Aaron Welch shares his journey from the early days of dial-up internet to building successful digital marketing businesses

Aaron and Rachele Schainker discuss how business owners can use AI and automation in practical ways without feeling overwhelmed. They talk about remote work, digital marketing, productivity tools, prompt writing, and the importance of using technology to save time and work smarter. Aaron also shares real examples of how AI has helped him improve workflows, manage clients, and stay focused on business goals.

If you’re curious about AI but don’t know where to start, this episode is full, this conversation is full of honest insights, simple advice, and real-world examples for business owners who want to understand AI without all the hype.

Connect with Aaron Welch on

Website: https://lift-digital.net

Book a Call: https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0/appointments/AcZssZ2Vp3Jh9wRiMzqmA2EpySO87ak6nJzWO9P6leg=

Alexandra shares her journey from Chile to the Bay Area and how her experience in HR, consulting, and business helped shape her passion for helping small and mid-sized businesses grow. She also talks about what it was like starting her own company and why community and support are so important for women entrepreneurs.

Together, Rachele and Alexandra discuss how AI can support businesses without replacing the human side of work. They talk about hiring the right people, reducing bias in the workplace, building trust with employees, and why managers play such an important role in company culture.

This episode also explores the challenges of entrepreneurship, creating healthy work environments, and how business owners can use technology in a smarter and more human way. Alexandra shares practical advice for leaders who want to grow their teams while keeping communication, trust, and emotional intelligence at the center.

You’ll also hear their thoughts on cybersecurity habits, workplace communication, and how companies can make employees feel safe and supported during times of change.

Connect with Alexandra Martinez-Villarroel and learn more about her work: 🌐 AMV Business Solutions 💼 Alexandra Martinez Villarroel on LinkedIn

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow, rate, and share the Cyber Savvy Woman for more conversations about leadership, technology, AI, cybersecurity, and women in business.

Rachele and Brian explore how understanding human behavior can help organizations make smarter hiring decisions, improve communication, reduce bias, and create healthier workplace cultures. Drawing from decades of leadership experience in the automotive retail industry, Brian shares how people-centered leadership principles apply across every industry, regardless of company size.

The conversation dives into the realities of leadership, hiring mistakes, employee burnout, retention challenges, and why companies often promote high performers into management roles without giving them the right tools to succeed. Brian also explains how Predictive Index helps organizations better understand behavioral alignment, leadership styles, team dynamics, and long-term employee development.

Rachele and Brian also discuss the role of AI in hiring and workforce development, the importance of clean data and cybersecurity habits, and how leaders can balance empathy with accountability while building resilient teams.

The episode wraps up with a fun rapid-fire conversation covering password managers, multi-factor authentication, phishing emails, cyber hygiene, and simple habits business leaders should take more seriously in an increasingly digital world.

Brian also offers listeners access to his Hiring Blueprint for anyone interested in learning more about building stronger hiring and leadership strategies.

Connect with Brian Gelt and learn more about 

Peoplelytics: https://www.peoplytix.com/

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brian-gelt-791a26116/

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow, rate, and share the Cyber Savvy Woman podcast.

Jen shares how experimenting with AI transformed the way Athena Digital operates, helping streamline workflows, creating more flexibility, and opening new opportunities for growth. The conversation dives into the ethical side of AI, including bias in large language models, responsible AI use in organizations, data privacy concerns, and why businesses can no longer afford to ignore the role AI is playing in everyday operations.

Rachele and Jen also discuss how AI can reflect the strengths and weaknesses inside organizations, the growing importance of AI literacy, the human skills that will matter most in an automated future, and the security risks business owners should take more seriously. They explore protecting business data, using AI safely, and how leaders can guide their teams through change with more confidence and clarity.

The episode wraps up with a fun rapid-fire conversation covering password managers, phishing emails, VPNs, cybersecurity habits, and practical ways businesses can better protect themselves in today’s digital landscape.

Stay connected with Jen Seregos and learn more about her work with AI, marketing, and business growth at jenseregos.ai athena-digital.com

You can also connect with Jen on Instagram @jenseregos and on

LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/jenseregos. 

Edith shares how The Kulay Collective supports startups and nonprofits by improving workflows, clarifying strategy, and helping teams get real value from the tools they already use. We talk about leadership, innovation, experimentation, and why technology should support people,  not overwhelm them. She also explains how she uses AI for research and strategy, and why testing, learning, and staying open to change is so important in today’s fast-moving world.

