Where Brains Meet Beauty

In this episode of Where Brains Meet Beauty with Jodi Katz, we explore how legal and financial experts fuel the growth of beauty and wellness brands. Guests Kara Posner, Partner at Gianuzzi Lewendon and Thomas Cunningham, Director of Business Development at Physician Growth Partners share how they help founders navigate funding, scale strategically, and prepare for exits.From childhood dreams of animation and pro sports to careers in law and investment banking, Kara and Thomas reveal how early passions shape their approach to high-stakes advisory work. They dive into what it means to be true partners to entrepreneurs, offering not just strategy but empathy, creativity, and commitment.Expect insights on M&A, fundraising, managing strong personalities, and why real human connection still beats any app. A must-listen for anyone building a beauty, wellness, or med spa business.Thank you to our sponsor Beauty Connect - Get 10% off tickets with code WBMB.

In Episode 292 of Where Brains Meet Beauty, host Jodi Katz sits down with Sarah Foley, Managing Partner at InviNext Growth Partners and Caroline Chiaroni, Vice President at TJC for a compelling conversation at the intersection of private equity, consumer brands, and personal passion. From childhood dreams of veterinary clinics and art galleries to managing multi-million-dollar investments in beauty and wellness, these two trailblazers share how creativity, empathy, and strategic thinking shape their careers. They discuss the evolving role of technology in finance yes even AI, while emphasizing the irreplaceable power of human connection in brand building. You'll hear behind-the-scenes insights on spotting breakout brands, nurturing founder relationships, and balancing data with instinct. Whether you're an investor, entrepreneur, or just brand-curious, this episode delivers a refreshing look at the heart behind high-growth consumer investing.Bonus: Don’t miss the fun wrap-up game as Sarah and Caroline reveal t

In Episode 291 of Where Brains Meet Beauty with Jodi Katz, the spotlight turns to two investors redefining what it means to back beauty and wellness brands: Kara LaForgia, Founder & Managing Partner at Hive Ventures, and Rich Gersten, Co-Founder & General Partner at True Beauty Ventures. Their paths to venture capital could not be more different, yet both reflect the persistence, gut instincts, and passion that this industry demands.Kara’s story is one of constant reinvention. A lawyer by training, she started her career as an NFL sports agent, worked with Birdman and Lil Wayne at Cash Money Records, and went on to become the first employee at multiple startups before launching her own consulting business. From there, she began investing off her balance sheet, eventually managing capital for others and institutionalizing her approach under Hive Ventures. She describes herself as hands-on, gritty, and opportunistic, never afraid to step into an unfilled role or claim an open lane. For her, the ideal fo

In this episode of Where Brains Meet Beauty we meet Kevin Kim the Director of Beauty & Personal Care Investment Banking at Raymond James. His career journey didn’t begin with balance sheets and deal rooms it began with medicine.As the oldest son of two psychiatrists, Kevin grew up assuming he’d follow in their footsteps. But by late high school, he realized his path needed to be his own. Drawn to a more global career, he pivoted from pre-med aspirations to business, ultimately landing in investment banking.His early years at Houlihan Lokey provided a crash course in analytics and resilience. But financial services M&A, mortgage servicing rights and insurance deals left him craving work that was more dynamic, more connected to culture. That pivot came when he joined boutique bank Financo in New York, where a chance partnership with beauty M&A legend Vennette Ho introduced him to founder-led brands and the artistry of storytelling in finance.From helping Lily Gordon of First Aid Beauty raise early c

What do NASA and luxury beauty have in common? In this stellar episode of Where Brains Meet Beauty, Jodi Katz sits down with Lindy Firstenberg, Senior Vice President, Beauty & Luxury at Alix Partners and Catherine Nekavand, Partner at Alix Partners - two powerhouse leaders who traded space suits and oil rigs for silk scarves and fragrance launches.Lindy, who once tested satellite mechanisms at NASA, shares how her journey took a glamorous turn at Louis Vuitton, where she helped launch the brand’s fragrance line. Catherine, a petroleum engineer who’s worked everywhere from Chad to Norway, reveals how she pivoted into the world of Tiffany & Co. and luxury retail, armed with a global perspective and an MBA from HEC Paris.Together, they unpack the art of transformation in luxury consulting, preserving brand heritage while using data and strategic insights to drive growth. They also share their leadership philosophies, tips for navigating career pivots, and how they keep the “magic” alive during mergers an

