen Lamba and discover Glo30: Glo30's website: https://glo30.com/ Dr. Lamba's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drarleenlamba/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ If you're a female founder who's built serious revenue but knows your business needs a real CEO, our CEO Accelerator Certification gives you the framework to make that shift in 12 weeks. Secure your spot today: https://accelerator.theceoschool.com/join-now. Only 2% of female founders ever break $1 million in revenue. We’re on a mission to change that. Subscribe to the CEO School and join the movement. Watch and listen to us at: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast//id1525261018 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/06KIvFFJP0yJv67N9ugigU YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CEOSchoolPodcast/?sub_confirmation=1 Learn more about CEO School because nothing bad ever happens when women make more money: Website: https://theceoschool.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ceoschool/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suneeramadhani/ Learn more about how Suneera Madhani is paving the way for powerhouse female CEOs like you to take center stage, not just in your industries but in your whole life. Website: https://suneeramadhani.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suneeramadhani/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suneeramadhani/ This episode was produced by Hi Hello Labs: https://www.hihellolabs.com/. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ SOCIAL Hashtags: #GLO30 #skincarefranchise #medicalgradeskincare #facialtreatments #AItechnology #membershipmodel #accessibleskincare #womenentrepreneurs #franchisegrowth #businessbootstrapping #work-lifebalance #buildingabusinesswhileemployed #overcomingego #entrepreneurshipmindset #personalproblemsolving #DrArleenLamba #businessfunding #scalingabusiness #risk-taking #franchiseprocess #customerexperience #self-fundedbusiness #product-marketfit
• 
  5 Truths From 50 High-Achieving Women: Who We Are When We Stop Performing 27.05.2026 41min

  Are you a 7-figure founder ready to be in a room like this? MFC has a few spots left. Apply here: bit.ly/MFCApplication Welcome back to the CEO School Podcast!  On today’s episode, Suneera dives deep into the powerful lessons and raw realities uncovered at the recent Millionaire Founders Club Spring Wellness Retreat in Phoenix. After gathering with 50 high-achieving, seven- and eight-figure women entrepreneurs, Suneera shares the themes, breakthroughs, and unfiltered truths that emerged when leaders let their guard down and reconnected with themselves (and each other). From the challenge of letting go of people-pleasing and perfectionism, to redefining the roles of feminine and masculine energy in building successful businesses, to confronting the pressures of social media and personal branding, this episode offers an unfiltered look at the evolving journey of women founders. Suneera also addresses the lonely side of leadership, sharing why your circle gets smaller as you grow, and the surprising importance of giving yourself permission to disconnect. Whether you’re craving growth, authenticity, or practical takeaways for your own leadership path, tune in for a candid, thought-provoking conversation that will challenge your perspectives and encourage you to reflect on the armor you wear, and what it could mean to finally set it down. Topics covered in this episode include: Female entrepreneurship and emotional burnout Millionaire founder mindset shifts The pressure of personal branding and social media Feminine vs masculine energy in business High-achieving women and people-pleasing Entrepreneurship loneliness and friendship shifts Why not everyone wants to see you win Leadership, identity, and personal growth Building profitable businesses without emotional overwhelm Wellness retreats and founder healing If you are a founder, CEO, business owner, ambitious woman, or entrepreneur trying to navigate success without losing yourself in the process, this episode is for you. Time Stamps: (00:00)  Intro + key takeaways (01:00)  How the MFC Retreats started (04:24)  How to Join MFC + What Makes It Work (08:14)  Setting the Scene: 50 Women in the Desert (13:00)  Inside The Boardroom: Board-Level Accountability (14:56)  Lesson 1: Letting the Armor Down (18:10)  The People Pleasing Confession (21:00)  What Would Happen If You Let Your Armor Down? (21:30)  Lesson 2: Rethinking Feminine vs. Masculine Energy in Business (22:54)  Why Business Might Actually Belong in the Masculine (28:52)  Lesson 3: The Social Media Pressure Nobody Talks About (33:29)  Lesson 4: You Are Allowed to Disconnect (35:21)  Lesson 5: Not All Women Want You to Win (36:45)  Your Circle Will Get Smaller...And That's Okay (39:47)  Recap of All 5 Lessons (40:20)  Let's Keep This Conversation Going Share this with a woman in your life who’s building something big... and carrying more than she needs to. