In this episode, Scout Brisson, CEO of De Soi, discusses her journey from corporate life to leading a startup in the booming non-alcoholic beverage industry. She reflects on the importance of celebrating achievements, the challenges of transitioning from a corporate environment to entrepreneurship, and the complexities of recognition in her career. Scout also shares insights on the regulatory challenges in the beverage industry and the future trends indicating a shift towards non-alcoholic optio...
May 12, 2025•34 min
In this episode, Mallory Contois, Head of Community at Mercury and founder of Old Girls Club, joins Zoia on the podcast. Mallory has had many chapters in her career, including being an early-stage employee at Pinterest and Compass, working at LinkedIn, and being a COO at an early-stage startup. Today, she epitomizes what it means to be a true leader and woman in innovation, juggling a multitude of roles, projects, and initiatives in what is an inspiring career for all. Listen for advice on: What...
Apr 07, 2025•39 min
In this episode, Zoia sits down with Emily Heyward, who is the co-founder and Chief Brand Officer of Red Antler. In her second appearance on the WIN/WIN podcast, Emily shares more about her new role (in addition to Red Antler), as a Founding Partner at Habitat Partners, which is an early-stage venture fund. Listen for advice on: The role of consumer empathy in investing How being authentic has shifted in the world of brand Pivoting and navigating a new role at a senior level Learn more: Zoia Koz...
Mar 24, 2025•31 min
In this episode, Phoenix Porcelli, SVP of Global Sales at Convene, shares her journey from working in prestigious hospitality institutions to becoming a leader in a startup environment at Convene. She discusses the importance of innovation in sales, the concept of the glass cliff, and how she navigated leadership challenges to ascend to her current position, while uplifting the entire Convene organization. Listen for advice on: Transitioning from mid-level leadership to an executive team How to ...
Mar 10, 2025•37 min
In this episode, Kristine Locker, the CEO & Founder of Locker, shares her journey from the real estate industry to entrepreneurship in consumer technology. She discusses the inception of Locker, a platform designed for everyday consumers to curate and save their favorite products, akin to Pinterest but focused on shopping. Kristine reflects on the challenges of being a first-time founder, the importance of networking and mentorship, and her experiences with investors. Listen for advice on: H...
Jan 27, 2025•31 min
In this episode, Frances shares her journey from data scientist to Venture Capital partner at Two Sigma Ventures. She discusses the evolution of her understanding of risk, the importance of independent thinking, and navigating a career in venture capital. Frances also addresses the cyclical nature of the investment market, the role of gender in her career, and her vision for the future of venture capital, particularly in relation to AI technology. Listen for advice on: The pros and cons of tradi...
Jan 13, 2025•37 min
In this episode, Zoia interviews Stephanie Horton, Senior Director of Global Marketing, Commerce (Shopping/Payments) at Google. They discuss Stephanie's diverse career journey across various industries, her leadership style, the importance of mentorship, and her role in founding Fashion Tech Connects. The conversation also delves into innovations in online shopping, the significance of cultural relevance in marketing, and the challenges of navigating intersectionality in the workplace. Listen fo...
Nov 25, 2024•33 min
In this episode, Mehera O’Brien, Head of Creative, New York, at argodesign, discusses her extensive experience in the design industry, the evolution of design consultancies, and the importance of client partnerships. She shares insights on navigating the intersection of creativity and data, the significance of taking leaps of faith in one's career, and how AI is re-shaping the industry. Listen for advice on: Finding the balance between risk-taking and data in innovation Defining success as you p...
Nov 13, 2024•28 min
In this episode, Anneliese Olson, Senior Vice President & Managing Director, at HP North America, shares her extensive experience in leading go-to-market strategies across various business lines. She discusses her career journey, the importance of risk-taking, and the value of personal growth through a gap year. Listen for advice on: Understanding one’s purpose and its role in effective leadership Navigating multi-generational workforces Most surprising elements of a business transformation ...
Nov 04, 2024•36 min
In this episode, Jelena Joffe Weil, Worldwide Venture Innovation Lead at AWS, discusses the importance of curiosity and creativity in driving innovation, the challenges of establishing a venture innovation program, and the role of failure as a learning opportunity. They share insights on managing stakeholders and complex challenges, using real-world examples. Key Takeaways: How to navigate starting a corporate venture 0-to-1 The need for respectful persistence in execution and strategy What the ...