In this high-energy finale of our Health Compass: Navigating Careers in Wellness theme, host Jodi Katz welcomes Lisa Rossmann, Chief Concept Officer at Hand & Stone Spa and Bryan Appio, CEO of Drywater for a dynamic conversation about leadership, career pivots, and hydration.Lisa shares her journey from aspiring spy to beauty industry executive, while Bryan reflects on early entrepreneurial ventures and a drive to succeed shaped by his upbringing. Together, they explore what it takes to lead with empathy, build trust, and focus on internal excellence rather than external competition.Both Lisa and Bryan have learned to tune out the noise. In industries where competition is fierce and trends evolve daily, they’re not chasing comparisons—they’re doubling down on clarity. Instead of reacting to what other brands are doing, they focus on what truly matters: building strong teams, creating meaningful products and experiences, and staying aligned with their values.Their stories are proof that leadership today lo

Preventative care meets powerful branding in this electric conversation with Dr. David Kim, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Lightsaver and Vicente Vasquez, Global Senior Brand Design Manager at Colgate-Palmolive.We explore the emotional and behavioral roots of beauty rituals — and what it really takes to shift them. From daily sunscreen to oral care routines, they reveal why so many people know what to do, but still don’t follow through.Vicente brings a sharp creative lens, shaped by a lifelong love of mixtapes, theater, and storytelling. That background fuels the emotional resonance behind the design work he now leads for one of the world’s biggest personal care brands.Dr. Kim shares the kind of insights that make you rethink your own habits — like why most people skip sunscreen (even when they have it), and how products feel, tone, and texture could be the key to long-term skin health. His take on beauty as preventative care is both science-based and deeply human.Together, they explore what mak

Host Jodi Katz sat down with two women at the forefront of redefining health care as we know it: Liz Josefsberg, Founder & CEO of Target 100 Inc and Sarah Pesce, COO of stealth-mode wellness startup Radence.Despite wildly different paths—Liz went from Broadway star to Weight Watchers executive, while Sarah pivoted from nurse practitioner to health-tech builder—both share a mission: to help people move from “sick care” to well care.Liz's early career was center stage—literally. She spent years performing in Showboat and Les Misérables, all while privately battling weight fluctuations. That struggle led her to Weight Watchers, first as a member, then as a team member, and ultimately as their Director of Brand Advocacy. She helped build programs, consulted for the CEO, and guided celebrities like Jennifer Hudson and Charles Barkley through their own wellness transformations.But Liz wanted more than just the Weight Watchers playbook. She authored Target 100, a behavioral weight loss book that evolved into an

Jodi Katz sat down with two powerhouse women making waves in personal health: Taryn Shockley, USA Sales & Education Manager at AlumierMD, and Kelly Murphy, General Manager at Lola. What followed was a deep, human, and often hilarious look at ambition, imposter syndrome, reinvention—and the workouts that keep them grounded.Taryn’s story starts on the balance beam. A gymnast from age two, she was competing at elite levels by ten and earned a full ride to ASU. But when an injury ended her collegiate career, she made her first major pivot—into skincare. What began as a passion for facials turned into a sales role that demanded she master the art of influence in highly clinical, physician-led spaces. Today, she's navigating a category that’s equal parts science and sales—and getting real about how to stay resilient when your numbers (or your self-worth) are on the line.Meanwhile, Kelly dreamt of being editor-in-chief of Seventeen Magazine—a goal she nearly touched when working at Penguin Books. But the realiti

What does a TikTok-famous hand surgeon and the descendant of mushroom farmers in France and have in common? Purpose—and the courage to follow it, even when the path looks nothing like the plan.Jodi Katz sat down with Dr. Erin Nance, founder of FeelBetr Health and Sonia Gaillis-Delepine, founder of Verdoie. While their companies serve different corners of the wellness space, both women share a mission: to help people better understand their bodies—and to redefine what care really looks like. Their stories of resilience, purpose, and transformation show how following your passion can lead to powerful change, even when the path takes unexpected turns. We end with a fun game of TikTok trends and what these start ups will pick to promote their brands.Want to try Verdoie - Use Promo Code BeautyBrains20 for 20% off your first order of Clinical skincare powered by mushrooms at Verdoie.com. And Join the waitlist for FeelBetr Health at feelbetr.health/subscribe-to-feelbetr

