Happy one-year anniversary to us! As we reflect on this incredible journey of the WomenShare podcast, we're filled with gratitude for all the inspiring women who have shared their stories, and for the listeners who have joined us on this adventure.
And we're grateful for all the ways we've grown personally through hosting the show. There's nothing like venturing into a completely new medium to push you out of your comfort zone!
Since we're all about sharing our stories, these are some key lessons we've learned in this first year of the podcast:
Stay Flexible
One of the biggest lessons we've learned over the past year is the importance of flexibility and evolution. When we started WomenShare, we envisioned it as a "marketing guide for women in financial services". But as we began interviewing guests, we realized that the most impactful and resonant stories were those of their personal journeys in this male-dominated industry. This led us to pivot our focus to creating a platform that celebrates women in financial services. By shifting our lens, we've been able to connect with a wider range of guests and share a more diverse array of experiences with our listeners.
Don't Play Small
Another valuable lesson we've learned is that it's okay to dream big. Initially, we felt we needed to establish ourselves as a podcast before reaching out to high-profile guests. However, we decided to take a leap of faith and invite women whose careers inspired us, regardless of their level of achievement. To our delight, many of these women were eager to share their stories and support our mission.
Mission Alignment
This experience taught us the power of alignment. Our guests and sponsors are deeply committed to our goal of empowering women in the financial services industry. By working with individuals and organizations who share our values, we've been able to create a more authentic and impactful podcast. The reverse is true as well: We are amplifying the stories of people and organizations we both believe in.
Trust the Process
Finally, we've learned the value of trusting the creative process. While we provide our guests with a general outline for our conversations, we've found that the most engaging and spontaneous moments occur when we simply let the conversation flow naturally. By embracing the unexpected, we've been able to uncover unique insights and perspectives that we might have missed otherwise.
As we look ahead to the next year of WomenShare, we're excited to continue sharing inspiring stories, fostering connections, and empowering women in the financial services industry. Thank you for joining us on this journey!
