Mission-driven Founders
Most wellness marketing is noise. This podcast is the filter.Hosted by Wanda Malhotra, Mission-Driven Founders cuts through the hype to spotlight the visionary entrepreneurs and nonprofits building real, intentional ventures. We dive deep into real-world stories, supply chain grit, social impact, and the uncompromising ethics behind true sustainability.It’s also your inside look at the CMB Certification, our rigorous vetting standard for products and brands that embody high standards across clean living and conscious choices. Whether you're a founder scaling a mission or a conscious consumer navigating modern life, this is where purpose meets real-world application.A little cr...
Clean Beauty Pioneer & TEDx Speaker Indie Lee: Resilience, Health & Reinvention
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What does it take to turn a six-month terminal prognosis into a global movement that transforms an entire industry?
In 2008, former corporate CPA Indie Lee was given less than six months to live after doctors discovered a life-threatening brain tumor. When her doctor pointed to environmental toxins and asked what she was putting on her skin, everything clicked. Long before "clean beauty" was an industry buzzword, Indie survived surgery and launched Indie Lee & Co. on a mission to prove that skincare could be clean, science-backed, and uncompromisingly effective.
In...
Somatic Leadership: Rebuilding After Burnout & Leading With Real Presence with Mark A. Grainger
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What happens when a high-achieving leader can no longer out-think their stress?
In 2020, veteran keynote speaker and executive mentor Mark A. Grainger lost $300,000 in a single day, and his physical body gave out after thirty years of unaddressed pressure and overworking the "hustle muscle."
Instead of continuing to force performance, Mark spent 15 months rebuilding his nervous system through daily somatic practices, mobility, and deep inner truth. Today, he coaches purpose-driven founders and CEOs on how to stop leaking power and step into true somatic authority, grounded, embodied...
Perimenopause, Metabolism & Neuroplasticity: Practical Habits That Actually Work with Andrea Marcellus
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How do you build sustainable health habits when your body, hormones, and busy life are all shifting at once?
In this episode of The Mission-Driven Founders Podcast, Wanda and Manuela welcome Andrea Marcellus, CPT, Neuroplastician, renowned keynote speaker, and wellness leader who has spent over 30 years designing programs that help busy women navigate hormonal changes.
As a true mission-driven founder in the health space, Andrea rejects rigid perfectionism and 10-step routines. Instead, she combines neuroplasticity with practical nutrition to help women work with their changing...
Mayor Ron Williams on Farragut’s Growth: Strategic Leadership & Local Impact
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How do visionary leadership and active local enterprise come together to build an extraordinary hometown?
In this episode of The Mission-Driven Founders Podcast, host Wanda Malhotra welcomes former Farragut, Tennessee Mayor Ron Williams for an inspiring discussion on civic governance, smart town management, and economic development. Transitioning from a multi-decade career in machine tool engineering and manufacturing, Mayor Williams brought an analytical, hands-on approach to local government, helping guide Farragut through years of strong, continuous growth, greenway expansions, and park developments funded entirely without a municipal property tax.
Beyond b...
Startup Grit in Social Impact: Sammy Gonzalez on Transforming Communities Through Music
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Beyond teaching technical skills like playing an instrument, music shapes identity, builds discipline, and unlocks lifelong confidence. Wanda Malhotra sits down with Sammy Gonzalez Zeta, Founder and CEO of Young Musicians Unite, to explore how he scaled a grassroots program into an operational powerhouse serving 105 public schools across Florida.
Sammy details his transition from touring musician to non-profit leader, showing how his team embraces the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) and proprietary tech to track inventory, deploy teachers, and measure hard data—including a 20% reduction in school tardiness and absences. This conversation is...
Seeding the Future: "King of Pot" Bruce Perlowin on the One Love Festival & Free Mushroom Revolution
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How does a legendary entrepreneur transition from running one of the largest smuggling syndicates in U.S. history to leading a free, grassroots wellness movement? In this episode, we sit down with Bruce Perlowin, known as the "King of Pot"—whose cinematic life story is currently being adapted into a major Hollywood motion picture.
