Gloria Govan on Thriving in Male-Dominated Industries

“I’ve had to prove myself ten times harder just to be taken seriously, but I never let that stop me. If anything, it pushed me to build something that speaks for itself.” In this episode of Startups and Stilettos, host Ingrid Zapata-Read sits down with entrepreneur and community builder Gloria Govan. From navigating male-dominated industries to balancing life as a mom of five and founder of multiple ventures, Gloria shares her unfiltered journey of resilience, innovation, and building with intention. Gloria is redefining what it means to create brands that prioritize wellness, movement, and authentic connection. She opens up about the challenges of earning respect in boardrooms, the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people, and how failure has shaped her path to success. What we talked about:Feeling the Burnout [4:29]From Corporate to Entrepreneur [9:56]Mentors Throughout Life [20:48]Healthy Home Lifestyle [29:33]Evolving with the Times [35:08] ⁠⁠Connect with Ingrid:⁠⁠@itsingridsworld ⁠⁠on Instagram⁠⁠Ingrid Zapata-Read⁠⁠ on Linkedin⁠⁠Grow With Community⁠⁠ Are you ready to get the recognition you deserve? The Early Entry rate for the Entreprenista 100 application ends on October 23, 2025. Take the first step toward gaining the visibility and recognition your business deserves. ⁠Start your award application today⁠! Join hundreds of ambitious, purpose-driven founders at The PGA National Resort for a life-changing weekend of inspiration, motivation, and transformation for the ⁠2026 Founders Weekend⁠! Members of our Entreprenista League get access to live Office Hours with top founders that have been on our show! Join the Entreprenista League today! We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!   Get Featured on Startups in StilettosWant a chance to be featured on Startups in Stilettos? We’re currently accepting applications from our Entreprenista League members to be featured on the show! Think of the Entreprenista League as your team members in what can be a lonely startup founder’s journey. You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded female startup founders who are making an impact in business every day, special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, the opportunity to have your story featured on our website, social channels – and, of course, the Startups in Stilettos podcast – and so much MORE! Grow Your Startup with Startups in StilettosThanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Startups in Stilettos, powered by the Entreprenista PodcastNetwork. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeart Radio Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more startup founders, like you, and have a chance to win a one-on-one mentor and strategy session with Stephanie Cartin.Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. And for even more exclusive content and information – and to get access to the 8 Secrets to Success in Your Business video course and worksheet – visit our website.