Oct 23, 2024•32 min
In this episode, Andrea Hopelain, GM and SVP of Publishing at EA Sports, discusses her career in the entertainment, media, gaming, and sports industry. She focuses on emotional connections with fans and the intersection of entertainment and sports participation. She also shares insights on engaging with Gen Z and Gen A, brand changes, innovation, and the role of women in sports and gaming. Key Takeaways: How to stay closely connected with large-scale audiences The impact of Gen Z and Gen A on br...
Jul 08, 2024•27 min
In this episode, Zoia Kozakov, the host of the WIN/WIN podcast and Head of Device Digital Wallets @ JPMorgan Chase, shares her journey of launching the podcast and how it has shaped her, along with how she’s evolved throughout her career. Zoia emphasizes the importance of having a growth mindset and continuously learning and growing, talking about the shift in her definition of success and power, focusing on being true to herself and embracing her vision. Key takeaways: Using a passion project a...
Jun 25, 2024•40 min
In this episode, Cheryl Sew Hoy, founder and CEO of Tiny Health, shares her entrepreneurial journey and the challenges she faced in building her startups. She discusses her experience as a first-time founder and the lessons she learned from her first company and its acquisition process. In a conversation focused on both Cheryl's trajectory and her experience building Tiny Health, a microbiome testing the episode reveals the challenges and opportunities for female entrepreneurs and how they can a...
Jun 10, 2024•37 min
In this episode, Amy Divaraniya, Founder & CEO of Oova, shares her unexpected journey to becoming a founder of a data-first, at-home hormone-tracking solution. She shares the ins and outs of building a multi-sided marketplace and how she turned her own struggles with fertility and the medical system into Oova. Throughout the conversation, Zoia and Amy touch on the challenges of the medical system that are specific to women and women's health and how data can be used to empower women to ensur...
May 06, 2024•31 min
In this episode, Amruta Moktali, Chief Product Officer at Skyflow, shares her journey in product management and discusses the challenges and decisions she has faced throughout her career. Amruta also explains the role of a Chief Product Officer at a Series B company and the need for a strong partnership between product and engineering. Amruta encourages women to overcome imposter syndrome and seek feedback to grow their careers. Key takeaways: Surround yourself with intelligent people who challe...
Apr 22, 2024•32 min
In this episode, Nisreen Hasib, CEO and founder of Signoff, shares her journey from being the COO of Unbound to starting her own company that focuses on solving the housing crisis. Nisreen challenges the traditional definition of success in the startup world and shares insights on getting into Techstars. Key takeaways: Align your career choices with your foundational values. Trust your intuition and take risks when making career decisions. Challenge the traditional definition of success and choo...
Apr 08, 2024•35 min
This episode explores Betsy Cohen and Amanda Abrams’ journey and experiences in the finance and investment industry. They discuss the skills and qualities they seek in founders, the vision for Cohen Circle and Radiate Capital, and their role in innovation in fintech. Through a discussion of their personal and professional experiences, Zoia, Amanda, and Betsy touch on what diversity means to them and conclude with a discussion on gender dynamics in the workplace and the industry. Listen for advic...
Mar 26, 2024•46 min
In this episode, host Zoia Kozakov shares her personal experience with elective egg freezing and interviews Dr. Fahimeh Sasan, Chief Innovation Officer and Founding Physician at KindBody. They discuss the importance of proactive fertility care, the challenges and barriers in the industry, and the need for accessibility and equity in women's health. They also provide an overview of the egg-freezing process, debunk misconceptions, and highlight the benefits of being proactive about fertility. The ...
Jan 22, 2024•46 min
In this episode, join Zoia as she interviews Patrice Meagher, CEO and founder of Milkmate, a revolutionary breast-pumping solution for the workplace. Milkmate’s solution is comprised of modular furniture components, including a multi-user breast pump, and single-use parts that are all ready for immediate use. Patrice shares her journey, from her career in commercial real estate to developing and running her own company. They also discuss the importance of inclusive workplaces and the power of ad...
Dec 11, 2023•30 min
In this episode, join Zoia as she delves into the world of brand building and direct-to-consumer (D2C) innovation with Suze Dowling, Co-Founder and Chief Business Officer at Pattern Brands. Discover how Suze and her team are revolutionizing the D2C industry by combining acquisitions and in-house incubations to create a family of home brands. Gain valuable insights into their approach to building successful brands, overcoming challenges, and the importance of staying customer-centric in a rapidly...
