Startups in Stilettos The Conversations We're Still Thinking About in 2025
“You truly kept going. You learned along the way. And guess what? You asked for help. You figured things out. And I know we sound like a broken record here, but so many wins, so many plot twists. And once again, you're still here.”
In this special year-end episode of Startups in Stilettos, Ingrid Zapata-Read and Carlyn Bushman look back on the moments that defined this year—not the polished highlight reels, but the raw, powerful conversations that reminded us what entrepreneurship actually looks like behind the scenes.
From embracing uncomfortable seasons and redefining success, to breaking money taboos, owning your voice, navigating male-dominated rooms, and learning to read your numbers without fear—this episode is a highlight reel of six mic-drop moments from 2025 that made us pause, nod, laugh, and immediately text a friend.
What we talked about:
Jac White [1:51]
Ari Krzyzek [4:13]
Gloria Govan[6:32]
Melissa Armstrong [8:54]
The Laurens [11:03]
Natalie Rosado [13:53]
Join hundreds of ambitious, purpose-driven founders at The PGA National Resort for a life-changing weekend of inspiration, motivation, and transformation for the 2026 Founders Weekend!
Connect with Carlyn:
@carlynbushmanconsulting on Instagram
Carlyn Bushman on LinkedIn
Carlyn Bushman Consulting
Connect with Ingrid:
@itsingridsworld on Instagram
Ingrid Zapata-Read on Linkedin
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