This conversation is about efficiency, collaboration, empathy in tech, and building smarter systems that help organizations focus on their mission.

To connect with Edith and learn more about her work, visit https://kulaycollective.com and find her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edith-sumaquial-11318911/

Running a business today means making constant decisions — what tools to use, where to show up online, how to communicate with clients, and how to stay focused when the digital world keeps changing.

In this episode of The Cyber Savvy Woman podcast, host Rachele Schainker sits down with Laryssa Wirstiuk to talk about what it really takes to run a business in a digital world — beyond the trends, platforms, and buzzwords. Together, they unpack how business owners can make smarter digital decisions, choose tools that actually support their goals, and build a more confident approach.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How digital tools influence everyday business decisions
• Why business owners need strategy before choosing new platforms
• How to stay visible online without chasing every trend
• What it means to make confident decisions in a fast-changing digital space
• How to balance technology, client communication, and real business growth
• Why practical experience matters when building and managing a modern business

Whether you’re building your business online, managing clients digitally, or trying to make better decisions about the tools you use, this conversation will help you think more clearly about what truly matters.

🎧 Listen to the full episode now and follow the channel for more conversations on business, technology, cybersecurity, and digital confidence.

🔗 Connect with Laryssa Wirstiuk:

Website: https://joyjoya.com/

💡 The Cyber Savvy Woman is your digital empowerment sanctuary — where women business owners turn cyber fear into cyber confidence.

💌 Want to be a guest? Reach out — we’d love to hear your story!

In this episode, host Rachele Schainker sits down with Martin Mehl to explore why digital literacy has become one of the most important skills for business owners, leaders, and professionals in the age of AI.

Together, they unpack how technology is changing the way we work, why practical understanding matters more than just knowing the tools, and how people can build confidence in a world where AI is moving faster than ever.

In this episode, you'll learn: Why digital literacy is no longer optional in today’s business world How AI is changing the way people learn, work, and make decisions Why practical experience matters more than just having technical knowledge How business owners can avoid feeling overwhelmed by new technology Why understanding technology helps you lead with more confidence

Whether you're a business owner, team leader, or simply trying to keep up with the fast-changing digital world, this conversation offers practical insights on how to understand technology, use AI wisely, and stay confident in the future of work.

🔗 Connect with Martin Mehl: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-mehl/ Website: https://www.mentorship-academy.com

💡 The Cyber Savvy Woman is your digital empowerment sanctuary — where women business owners turn cyber fear into cyber confidence.

📩 Want to be a guest? Reach out — we'd love to hear your story!

Most leaders think culture is a vibe. Most tech teams think adoption is a training problem. They're both wrong — and it's costing them more than they realize.

In this episode of The Cyber Savvy Woman, Rachele Schainker sits down with Anthony Calleo, founder of Calleo EX, to have the conversation most business owners are too busy to have — until something breaks.

Anthony has spent his career inside organizations helping leaders understand why their best-laid plans fall apart, why their people disengage, and why the shiny new system they just rolled out is collecting digital dust. The answer is almost never the technology. It's always the people, the process, and the culture surrounding it.

If you've ever launched a tool your team quietly ignored, hired consultants who handed you a playbook that didn't fit, or wondered why your company just doesn't feel the way you want it to — this episode is your answer.

You'll walk away knowing:

• The real reason tech projects fail (and it has nothing to do with the software)
• Why "build it and they will come" is the most expensive mistake a business can make
• How to lead change without losing your people in the process
• What authentic leadership actually looks like day-to-day
• How Anthony uses AI as a solo consultant — and what every small business owner can learn from it
• The very first step to take before bringing in any outside help

"If you don't spend that time upfront, you're going to spend it elsewhere — mitigating nightmares and headaches."

This one is practical, honest, and packed with the kind of insight you usually only get from someone who's been inside hundreds of organizations.

Connect with Anthony Calleo:

🔗 Website: https://www.calleoex.com/

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonybcalleo/

🐦 Twitter/X: https://x.com/AnthonyABCNY

Greg shares how he turned a career-changing layoff into a new way of thinking about networking. Instead of awkward events, cold outreach, and forced small talk, he explains how networking can be simple, natural, and built through real human connection.