Dec 05, 2023•32 min
In this episode, Zoia and Emi Neitfeld, writer of “Acceptance: a Memoir,” have a captivating conversation as they delve into the gripping story of navigating workplace challenges, transitioning from engineering to writing, and challenging societal expectations. Explore the power of personal narratives, resilience beyond traditional narratives, and the future of innovation in journalism. Listen for advice on: Transitioning from engineering to full-time writing Challenging resilience narratives an...
Nov 27, 2023•30 min
In this episode, Zoia interviews Courtney Carlsson, the founder of Paradym, a mental health platform. They discuss Courtney's journey as a founder, how she approaches building her startup, and the unique features of Paradym that set it apart. Listen for advice on: What’s it like fundraising as a pregnant female founder How to innovate a two-sided marketplace What makes a successful mental health product Why prioritizing healing is vital to making the most of a maternity leave Learn more: •Zoia K...
Nov 20, 2023•26 min
In this episode, Jameelah Calhoun, Eventbrite’s Vice President and Global Head of Product and Customer Marketing, sits down with Zoia. Together, they discuss Jameelah’s tremendous trajectory, ranging from financial services to working at Amazon’s Audible and Eventbrite. Jameelah’s visionary thinking and authentic speaking make for another meaningful conversation about innovation, leadership, and intersectionality on the podcast. Listen for advice on: How to go about launching a 0-to1 initiative ...
Sep 11, 2023•33 min
In this week’s episode, Zoia sits down to talk with Shyvee Shi, Product Lead at LinkedIn. They discuss everything from navigating unconventional careers to mentorship, and the impacts of artificial intelligence on education. Listen for advice on: The most critical skills to future-proof your career growth How to navigate artificial intelligence advances in a tactical and additive way Balancing non-conventional careers and side hustles when working in corporations Implementing innovation initiati...
Aug 28, 2023•36 min
In this week’s episode, Zoia connects with Inna Lobel, Creative Director, Head of Industrial Design, North America at frog, a leading innovation consultancy. Inna discusses the craft, art, and science of innovation, along with her role in enabling Campfire to raise $8 million in funding. Listen for advice on: The differences and similarities of working in-house vs. agency-side How to stay user-centric without having all of the data The skills needed to succeed in innovation The role of experimen...
Jul 31, 2023•30 min
In this week’s episode, Zoia sits down with Evelyn Chou, Senior Product Manager at Coursera, one of the most prominent innovators in the edtech space. Evelyn breaks down the journey of finding her voice through her various career stops and how she embeds innovation into her products (hint: she weaves it into her planning!). Listen for advice on: Navigating the likability trap at work Why this is the most pivotal time for edtech Approaching prioritization as you consider growth opportunities Eval...
Jun 06, 2023•34 min
In this episode, Zoia sits down with Sharifa Murdock, KITH's Chief Impact Officer and founder of ENVSN Festival. She shares her journey going from working in retail to now leading impact initiatives for one of the most established and fashion-forward brands. Sharifa also discusses how she approached building out ENVSN Festival, a culture-first experience to inspire the next generation to be innovative with their careers. Listen for advice on: Finding a career and company which aligns with your v...
May 08, 2023•31 min
In this episode, we are joined by Anomaly's Chief Innovation Officer, Natasha Jakubowski. Natasha is an "innovation veteran" with over 20+ years of experience in the industry, building out her own innovation practice, and growing it within Anomaly. Natasha has helped build new brands as well as put others, such as EOS (beauty brand) on the map. Listen for advice on: How to lean into your communication and leadership style Why innovation has no singular definition or output The importance of usin...
Apr 24, 2023•36 min
In this episode, Cynthia Plotch shares how running into her boyfriend’s mom while buying a pregnancy test factored into her journey to start a company focused on women’s healthcare. One of Inc.’s 100 Female Founders in 2021, and the co-founder of Stix, she aims to create better experiences and solutions with women’s healthcare products and talks about the challenge of raising funds from male VCs. Listen for advice on: Getting close to your customers The importance of building and maintaining res...
Mar 27, 2023•29 min
In this episode, Zoia sits down with Jess Houlgrave, who heads up crypto and go-to-market strategy at Checkout.com, an international payments platform valued at over billions of dollars. The conversation touches on how Jess navigates being a leader in an industry that often draws criticism and doubt, while leaning into being at the helm of innovation. Listen for advice on: How to balance helpful feedback while blocking out the noise Choosing the right team for innovative projects Balancing learn...
Mar 13, 2023•36 min