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Our podcast has a new home! Follow @ceoschoolpodcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ceoschoolpodcast/ --- Only 2% of women founders ever break $1 million in revenue. We’re on a mission to change that. Subscribe to the CEO School and join the movement. Watch and listen to us at: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast//id1525261018 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/06KIvFFJP0yJv67N9ugigU YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CEOSchoolPodcast/?sub_confirmation=1 Learn more about CEO School because nothing bad ever happens when women make more money: Website: https://theceoschool.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ceoschool/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suneeramadhani/ Learn more about how Suneera Madhani is paving the way for powerhouse female CEOs like you to take center stage, not just in your industries but in your whole life. Website: https://suneeramadhani.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suneeramadhani/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suneeramadhani/ This episode was produced by Hi Hello Labs: https://www.hihellolabs.com/. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ SOCIAL Hashtags: #femaleentrepreneurpodcast#womeninbusinesspodcast#femininevsmasculineenergyinbusiness#entrepreneurburnout#foundermindset#millionairefoundersclub#business leadership for women#highachievingwomen#womenentrepreneurmotivation#CEOSchoolPodcast#SuneeraMadhanipodcast#entrepreneurshipandsocialmedia#peoplepleasingasafemalefounder#founderwellnessretreat
• 
  Design Your Life For Success: Learn To Be Intentional with Deepica Mutyala 18.05.2026 1j 9min

  What does success actually look like for women entrepreneurs in 2026? In this powerful episode of the CEO School Podcast, Suneera Madhani sits down with Deepica Mutyala, founder and CEO of Live Tinted, for an unfiltered conversation about entrepreneurship, burnout, founder identity, femininity, relationships, and redefining the “girl boss” era. Deepica opens up about: -Building Live Tinted into a nationally recognized beauty brand -Scaling through retail partnerships with Ulta Beauty -The emotional cost of entrepreneurship and founder burnout -Why women founders feel pressure to “do it all” -Going from founder → CEO → founder again -Dating, love, and intentionally building a personal life -Therapy, anxiety, inner work, and protecting your peace -Entrepreneurship vs corporate life for women -What investors, boards, and social media don’t tell founders -Why representation and inclusivity still matter in beauty and business This episode is a masterclass on leadership, ambition, balance, emotional intelligence, and building a life that actually feels aligned — not just impressive online. If you’re a founder, entrepreneur, creator, CEO, aspiring business owner, or ambitious woman navigating career growth and personal fulfillment, this conversation will deeply resonate with you. Time Stamps: (00:00) Learning to delegate effectively (06:37) Balancing career and family life (10:12) Personal growth and self-reflection (18:35) Finding fulfillment beyond success (22:47) Balancing leadership and delegation (26:46) Finding personal fulfillment (34:41) Finding balance in work and family (37:52) Trusting your own intuition (42:40) Trusting your gut instincts (50:19) Frustrations with misleading advice (53:10) Inspiring the next generation (01:00:22) Laying groundwork for future generations (01:03:47) Finding the right support system (01:08:02) Wrapping up and joining the conversation Lock in your spot for the Unicorn CEO Summit today at https://theceoschool.com/ceo-school-summit Share this with a woman in your life who’s building something big — and carrying more than she needs to. --------------------------------------------------- Learn more about Deepica at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deepica/ Website: https://deepica.com/ & https://www.livetinted.com/ Join the CEO School’s Millionaire Founders Club: https://theceoschool.com/join. We're building a table where every female founder has a seat. Subscribe to the CEO School podcast because only 2% of female founders ever break $1 million in revenue, and we’re changing that: Watch and listen to us at: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast//id1525261018 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/06KIvFFJP0yJv67N9ugigU YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CEOSchoolPodcast/?sub_confirmation=1 Learn more about CEO School because nothing bad ever happens when women make more money: Website: https://theceoschool.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ceoschool/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suneeramadhani/ Learn more about how Suneera Madhani is paving the way for badass female CEOs like you to take center stage not just in your industries but in your whole life. Website: https://suneeramadhani.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suneeramadhani/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suneeramadhani/ This episode was produced by Hi Hello Labs: https://www.hihellolabs.com/
• 
  Guilt Tax: The Real Cost Of Ambition for Women 11.05.2026 22min