Following a transformative 9 year federal prison sentence dedicated to rigorous self-help, intellectual study, and teaching yoga, Bruce completely re-engineered his life. Today, alongside his fiancée Nicole Fay, Bruce uses his legendary logistical genius to spearhead a gre...
From Inhalers to Ingredients: How Renata Esteves, Holistic Health Coach, is Transforming Allergy Relief
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How do you turn a lifelong struggle with chronic allergies into an award-winning coaching practice? In this episode, we sit down with Renata Esteves, Holistic Health & Beauty Coach, to discuss the business of healing.
Renata shares how she identified a gap in the wellness market by documenting her own journey toward a medication-free life. For aspiring entrepreneurs, this is a masterclass in finding your "why" and building authority through authenticity.
Key Takeaways for Founders:
Identifying Your Niche: Using personal "pain...Why Slow and Steady Wins the Race: Debunking the Pressure to Scale Fast
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In this second episode of our Reality Check series, Wanda Malhotra and Kacie Schady dive into the "nitty-gritty" of building a business without losing your soul. If you’ve ever felt discouraged because you aren't following a "traditional" path to growth, this episode is your permission slip to do things differently.
In this episode, we discuss:
Authentic Direction: How to stop overthinking and tune out unsolicited advice.The Introvert Advantage: How Kacie thrives at in-person events by focusing on one-on-one connections rather than "loud" ma...Lydia Fenet: From World-Class Auctioneer to CEO of a Global Empowerment Brand
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What does it take to stand on stage and raise over a billion dollars for charity? It takes a level of confidence that Lydia Fenet has spent two decades mastering. On this episode of Mission-Driven Founders, Wanda Malhotra talks with Lydia Fenet—best-selling author, world-renowned auctioneer, and CEO of the Fenet Agency.
Lydia shares the story behind her exclusive Your Confidence Retreat at the Shou Sugi Ban House in the Hamptons and explains why "fearless failure" is a skill every entrepreneur needs to practice. From su...
Clean Soil, Clean Beauty: How Farming Affects Your Skincare
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Can we truly have "clean beauty" if the soil it grows in isn't healthy?
In this special episode, recorded live at the Organic Spa Magazine NYC Media Event, we go beneath the surface of the beauty industry. We’re joined by four mission-driven leaders to discuss why regenerative agriculture and soil health are the next frontiers of sustainability.
In this episode, we discuss:
The Foundation: Why clean soil is the ultimate "active ingredient" in skincare.Global Standards: How North American re...The Life Hack Playbook: Anne Karber on Grit, Sobriety, and Building a Purpose-Driven Legacy
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How do you move from the high-pressure world of construction to the soul-deep work of sober coaching and mindful leadership?
In this episode of Mission-Driven Founders, host Wanda Malhotra sits down with Anne Karber, author of The Life Hack Playbook and the visionary behind The & Project. Anne’s story is a masterclass in "savage self-awareness." From building a multi-million dollar construction business with her husband to navigating a tragic loss that led her through the fire of addiction and into a life of "unshakable optimism," An...
Building mend: Eziah Syed’s Blueprint for Healthcare Innovation
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Innovation in healthcare requires more than just a good idea; it requires a mission. Eziah Syed joins the Mission-Driven Founders podcast to pull back the curtain on mend™, a company bridging the gap between clinical nutrition and digital recovery.
Eziah discusses the hurdles of disrupting the wellness industry, the importance of behavioral support in digital health, and his advice for founders looking to make a "lasting impact" rather than just a quick exit. This is a masterclass in building a company that prioritizes patient outcomes as much as profit.
...
The Wellness Fantasy vs. The Naked Truth: A Reality Check with Kacie Schady
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How do you deconstruct a trillion-dollar industry to find the true heart of wellness?
In this premiere episode of our new series, The Reality Check, host Wanda Malhotra goes behind the scenes with Kacie Schady, the visionary founder of Love and Light Botanicals. Back by popular demand as our most-listened-to guest, Kacie returns to help us move past the "aesthetic filters" of social media and dive into the grit of building an authentic brand.
Kacie’s journey is a masterclass in breaking up with the beauty industry to find a...
