Dr. Marika Lindholm, Founder and CEO of ESME (Empowering Solo Moms Everywhere), joins Host Deirdre Breakenridge on Women Worldwide. When Marika realized the steady rise in solo parenting, the changing climate to American families, and through her personal experience with single motherhood, she became impassioned with helping other women facing the same challenges that she did.

On the show, Marika shares her inspiration behind the launch of ESME and why she wants to honor moms everywhere. Her platform provides solo moms with a safe space to share their challenges and struggles including some tough subjects such as domestic violence, addiction and cyberbullying. “ESME is a platform that allows your vulnerability to come through,” explained Marika. She also shares her own challenges as she moved from academia to becoming an entrepreneur and launching her online community.

“The learning curve was tremendous having to learn about building content, social media, marketing and team building.” At the same time, as a business owner with a platform that was active 24/7, Marika was there to help people at all hours. Her advice to other business owners, “Don’t be deterred by unsolicited advice and just ride through the tough patches."

A little more about Dr. Marika Lindholm … By launching ESME, Marika has created an online community that's a safe haven for solo moms, an endless library of resources, a networking tool, a writing/blogging platform, and private escape all at once. A trained sociologist and former professor, she taught classes focused on issues of inequality, diversity, and gender at Northwestern University. Marika brings that passion, focus, and analytical approach to refining the ESME.com platform and growing the ESME Sisters community.

You can connect with Dr. Lindholm on LinkedIn and Twitter @marika_lindholm

Lauren Leader-Chivee, co-founder, and CEO of All In Together (AIT) and the author of Crossing the Thinnest Line: How Embracing Diversity-from the Office to the Oscars-Make America Stronger  joins Host Deirdre Breakenridge on Women Worldwide. Lauren has dedicated her career to closing the most critical personal, professional and political gender gaps for women. In addition to her role at AIT, Lauren is an Executive Advisor to Deloitte working with a range of global companies on their most pressing diversity issues.

On the show, Lauren discussed how the thinnest of lines separate groups. Establishing an emotional connection, through a shared experience, makes you less of an outsider and helps you to understand different cultures. The shared experience also leads to relationships and trust. She gave examples of soldiers in the military and prison populations. Lauren offered insights on Millennials as a generation, who are much more accepting and inclusive. You can see the trend of Millennials moving to urban areas. However, Lauren stressed that these attitudes and gains are not guaranteed moving forward. Although Gen Y has benefited from the opening of the world through the Internet, if schools become more segregated and the Internet is more of an echo chamber with siloed and like-minded thinking, then the next generation will be less inclusive.

Laura also shared how she was able to constantly move out of her comfort zone. She has used her network and different relationships, knowing when to ask for help. She is committed to moving forward and knows that there will be ambiguity. Lauren also stated that you have to think beyond networking and really share more of yourself to build a relationship.

A little more about Lauren Leader-Chivee ...Lauren was recently named by Fortune as one of the 50 Most Influential Women on Twitter.  She writes extensively for the Huffington Post, Harvard Business Review, and  Inc magazine.  Formerly the President of the global think tank Center for Talent Innovation and Founding Partner at Hewlett Chivée Partners LLC, she has tirelessly advocated for women’s leadership as a driver of economic growth and opportunity.

You can connect with Lauren on LinkedIn and Twitter @laurenchivee

Judy Williams, the founder of iHalt, joins Host Deirdre Breakenridge on Women Worldwide. Judy’s non-profit organization promotes understanding, accountability, and mutual respect between at-risk youth and EMTs, police, and firefighters. After spending 18 years in education, Judy launched iHalt as a movement to raise awareness about safety and to foster mutual respect and harmony between first responders and the general community.

