Smart, Driven, Women

Tamar Draper Mahru, Senior Director of Workplace Experience at Grammarly, shares how her inner drive, human-centered leadership, and early career experiences in workplace design helped her navigate a purpose-driven path, while building environments where others can thrive, too. 

More importantly, she emphasis on how intentional connection shape career momentum, team creativity, and personal fulfillment.

For professionals who seek t...

Sarah Fuchs, co-founder and co-CEO of Muus Collective, shares her honest journey, from being laid off on maternity leave to building a mobile fashion gaming studio partnered with Revolve and Paris Hilton. 

She opens up about balancing leadership and raising four kids, setting unapologetic boundaries, and why being a role model means making space for others. This is a must-listen for anyone redefining what success looks like on thei...

What if the path you’re on looks successful—but doesn’t feel right? In this episode of Smart Driven Women, Sheila Jambekar, Chief Privacy Officer of DayForce, shares how she transitioned from corporate law to a C-suite role in tech by letting go of the “shoulds” and building a career that actually fit her life, values, and goals.

From making intentional pivots to trusting herself through high-stakes transitions, Sheila opens up abo...

In this episode of Smart Driven Women, Soumya Tulloss—Senior Vice President of Agent Sales at Zillow—shares what it really takes to lead with intention, set bold goals, and evolve through every stage of your career.

From her early days in finance to leading teams across tech and real estate, Soumya reflects on what she's learned about high standards, self-awareness, and creating clarity amidst chaos. She opens up about balancing mo...

Season 2 has begun! Juslyn Manalo—community advocate, public servant, and the first Filipina elected to the Daly City Council—shares how small acts of purpose can spark lifelong leadership. From fighting for Filipino WWII veterans to stepping into city hall, Jesslyn reflects on the values that shaped her, how she overcame self-doubt, and why putting your dreams into the universe is more powerful than you think. Whether you're consi...

Building a successful business takes guts and a willingness to take the leap even when the path isn’t clear. In this episode of Smart, Driven, Women, Patrice Cleary, owner of Purple Patch and Joia Burger, shares how she walked away from a traditional career to build two of D.C.’s most celebrated restaurants.

She proves that success is betting on yourself and making it happen. If you’re on the edge of taking your own leap, this epis...

Kriselda Valderrama represents District 26 in the Maryland House of Delegates. She joins Smart, Driven, Women to discuss her path to leadership that required much strength and resiliency. As a working mother and legislator, Kris also shares the importance of support systems in managing both professional ambitions and family responsibilities.

Join the conversation with Kris! Learn how to remain steadfast and focused on what’s most i...

Navigating leadership and negotiation in a male-dominated industry takes confidence, preparation, and strategy. In this episode of Smart Driven Women, Jacqueline Post Ladha, an accomplished attorney and real estate expert, shares her insights on breaking barriers, advocating for housing affordability, and leading with impact. She dives into the power of preparation in high-stakes negotiations, the importance of intuition in decisi...

Rona Jobe talks with Evelyn Miller, partner at Smart Settlements (a premier Title Company), about navigating career pivots and balancing ambition with joy. Evelyn shares her journey from aspiring civil rights lawyer to thriving entrepreneur in real estate, offering insights on goal setting, perseverance, and finding joy even in the most daunting challenges. Tune in to learn how to stay driven while embracing life’s unexpected turns...

What drives a firstborn daughter in an immigrant family to excel, lead, and balance it all?  In this episode of Smart, Driven Women, Lynn Pina, Chief Marketing Officer of Geo Blue, dives into the unique challenges and strengths that come with being a firstborn, raising a family, and leading as a CMO. Packed with insights on resilience, mentorship, and finding the courage to let go, this episode is a must-listen for women at any sta...

Welcome to Smart, Driven Women, where we explore how impactful women navigate the intersections of leadership, personal growth, and life transitions. Hosted by Rona Jobe, CEO of LVL-Up Strategies, this podcast features candid conversations with women leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators who share the lessons learned from their evolving journeys. Whether you're just starting out, facing a career pivot, or seeking new ways to thriv...