The Plant Conduit: Julie Williams of Leaf People on Building a 20-Year Skincare Legacy
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How do you sustain a mission-driven brand for over two decades while staying true to the soul of the plants?
In this featured episode of Mission-Driven Founders, host Wanda Malhotra goes behind the scenes with Julie Williams, the Certified Herbalist and visionary founder of Leaf People.
Julie’s journey is a masterclass in entrepreneurial resilience and intentional brand building. Long before "clean beauty" was a trend, Julie was traveling to 17 countries and immersing herself in the Amazon to learn the language of plants. In 2003, after completing formal education in me...
From Panic to Purpose | Dr. Jeanne Retief: Turning Mental Health into Global Impact
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How do you transform a debilitating panic disorder into a global skincare brand rooted in ethical resilience?
In this episode of Mission-Driven Founders, host Wanda Malhotra sits down with Dr. Jeanne Retief, the visionary behind Figgi Beauty. What began as a deeply personal journey through mental health struggles has evolved into a powerhouse skincare brand that proves beauty can be both high-performance and soul-deep.
Dr. Jeanne gets vulnerable about the "Panic to Purpose" pipeline and the grit required to build a brand that refuses to compromise on its values...
Scraps to Success: Allison Motoyama on Scaling Dona Bela Shreds & Balancing 4 Kids
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How do you turn textile waste into a thriving fashion brand while raising four small children?
In this episode of Mission-Driven Founders, host Wanda Malhotra sits down with Allison Motoyama, the visionary behind Dona Bela Shreds. What started as a spark of inspiration during a trip to São Paulo, Brazil, has transformed into a powerhouse accessory brand that is saving the planet—one "shred" at a time.
Allison gets vulnerable about the "beautiful chaos" of being a mission-driven mompreneur. We dive deep into:
The Upcycling Revolution: How...
From Wall Street to Regenerative Beauty: The Fluency Beauty Story
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In this episode of Mission-Driven Founders, we sit down with Ada Hsieh, the visionary behind Fluency Beauty. Ada shares her inspiring transition from the world of Wall Street to revolutionizing the beauty industry through a radical commitment to sustainability, ethical sourcing, and regenerative agriculture. 🌱💄
In this interview, we dive into:
The raw challenges of sustainable product development.The power of affirmations: Why every product name carries a deeper intention.How Fluency Beauty is setting a new standard for biodegradable and cruelty-free makeup.🛡️ Mission-Driven Standards & Transparency
At The M...
Redefining Food Literacy, Wellness Sustainability with International Chef Manuela Scalini
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In this episode of the Mission-Driven Founders Podcast, host Wanda Malhotra welcomes International Chef Manuela Scalini, founder of Scai Sustainable Culinary Arts and Innovation. With over 16 years of global experience, Manuela shares her transition from the film industry to becoming a leader in sustainable wellness and functional food education.
Manuela’s philosophy centers on "real food for real life." We explore how her background in cultural anthropology informs her "root-to-bloom" zero-waste kitchen strategies and her heart-led work in providing food literacy for those navigating health challenges.
In this episode, we...
The Art of Nourishment: Compassionate Wellness and Self-Love with Staci Gulbin, RD
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As a mission-driven founder, your business is an extension of your heart—but how often do you extend that same compassion to your own body? In a world obsessed with "optimization" and "performance," we often lose sight of the most fundamental truth: every body is a unique ecosystem requiring its own specific care.
In this episode of the Mission-Driven Founders Podcast, we sit down with Staci Gulbin, MS, MEd, RD, a heart-centered registered dietitian and author whose work focuses on the intersection of nutrition, awareness, and mental health. With a career sp...
Beyond the "Chemical Cocktail": How Andrea Ort Built Roxy Grace into a Household Name
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How do you make all-natural products exciting for kids without relying on toxic synthetics? In this episode of Mission-Driven Founders, host Wanda Malhotra welcomes Andrea Ort, the scientist and founder behind The Roxy Grace Company.
Andrea’s journey began 11 years ago with a simple goal: creating a safe, skin-friendly solution for her son’s eczema that also encouraged screen-free family bonding. Today, Roxy Grace is a leading name in all-natural bath and beauty, known for its small-batch integrity and "food-grade" ingredients.