They talk about how introverts can build strong professional relationships, why networking should be seen as career insurance, and how small, consistent actions can lead to big opportunities. Greg also shares his “Connection Loop” framework, practical tips for getting referrals and clients, and how technology can help or hurt our ability to connect.

If networking feels uncomfortable or overwhelming, this episode will help you see it in a whole new way.

...

In this episode of THE CYBER SAVVY WOMAN, host Rachele Schainker sits down with sales and marketing strategist Wes Schaeffer, also known as The Sales Whisperer®, to break down the real-world systems behind sustainable growth.

From old-school sales to modern automation, Wes shares how he transitioned from cold calling and workshops to building scalable systems powered by automation—and now, AI.

If you’ve been hearing about AI agents but aren’t sure where to start (or what’s hype vs. useful), this episode gives you a clear, practical roadmap.

• How to structure sales conversations to eliminate endless follow-ups • The difference between AI tools vs. true AI agents • Why AI today feels like marketing automation in 2008 • Simple automations you can implement immediately (no tech overwhelm) • How to avoid common AI traps that waste time and money • Security risks to watch out for when using AI in your business • The systems that actually help you scale—without losing control

00:00 Welcome to Cyber Savvy 00:52 Meet Rachele and Wes 01:51 Wes Origin Story 02:56 Sales Whisperer Beginnings 05:29 Art and Science of Sales 06:59 No More Follow-Up 11:23 Automation Pivot (2008) 13:26 Jiu Jitsu Mastermind 16:52 AI Feels Like 2008 19:48 Agents vs ChatGPT 21:29 Managing Digital Agents 22:00 Text Expansion Basics 22:59 Automate Repeated Tasks 23:55 Shortcode Profit Story 26:38 Avoid AI Research Traps 28:20 AI Marketing and Websites 30:47 Data Security Guardrails 33:58 Security Layers and Tools 36:11 Rapid Fire Favorites 38:47 Wrap Up and Takeaways

Wes Schaeffer, The Sales Whisperer®, helps businesses say what they actually mean—clearly and effectively—so they can sell more without sounding salesy. A U.S. Air Force veteran, father of seven, and black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Wes has built a reputation for blending practical sales strategy with real-world experience.

He founded his business in 2006 and has since spoken around the world, authored multiple books, and published over 800 podcast episodes. Known for cutting through the noise, Wes focuses on building systems and messaging that drive consistent results.

THE CYBER SAVVY WOMAN is where women business owners reclaim their power in the digital world. We break down cybersecurity, automation, and digital systems into clear, actionable strategies—so you can scale your business with confidence.

👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJHqbJjczdo

Reach out and let’s connect—we’d love to hear your story.

In this episode of The Cyber Savvy Woman, host Rachele Schainker is joined by Yasmeen Turayhi—product marketing leader, founder, and author—to explore what really drives effective go-to-market strategies.

With experience commercializing over 200 technology products, Yasmeen shares why most companies skip the most critical step: truly understanding their customer. The conversation explores how strategy, intuition, and continuous iteration work together to create launches that actually resonate.

You’ll also hear why launches aren’t one-time events, how to distinguish between a product problem and a marketing problem, and where AI can support—but not replace—human judgment.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why most product launches fail before they even begin

• The importance of market research—and why it’s often done wrong

• How to understand customer sentiment beyond data and demographics

• The difference between a product problem and a marketing problem

• Why go-to-market success is about prioritization, not doing everything

• How intuition plays a role in leadership and decision-making

• Where AI is helpful—and where it still falls short

• Why launches should be treated as ongoing processes, not one-time events

About Yasmeen Turayhi:

Yasmeen Turayhi is the Founder of Modern Product Agency, where she has helped commercialize over 200 technology products across industries including AI, fintech, climatetech, and neurotech.

She is the author of multiple books on product marketing, including the bestseller Product Marketing Debunked. Yasmeen also leads the Inner Knowing School of Intuition, working with executives and creatives to strengthen decision-making through intuition and discernment.

She is also the host of the globally ranked podcast Gateways to Awakening, which explores neuroscience, intuition, and consciousness. Her TEDx talk, How to Use Your Intuition to Make Better Decisions, has reached over 25,000 views.

