Who says you have to follow someone else’s playbook to build a powerhouse business? Cate Luzio, Founder and CEO of Luminary, is living proof that you can scale with purpose, profit, and zero outside capital. She’s grown Luminary into a global, inclusive platform by staying true to her mission and acquiring like-minded companies that add real value—without giving up control. Cate owns 100% of her company, and she’s not asking for permission—she’s setting the pace. It’s bold, it’s intentional, and it’s exactly the kind of leadership we need more of.
Key Takeaways:
Why you don’t always need venture capital to grow.
How acquisitions aren’t just for billion-dollar companies.
What it really means to lead with inclusion and impact in today’s climate.
How to grow without diluting your values—or your voice.
Learn More About Cate Luzio & Luminary:
Website: https://www.weareluminary.com/
LinkedIn: @cluzio
LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook: @weareluminary
About Our Guest
Cate Luzio is the Founder and CEO of Luminary, a global professional education and networking platform advancing women and allies across all industries. After a two-decade career in banking, Cate self-funded Luminary’s 2018 launch to address systemic challenges through inclusive, high-impact programming and community. Today, Luminary operates as a global B2C and B2B business with over 250 annual events and a thriving gender-inclusive network. Previously, Cate held executive roles at HSBC, J.P. Morgan, and Bank of America, with experience across Latin America, Europe, and Asia. She holds degrees from the University of Maryland and Georgetown, and serves on multiple nonprofit boards. Recognized by Forbes, Inc., Worth, and American Banker, Cate is a frequent keynote speaker and leading voice in inclusive leadership and entrepreneurship.
In 2024, Cate was appointed to Inc. Magazine's inaugural Female Founders Board of Advisors, after being named to its Top 100 Female Founder list in 2019 and 2021. That same year, she was also honored as one of KNOW's 100 Women to Know. In 2023, she was recognized as one of Worth Magazine's Worthy 100. In 2021, she was recognized as one of Forbes’ Next 1000 Entrepreneurs. Prior to Luminary, Cate was named to American Banker's ‘Most Powerful Women in Banking' list multiple years in a row, a three-time Financial Times Global Diversity Champion, and a three-time Yahoo Finance Diversity Hero.
About Our Company, The Justice Dept.
A female-focused advisory, consulting, and law firm advocating for female founders, talent, execs, and brands. We represent bo$$ ladies to make them 💰💰.
Website: https://www.thejusticedept.com/
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@jenniferjustice6653
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This is a Lady Business LLC & SMC Production
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