Feminist Founders: Building Profitable People-First Businesses podcast

Feminist Founders: Building Profitable People-First Businesses

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How to Build a Values-Aligned Business (Without Burnout or BS) 32:34

14 päivää sitten32:34

32:34

What does it really take to build a business rooted in your values—without burning out, selling out, or sacrificing your sanity? Becky Mollenkamp and Faith Clarke introduce a new 6-month group container designed for feminist entrepreneurs who are done with toxic business culture and ready to lead in a way that feels nourishing, not extractive. We unpack: Why traditional masterminds and coaching programs don’t work for liberatory leaders What makes this group different (hint: no formulas, no gurus, no performance required) Who this is really for—and why you're not "too much" or "not enough" What you'll leave with: self-trust, spaciousness, and a community that gets it This episode is full of real talk about building a values-aligned, human-first business in a world that’s obsessed with productivity, hustle, and hierarchy. If you’re wondering how to run your business differently—but aren’t sure where to begin—this episode will feel like a warm, radical permission slip. 📝 Apply for the group program here: https://feministfounders.co/group 📩 Got questions? Email us at feministfounder@gmail.com 🌈 Subscribe to the Feminist Founders newsletter: https://feministfounders.substack.com…

Feminist Founders: Building Profitable People-First Businesses

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What Integration Really Looks Like: Applying Feminist Business Principles Day-to-Day 35:17

17 päivää sitten35:17

35:17

In the final episode of this five-part series on the Feminist Founders framework, Becky Mollenkamp and Faith Clarke explore what happens after the strategy sessions are over. This conversation is about the often-overlooked work of integration—how to actually live your values in the everyday reality of your business. They share personal stories, client examples, and real-world tools to show how feminist business values like transparency, consent, curiosity, and co-regulation can show up in your systems, your leadership, and even your Zoom meetings. Listen in to learn: What changes on Day 2, after you’ve reimagined your business Why discomfort is a sign you’re doing the work, not failing How to practice your values in meetings (yes, even as a solopreneur) The role of leadership in modeling accountability and co-regulation What to do when team members resist your evolving culture How to create rhythms for revisiting and refining your business framework Spoiler: The real magic isn't in the vision—it’s in the practice. And the practice will be messy. 🎧 Plus, get a sneak peek of the supportive container Becky and Faith are building to help founders like you do this work with structure and community.…

Feminist Founders: Building Profitable People-First Businesses

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Conflict Isn’t the Enemy: How Feminist Founders Can Navigate Discomfort and Disruption 34:05

21 päivää sitten34:05

34:05

In this episode of Feminist Founders , Becky Mollenkamp and Faith Clarke dive deep into what might be the most critical (and most avoided) part of feminist entrepreneurship: conflict and disruption. This conversation will help you reframe discomfort not as failure—but as proof that you’re doing something different. Becky and Faith explore why conflict is inevitable in values-aligned businesses, how to meet it with compassion, and why traditional conflict-avoidance strategies (hello, white lady niceness) just don’t cut it anymore. Together, they discuss: The internal stories we tell ourselves in moments of discomfort Why systems of oppression make conflict feel dangerous—especially for white women How to regulate your nervous system during hard conversations Navigating conflict as a leader without falling into supremacist, hierarchical patterns Why harm repair should be a documented system in your business Tools like “oops/ouch” and “bug/wish” to build a conflict-embracing culture Disruption deserves its own seat at the feminist business framework table—because this is where real change begins. 🎧 Next week’s episode wraps the series with how to implement all five parts of the Feminist Founders framework. Subscribe now so you don’t miss it !…

Feminist Founders: Building Profitable People-First Businesses

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Decolonizing Business Systems: How Feminist Entrepreneurs Can Build with Integrity 33:24

24 päivää sitten33:24

33:24

In this episode of Feminist Founders , Becky Mollenkamp and Faith Clarke break down what it really means to build systems in your business that align with your feminist, anti-capitalist, and anti-supremacist values. From automation overwhelm to resisting empire-thinking in tech tools, they unpack why most systems weren’t built for you—and how to challenge that by designing your own. They explore: What systems actually are (spoiler: it's not just software!) Why most business tools are inherently rooted in patriarchal, capitalist values How to map systems from vision to implementation while centering care The difference between cobbled-together and bespoke What it means to decolonize your systems How to co-create processes that prioritize relationships over rigid efficiency If you’ve ever felt like your business systems were “a mess” or wondered why nothing out there fits what you’re trying to build—you’re not broken. You’re trying to do things differently. This episode is your permission slip to keep doing just that. 🎧 Listen in, and then subscribe for next week’s episode on navigating conflict in values-aligned businesses.…