🔗 Connect with Yasmeen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yasmeenturayhi/

About The Cyber Savvy Woman Podcast:

Hosted by Rachele Schainker, The Cyber Savvy Woman helps women business owners build confidence in the digital world by breaking down cybersecurity into practical, actionable strategies.

👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations on technology, leadership, and digital empowerment.

#TheCyberSavvyWoman #ProductMarketing #WomenInTech #GoToMarket #Leadership #AI #CyberSecurity #WomenInBusiness #BusinessStrategy

AI adoption is accelerating across businesses—but many leaders still don’t realize how widely it’s already being used inside their own organizations.

In this episode of THE CYBER SAVVY WOMAN, host Rachele Schainker sits down with Brett Schklar, serial entrepreneur, AI adoption strategist, and author of AI Without the BS, to talk about how CEOs and business owners can embrace AI while protecting their companies from unnecessary risk.

The conversation cuts through the hype around AI and focuses on practical leadership decisions: how to set the tone inside your organization, avoid “shadow AI,” create simple guardrails for employees, and focus on the use cases that deliver real ROI.

Brett shares lessons from decades of building and scaling companies, why many CEOs misunderstand how their teams are already using AI, and how leaders can introduce AI without damaging culture, trust, or security.

If you’re a business owner, leader, or operator trying to figure out how to adopt AI responsibly, this episode offers a clear, practical roadmap.

• Why many CEOs underestimate how much AI their teams are already using • The real risk of “shadow AI” inside organizations • Why AI adoption should be led by leadership—not just IT • How to create simple AI guardrails without slowing innovation • The danger of copying company data into free AI tools • How companies discovered hundreds of AI tools already in use • Why “show and tell” can accelerate safe AI adoption • Where AI delivers the fastest ROI (marketing and sales) • How AI can reduce RFP response time from weeks to under an hour • Why businesses should train one primary LLM (Copilot or Gemini)

00:00 Cyber Savvy Welcome 00:51 Meet Rachele and Brett 02:04 Entrepreneur Lessons on Change 03:53 Scaling Systems and Clients 06:24 ChatGPT Turning Point 09:06 CEO AI Misconceptions 11:20 Why IT-Led AI Fails 13:55 Low-Stress AI Start 17:59 Bring Your Own AI 18:36 Copy-Paste Data Risks 20:23 Free Tools Data Risk 21:11 Auditing Shadow AI 22:09 Show and Tell Adoption 23:04 Where ROI Shows Up 24:30 RFPs in Under an Hour 26:13 Pick One Use Case 27:01 Centralize Your LLM 29:35 Plain English AI Policy 32:04 Multiple LLMs Debate 34:48 AI Without the BS Book 36:36 Cybersecurity Rapid Fire 37:58 Final Takeaways and Wrap

Brett Schklar is the founder of AI-First Leadership, a keynote speaker, and an AI adoption coach who helps CEOs cut through the hype and deploy AI in ways that drive productivity, speed, and competitive advantage.

A former agency CEO who successfully built, scaled, and exited Market Creation Group, Brett has worked with more than 230 companies helping them turn unclear positioning and messy go-to-market strategies into repeatable growth systems.

Today he leads GROW Powered, the market’s first assembly of AI-First Fractional CMOs, and advises leaders on how to implement AI responsibly—without sacrificing culture, trust, or momentum.

He is also the author of AI Without the BS: The CEO’s Playbook for Actually Getting AI Right.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bschklar

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@aifirstleadership

THE CYBER SAVVY WOMAN is a podcast that helps women business owners protect their businesses and build confidence in the digital world. Hosted by Rachele Schainker, a Silicon Valley technologist and owner of the award-winning managed service provider CMIT Solutions of San Mateo, the show brings practical conversations about cybersecurity, leadership, and navigating technology safely.

In this episode of THE CYBER SAVVY WOMAN, host Rachele Schainker sits down with Nancy Fox—author of Network Like a Fox and CEO of WYZE Rainmakers—to talk about strategic networking, mindset, and how women business owners can use AI as an advantage without getting overwhelmed.

Nancy shares her journey from a corporate career in women’s lingerie (including leading product development, design, and marketing) into coaching and training—and why the modern business landscape demands smarter positioning, clearer niches, and more targeted relationship-building.

You’ll also hear Nancy’s practical framework for “networking like a fox”: building the right mix of decision-makers, referral sources, and influencers, and using tools like LinkedIn Sales Navigator and AI-driven research to save time, money, and energy.