  If you’re an ambitious woman building a business, growing your career, or chasing big goals, you're probably constantly battling guilt. Spoiler: this one cuts close to home. In this episode of the CEO School Podcast, we break down the concept of the “Guilt Tax”: the real, measurable cost that high-achieving women pay when balancing ambition, motherhood, business, and personal freedom. Today, we’re skipping the usual “work–life balance” talk. Instead, we’re talking about: Why women experience career guilt and mom guilt differently from men The hidden mental load of ambition for female entrepreneurs How gender expectations shape confidence, pricing, and visibility Why ambitious women feel pressure to downplay success and soften their ask The battle between freedom vs. ambition in entrepreneurship How to stop paying the emotional cost twice We also explore themes inspired by Start With Yourself by Emma Grede and expand on what’s usually left unsaid: the exhausting middle between building a big life and actually living it. If you’re a founder, CEO, working mom, or woman in business trying to “have it all,” this episode will finally put words to what you’ve been feeling. Key Takeaway:You can’t eliminate the cost of your choices. But you can stop overpaying for them. Time Stamps: 00:00 The Real Reason You Feel Guilty Working Late 02:00 Introducing the “Guilt Tax” 04:00 Why Women Pay More Than Men 06:00 Paying the Guilt Twice (The Hidden Cost) 08:00 Ambition vs Freedom Explained 10:00 The Tension No One Talks About 12:00 Why Women Downplay Their Ambition 14:00 Visibility, Money, and Owning Your Ask 16:00 The Messy Middle of Building Success 18:00 Why This Doesn’t Have a Clean Solution 19:45 Stop Paying the Guilt Tax Twice 21:00 The Question You Need to Sit WithShare this with a woman in your life who’s building something big... and carrying more than she needs to. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------If you are a trailblazing $1M+ female founder looking for a room where you don't have to dim your shine to make others comfortable, join the CEO School’s Millionaire Founders Club: https://theceoschool.com/join. We're building a table where every female CEO has a seat. ---Only 2% of female founders ever break $1 million in revenue. We’re on a mission to change that. Subscribe to the CEO School and join the movement. Watch and listen to us at: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast//id1525261018 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/06KIvFFJP0yJv67N9ugigU YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CEOSchoolPodcast/?sub_confirmation=1 Learn more about CEO School because nothing bad ever happens when women make more money: Website: https://theceoschool.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ceoschool/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suneeramadhani/ Learn more about how Suneera Madhani is paving the way for powerhouse female CEOs like you to take center stage, not just in your industries but in your whole life. Website: https://suneeramadhani.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suneeramadhani/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suneeramadhani/ This episode was produced by Hi Hello Labs: https://www.hihellolabs.com/.
• 
  Secrets of a Unicorn Founder: How to Build and Exit a Billion-Dollar Business 04.05.2026 1j 4min

  Get access to THE room and apply to the MFC Spring Retreat here → bit.ly/MFCSpringRetreat What does it really take to build a billion-dollar company, and what happens after you do? In this powerful CEO School episode, Suneera sits down with Sarah Chen Spellings for a raw, unfiltered conversation about entrepreneurship, scaling, and identity. From being rejected by investors to building a fintech company that processed billions in payments, Suneera shares the full journey behind founding Stax (formerly Fatt Merchant), scaling past $100M in revenue, and navigating a complex exit. This episode dives deep into: Suneera's background and the values that shaped her entrepreneurial mindset How to build a startup without venture capital when all odds are against you The hits and the misses of scaling from startup to $1B valuation What no one tells you about selling your company Why women must own their wealth and take bigger financial risks Lessons from launching her second fintech company, Worth Time Stamps: 00:00 Intro + Why This Episode Is Different 03:45 Meet Suneera: Immigrant Roots & Early Entrepreneurship 08:10 “You Have It” — The Confidence That Shaped Her 12:30 Risk, Fear & Breaking Family Beliefs Around Stability 17:05 The Idea That Changed Everything (Fat Merchant Origin) 22:20 Getting Rejected & Walking Away From Corporate 27:40 Building From Scratch + First Revenue Wins 33:15 Scaling to $100M+: What Actually Breaks 38:50 Raising Capital as a Minority Female Founder 44:10 The Exit: What No One Tells You 49:30 Losing Control & Founder Identity Shift 55:00 Building Worth + The Next Billion-Dollar Vision 59:30 Final Lessons: Money, Ownership & Funding Women Whether you’re a founder, an entrepreneur, or building your personal brand, this conversation will challenge the way you think about success, ownership, and what comes next. Subscribe for more conversations on building wealth, leadership, and entrepreneurship. Lock in your spot for the Unicorn CEO Summit today at https://theceoschool.com/ceo-school-summit Thank you to Sarah Chen for interviewing our host, Suneera! --------------------------------------- Learn more about Sarah at: Podcast: https://billiondollarmoves.