In this candid conversation, Andrea reveals the reality of b...
Iconic Voice: Brazilian Model & TV Host Fabi Saba on Purpose-Driven Influence
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What does it look like to turn a lifetime of visibility into a vehicle for social good? In this episode, we are joined by a truly celebrated figure in the fashion and media world: Brazilian Model & TV Host, Fabi Saba. Now based in NYC, Fabi continues to empower audiences through her social platforms, bridging her international career with a deep commitment to advocacy.
Having established an iconic presence on the runways of Milan, NYC, Tokyo, and Paris, and as a beloved personality on Brazilian television, Fabi has spent years...
Ancient Wisdom for Modern Motherhood: How Naina Jain Built a Mission-Driven Ayurvedic Brand
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The first 1,000 days of life are a sacred window — but for many parents, they can also be the most overwhelming. In this episode of Mission-Driven Founders, we sit down with Naina Jain, founder of MarigoldLife, to explore the intersection of ancient Ayurvedic wisdom and modern family wellness.
Inspired by her grandfather’s legacy as an Ayurvedic practitioner in India, Naina created a Nashville-based brand that provides clean, nurturing support for mothers and babies. In this conversation, Naina discusses the "clean beauty" gap, the challenges of ethical sourcing and sustainable packaging, and the...
From Science to Shelf: How Kristi Stuart Built a Mission-Driven Functional Supplement Brand
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Food is no longer just fuel — it’s information.
In this episode of Mission-Driven Founders, we sit down with Kristi Stuart, founder of Inner Wellth, to explore the rise of functional foods and the growing movement of using food as medicine.
With a deep background in science, wellness, and women’s health, Kristi shares how her passion for evidence-based nutrition led her to build a trusted brand that empowers women to better understand their bodies. As a fitness, hormone, and nutrition expert, she formulates products rooted in solid...
The Power of Reconnection: Kimberly Shrewsberry, LCSW on Love, Leadership & Emotional Burnout
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In this Mission-Driven Founders episode, we sit down with Kimberly Shrewsberry, LCSW, Individual and Relationship Counselor based in Knoxville, TN, for a thoughtful and deeply human conversation about emotional connection in times of stress and uncertainty.
Entrepreneurs, parents, and purpose-driven individuals often carry a full mental load—building businesses, caring for families, and navigating an unpredictable world. In the process, meaningful connection and clear communication with our partners can quietly fade into the background.
Kim gently guides us through the emotional barriers that arise when life feels overwhelming—and offe...
The Courage to Pivot: Lauren Rudick on Leaving Comfort Behind to Build a Life in Wellness
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What if the life you want is on the other side of the decision you’re afraid to make?
As we step into the final days of the year — that reflective space between what was and what’s possible — this episode of Mission-driven founders speaks directly to anyone feeling the pull toward change… but unsure how to take the leap.
In this deeply honest conversation, we sit down with Lauren Rudick, international yoga teacher and founder of Yoga Academy International, to explore what it truly takes to walk away from comfo...
Inside the Microbiome: From Lab to Market with Probiotic Scientist Dr. Noelle Patno
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What does it truly take to transform cutting-edge nutritional science into effective, trustworthy wellness solutions?
In this powerful, science-forward conversation, we sit down with Dr. Noelle Patno, PhD, MS, Chief Science Officer at Bened Life, to explore the real-world journey of turning microbiome research into clinically driven, high-integrity probiotic solutions.
Created for health entrepreneurs, supplement founders, medical professionals, researchers, nutritionists, dietitians, health coaches, naturopathic practitioners, and anyone deeply curious about the microbiome and how the gut influences both physical and mental health, this interview goes far beyond surface-level wellness...
Inside America’s Most Innovative Wellness Community: Lessons from Rancho Mission Viejo
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Step inside one of the most influential movements redefining how America lives: wellness real estate. In this episode of Mission-Driven Founders, Wanda Malhotra sits down with Amaya Genaro, Vice President of Community Services at Rancho Mission Viejo—one of the world’s largest intentional wellness communities and a standout case study in the Global Wellness Institute’s Build Well To Live Well report.