Feminist Founders: Building Profitable People-First Businesses

1
How to Build a Feminist Business Culture (Even as a Solopreneur) 30:38

28 päivää sitten30:38

30:38

🎙️ In this episode of Feminist Founders , Becky Mollenkamp and Faith Clarke dive into the third pillar of their business framework: Culture . What does it mean to build a culture rooted in equity and care—especially when you’re not in the room? Whether you have a team or work solo, culture emerges. The question is: Are you shaping it intentionally or letting systems of urgency, hierarchy, and supremacy do it for you? Becky and Faith explore how to move from aspirational values to embodied cultural practices, how to build habits that reflect your beliefs, and how to address the difficult truth that your actions reveal what you truly value (even if you wish they didn’t). 💡 If you’re ready to design a trust-filled business that reflects your values, this episode offers both philosophical insight and practical starting points.…

Feminist Founders: Building Profitable People-First Businesses

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Rethinking Leadership Through a Feminist Lens 30:36

28 päivää sitten30:36

30:36

🎙️ In this episode of Feminist Founders , Becky Mollenkamp and Faith Clarke take on the second pillar in their 5-part framework for running a justice-focused business: Leadership . Leadership isn’t just about having a team or managing others—it’s about how you lead yourself. In this conversation, they explore why self-accountability is crucial, how internalized hustle culture shows up even when we “know better,” and what it really means to invite clients, collaborators, and contractors into your vision. They also unpack what vulnerability in leadership looks like, how to avoid replicating hierarchical systems, and why building community is essential to sustaining value-aligned leadership. 💡 Don’t just consume the ideas—live them. Get support inside the Feminist Founders community : https://feministfounders.substack.com/…

Feminist Founders: Building Profitable People-First Businesses

1
Ground Your Business in Vision, Not Capitalist Chaos 35:22

5 weeks sitten35:22

35:22

🎙️ This week on Feminist Founders , Becky Mollenkamp and Faith Clarke take a deep dive into the first pillar of their feminist business framework: Vision . You’ll learn why starting with a clear, values-aligned vision is essential for building a business that supports justice, equity, and liberation. Becky and Faith walk through how to clarify your feminist priorities, define your desired impact, and identify one small but powerful practice you can use to align your business more fully with your values. They also unpack what it looks like to navigate disruption, honor imperfection, and use your privilege responsibly—all while building a business that feels nourishing to your whole self. 💡 Subscribe to the Feminist Founders newsletter to keep doing this work in community: https://feministfounders.substack.com/…

Feminist Founders: Building Profitable People-First Businesses

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Building an Anti-Capitalist Business: Our New Feminist Framework 23:09

5 weeks sitten23:09

23:09

🎙️ In this episode of Feminist Founders , Becky Mollenkamp is joined by her new partner, Faith Clarke, to unveil the 5-part framework they developed to help liberation-minded entrepreneurs grow businesses rooted in justice. You’ll hear the behind-the-scenes story of how this evolved, why each component—Vision, Leadership, Culture, Systems, and Disruption—is essential, and how naming your own “medicine” can radically transform your impact. If you're tired of one-size-fits-all frameworks rooted in hustle culture and hierarchy, this is the model you’ve been waiting for. Whether you're a solo founder or leading a small team, this episode lays the foundation for building an anti-capitalist, people-first business. Want more on this? Subscribe to the Feminist Founders newsletter to get behind-the-scenes insights and updates: https://feministfounders.substack.com/…

Feminist Founders: Building Profitable People-First Businesses

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Winter Break: Becky Mollenkamp on Women Making Moves 34:05

15 weeks sitten34:05

34:05

Becky Mollenkamp is an intersectional feminist - unapologetically and never uses blame or shame as tools, AND white feminism is not ok. She is an accountability coach for high performing business owners. Becky shares incredible insight around how feminism is a trigger for more people than just men and what that means, what we can do, and how to improve by small degrees each day. She hosts a new podcast called "Feminist Founders" that are disrupting the way feminism is perceived and feared - to create how we will continue making change for the future. Follow Women Making Moves by clicking subscribe/follow or rate on your favorite platform and follow along on Instagram and follow Unlock the Magic or visit https://unlockthemagic.org…