On the show, Judy discusses her work with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. Her programs teach consideration and mutual respect through activities that build trust. When children have a relationship with police officers they are more likely to respect and cooperate under different situations outside of the iHalt program. At the same time, the more police officers and other first responders interact, they, too, have a much better understanding of the people living in their communities. Parents are also involved in the program so the iHalt learning and relationship building continues into the home. Judy also shares how she approaches big challenges. “If it’s worth it, stay the course. Don’t believe anyone’s negative self-talk. You must believe your own truth, which is right for you.”

A little more about Judy Williams …  Judy founded iHalt in 2015, in the wake of events in Ferguson, Baltimore, and Cleveland. Judy realized, now, more than ever is the time to educate future generations of children about the cooperating with law enforcement, understanding and respecting cultural and racial differences, and maintaining good citizenship.

You can connect with iHalt on Twitter @ihalt_us1 and Facebook

Meagan Hooper, entrepreneur and founder of bSmartguide.com, joins Host Deirdre Breakenridge on Women Worldwide. Megan’s  platform, bSmartguide.com, is an online portal where women can learn, connect and promote their brands in order to achieve success and obtain their goals. Previously, Meagan spent a decade-long career on Wall Street, working her way up from Administrative Assistant for the founder of a premier hedge fund, to the firm's Chief Operating Officer. Self-taught in the world of finance, Meagan's expertise was quickly recognized, as she became Director of Operations for a global wealth management firm, overseeing $4 billion in assets across multiple asset classes.

On the show, Meagan shares her passion for Millennials; how they're breaking down barriers and going past the stereotypes in their communities. With a focus on technological resources and collaboration, you can make this happen. At the same time, she says you're able to create a culture of listening and being who you're meant to be. On tackling challenges, Meagan explains, “Challenges are a part of it and it’s the way you work through and meet them head on.” She is a believer of getting out of your comfort zone. Meagan deals with challenges by nourishing her inner self. You have to trust that you will make the right decisions even when many around you are saying otherwise.

Meagan also offers her tips to entrepreneurs who have a dream but don’t know where to start. “It comes down to belief and how you perceive yourself. You have to get very clear about what you want to do and spend time on your vision board.”

A little more about Meagan Hooper … While building on her business savvy and entrepreneurial spirit, Meagan continues her pursuit of the arts, from performing stand-up comedy to appearing in film, television, and theater. A graduate of Wake Forest University, she lives in Manhattan with her husband, Joe, and pug, Stella.

You can connect with Meagan on LinkedIn and Twitter @MeaganHooper

Fabian Geyrhalter, the founder of FINIEN, an LA-based brand consultancy, joins host Deirdre Breakenridge on Women Worldwide. Fabian is the author of the book How to Launch a Brand: Your Step-By-Step Guide to Crafting a Brand - From Positioning to Naming and Brand Identity. He is also published internationally by the Washington Post, Graphis, Communications Arts and the Huffington Post.

On the show, Fabian takes a deep dive into the meaning of a brand and what it takes to prepare for a brand launch. He shares what entrepreneurs get wrong 99% of the time when it comes to branding. As a result, he offers a step-by-step guide for those entrepreneurs who are bootstrapping but know brand development really matters far beyond a product or service they offer. In addition to discussing company branding, Fabian also shares his thoughts on personal branding, how technology affects a brand and why you should align with the right people.

A little more about Fabian Geyrhalter … Fabian is an active jury member of the Academy of Interactive & Visual Arts. As the winner of 23 American Graphic Design awards, he is frequently invited to judge international design competitions. Fabian has served as an adjunct professor at USC and Art Center College of Design and he's currently an Advisory Board Member of the Santa Monica College.

You can connect with Fabian on LinkedIn and Twitter @FINIENinsights

Heather Whaling, CEO and founder of Geben Communication, joins host Deirdre Breakenridge on Women Worldwide. Heather started her digital and social media PR agency in 2009, out of her dining room and at the heart of a recession. She’s grown her company through culture building and policy-making that helps all of her employees to thrive. Geben is an award-winning agency and Heather just recently received the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award for the Ohio Valley Region (OH, KY, IN).