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahchenglobal/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SarahChenGlobal We're building a table where every female founder has a seat. Join the CEO School’s Millionaire Founders Club: https://theceoschool.com/join. Only 2% of female founders ever break $1 million in revenue. We’re on a mission that. Subscribe to the CEO School and join the movement. Watch and listen to us at: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast//id1525261018 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/06KIvFFJP0yJv67N9ugigU YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CEOSchoolPodcast/?sub_confirmation=1 Learn more about CEO School because nothing bad ever happens when women make more money: Website: https://theceoschool.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ceoschool/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suneeramadhani/ Learn more about how Suneera Madhani is paving the way for powerhouse female CEOs like you to take center stage, not just in your industries but in your whole life. Website: https://suneeramadhani.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suneeramadhani/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suneeramadhani/ This episode was produced by Hi Hello Labs: https://www.hihellolabs.com/ #femalefoundersuccessstory#howtobuildabilliondollarcompany#startupgrowthstrategy#fintechstartupjourney#howtoscaleabusinessfast#founderexitstory#whathappensaftersellingacompany#venturecapitalforwomen#entrepreneurmindsetmotivation#businesspodcastforfounders#CEOschoolpodcast#suneeramadhaniinterview#startuplessonsfrombilliondollarfounders#buildingwealthasawomanentrepreneur
• 
  How to Build Systems That Scale Your Business 27.04.2026 51min

  What would your business look like if every role in your company were fully documented and someone else could run it without you? This episode of CEO School takes an unexpected but powerful turn, tackling two topics every ambitious business owner needs to hear about: why investing in your health as a CEO is non-negotiable, and how building the right systems and a remote team can finally give you your time and freedom back. Suneera Madhani sits down with her friend and fellow entrepreneur Tiffany Pantozzi, founder of ALIGN Real Estate and SYNC, to unpack Tiffany's remarkable journey from Miami Dolphins cheerleader to multi-seven-figure CEO, and the hard-won lessons about SOPs, delegation, and remote talent that transformed her business. Whether you're stuck doing everything yourself or ready to stop being the bottleneck in your own company, this episode will give you the mindset shifts and actionable strategies to scale smarter and reclaim your life. Tiffany Pantozzi is a multi-seven-figure entrepreneur, real estate powerhouse, and founder of both ALIGN Real Estate and SYNC. Ranked #81 out of over 20,000 agents in Central Florida, Tiffany built her brokerage to more than $60 million in annual sales by mastering the art of systems, SOPs, and remote team management. Through SYNC, she now helps business owners across industries source, train, and retain high-level remote talent from South America so they can scale without burning out. What you’ll learn in this episode: (01:01) How Tiffany Pantozzi built multiple companies from the ground up and made the crucial shift from working in her business as a founder to leading it as a CEO. (03:30) Why women in business should stop pretending that showing up at full power comes effortlessly, and how investing in your health through bloodwork, supplements, and medical guidance can help you sustain the demands of running a business and a life. (15:15) How Tiffany launched a licensed sports apparel company straight out of college, grew it to millions in national retail sales, and made the courageous decision to exit before realizing her next chapter in real estate. (20:04) How Tiffany entered real estate despite initial resistance, built ALIGN Real Estate into a top-ranked brokerage with 12 agents doing over $60 million annually, and still hit a hard growth ceiling. (23:19) How to duplicate yourself as a CEO by building detailed SOPs and systems that give your team everything they need to execute consistently without you having to repeat yourself or stay in the weeds. (26:14) Why understanding what your time is truly worth per hour is the mindset shift that allows you to stop doing low-value tasks, delegate with confidence, and focus on the work only you can do. (35:56) How SYNC sources, vets, and continuously trains high-level remote professionals from South America, including ongoing AI education, so business owners can build world-class remote teams for $2,500–$3,500 per month. (44:22) The practical, often-overlooked team management habits, including bringing your assistant into meetings, using recording tools like Fathom for note capture, and scheduling regular one-on-ones that keep remote teams aligned and performing at their best. Lock in your spot for the Unicorn CEO Summit today at https://theceoschool.com/ceo-school-summit Thank you to Tiffany Pantozzi for being on our show! Learn more about Tiffany: https://alignagents.com/ Join the CEO School’s Millionaire Founders Club: https://theceoschool.com/join. We're building a table where every