Episodes

  • Climbing the Corporate Ladder While Staying True to Torah Values- with Rena Nickerson;

    Climbing the Corporate Ladder While Staying True to Torah Values- with Rena Nickerson;
    Nov 14 2024
    In this episode of 'Inspired to Lead,' host Talia Mashiach speaks with Rena Nickerson, General Manager at Quaker Canada, a division of PepsiCo. They discuss Rena's journey from Manhattan to her successful career in business leadership, overcoming challenges and shedding light on her experiences at Heinz, Colgate Palmolive, and SodaStream. Rena offers insights into her leadership style, balancing a corporate career with family life, the importance of mentorship, and the unique challenges and rewards of being a Jewish woman in the corporate world. Listeners also gain valuable advice on self-belief, dealing with potential failure, and striving for professional and personal excellence. 00:00 Introduction to Inspire to Lead 01:40 Meet Rena Nickerson: A Journey in Business Leadership 02:20 From Manhattan to Toronto: Rena's Personal Background 03:00 Early Career and First Job at Heinz 06:31 Challenges and Lessons at Heinz 09:13 Transition to Colgate and Career Growth 14:25 Balancing Family and Career 17:29 Leadership Philosophy and Practices 20:26 Empowering Leadership and Openness 21:29 The Impact of COVID on Leadership Styles 21:52 Creating a Culture of Diversity and Development 23:00 Discovering Your Superpower 25:05 The Importance of Mentors 29:36 Building a Successful Team at SodaStream 32:46 Balancing Religious Observance in the Corporate World 36:43 Advice for the Younger Generation 39:12 Final Thoughts and Gratitude Powered By Roth & Co
    The JWE
    For guest suggestions, please email Talia: podcast@thejwe.org
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    40 mins
  • Law to Leadership; A Story of Success & Sacrifice - with Haya Fishman

    Law to Leadership; A Story of Success & Sacrifice - with Haya Fishman
    Oct 10 2024
    In this episode listeners are introduced to Haya, an inspirational figure in the Jewish Women Entrepreneurs (JWE) community. Haya, who serves as the Chief Legal Officer and Executive Director of Integration for the Acacia Group commercial portfolio and is the founder and active board member of JWE, shares her journey from launching JWE while in law school to her present-day professional and personal life. The conversation delves into her early motivations, the challenges of balancing family and career, the importance of mentorship, and valuing intentionality and humility in leadership. Haya's story illustrates the significance of grit, relentless pursuit of passions, and giving back to the community, offering a candid and impactful narrative on becoming a successful leader while navigating personal sacrifices. 00:00 Introduction to Inspire to Lead Podcast 01:29 Meet Haya: An Inspirational Leader 03:44 Haya's Professional Journey 05:20 Founding the JWE 09:28 The Early Days of JWE 17:23 Balancing Life and Leadership 21:47 The Grit Behind Success 27:56 Faith and Perseverance 30:26 Balancing Law School and Motherhood 30:59 Reflecting on Self-Care and Grit 33:09 Life in Florida and Family Dynamics 33:44 Navigating Professional and Personal Challenges 35:48 Intentional Living and Social Media Detox 38:48 Mentorship and Community Support 42:10 Best Advice and Personal Reflections 46:05 Difficult Moments and Personal Growth 50:28 Final Thoughts and Leadership Insights

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    The JWE

    For guest suggestions, please email Talia: podcast@thejwe.org
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    56 mins
  • Stepping into Hollywood Jewish Advocacy - with Allison Josephs

    Stepping into Hollywood Jewish Advocacy - with Allison Josephs
    Sep 19 2024
    This episode , features a candid conversation with Allison Josephs, the founder of Jew in the City hosted by Talia Mashiach. Allison discusses her transformative journey from not being raised Orthodox to becoming a fervent advocate for Orthodox Judaism and breaking down stereotypes through her organization. Jew in the City, initiated in 2007, aims to demystify Orthodox Jewish life for the broader public, leveraging media platforms. The discussion covers the organization's evolution into three branches: Keter (Crown), focusing on positive media representation; Makom (Place), aiding those with negative experiences within Orthodox communities; and Tikkun (Fix), targeting systemic issues within. Allison shares personal anecdotes from her life, including her family's transition towards religious observance and her struggles and triumphs as a social entrepreneur. The conversation delves into the establishment of the first Orthodox Jewish Hollywood Bureau to ensure authentic representation in media, Allison's leadership journey, and the importance of mentorship, personal growth, and tackling challenges head-on for meaningful impact. 00:00 Welcome to Inspire to Lead: Unveiling the Journey 01:11 The Spark of Connection: Meeting Allison and the Birth of Jew in the City 02:31 Breaking Stereotypes: The Mission and Growth of Jew in the City 05:54 From Inspiration to Action: The Creation of the Hollywood Bureau 08:00 The Essence of Social Entrepreneurship: Allison's Story 18:59 Navigating Leadership and Criticism: Staying True to Your Voice 33:25 The Power of Growth and Mentorship: Learning from Challenges 36:34 Leaving a Legacy: Final Thoughts and Encouragement