Amaya shares her deeply personal story, rooted in intergenerational living, spiritual connection, and farm-to-table wellness—all of which shaped her visionary approach to community development. Together, Wanda and Amaya un...
Building the New Economy: Francesca Giobbi on FreedomeE & Colabocracy
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In this inspiring episode of Mission-Driven Founders, Wanda Malhotra sits down with Francesca Giobbi — entrepreneur, social innovation strategist, and founder of the FreedomeE Colabocracy movement.
Francesca’s journey spans from Milan’s high-fashion world to becoming a global force for conscious business, collaborative economies, and purpose-driven leadership. After interviewing more than 10,000 entrepreneurs worldwide, she uncovered a universal struggle with client acquisition, market distrust, and outdated competitive structures. Her response was bold and visionary: Colabocracy — a model built on collaboration in labor with meritocracy, designed to rewrite the way we work and do busin...
Living Out Loud: Educator & Drag Performer Benjamin Slinkard on Authenticity, Advocacy & Impact
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In this inspiring episode of Mission-Driven Founders, Wanda Malhotra sits down with Benjamin Slinkard, known on stage as Kennedy Anne Scott — an award-winning educator, performer, and advocate from Nashville, Tennessee.
Benjamin’s journey from overcoming childhood bullying to becoming a Teacher of the Year and celebrated drag performer is a powerful story of resilience, authenticity, and purpose. As a Blue Ribbon Teacher for Metro Public Schools, he’s transforming classrooms into spaces of confidence and compassion — and as Kennedy Anne Scott, he’s using art and performance to amplify inclusion and self-expre...
Designing Wellness: How Architect Mario Arbore Creates Pet-Centric Spaces for Mental Health
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Step into the heartwarming intersection of design, wellness, and the bond we share with our pets with Mario Arbore, founder of Square Paws and an architect with over 30 years of experience. Mario is transforming the way we think about living spaces, showing how thoughtful, pet-focused design can elevate both human and animal well-being.
In this exclusive interview, Mario shares inspiring stories of pets’ intuitive ways of providing comfort and support, especially during challenging times. Explore how his custom cat spaces and personalized designs not only enhance feline health but also create jo...
From Peru to Georgia: How Cristy Kisner Turned Her Passion for Nutrition into a Bakery That Caters to All Diets
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On this episode of Mission-Driven Founders, we sit down with Cristy Kisner, founder of Cristy’s Kitchen, to explore her inspiring journey from a small town in Peru to opening a bakery in Roswell, Georgia that serves gluten-free, dairy-free, organic, and allergy-friendly meals.
Cristy shares how she built a business around wellness and inclusivity, offering meals that are both nourishing and delicious. Discover the stories of families positively impacted by her approach, and gain practical insights for turning your passion into a mission-driven business.
She also highlights her cookbook, Cri...
Showing Up Anyway — Finding Strength, Balance, and Purpose Through Life’s Unexpected Turns
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What does it really mean to show up anyway — especially when life doesn’t go as planned?
In this heartfelt episode, I switch roles and step into the guest seat with the incredible Lizbeth Meredith, author, speaker, and host of the Persistence U podcast.
Together, we talk about my chapter in Unmapped: Solo Women Travelers – Bold Journeys of Healing, Resilience, and Self-Discovery, titled “What Germany Taught Me About Showing Up Anyway.”
I open up about how a lost suitcase and a business trip turned into one of the most t...
Gabi Alves: From Television Stardom to Soul Therapy — Empowering Women and Healing the Feminine
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On this episode of Mission-Driven Founders, we sit down with Gabriela Alves Toulier, a celebrated Brazilian actress who transitioned from the spotlight of Globo TV, SBT, and theater to a profound new calling—helping women heal and awaken through soul therapy.
Gabi shares her remarkable journey from performing on screen to guiding others on their inner journeys of transformation. Through modalities like Family Constellation, Quantum Being, Theta Healing, and Yoga Philosophy, she empowers women to reconnect with their essence and restore balance to the wounded feminine.
Her story is on...
