Welcome back to our interview series! In this episode of the Mixed Doubles Podcast, hosts Maggie Robinson and Josh Smythe Macaulay sat down with Teresa Saputo-Crerend and Philippa Portnoy, the founders of LaunchBreak, an innovative networking platform for women athletes. Teresa and Philippa, former doubles partners and Columbia University alumni, discuss transitioning from corporate careers to launching their platform. They share insights on the impact of their athletic background on their professional success, the importance of mentorship, and the drive to support female athletes. The conversation covers their collegiate experiences, the significance of community, and practical advice for young women pursuing careers. The episode offers a deep dive into the vision behind LaunchBreak and its growing community.
00:31 Meet the Guests: Teresa and Philippa
01:26 Columbia University and Tennis Background
03:44 Corporate Careers and LaunchBreak
07:06 The Birth of LaunchBreak
12:13 Columbia University Experience
18:41 Running a Business Together
23:41 Advice for Young Athletes and Professionals
26:22 Conclusion and Shoutouts
Connect with LaunchBreak on LinkedIn: Teresa Saputo-Crerend & Philippa Portnoy
LaunchBreak website: https://launchbreak.com/
Columbia & Barnard Background:
Teresa Saputo-Crerend
Chair of the Columbia Alumni Association's Mentoring and Networking Committee
Member of Columbia Alumni Association Board &Columbia University Women's Alumnae Engagement Group
Key leader for the first-ever three-day Women’s Conference across eighteen Columbia University schools. Keynote speakers featured Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Served on the Board of the Columbia College Alumni Association, the Dean’s Alumni Task Force, the Board of Columbia College Women, and the CAA’s Strategic Planning Committee
Served as CoChair of She Opened the Door, the first-ever Columbia University Women’s Conference
Member of the Columbia Alumnae Legacy Circle, the Women's Leadership Council, and the Columbia College Board of Visitors
Recipient of Columbia Alumni Association Medal for Distinguished Service
Philippa Portnoy
Founding member of Barnard’s Athena Center for Leadership Studies
On the board of Barnard College Board of Trustees & Columbia University Board of Directors
Co-founder of Columbia’s Women’s Leadership Council for Athletics
Member of the University Alumnae Engagement Committee and Strategic Planning Committee
Member of Columbia Alumni Association (CAA) Board and Women Creating Change Leadership Council
Serves on Columbia University Club of NY Board, and co-chair of CAA Arts Access
Named one of the 50 most influential female athletes in Columbia’s 50th Anniversary of Title IX
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