    About Allison Josephs:

    Allison Josephs is a Jewish American storyteller who created "Jew in the City," a nonprofit with a mission to change negatives perceptions about the Orthodox Jewish community through storytelling. "I was frustrated with the media's depictions of my community.

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    The JWE

    For guest suggestions, please email Talia: podcast@thejwe.org
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    38 mins
  • Faith and Justice: Trailblazing with Judge Ruchie Freier

    Faith and Justice: Trailblazing with Judge Ruchie Freier
    Sep 5 2024
    Balancing Tradition and Leadership: The Inspiring Journey of Judge Ruchie Freier In this compelling episode of 'Inspire to Lead,' host Talia Mashiach engages in an illuminating conversation with Judge Ruchie Freier, the first Hasidic female judge, about her incredible journey. Ruchie discusses her early ambitions and challenges in balancing family, career, and her faith. She opens up about her dual roles as a judge and the founder of Ezras Nashim, a female volunteer EMT organization, tackling deeply rooted community norms and societal expectations. The discussion delves into pivotal themes such as the importance of determination, faith, and the supportive influence of family. Ruchie Freier's story is a testament to the power of perseverance, embracing one’s roots while breaking new ground in leadership and service. 00:00 Introduction to Inspire to Lead Podcast 00:31 Meet Judge Ruchie Freier 00:49 Balancing Career and Volunteer Work 02:02 Journey to Becoming a Judge 02:33 Pursuing Higher Education 03:53 Challenges and Determination 04:44 Support System and Family 10:36 Law School Experience 23:09 Faith and Professional Success 28:26 Empowering Jewish Women 36:11 Starting Out in Monroe, New York 37:02 Embracing the Chasidic Community 38:09 Balancing Family and Career 39:26 Journey to Becoming a Judge 42:20 Campaigning for Judgeship 47:58 Challenges in the Courtroom 53:45 Ezras Nashim: A New Venture 59:52 Reflections and Advice

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    The JWE


    For guest suggestions, please email Talia: podcast@thejwe.org
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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • Medicine and Motherhood; Unwavering Dedication - with Dr. Jessica Jacob

    Medicine and Motherhood; Unwavering Dedication - with Dr. Jessica Jacob
    Aug 22 2024

    In this episode Talia Mashiach converses with Dr. Jessica Jacob, a solo practice OBGYN since 1995. Dr. Jacob shares her inspiring journey from starting college at 16 to becoming a mother of seven while building a successful medical career. She discusses the challenges she faced, including balancing family and professional life, managing her practice with family support, and her profound passion for obstetrics. Dr. Jacob also reflects on her biggest influences, sacrifices made, and advice for aspiring female physicians. Join us for an engaging discussion on persistence, passion, and dedication in the pursuit of one's dreams.

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    The JWE


    For guest suggestions, please email Talia: podcast@thejwe.org
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    39 mins
  • Matchmaker on a Mission; Netflix and Beyond - with Aleeza Ben Shalom