On the show, Heather discusses what culture looks like at her company. They’ve created some interesting "House Rules" which include Embrace the Crazy and Design Your Day. When it comes to Embracing the Crazy, Heather’s team is cool and calm whether they’re dealing with a crisis event or a client's product launch. The Design Your Day program helps employees to work when and where they are the most comfortable. It’s also a great way to have employee select the times of day that they are the most productive. Heather also shares her thoughts on productivity and prioritization. She offers tips including calendar blocking and understanding how to maximize your energy in order to stay laser focused.

A little more about Heather Whaling…In addition to delivering exceptional results for client partners, Heather prides herself on utilizing Geben as a platform for doing good. Driven by a “Give More, Grow More” philosophy, Heather fosters a company culture that empowers every member of the team to use their time, talent and expertise to make a positive impact in the world. Heather’s belief in doing well by good extends to both Geben’s client work and internal perks. (A fact that recently scored them the title of one of Columbus Business First’s Best Places to Work.)

You can connect with Heather on LinkedIn and Twitter @prtini

Keynote Speaker and Leadership Coach Neen James joins Host Deirdre Breakenridge on Women Worldwide. Neen's corporate background is in learning and development, and managing large teams throughout several industries. As a motivational keynote speaker, she focuses on productivity and helps leaders get more done, so they can create more significant moments in life. Neen has been referred to as a "force of nature" with "boundless energy."

On the show, Neen dives into the characteristics of a good speaker. If you’re really interested in speaking, then you have to be authentic, reliable and approachable. She also stresses that you must put aside your ego and make sure you have a quality message. Many people call themselves speakers and just regurgitate someone else’s material. Neen also shares what productivity means to her. She says, "Productivity is having time to do what really matters in your life." Productivity takes true focus and requires a deadline-oriented approach. Neen works 15-minute blocks of time. "You can get a lot done in 15 minutes," she says. Her advice to entrepreneurs is to hustle and to make sure you pay attention to what your clients are telling you.

A little more about Neen James … Neen has a down-to-earth style and contagious enthusiasm that her audiences find engaging. She shares practical strategies that they can apply at work and home. Neen is also is a Certified Speaking Professional, a recognition earned by less than 10% of speakers worldwide. In addition to her busy speaking schedule, Neen provides one-on-one leadership coaching and mentoring on a variety of business topics.

You can learn more about Neen on her website and connect with her on LinkedIn and Twitter @NeenJames

Brianna Averhart, a fashion design major at Moore College of Art & Design, joins Host Deirdre Breakenridge for a Women Worldwide in-person podcast interview on the Moore College Campus in Philadelphia. Brianna is a sophomore at Moore. She's also a Resident Advisor (RA) and recognized as one of the scholars of the college's Visionary Award Honors Program. The episode with Brianna is part of a three-part series sponsored by Moore featuring alumni, faculty, and students.

On the show, Brianna shared when she first discovered her passion for fashion design, which began with her love of sewing. She joined the Moore community which has helped her to cultivate her leadership skills. As an RA, planning programs and assisting her student residents, Brianna offered her perspective on leadership and inspiring others. During the episode, Brianna fields questions from friends and peers on how she handles the criticism that comes with the world of an artist as well as how she overcomes her inner fears and challenges.

A little more about Brianna Averhart … Brianna was always interested in Moore College hearing about their internships, scholarships and participating in their programs even before she became a full-time student. She was also drawn to Moore because 94% of their graduates receive jobs. As a fashion design major, Brianna’s goal is to help people feel more comfortable in their own skin by creating clothing that’s made for everyone.

A little about our sponsor, Moore College of Art & Design: Moore College of Art & Design educates students for careers in art and design. Founded in 1848, Moore is the nation's first and only women's visual arts college for undergraduates. The College's career-focused environment and professionally active faculty form a dynamic community in the heart of Philadelphia's cultural district, surrounded by world-class museums. The College offers ten Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees for women and four coeducational graduate programs. In addition, Moore provides many valuable opportunities in the arts through The Galleries at Moore, Continuing Education Certificate programs for professional adults, the acclaimed Young Artists Workshop, The Art Shop and Sculpture Park.  For more information about Moore, visit www.moore.edu.