• What reinvention really looks like in the age of AI • How coaching and networking changed with technology (and Zoom) • How to stop networking “everywhere” and start choosing the right rooms • How to pick a primary niche + a backup niche without fear • AI’s best use case right now: research, targeting, and messaging insights • “Crisis point” messaging: what makes a client reach out now • Why portfolio careers are becoming more common (and how to do it wisely)

00:00 – THE CYBER SAVVY WOMAN intro 00:51 – Meet Nancy Fox 02:22 – From corporate to coaching 04:18 – How coaching evolved with technology 06:49 – Network Like a Fox and targeted relationship-building 08:20 – Building a targeted networking roadmap 12:05 – Niching without fear (primary + secondary niches) 14:12 – How to tell you’re in the wrong networking room 16:39 – LinkedIn research advantage (finding the real decision-makers) 18:45 – Using AI for smarter networking + research 20:12 – AI assistants and automation in real life 21:34 – Client tools: roadmaps + “market hunger” reports 22:28 – Crisis-point messaging (what triggers action) 23:35 – The “AI wild west” (and what to be careful about) 24:45 – Why you should test before you launch 25:53 – Portfolio careers + modern reinvention 28:23 – Generational differences in reinvention 30:02 – Nancy’s upcoming Reinvention Board + reinvention stories podcast 35:01 – Rapid fire tech picks 37:36 – AI risk, trust, and protecting the business 38:37 – Closing takeaways

Nancy Fox is the CEO of WYZE Rainmakers and a longtime coach, trainer, and community builder focused on targeted networking, rainmaking, and business development. She’s the author of Network Like a Fox: A Targeted Approach to Building Successful Business Relationships In Person & Online and has helped professionals and firms build smarter, more strategic growth systems.

👍 Like this video 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations that make tech and leadership feel practical and powerful 💬 Comment: What’s one networking “room” you’ve outgrown? 🔗 Share this with a woman business owner who’s navigating reinvention right now

#TheCyberSavvyWoman #WomenInBusiness #BusinessDevelopment #StrategicNetworking #WomenFounders #AIForBusiness #Leadership #ClientAttraction #Networking

What happens when holistic healing meets digital security? In this powerful episode, Debby Simmons, founder of Primrose Healing and Wellness, reveals how she's revolutionized mental health care by treating the WHOLE person—mind, body, and spirit—while navigating the critical cybersecurity challenges that every therapist and small business owner faces today.

🌟 What You'll Discover:

✅ Why traditional therapy often fails—and how holistic psychotherapy addresses the root cause

✅ The real story behind Primrose Healing and Wellness (hint: it's not just about the street name!)

✅ How to integrate Reiki, yoga therapy, nutrition, and energy work into mental health treatment

✅ Why investing in your mental wellness isn't an expense—it's essential

✅ The shocking truth about HIPAA compliance that most therapists miss

✅ Debby's personal cybersecurity wake-up call—bank account hacked multiple times

✅ How AI is transforming (and potentially threatening) the therapy profession

✅ Practical cybersecurity tips every small business owner needs RIGHT NOW

🔒 Cybersecurity Essentials Discussed:

• Encrypted email systems and why they matter

• PCI compliance for credit card processing

• Protecting client confidentiality in the digital age

• Identifying spam, phishing texts, and fraudulent emails

• Using AI responsibly in mental health practice

•  

🎯 Perfect For: Mental health professionals, therapists, counselors, holistic practitioners, women business owners, coaches, financial advisors, healthcare providers, and anyone handling sensitive client data.

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Welcome to The Cyber Savvy Woman

00:51 Meet Your Host, Rachele Schainker

01:10 Debby Simmons: From Teacher to Holistic Therapy Pioneer

01:55 What Is Holistic Psychotherapy? Breaking Down the Whole Person Approach

04:05 The Birth of Primrose Healing and Wellness

06:50 Beyond Talk Therapy: Integrating Nutrition, Reiki, Yoga & Energy Work

13:19 Empowering Clients to Invest in Their Mental Wellness

17:44 Understanding the Source of Pain

17:57 Why Debby Chose to Work with Cybersecurity Experts

18:46 The Critical Importance of HIPAA Compliance & Digital Security

19:45 Debby's Personal Cybersecurity Nightmare: Multiple Bank Hacks

21:29 Essential Cybersecurity Advice for Therapists & Small Business Owners

23:54 AI in Therapy: Promise, Pitfalls & Practical Applications

27:06 Rapid Fire Tech Questions

29:09 How to Connect with Primrose Healing and Wellness

30:18 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

👥 ABOUT OUR GUEST:

Debby Simmons is a mental health professional with over 25 years of experience and founder of Primrose Healing and Wellness, a holistic psychotherapy practice serving clients throughout California. With a doctorate in health psychology, Debby has pioneered an integrative approach that treats the whole person—not just symptoms. Her practice offers personalized treatment plans incorporating psychotherapy, nutrition counseling, Reiki, polarity therapy, yoga, and other evidence-based modalities. Debby is passionate about meeting clients where they are and creating sustainable healing pathways that honor mind, body, and spirit.

🎙️ ABOUT THE HOST:

Rachele Schainker is a Silicon Valley technologist and owner of the award-winning managed service provider, CMIT Solutions of San Mateo. As host of The Cyber Savvy Woman podcast, Rachele is on a mission to break down cybersecurity barriers and empower women business owners to feel confident and unshakeable in their digital decisions—no matter their technical background.

🔗 RESOURCES MENTIONED:

• Primrose Healing and Wellness: https://primrosehealingandwellness.com

• CMIT Solutions of San Mateo: https://cmitsolutions.com

💬 What's YOUR biggest cybersecurity concern as a business owner? Drop a comment below—we'd love to hear from you!

#CyberSavvyWoman #HolisticTherapy #Cybersecurity #WomenInBusiness #MentalHealth #HIPAACompliance #DebbySimmons #RacheleSchainker #TherapistLife #SmallBusinessSecurity #DigitalSecurity #AIinHealthcare #WomenEntrepreneurs #PodcastInterview #MindBodySpirit #HolisticHealing #BusinessPodcast #CyberAwareness #DataProtection #MentalWellness

© 2026 The Cyber Savvy Woman Podcast | Hosted by Rachele Schainker

The Cyber Savvy Woman is where women business owners reclaim their power in the digital world. We break down cybersecurity barriers, transforming complex protection strategies into clear, actionable guidance. Ready to stop letting cybersecurity intimidate you and start letting it elevate you?

Michelle shares insights from her extensive career in IT and channel alliances, including her experience driving channel-first transformations and building partner ecosystems. Together, they discuss how cybersecurity has shifted from a technical afterthought to a core business strategy — especially for small and mid-sized organizations.

The conversation highlights the role of AI in productivity and security, the critical intersection of human behavior and technology, and practical guidance for women who are interested in entering or advancing in cybersecurity. Michelle also offers actionable advice for small business owners on securing their IT infrastructure, building a security-first culture, and leveraging trusted partnerships.

Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on networking, leadership, and resilience, along with an honest discussion of the challenges and opportunities women face in the tech and cybersecurity space.

🎧 Tune in for actionable insights and strategies to strengthen your cybersecurity posture and lead with confidence in the digital world.

00:00 Introduction to The Cyber Savvy Woman 00:52 Meet Your Host, Rachele Schainker 01:10 Interview with Michelle Hodges 02:00 Michelle’s Career Journey 04:13 The Evolution of Cybersecurity 08:19 Women in Cybersecurity Leadership 11:39 Advice for Aspiring Women in Tech 16:57 Fun Personal Insights 19:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of The Cyber Savvy Woman, host Rachele Schainker sits down with Amy Fregosi, founder of Mondolfo Interior Design, to explore the powerful connection between intentional design, productivity, and cybersecurity for small business owners.

Amy shares her journey from a deeply creative childhood to building a successful interior design business that blends beauty with technical expertise. Together, Rachele and Amy discuss how physical environments influence mental clarity, why structure is just as important as creativity, and how technology plays a critical role in modern design workflows.

This conversation also dives into an often-overlooked topic in creative industries: cybersecurity. Amy explains why protecting your digital systems, passwords, and business identity is essential for long-term success — especially for women entrepreneurs and creatives who rely heavily on technology every day.