    Matchmaker on a Mission; Netflix and Beyond - with Aleeza Ben Shalom
    Aug 8 2024
    In this episode Talia Mashiach engages Aleeza Ben Shalom, Netflix's Jewish Matchmaker, to unfold her remarkable journey from a Conservative Jewish upbringing in Philadelphia to becoming a celebrated matchmaking and relationship coach. Aleeza recounts her professional evolution, the pivotal experiences of authoring her book, and transitioning into a Netflix reality star. The episode sheds light on her Aliyah to Israel, the personal and professional challenges she faced, and her enduring impact on the Jewish community worldwide. Additionally, it incorporates key life lessons on self-belief, overcoming mistakes, redefining leadership, and the significance of perseverance and enjoying life's moments while striving for ambitious goals. About Aleeza: Aleeza Ben Shalom is an American–Israeli matchmaker, relationship coach, author, and reality television personality, best known for her role in the Netflix series Jewish Matchmaking. Born in Philadelphia and holding a degree from the University of Pittsburgh, she began her matchmaking career in 2007 and founded Marriage Minded Mentor in 2012. She has successfully paired over 200 Jewish singles and authored books like Get Real Get Married and Virtual Dating. Ben Shalom, who moved to Israel in 2021 with her family, emphasizes clarity and deep self-reflection in relationships, using her Jewish wisdom-based approach to help clients find true compatibility. 01:55 Meet Aleeza Ben Shalom: The Jewish Matchmaker 02:49 Aleeza's Journey to Observant Judaism 06:49 From Marriage to Motherhood 08:04 Discovering a Passion for Matchmaking 11:50 Building a Matchmaking Business 22:01 The Leap to Netflix Stardom 36:03 High Status on El-AL and October 7th Impact 37:01 Jewish Partner Priority and Show's Influence 37:38 Matchmaking Services and New Book 38:33 Advanced Reading Copy and Release Plans 40:12 Future Vision and Radio Show Aspiration 46:24 Aliyah Challenges and Family Transition 51:49 Leadership Journey and Intentional Living 57:27 Greatest Moments and Best Advice 01:01:10 Biggest Mistakes and Lessons Learned 01:08:10 Final Thoughts and Inspirational Message

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    The JWE

    For guest suggestions, please email Talia: podcast@thejwe.org
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    1 hr and 11 mins
  • Keeping The Legacy, While Leading The Future - with Yael Eckstein

    Keeping The Legacy, While Leading The Future - with Yael Eckstein
    Jul 25 2024
    In this episode Talia Mashiach interviews Yael Eckstein, president of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews. Yael shares her personal journey from growing up in Chicago to making Aliyah and continuing her father's legacy in Israel. The conversation delves into her experiences working alongside her father, the challenges she faced upon his passing, and her strategic vision for the organization's future. Yael discusses the pivotal role of Christian support for Israel, the importance of focusing on the positive, and the balance of professional responsibilities with being a dedicated mother and wife. Tune in for an inspiring story of leadership, resilience, and faith. About Yael: Yael Eckstein is the President and CEO of The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (IFCJ), overseeing all ministry programs and serving as the international spokesperson. She has over a decade of experience in nonprofit roles, including Global Executive Vice President and Director of Program Development. Yael is a published writer and respected social services professional, frequently featured on major media outlets and programs. She hosts the podcast "Nourish Your Biblical Roots" and has authored three books. Recognized for her influence, Yael has received numerous awards, including the Jerusalem Post’s 2023 Humanitarian Award. She lives in Israel with her husband and four children. 01:27 Meet Yael: A Journey from Chicago to Israel 02:21 The Legacy of Rabbi Gil Eckstein 03:51 Growing Up in a Controversial Household 07:15 Yael's Personal Connection to Israel 12:19 Making Aliyah: A Life-Changing Decision 16:24 Joining the Fellowship: From Stamps to Leadership 18:22 Carrying Forward the Vision 21:55 Balancing Vision and Practicality 25:27 Facing Challenges and Embracing Success 27:21 Christian Support for Israel 28:24 Taking Over the Organization 29:03 Implementing Changes and Facing Challenges 36:58 Balancing Public and Private Life 42:49 Family and Career Balance 49:08 Reflections and Advice

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    The JWE

    For guest suggestions, please email Talia: podcast@thejwe.org
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    56 mins
  • Building OPI; Resilience, Leadership & Legacy - with Suzi Weiss-Fischmann

    Building OPI; Resilience, Leadership & Legacy - with Suzi Weiss-Fischmann
    Jul 11 2024

    In this episode Talia Mashiach interviews Suzi Weiss Fischmann, co-founder of OPI. Suzi shares her inspiring journey from Hungary to the U.S., the creation and growth of OPI, and the entrepreneurial spirit that drove her.

    She discusses the importance of making intelligent, quick decisions, fostering company culture, and empowering women. Suzi also reflects on leadership, family traditions, dealing with antisemitism, and her commitment to philanthropy. The episode concludes with Suzi's advice on being true to oneself and valuing personal milestones.

    Powered By Roth & Co

    The JWE

    For guest suggestions, please email Talia: podcast@thejwe.org
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    43 mins