Feminist Founders: Building Profitable People-First Businesses

1
Unmasking Ourselves: Fear, Violence, and Building Safe Communities 33:53

20 weeks sitten33:53

33:53

This special sneak peek episode offers a glimpse of what’s coming to Feminist Founders in 2025 as Faith Clarke officially joins Becky Mollenkamp as a partner. Together, they share their honest, behind-the-scenes thoughts about their new partnership, how they’re building this business collaboratively, and the real-time challenges and insights at the intersection of business and feminism. In this episode, Becky and Faith dig deep into: How violence—against ourselves and others—shows up in subtle ways in our businesses, often rooted in fear and conditioning. The importance of unmasking, being witnessed, and doing this work in community rather than alone. How capitalist norms and power identities can perpetuate harm in our workspaces, even when we’re trying to challenge them. What it looks like to tend to ourselves and each other as we strive to build businesses that prioritize safety, love, and collective wisdom. This is just the beginning of many conversations like this. Starting in 2025, paid subscribers will get access to monthly private podcast episodes where Becky and Faith share real-time reflections, tough questions, and behind-the-scenes details about their partnership and business journey. What’s coming for paid members in 2025: Monthly private podcast episodes like this one, diving into the challenges, insights, and messy realities of running a values-driven business. Monthly live events for community members to connect, explore these topics together, and create safe, supportive spaces for growth and transformation. Founding members also get a monthly mention (company name and website) in our newsletter with 3k+ readers. If you want to be part of these conversations, now’s the time to upgrade your membership before the end of the year. Rates will increase in 2025 as this partnership officially gets underway, so lock in your access now! UPGRADE NOW AT: https://feministfounders.substack.com/…

Feminist Founders: Building Profitable People-First Businesses

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Building a Business Without Social Media: Values-Driven Visibility with Amelia Hruby 36:45

21 weeks sitten36:45

36:45

In this episode of Feminist Founders , Becky Mollenkamp sits down with Amelia Hruby, feminist philosopher, podcaster, and founder of Softer Sounds, to discuss the radical act of leaving social media and building values-aligned businesses. Amelia shares her journey from academia to entrepreneurship, how she created a feminist podcast studio, and the intentionality behind slowing down and prioritizing a human-first approach to work. Together, they dive into the challenges of resisting hustle culture, the ethics of using platforms like Substack, and the power of cultivating community outside of algorithm-driven spaces. Whether you're contemplating leaving social media or seeking inspiration for running a feminist business, this episode is full of practical insights and heartfelt wisdom. Amelia Hruby (she/her) is a writer, educator and podcaster with a PhD in philosophy. She is the founder of Softer Sounds, a feminist podcast studio for entrepreneurs and creatives. And she’s the host of Off the Grid, a podcast about leaving social media without losing all your clients. Amelia’s Website | Softer Sounds | Off the Grid | Book Discussed in This Episode: What it means to run a feminist podcast studio The challenges and fears of leaving social media as a business owner Practical alternatives to social media marketing How intentionality can disrupt hustle culture and create space for alignment The design and philosophy behind Softer Sounds and Off the Grid Why intersectional feminism is at the heart of ethical business practices Strategies for visibility without social media Balancing creativity, community, and profitability as a service provider Resources Mentioned: Amelia’s dissertation “ The Age of Surveillance Capitalism” by Shoshana Zuboff Worthwhile Paper Feminist Business School from Sister.is “50 Feminist Mantras” by Amelia Hruby Designer Kening Zhu adrienne maree brown’s Loving Corrections Black and Pink PenPals Amelia’s Arena boards (from bonus conversation for newsletter subscribers) If you’ve been grappling with how to align your business with your values or wondering whether leaving social media could work for you, this episode is a must-listen!…

Feminist Founders: Building Profitable People-First Businesses

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Visibility Engineering: Branding for Underrecognized Communities with N. Chloé Nwangwu 1:03:38