We sat down with two trailblazers in women’s health Claire Coder, founder and CEO of Aunt Flow and Smita Asrani, VP of Partnerships at UE Life Sciences. The episode opened with childhood dreams—Claire reminisced about staging Britney Spears concerts in her closet, while Smita shared her early love of horses. Neither imagined a future in healthcare, but both ultimately found themselves tackling some of the most overlooked (and long overdue) issues in women’s wellness.Claire shared her journey from being a Party Princess to becoming a purpose-driven entrepreneur, a path sparked by a frustrating moment on her college campus that inspired the creation of Aunt Flow. Smita talked about her pivot from a career in finance to one focused on health innovation, where she now works to expand access to early breast cancer screening for women under 40.Their conversation delved into the challenges of career pivots, the weight of imposter syndrome, and what it’s like to lead in industries still dominated by men. They explore

In this raw and honest conversation, leaders Cara Kamenev, President of Stripes Beauty and Sharon del Valle, General Manager of Kose America Inc, break away from the typical leadership talk to share real, unfiltered truths about navigating life and leadership. In this episode, they dive into the power of self-trust, the importance of listening to your inner needs, and the strength found in vulnerability.Cara opens up about how making decisions based on what you truly need—not just your goals—leads to more authentic leadership. Sharon reflects on how her framework for life evolved as she learned to adapt to shifting priorities and the importance of offering yourself grace. The conversation weaves through themes of ambition, fear, and the delicate balance of intuition and data in leadership, all while reminding us that growth isn’t about having everything figured out, but about evolving with intention.They also explore the complexities of relationships, the importance of leaning on others, and how real leadersh

What if the key to exceptional leadership isn’t commanding authority but leaning into vulnerability? What if the moments you feel most uncertain are the ones that hold the greatest growth opportunities?In this week’s episode of Where Brains Meet Beauty, host Jodi Katz delves into these questions with Henry Davis, CEO of Sakara Life, and Debbie Perelman, a partner at InviNext Growth. Together, they explore how leading with radical candor, authenticity, and empathy can ignite team transformation.Debbie opens up about how Kim Scott's Radical Candor changed her perspective on leadership through behavior. Instead of fearing difficult conversations, she learned to approach them with honesty and care. For Henry, navigating leadership with ADHD has further shaped his belief that vulnerability isn’t a weakness—it’s a superpower. When leaders are transparent about their challenges, they create environments where teams feel empowered to do the same.But what does radical candor look like in practice? For Debbie, it’s foc

Ever wondered how a casual compliment or a brief conversation could shape your career? Networking isn’t always about grand gestures or polished pitches—it can be as simple as noticing someone’s shoes, discussing the weather, or striking up a chat with the person standing by themselves in a crowded room. Sometimes, the smallest interactions can spark the most meaningful connections.In the latest episode of Where Brains Meet Beauty, host Jodi Katz sits down with Nancy Berger Founder of Start With a Good and Jennifer Parrott CEO of Locks & Mane for an inspiring discussion about the power of authentic relationships. Together they explore how genuine connections—built on generosity, shared stories, and a sense of community—drive success in business and beyond.Success as they reveal throughout the conversation isn’t always linear. Nancy once dreamed of being a special education teacher before she found her true calling in publishing, where she helped launch the iconic ‘Allure Best of Beauty’ seal. Jennifer’s ca

How do childhood dreams translate into powerhouse careers? What happens when your path turns unexpectedly and leads to something even bigger?In this episode of Where Brains Meet Beauty, host Jodi Katz sits down with Dawn Hilarczyk, COO of Borghese and Vimla Black-Gupta, former CEO of Ourself, to uncover the unexpected twists, bold pivots, and defining moments that shaped their journeys.Vimla was once voted “Most Likely to Own a Spa” in high school, a prediction that eerily foreshadowed her path in beauty and wellness. Meanwhile, Dawn had two vastly different dreams: becoming a veterinarian or a Fly Girl on In Living Color. So how did they both end up leading major beauty brands?As they climbed the ranks, they learned that success isn’t just about talent—it’s about seizing the right moment, making fearless decisions, and trusting your instincts. From navigating corporate shake-ups to launching startups, leading legacy brands, and surviving industry disruptions, they share the behind-the-scenes realities of mak