✨ In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How intentional spaces support focus, confidence, and peace of mind

• The balance between creativity and structure in business

• Tools designers and entrepreneurs rely on daily

• Why small businesses are not “too small” to be hacked

• Practical cybersecurity habits every entrepreneur should adopt

⏱️ Episode Chapters

00:00 Welcome to The Cyber Savvy Woman

00:52 Meet Your Host, Rachele Schainker

01:17 Amy’s Journey into Interior Design

04:06 Balancing Creativity and Structure

09:39 The Role of Technology in Design

11:27 Creating Inspiring Workspaces

25:38 Cybersecurity for Small Business Owners

31:04 Rapid Fire Tech Questions

32:47 Final Thoughts

🎧 Listen & Subscribe

💬 What does your workspace say about how you work? Share one change you’ve made — or want to make — to support your productivity or digital security in the comments below.

👍 If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another woman business owner who could benefit from it.

#TheCyberSavvyWoman #WomenInBusiness #WomenEntrepreneurs #InteriorDesign #CreativeBusiness #CybersecurityForSmallBusiness #WomenInTech #DigitalConfidence #WorkspaceDesign #BusinessSecurity

Rachel Burr shares her journey into leadership coaching, the critical role of mindset and self-awareness, and why imposter syndrome is far more common among leaders than many realize—especially women. Together, they explore practical ways to build trust and resilience within teams, how leaders can create a healthy culture around cybersecurity without fear or overwhelm, and why partnerships matter when navigating complex technology decisions.

Rachel also discusses key insights from her book Butterfly Goo, a powerful metaphor for transformation that emphasizes embracing discomfort, leveraging core strengths, and trusting yourself through change. The episode wraps with a rapid-fire cybersecurity round that blends humor, perspective, and practical awareness.

This episode is a must-listen for women business owners and leaders who want to lead with confidence, clarity, and courage—without needing to be deeply technical.

Episode Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Cyber Savvy Woman

00:52 Meet Your Host, Rachel Schenker

01:17 Interview with Rachel Burr: Leadership and Transformation

01:48 The Journey to Leadership Coaching

03:19 Mindset Shifts in Leadership

06:17 Imposter Syndrome and Leadership Challenges

08:02 Building Trust and Resilience in Teams

09:47 Self-Awareness in Leadership

11:36 Creating a Culture of Cybersecurity Awareness

14:24 The Importance of Partnerships in Cybersecurity

15:29 Modeling Good Habits and Communication

16:56 Butterfly Goo: A Story of Transformation

20:01 Trusting Yourself and Learning from Mentors

20:39 A Hilarious Golf Lesson Gone Wrong

23:12 Daily Practices for Women Leaders

24:06 The Importance of Self-Reliance

26:41 Debunking Leadership Myths

28:43 Balancing Strategy and People Management

30:46 Rapid Fire Round: Cybersecurity Insights

33:44 Closing Thoughts and Where to Find More

🎧 Listen, subscribe, and share this episode of THE CYBER SAVVY WOMAN on Apple Podcasts or YouTube.

💬 If this conversation resonated with you, leave a review or share the episode with a fellow woman leader navigating leadership, technology, or transformation.

📩 Want to be a guest or suggest a future topic? Reach out—we’d love to hear from you.

#TheCyberSavvyWoman

#WomenInLeadership

#WomenInTech

#LeadershipMindset

#ExecutiveCoaching

#CybersecurityAwareness

#DigitalConfidence

#ImposterSyndrome

#TrustAndResilience

#WomenBusinessOwners

Natalie shares her unexpected journey from aspiring prosecutor to insurance advisor, shaped by powerful personal experiences that reveal the real consequences of not planning for the future. Together, Rachele and Natalie explore the parallels between cybersecurity and insurance: both are about preparing for the what-ifs before they become crises.

This episode breaks down common myths around life insurance and long-term care, highlights how women often approach planning differently than men, and reinforces an empowering message: you don’t need to love technology—or fully understand it—to take control of your financial and digital well-being.

Whether you’re a business owner, professional, or caregiver, this conversation will help you replace uncertainty with clarity and confidence.

Episode Highlights

00:00 Welcome to The Cyber Savvy Woman

00:52 Meet Your Host: Rachele Schainker

01:14 Guest Introduction: Natalie of Taran Insurance

01:37 Natalie’s Journey from Law School to Insurance

02:26 Why Proactive Planning Matters

02:52 Common Myths and Fears Around Insurance

03:14 Real-Life Stories That Changed Everything

04:18 Cybersecurity & Insurance: Preparing for the “What Ifs”

06:04 Empowering Women to Make Confident Financial Decisions

08:29 Generational Differences in Planning

09:32 Natalie’s Relationship with Technology

10:53 Rapid Fire Questions

12:01 How to Connect with Natalie

14:12 Final Takeaways & Call to Action

🎧 Listen to the full episode and discover why being proactive—not perfect—is the key to protecting your future.