Marcello Pedalino, Executive Director of MMP Entertainment and author of the motivational book, Celebrate Life:  A New Book on How to Live it Up, Discover Fulfillment, and Experience the Joy You Deserve, joins Host Deirdre Breakenridge on Women Worldwide. A three-time national DJ Entertainer of the Year, Marcello and his company have helped clients have the time of their lives at their Weddings, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, and countless other milestone occasions.

On the show, Marcello discusses the inspiration behind his book, Celebrate Life which is taking care of yourself, being surrounded by the right people and seeing the bigger picture and all of the incredible possibilities. Marcello outlines the difference between the Very Inspiring People (VIPs) in his life and how you need to avoid the Very Draining People (VDPs). He also shares candid advice on how to get “unstuck" in your life especially when you’re going through the “darkest hours.” There may be times when you're lied to or betrayed, personally and/or professionally.  His five tips to move forward include (1) exercise, (2) talk it out with your VIPs, (3) get organized, (4) learn portion control, and (5) find a new project.

A little more about Marcello Pedalino ...Marcello has achieved personal and professional success as a celebrity in the exclusive private events and entertainment industry. In addition, he is a well-respected lifestyle consultant who outlines his personal formula for achieving fulfillment and designing a life you've been longing for in his book, Celebrate Life. Far from your standard cookie-cutter self-help guide, Marcello's book gives you an up-close-and-personal glimpse into his own rocky yet rewarding journey---complete with twists and turns, mistakes and milestones, and the lessons that matter most in the end.

You can connect with Marcello on LinkedIn and on Twitter @MmpMarcello

Lynn Palewicz, Assistant Professor of Art and Foundation Chair at Moore College of Art & Design in Philadelphia joins Host Deirdre Breakenridge on the Women Worldwide show. As Foundation Chair, Lynn develops, implements and assesses the Foundation curriculum for all first-year students at Moore. As an artist, Lynn combines photography, sculpture, and drawing to explore different approaches to self-portraiture: the self as subject, the self as material, and the self as creative impulse.

On the show, Lynn discussed women in the arts. She shared how her work at Moore helps students to transition from freshman orientation to community leadership. Students are encouraged to interact with their professors and peers through open dialogue while building their skills and confidence, diving into research to expand their creativity. Lynn stresses the importance of learning self-identity and a sense of consciousness. Students also learn creative problem solving so they can graduate and tackle the challenges that face artists today. Lynn shared her biggest challenge which was to figure out her best contribution as an artist. She said, "With so many possibilities to pursue, you can look at art and design in so many ways." Like any career, you have to find your true passion and then pursue your dreams.

A little more about Lynn Palewicz … Lynn has an MFA from the Yale School of Art, and a MAT and BFA from the Maryland Institute College of Art. A couple of her recent exhibitions include "Alternative States," which is a group exhibition curated by John Capperton at the Galleries at Moore in Philadelphia and the 2015 Wind Challenge Exhibition Series, which is a three-person show at Fleisher Art Memorial in Philadelphia, PA.

A little about our sponsor, Moore College of Art & Design: Moore College of Art & Design educates students for careers in art and design. Founded in 1848, Moore is the nation's first and only women's visual arts college for undergraduates. The College's career-focused environment and professionally active faculty form a dynamic community in the heart of Philadelphia's cultural district, surrounded by world-class museums. The College offers ten Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees for women and four coeducational graduate programs. In addition, Moore provides many valuable opportunities in the arts through The Galleries at Moore, Continuing Education Certificate programs for professional adults, the acclaimed Young Artists Workshop, The Art Shop and Sculpture Park.  For more information about Moore, visit www.moore.edu.

You can connect with Lynn on LinkedIn