female founder has a seat. Subscribe to the CEO School podcast because only 2% of female founders ever break $1 million in revenue, and we’re changing that: * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast//id1525261018 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/06KIvFFJP0yJv67N9ugigU * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CEOSchoolPodcast/?sub_confirmation=1 Learn more about CEO School because nothing bad ever happens when women make more money: * Website: https://theceoschool.com/ * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ceoschool/ * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suneeramadhani/ Learn more about how Suneera Madhani is paving the way for badass female CEOs like you to take center stage not just in your industries but in your whole life. * Website: https://suneeramadhani.com/ * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suneeramadhani/ * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suneeramadhani/ This episode was produced by Hi Hello Labs: https://www.hihellolabs.com/
• 
  How to Build a Founder-Led Brand That Wins 20.04.2026 47min

  What mindset blocks are keeping you from building the personal brand that could transform your business? In 2026, founder-led brands are the brands that win, and if you're not showing up with a clear voice and a compelling personal brand, you're leaving real money and opportunity on the table. In this episode, Suneera Madhani sits down with personal branding expert Allison Walsh to walk through the mindset shifts, messaging frameworks, and marketing strategies that help ambitious women build visibility and thought leadership that actually converts. Get ready to take notes, because by the end of this episode, you'll have a concrete playbook for building a brand that opens doors, attracts your ideal clients, and positions you as the go-to expert in your space. Allison Walsh is a personal branding expert, speaker, published author, and founder of Allison Walsh Consulting. A former Miss Florida who spent two decades in the behavioral healthcare space helping hyper-growth startups scale, Allison now helps ambitious women build powerful personal brands and thought leadership platforms. She has coached over 300 women one-on-one and is the host and founder of the She Believes She Could podcast and podcast network. What you’ll learn in this episode: (08:09) Why fear is the number one thing holding entrepreneurs back from building a personal brand, and why shifting your focus from yourself to your ideal client is the first step to breaking through it. (10:39) Allison's five-step framework for building a personal brand, starting with mindset and moving through messaging, market, monetization, and momentum, so you can finally see the full picture. (12:36) How to identify your core messaging pillars and why staying in your lane, rather than trying to be everything to everyone, is the key to building real authority and trust. (15:52) Why thought leadership is the most powerful brand-building strategy in 2026, and how owning your unique stories, frameworks, and expertise helps you stand out in a crowded market full of AI-generated avatars. (18:10) The importance of showing up authentically in an age of AI, and why protecting your voice, likeness, and creative work matters more than ever, especially in brand deals and contracts. (20:08) How speaking engagements, podcast appearances, and stage opportunities of all sizes are among the highest-converting activities for building your brand and generating leads for your business. (32:25) How to audit your brand-building efforts to identify what is actually working, cut what isn't, and focus your resources on the one or two channels that are genuinely moving the needle. Thank you to Allison Walsh for being on our show! Learn more about Allison: https://www.allisonwalshconsulting.com/ Join the CEO School’s Millionaire Founders Club: https://theceoschool.com/join. We're building a table where every female founder has a seat. Subscribe to the CEO School podcast because only 2% of female founders ever break $1 million in revenue, and we’re changing that: * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast//id1525261018 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/06KIvFFJP0yJv67N9ugigU * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CEOSchoolPodcast/?sub_confirmation=1 Learn more about CEO School because nothing bad ever happens when women make more money: * Website: https://theceoschool.com/ * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ceoschool/ * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suneeramadhani/ Learn more about how Suneera Madhani is paving the way for badass female CEOs like you to take center stage not just in your industries but in your whole life. * Website: https://suneeramadhani.com/ * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suneeramadhani/ * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suneeramadhani/ This episode was produced by Hi Hello Labs: https://www.hihellolabs.com/
• 
  Building Teams That Actually Work with Patrick Lencioni 13.04.2026 43min