22 weeks sitten1:03:38

1:03:38

In this insightful episode of Feminist Founders , Becky Mollenkamp talks with brand scientist N. Chloé Nwangwu about the unique challenges of building brand visibility for underrepresented and marginalized communities. Chloe brings her rich background in conflict mediation and international politics to her work in visibility engineering, helping brands influence behavior while honoring their identities and values. She and Becky dive into the concept of visibility as a complex, non-neutral force shaped by societal biases and systemic barriers. Together, they unpack key concepts like the ambition penalty, reciprocity gap, and validation paradox, exploring how these invisible forces affect women, people of color, and other under-recognized groups in the branding space. Chloe shares her methodology for creating an “ecosystem of influence” and her unique approach to visibility engineering that helps brands stand out authentically, despite systemic hurdles. This conversation is a must-listen for entrepreneurs committed to building brands that reflect their true values and vision for a more inclusive world. N. Chloé Nwangwu (she/her) is the director of NobiWorks, a brand visibility consultancy rooted in behavioral science. She unabashedly believes brands and visibility strategies not built with power dynamics and biases in mind should consider disappearing from this plane of existence. NobiWorks equips underrecognized brands with visibility strategies and systems scientifically formulated to help them neutralize visibility biases while commanding — and keeping— attention in an increasingly crowded marketplace. Everything you do to be better seen, heard and understood should work. Full stop. And it is her personal mission to make that so. Website | Instagram | LinkedIn Discussed in This Episode: Chloé’s journey from international conflict mediation to brand strategy and visibility engineering The difference between branding and visibility for underrepresented communities vs. mainstream branding Visibility biases and the “racial attention deficit” that affect marginalized groups in branding and beyond The invisibility tax and ambition penalty, and how these concepts reveal hidden barriers for under-recognized brands Cognitive biases in branding and how they create visibility challenges The importance of creating an “ecosystem of influence” for sustained brand impact Visibility engineering as a strategy for making brands “impossible to ignore” Practical steps to structure branding around social impact, inclusivity, and ethical visibility Resources Mentioned: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s TED Talk: We Should All Be Feminists About Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s anti-trans rhetoric Change by Damon Centola Freedom Dreams in Philanthropy Resources from Nobiworks…

Feminist Founders: Building Profitable People-First Businesses

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Breaking Barriers with Caleb Thomas: A Male Photographer’s Take on Empowering Women 50:39

23 weeks sitten50:39

50:39

In this episode of Feminist Founders , Becky Mollenkamp chats with Caleb Thomas, a male boudoir photographer, about his journey into empowerment photography and how he uses his work to challenge societal norms. Caleb shares how his boudoir photography, focused on body diversity, self-love, and reclaiming body agency, creates inclusive spaces for plus-size women, LGBTQ individuals, and people with disabilities. They also explore his experiences navigating power imbalances as a cishet male photographer, his TikTok success, and the challenges of social media censorship, as well as his advocacy for Oregon LGBTQ rights. Caleb Thomas (he/him) is a boudoir photographer based in Bend, Oregon, specializing in empowering, creative boudoir sessions that help folks (particularly women) reclaim their agency, identity, and sensuality. Before being a full time photographer (as well as the de facto stay at home parent of his 5 year old) he worked in tourism marketing, manufacturing marketing, and, most interestingly, (considering his current line of work) was the Media Director for a Megachurch for 5 years. After deconstructing his faith over the course of a decade, Caleb left the church. Caleb lives in Bend, Oregon with his Pastry Chef wife, their 5 year old kiddo, as well as their pup & cat. Website | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube Discussed in this episode: Empowerment photography and the transformative impact of boudoir experiences : Caleb shares how boudoir photography empowers clients by helping them reclaim agency over their bodies, fostering self-love, and providing an experience that celebrates authenticity and confidence. The intersection of feminism and male boudoir photography : Caleb discusses navigating power dynamics as a male boudoir photographer and how his feminist approach centers clients’ comfort, challenging traditional gender norms. Body positivity and creating inclusive spaces for plus-size and LGBTQ clients : Caleb explains his commitment to creating a welcoming environment for clients of all body types and identities, helping them embrace and celebrate their bodies through photography. Caleb’s personal journey of evangelical deconstruction and how it influences his work : Caleb reflects on leaving behind his conservative religious upbringing and how that journey has shaped his feminist values and approach to photography. The challenges of growing a photography business on TikTok and battling social media censorship : Caleb shares how his TikTok success grew his business but also how social media platforms censor his empowering content while allowing more exploitative material to thrive. Advocacy for Oregon LGBTQ rights and supporting the Bend Pride Coalition : Caleb highlights his work with the Bend Pride Coalition, supporting LGBTQIA+ individuals in conservative areas and advocating for safer, more inclusive spaces. Resources Mentioned: Babe City Boudoir “Ending the Pursuit of Perfection” TED Talk by Iskra Lawrence Bend Pride Coalition…