💬 If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend, colleague, or fellow business owner who could use a confidence boost.

⭐ Subscribe, rate, and leave a review to help more women find The Cyber Savvy Woman.

#CyberSavvyWoman #ProactiveNotPerfect #WomenInBusiness #CybersecurityAwareness #FinancialPlanning #LifeInsurance #LongTermCarePlanning #WomenSupportingWomen #DigitalConfidence #RiskManagement

Carone offers practical advice on leveraging video marketing, social media strategies, and automation tools to grow your brand. She also dives into the power of targeted ads, creative workflows, and her inspiring journey from high-end retail to video marketing and coaching.

Whether you’re a business owner, content creator, or tech enthusiast, this episode is packed with insights to help you confidently navigate the digital age.

What You’ll Learn:

✅ How short-form video and AI are transforming marketing

✅ Tools and workflows for business growth

✅ The role of targeted ads and automation in scaling your brand

✅ Carone’s personal journey and lessons learned

Timestamps:

00:00 – Welcome to Cyber Savvy Woman

01:50 – The Rise of YouTube Shorts and AI in Video

10:20 – Effective Technology and Workflows for Business Growth

13:43 – The Power of Targeted Ads

23:02 – Carone Ani's Journey to Video Marketing

36:55 – Balancing In-Person and Online Networking

40:43 – Empowering Women in Business

#CyberSavvyWoman #WomenInTech #VideoMarketing #SocialMediaStrategy #AITrends

Nick Uresin steps in as guest-host to interview Rachel Schainker about her journey from corporate tech to becoming an MSP owner serving small businesses with clarity, support, and real-world solutions.

You'll hear how women business owners use tech differently, what they worry about (and shouldn’t), how AI is shaping their operations, the cybersecurity mistakes business owners make most, and why Rachel chose to build her MSP through a franchise model.

Key Discussion Points

00:00 — Welcome to The Cyber Savvy Woman (Rachele & Nick)

00:45 — Why this podcast needed to exist

02:00 — How AI will shape the conversations

03:30 — The gap Rachele saw in the cybersecurity space

05:00 — What women business owners struggle with most in tech

06:30 — Who will benefit from the show (audience breakdown)

07:45 — Types of guests and vendor partners we’ll bring on

09:00 — Why product-agnostic cybersecurity matters

10:30 — Real horror stories & what “cyber hygiene” really is

12:00 — Password managers, MFA, and sharing credentials safely

13:30 — Remote teams, secure internet, and keystroke logging risks

15:00 — Why Rachele chose the franchise model (CMIT)

16:30 — Running vs building: the decision that shaped the business

18:00 — Rachele’s background: Seattle roots & early tech work

20:00 — Leaving corporate America and the pivot to small business

21:30 — What CMIT does and how Rachele supports clients

23:00 — How to reach Rachele (LinkedIn & show notes)

24:00 — Final thoughts, subscribe & support

If you’re a founder, advisor, designer, therapist, or any business owner trying to stay safe in a digital world that moves fast—this conversation was made for you.

Don’t forget to:

👍 Support conversations that make cybersecurity more accessible

🔔 Subscribe so you never miss practical strategies for protecting your business

💬 Share the one insight that made you rethink your digital safety

🔗 Send this to a woman business owner who deserves to feel cyber-confident

#CyberSavvyWoman #WomenInBusiness #CybersecurityForSmallBusiness #FemaleFounders #DigitalSafety #MSP #AIForBusiness #TechConfidence #WomenWhoLead #CyberHygiene #SmallBusinessTips

From women founders who lead businesses in a digital world to top security experts who understand what's really at stake for your business, we bring you the voices that matter. Whether you're protecting client trust as a therapist, safeguarding financial data as an advisor, or scaling a mission-driven nonprofit, discover how to build digital strength without sacrificing the values-driven approach that makes your business thrive. Ready to stop letting cybersecurity intimidate you and start letting it elevate you?