  Are you unknowingly creating dysfunction inside your organization? If you’ve ever felt like leadership is more complicated than it should be, this episode will challenge that belief. Suneera Madhani sits down with Patrick Lencioni to unpack why simplicity, clarity, and trust are the real drivers of scalable success. You’ll walk away rethinking how you lead, communicate, and build teams that actually perform. Patrick Lencioni is a bestselling author, leadership expert, and founder of The Table Group, where he helps organizations build healthier teams and stronger cultures. He is best known for books like The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, which have become foundational in modern leadership. What you’ll learn in this episode:  (00:02) Why organizational health is the greatest competitive advantage in business. (03:15) How lack of clarity creates confusion and slows down growth. (07:40) What trust really means in leadership and how to build it. (12:05) Why vulnerability is essential for high-performing teams. (18:22) How to identify and fix dysfunction inside your organization. (24:10) Why simplicity in leadership leads to better execution. (31:45) How to align your team around clear values and priorities. (38:30) What leaders must stop doing to scale effectively. Thank you to Patrick Lencioni for being on our show!  Use code CEO20 for 20% off your assessment at https://www.workinggenius.com/ Join the CEO School’s Millionaire Founders Club: https://theceoschool.com/join. We're building a table where every female founder has a seat.  Subscribe to the CEO School podcast because only 2% of female founders ever break $1 million in revenue, and we’re changing that:  * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast//id1525261018  * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/06KIvFFJP0yJv67N9ugigU  * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CEOSchoolPodcast/?sub_confirmation=1  Learn more about CEO School because nothing bad ever happens when women make more money:  * Website: https://theceoschool.com/  * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ceoschool/  * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suneeramadhani/  Learn more about how Suneera Madhani is paving the way for badass female CEOs like you to take center stage not just in your industries but in your whole life.  * Website: https://suneeramadhani.com/  * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suneeramadhani/  * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suneeramadhani/  This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/
• 
  Why Your Network Is Literally Your Net Worth 30.03.2026 48min

  Have you been networking the wrong way, treating it as a transaction instead of a long-term relationship investment? This episode gets into the real work behind two things that can transform a business: building a genuine community and forging the kind of strategic partnerships that actually move the needle. Host Suneera Madhani and guest Cate Luzio, founder and CEO of Luminary, go deep on how Cate survived losing 80% of her revenue overnight during COVID, why she pivoted to acquisitions as a growth strategy, and the mindset shifts every leader needs to make around self-advocacy, networking, and community. Whether you’re thinking about building a community around your brand, landing your first major partnership, or exploring M&A as a growth lever, this episode gives you the real-world playbook to start thinking and acting like the CEO who plays the long game. Cate Luzio is the founder and CEO of Luminary, a global professional education and networking platform supporting women and allies through community learning and leadership development. After two decades in corporate investment banking at Bank of America, JPMorgan, and HSBC, Cate left finance to build the community she had always wished existed. Today, Luminary runs 250+ programs annually, serves members in 30 countries, and counts JP Morgan, Verizon, LVMH, and Under Armour among its corporate partners. What you’ll learn in this episode: (00:03:39) Why Cate walked away from a 20-year career in investment banking to build Luminary, and how her corporate background gave her the fundamentals to create a business that was profitable and sustainable from the start. (00:08:35) How Luminary lost 80% of its revenue overnight when COVID hit, and the mindset shift that led Cate to pivot to a digital model and double down on B2B enterprise partnerships instead of shutting down. (00:15:19) The difference between organic and inorganic business growth, and why every entrepreneur should understand M&A as a real and accessible tool for scaling faster than building alone. (00:23:03) The non-negotiables for building a community that actually works, including why authenticity, daily commitment, and a clear code of conduct matter far more than follower counts or platforms. (00:33:19) Where the community industry is heading in a post-COVID world, why loneliness and mental health are driving demand for meaningful spaces, and what it takes for community-based businesses to survive and thrive long-term. (00:37:47) How to build strategic partnerships that go beyond logos on a banner, including how to get in the room, define mutual value, and play the long game instead of chasing one-off deals that go nowhere. Thank you to Cate Luzio for being on our show! Learn more about Cate: luminary.com Attend a Luminary LIVE