Feminist Founders: Building Profitable People-First Businesses

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Multi-Stakeholder Cooperatives Are the Future of Ethical Book Publishing with Zia Dione 57:11

24 weeks sitten57:11

57:11

In this episode of Feminist Founders, Becky Mollenkamp chats with Zia Dione about her unique journey through feminism and how her views evolved into womanism. Zia shares her thoughts on the differences between Feminism vs. Womanism, exploring the importance of intersectionality in business and how her personal experiences shaped her passion for creating a cooperative business model. They dive deep into Zia’s mission to disrupt traditional publishing with her self-publishing cooperative, "Trunk of My Car," which offers a community-based and ethical alternative to platforms like Amazon KDP. Zia also explains how the multi-stakeholder cooperative structure can create a fairer system for authors, editors, designers, and readers, while reflecting her commitment to Black feminism and feminist entrepreneurship. Zia Dione (she/her) is an emerging writer focused on healing intergenerational trauma & building/supporting solidarity & sustainable economies. Zia is certified in permaculture design, has a law degree from the University of Baltimore & is currently pursuing an MFA in Creative Nonfiction at Pacific University. Yes, she chose a new name. Website | Instagram | Threads Discussed in This Episode: The distinction between Feminism vs. Womanism and how intersectional feminism plays a role in Zia’s vision Zia's personal and professional journey that led her to develop a self-publishing cooperative as an alternative to Amazon KDP How a multi-stakeholder cooperative empowers authors, readers, and workers alike in cooperative publishing The impact of Black feminism on Zia’s approach to feminist entrepreneurship The challenges and benefits of creating a community-based business model in a highly individualistic world Ethical business models that focus on fairness, sustainability, and collective growth Why it's important to seek alternatives to Amazon self-publishing and what makes Trunk of My Car stand out Resources Mentioned: “Collective Courage” by Dr. Jessica Gordon Nembhard Make sure to subscribe to the Feminist Founders newsletter for bonus content from this episode!…

Feminist Founders: Building Profitable People-First Businesses

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Amplifying Black Feminist Voices: The Story Behind the Free Black Women’s Library with Olaronke Akinmowo 1:10:21

25 weeks sitten1:10:21

1:10:21

In this episode of Feminist Founders , Becky Mollenkamp interviews Ola Akimowo, the visionary behind the Free Black Women’s Library in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. They discuss Ola’s journey of creating a grassroots, community-driven space dedicated to amplifying the voices of Black women and Black non-binary writers through literature, art, and mutual aid initiatives. From the library's unique book swap system to its role as a Black feminist archive and community care space, Ola shares how this social art project fosters activism and intergenerational connections while fighting gentrification. Together, they explore the importance of Black feminism, intersectionality, and the powerful stories that shape this transformative library. Olaronke Akinmowo (she/her) is an interdisciplinary artist, writer, librarian and cultural worker. She is also the Creator and Director of The Free Black Women’s Library, a literary hub, community care space and social art project located in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. This grassroots space features over 5000 books written by Black women and Black non-binary folks, a free store, a period pantry, a backyard garden, a reading club and a wide range of free public programs, mutual aid initiatives and creative workshops. The library offers people of all ages, races and genders a space to read, write, work, rest, dream and connect. She is also a proud mom, union member, set decorator, busy body, book fairy, plant fiend, and dance machine. She grows and thrives in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn. Website | Instagram | Threads Discussed in this Episode: The founding of the Free Black Women’s Library and its growth from 100 to over 6,000 books How the library serves as a social art project, community care space, and Black feminist archive The role of Black feminist literature and authors like Toni Morrison, Octavia Butler, and Jesmyn Ward Ola’s journey from street protests to library activism and her experience with gentrification in Brooklyn The library’s book swap system, mutual aid programs, and community organizing efforts The challenges of crowdfunding and maintaining the library as a grassroots space The significance of intersectional feminism and Black queer representation in literature Resources Mentioned: GiveButter Crowdfunding Campaign for the Free Black Women’s Library “Sing, Unburied, Sing” by Jesmyn Ward “All About Love” by bell hooks “Parable of the Sower” by Octavia Butler Free Black Women’s Library merch Patreon link to support Ola directly PO Address for Free Black Women's Library:…

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