What does it take to lead with authenticity, embrace career pivots, and champion a mission that blends wellness and beauty? In the latest episode of Where Brains Meet Beauty, host Jodi Katz sits down with Maria Warrington, CEO of Beacon Wellness Brand, for an insightful conversation on leadership, authenticity, and the evolving role of wellness in our lives.Maria’s journey is anything but conventional. As a young student, she was laser-focused on becoming a pediatrician, drawn to the precision of surgery and the world of medicine. But life had other plans. A shift toward business and finance set her on a new trajectory—one that led to a 13-year tenure at Wolverine Worldwide and, ultimately, the helm of Beacon Wellness.As Maria shares her story, a theme emerges: the power of adaptability. From navigating corporate finance to stepping into the sexual wellness space, she embraced each challenge with curiosity and confidence. Her move into the sexual wellness and beauty industry wasn’t just a career shift—it was

What happens when two powerhouse women sit down to talk about leadership, resilience, and the courage to embrace the unknown? You get an episode you can’t afford to miss.In the latest episode of Where Brains Meet Beauty, host Jodi Katz brings together Danessa Myricks, Founder and CEO of Danessa Myricks Beauty, and Anncy Rowe, Chief Commercial Officer of Rodan + Fields, in front of a live studio audience for a conversation that’s equal parts inspiring and thought-provoking.As the conversation unfolds, we uncover a shared thread in both women’s lives: the innate desire to teach and lead. Danessa takes us back to her childhood, where she organized mock classrooms and dreamt of guiding people up mountains—a metaphor that perfectly captures her lifelong mission to inspire. Anncy reflects on her upbringing as the eldest sibling, where leadership wasn't just a role; it was part of her identity.Anchored by the quarter's theme, "Power Moves: Excellence in Leadership," the discussion dives deep. Anncy shares insights f

We’re thrilled to honor the 2024 Listen Again Award winners in this special Where Brains Meet Beauty episode. Join us as we celebrate the transformative journeys of Emily Culp, Selena Cox, and Jeanine Lobell—three extraordinary women whose resilience, innovation, and leadership have driven remarkable success.We invite you to unplug and journey through their awe-inspiring stories, rich with dynamic insights and captivating perspectives. These pioneering women guide us into a world where taking risks, embracing the unknown, and embodying resilience open the door to life-changing success.Emily Culp’s journey as the CEO of Cover FX exemplifies integrity-driven leadership and adaptability. From her coffee-fueled, high-energy days balancing creativity, financial acumen, and family life to her evolution from CMO to CEO, Emily reflects on the importance of fostering supportive environments and embracing growth. Her episode is a masterclass in navigating a fast-paced career while staying true to your values.In Episode

What if the small moments in life held the biggest power to transform? In this milestone episode of Where Brains Meet Beauty, we sit down with Selena Cox, Executive Director DMM of Beauty at CVS, to explore her career journey, innovative retail leadership approach, and how she champions beauty accessibility and inclusivity.As a self-proclaimed dreamer and a dedicated collaborator, Selena’s career has been defined by a knack for connection and her ability to turn everyday challenges into meaningful opportunities. From her early days selling candy bundles as a child to holding 11 roles in 10 years within Macy’s, Selena shares the valuable lessons she’s learned about adaptability, empathy, and the importance of embracing diversity in every sense.Now at CVS, Selena’s work goes beyond beauty products, helping customers find joy in everyday moments—from a great mascara to a life-changing foundation match. She highlights her innovative achievements, such as reorganizing shade runs from dark-to-light to better serve

What happens when rejection becomes the catalyst for greatness? In this episode of Where Brains Meet Beauty, we sit down with powerhouse Dr. Naana Boakye, a board-certified dermatologist whose journey is a testament to resilience, innovation, and a deep commitment to holistic skin health. From overcoming medical school rejection to consulting for A-list celebrities and launching two of her own skincare lines, Dr. Boakye shares the remarkable path that has defined her career.As the firstborn of two Ghanaian doctors, Dr. Boakye’s interest in dermatology blossomed at a young age. Her passion for medicine was clear early on, but her path to success was anything but linear. After facing a devastating medical school rejection that could have shattered her dreams, Dr. Boakye chose to rise and persevere. She earned a master’s in public health before specializing in dermatology, where she combined her medical expertise with a focus on wellness-driven skincare. This unique approach set her apart and led to high-profile