event: https://www.weareluminary.com/events Your Exit Plan, April 22nd, 2026: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/luminary/2115442 Join the CEO School’s Millionaire Founders Club: https://theceoschool.com/join. We're building a table where every female founder has a seat. Subscribe to the CEO School podcast because only 2% of female founders ever break $1 million in revenue, and we’re changing that: * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast//id1525261018 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/06KIvFFJP0yJv67N9ugigU * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CEOSchoolPodcast/?sub_confirmation=1 Learn more about CEO School because nothing bad ever happens when women make more money: * Website: https://theceoschool.com/ * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ceoschool/ * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suneeramadhani/ Learn more about how Suneera Madhani is paving the way for badass female CEOs like you to take center stage not just in your industries but in your whole life. * Website: https://suneeramadhani.com/ * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suneeramadhani/ * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suneeramadhani/ This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/
• 
  How to Build A Brand Experience 23.03.2026 29min

  How can you structure your team so that a large project does not derail your core business? If you are building a major project, launching an event, or trying to create a stronger brand experience, this episode gives you a candid look at what execution actually demands. In this solo episode, Suneera Madhani shares the five biggest lessons she learned while building the Unicorn Summit, from project management and cash flow to team structure and customer experience. You will hear what worked, what she would change, and how to lead through uncertainty when the stakes are high and the vision matters deeply. What you’ll learn in this episode: (00:01:51) Why a memorable brand experience depends less on the original idea and more on the systems, leadership, and execution required to bring it to life. (00:04:30) How launch timing can affect ticket sales, audience awareness, and momentum, especially when you are trying to market during holiday slowdowns. (00:07:11) Why large initiatives need dedicated focus, separate from day-to-day business operations, so your team can protect both the new project and the existing business. (00:13:08) Why your team can make or break a major initiative, especially when you need solution-oriented people who can stay positive and adapt quickly under pressure. (00:15:56) How to design an event experience strategically by thinking through pacing, programming, speaker flow, preparation, and every transition your audience will feel. (00:18:31) What leadership looks like when outcomes are uncertain, including how to carry private pressure, manage doubt, stay present with your team, and still move the vision forward. Join the CEO School’s Millionaire Founders Club: https://theceoschool.com/join. We're building a table where every female founder has a seat. Subscribe to the CEO School podcast because only 2% of female founders ever break $1 million in revenue, and we’re changing that: * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast//id1525261018 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/06KIvFFJP0yJv67N9ugigU * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CEOSchoolPodcast/?sub_confirmation=1 Learn more about CEO School because nothing bad ever happens when women make more money: * Website: https://theceoschool.com/ * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ceoschool/ * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suneeramadhani/ Learn more about how Suneera Madhani is paving the way for badass female CEOs like you to take center stage not just in your industries but in your whole life. * Website: https://suneeramadhani.com/ * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suneeramadhani/ * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suneeramadhani/ This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/
• 
  Inside Unicorn Summit 2026 16.03.2026 29min

  What changes when you stop thinking like a founder and start leading like a CEO? This episode takes you inside the energy, emotion, and leadership lessons from Unicorn Summit 2026, and what it meant to bring ambitious women founders together in one place. In this solo episode, Suneera Madhani shares what she learned about community, asking for support, building a one-of-one brand, and making the shift from founder to CEO. If you are building something meaningful and need a reminder that growth is messy, leadership is learned, and you are not doing this alone, this conversation will meet you right where you are. What you’ll learn in this episode: (00:00:49) You will hear why Unicorn Summit 2026 felt like such a defining moment for Suneera and what stood out most about gathering hundreds of ambitious women in one room. (00:03:23) You will learn why community can be one of the most valuable assets in business, even when the event or initiative is not built around immediate profit. (00:06:00) You will learn why making the ask is uncomfortable for many