From Soil to Soul: How Nutrition and Regenerative Farming Heal Us with Geri Brewster, RDN
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You asked, and we listened. Building on our last episode about “food as medicine,” we’re taking a deeper dive with Geri Brewster, RDN. She is a nationally recognized dietitian with over 35 years of experience and a holistic, “whole person” approach to nutrition.
In this conversation, Geri reveals how what’s on your plate, and what’s in the soil, directly shapes mental health, prevents chronic conditions, and fosters emotional well-being in younger generations. Her transformative work shows how nutrition can heal individuals and uplift entire communities.
In this episode, you’ll...
Dr. Deb Kennedy: Redefining Nutrition Through the Food is Medicine Movement
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What if food could be your most powerful medicine?
On this episode of Mission-Driven Founders, we sit down with Dr. Deb Kennedy, PhD nutritionist, chef, author, and pioneer of the Food is Medicine movement.
Dr. Kennedy shares how she founded the Food Coach Academy, a groundbreaking platform that empowers individuals to harness food as medicine through science-based training and culinary skills. From redefining nutrition counseling to aligning with national health strategies, her mission is transforming the way we approach wellness and preventive health.
Her journey offers powerful l...
From Favelas to Global Change: Tatiana Alonso, CEO of Gerando Falcões, on Building a Nonprofit That Transforms Lives
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On this episode of Mission-Driven Founders, we sit down with Tatiana Alonso, CEO of Gerando Falcões International, who transformed a grassroots initiative in one favela into a global nonprofit movement impacting over a million lives.
Tatiana shares how she went from corporate law to mission-driven leadership, the challenges of breaking cycles of poverty, and the groundbreaking programs that are reshaping communities with dignity, resilience, and hope. Her journey offers powerful lessons for aspiring changemakers and nonprofit founders who want to scale impact and lead with purpose.
Key Ta...
From Empty Nest to Cat Empire: Dawn LaFontaine’s Journey to a Thriving Pet Business
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On this episode of Mission-Driven Founders, we sit down with Dawn LaFontaine, founder of Cat in the Box, who turned her love for cats into a profitable, mission-driven business. 🐾
Dawn shares how she identified a gap in the pet market, overcame startup challenges, and built a brand that seamlessly balances innovation, design, and wellness. Her journey offers actionable insights for entrepreneurs looking to launch, grow, or pivot a business—no matter their stage in life.
Key Takeaways:
Launching a business as an empty nester and turning passi...Transforming Wellness Worldwide Through Art & Meditation | Natalie Lauraine
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Join Wanda Malhotra on Mission-Driven Founders as she sits down with Natalie Lauraine, a global wellness innovator transforming lives through art, voice, and meditation. Natalie is a leading meditation teacher on Insight Timer with over 7,000 five-star reviews, a sober coach to artists, and founder of Joy Media, connecting wellness brands to luxury hotels and major festivals worldwide.
In this episode, Natalie shares her journey of using her voice as a healing tool, creating immersive meditations for sleep, journaling, and even on-the-go moments like your car, and supporting artists to perform and...
From Screen Addiction to Social Impact: Garner Hall’s Journey to Brain Nourishment
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What if one idea could change an entire generation?
In this powerful episode of Mission-Driven Founders, host Wanda Malhotra sits down with Garner Hall, a remarkable teenage entrepreneur and founder of Brain Nourishment—a movement helping young people and adults alike reduce screen time, overcome phone addiction, and reclaim focus and well-being. Garner proves that age is no barrier to creating meaningful impact and inspiring change.
His journey—from recognizing the negative effects of social media on his own life to building a community of nearly 2 million followers—is a test...
Dream Big at Any Age | Dr. Nina Cash: Academic, Philanthropist & Model at 57
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What if the best chapter of your life is still ahead of you?
In this powerful episode of Mission-driven Founders, host Wanda Malhotra sits down with the stunning and radiant Dr. Nina Cash—a true example that age is just a number and it’s never too late to reinvent yourself. Beautiful inside and out, Nina embodies both grace and strength, proving that positivity, persistence, and resilience can transform dreams into reality.
Her journey—from academia and advocacy to becoming a Sports Illustrated Rookie Model, and now thriving in a succ...