leaders and why asking clearly for support, attendance, or participation is often necessary for growth. (00:08:38) You will hear why major visions require a true village and how team support, thoughtful planning, and shared ownership shape successful execution. (00:11:40) You will learn how Suneera redefines the idea of a unicorn beyond valuation and why being one of one in your category matters more than chasing a single financial metric. (00:17:46) You will hear what it really means to move from founder mode into CEO mode and why scale demands process, people, profit, and structure. (00:19:14) You will learn why struggle exists at every level of entrepreneurship and how community can help you stay grounded when the pressure feels isolating. (00:25:32) You will hear how Suneera’s accelerator certification is designed to help founders build the operational playbooks, systems, and confidence needed to lead at a higher level. Join the CEO School’s Millionaire Founders Club: https://theceoschool.com/join. We're building a table where every female founder has a seat. Subscribe to the CEO School podcast because only 2% of female founders ever break $1 million in revenue, and we’re changing that: * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast//id1525261018 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/06KIvFFJP0yJv67N9ugigU * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CEOSchoolPodcast/?sub_confirmation=1 Learn more about CEO School because nothing bad ever happens when women make more money: * Website: https://theceoschool.com/ * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ceoschool/ * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suneeramadhani/ Learn more about how Suneera Madhani is paving the way for badass female CEOs like you to take center stage not just in your industries but in your whole life. * Website: https://suneeramadhani.com/ * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suneeramadhani/ * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suneeramadhani/ This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/
• 
  They Rejected Her Idea, She Turned it into a BILLION Dollar Business 09.03.2026 42min

  Lock in your spot for the Unicorn CEO Summit today at https://theceoschool.com/ceo-school-summit What happens when a business idea everyone rejects turns out to be right? Every major company begins with a moment when someone decides to keep going even after being told no. In this episode, Suneera Madhani sits down with Nathan Chan to discuss the early risks, difficult decisions, and long road behind building a payments company that would eventually become a fintech unicorn. As you listen, you will hear what it actually takes to build a business through uncertainty, push past rejection, and stay focused on the long game. Nathan Chan is the founder and CEO of Foundr, a global media and education company that helps entrepreneurs build and scale successful businesses. Through the Foundr podcast and platform, he has interviewed many of the world’s most successful founders and business leaders. What you’ll learn in this episode: (00:00) Discover how an idea that was initially dismissed eventually became the foundation for a billion dollar fintech company. (03:53) Understand how early exposure to entrepreneurship and small business shaped the mindset required to start a company. (09:56) Learn what it takes to leave a stable job and commit fully to building a company from scratch. (11:20) See how early traction, including processing millions in payments, can validate a startup concept quickly. (17:55) Explore the strategic decision to bet on omnichannel payments before the broader market recognized the opportunity. (22:06) Examine the reasoning behind rejecting a $17.5M acquisition offer and choosing to keep building. (28:15) Gain insight into the realities of raising hundreds of millions in funding and navigating investor relationships. (36:31) Understand the strategic thinking behind rebranding a growing company as it scales to new markets. Learn more about Nathan Chan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanhchan Join the CEO School’s Millionaire Founders Club: https://theceoschool.com/join. We're building a table where every female founder has a seat. Subscribe to the CEO School podcast because only 2% of female founders ever break $1 million in revenue, and we’re changing that: * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast//id1525261018 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/06KIvFFJP0yJv67N9ugigU * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CEOSchoolPodcast/?sub_confirmation=1 Learn more about CEO School because nothing bad ever happens when women make more money: * Website: https://theceoschool.com/ * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ceoschool/ * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suneeramadhani/ Learn more about how Suneera Madhani is paving the way for badass female CEOs like you to take center stage not just in your industries but in your whole life. * Website: https://suneeramadhani.com/ * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suneeramadhani/ * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suneeramadhani/ This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/