Getting Rich Together

I am thrilled to bring you this inspiring conversation with the remarkable Dee Poku, a visionary leader who is spearheading the future of what success looks like for women. Dee is known within women's communities as someone building the future of community, powerful homes, powerful lives, and true independence. Before creating this incredible impact, she built a successful career in entertainment that took her from the UK to the United States. Today, we dive deep into Dee's fascinating journey from a sheltered childhood in the UK to experiencing wealth inequality firsthand in Ghana at age six, through her rebellious university years, her climb in the entertainment industry, and ultimately her transition to entrepreneurship and community building. You'll hear about Dee's early financial awakening through credit card debt, her strategic career moves including an international relocation, and the pivotal moment when she walked away from a prestigious corporate career to build something meaningful. Dee shares her insights on navigating identity crises during career transitions, learning to advocate for her worth, and the evolution from hosting informal gatherings to building a thriving business centered on connecting powerful women. This conversation is packed with wisdom on financial empowerment, community building, and creating a legacy that uplifts future generations of women. Key Topics: Growing up between the UK and Ghana and witnessing wealth inequality at age six Early financial awakening through university credit card debt and learning money management Choosing creativity over corporate finance and transitioning through fashion to entertainment Strategic career moves, salary negotiation, and making the bold leap from UK to US The pivotal moment of leaving prestigious corporate entertainment to pursue entrepreneurship Navigating identity crisis, self-worth challenges, and learning to charge for value Evolution from failed first business to building a thriving community-centered company Building a legacy focused on women's economic empowerment and equal representation Connect with Dee Poku online: https://www.deepoku.com/ https://www.instagram.com/deepoku https://www.linkedin.com/in/deepoku https://www.thewiesuite.com/ Find more from Syama Bunten: Instagram: @syama.co, @gettingrichpod Website: https://syamabunten.com/ Download Syama's Guide to Getting Rich: www.syamabunten.com Big Delta Capital: www.bigdeltacapital.com

In today's episode, we have an incredible guest — Kristy Hurt, the creator of the co-lab who has brought together hundreds of people in the fashion industry to help them grow professionally. Kristy is also known for her amazing recruiting work in the industry, helping many people and businesses find great talent for their brands. In our conversation, Kristy shares her fascinating journey from growing up as the daughter of a pilot in Houston to becoming a major player in the New York fashion scene. She talks about her early career experiences at Kate Spade and LVMH, quitting corporate to start her own successful recruiting business, and the birth of the co-lab community during the pandemic. Throughout the episode, Kristy shares valuable insights on managing finances, investing in real estate, balancing work and family, and building multiple income streams. She also opens up about her hopes and plans for the future as her kids get older. In truth, she’s just getting started and has no plans to stop anytime soon.  This is an episode packed with inspiration, relatability, and practical wisdom from someone who has truly built an incredible life and career on her own terms. I know you'll get a ton of value from hearing Kristy's story and perspective.    Key Topics: Kristy’s first intro to retail and fashion Studying abroad in Spain Her first hard lesson in paying down credit card debt after college Moving to NYC from Texas with no plan Officially starting her fashion career at Kate Spade NY The first big money Kristy earned in her life How real estate changed the savings and investing game for her How having kids changed Kristy’s philosophy around money and spending What caused her to leave corporate and become an entrepreneur Rethinking spending and earning after the pandemic flipped her business upside down Connect with Kristy online: Website (personal): https://www.khurtconsulting.com/about co-lab: https://www.jointhecolab.com/become-a-member Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/khurtconsulting/ https://www.instagram.com/jointhecolab/ Find more from Syama Bunten: Instagram: @syama.co, @gettingrichpod Website: https://syamabunten.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/scalingretailconsulting

I am thrilled to welcome the incredible Hazel Evans to the show this week. Hazel is a powerhouse leader known for her exemplary career in retail, building incredible businesses, and pioneering work in fractional executive services. Her journey from Scotland to becoming a successful entrepreneur and business leader is truly inspiring. Today, we dive deep into Hazel's remarkable story, starting with her upbringing in Scotland where her accountant father instilled crucial financial wisdom from an early age. You'll hear about how open money conversations at the dinner table shaped her financial acumen, her groundbreaking decision to buy her first home at just 22 years old, and her diverse career path that included working as a stockbroker. Hazel shares invaluable insights about strategic career planning, the importance of negotiating exit packages, and how she successfully transitioned from corporate leadership to launching her own fractional executive firm. Her commitment to diversity, inclusion, and empowering the next generation shines through as she discusses raising financially savvy children and building a legacy-focused business. This conversation is packed with practical wisdom on wealth building, career advancement, and entrepreneurial risk-taking that will inspire anyone looking to take control of their financial future and make a meaningful impact in their industry. Key Topics: Growing up in Scotland with open family money conversations and her father's feminist advice about financial independence The groundbreaking decision to buy her first home at 22 as a single woman instead of renting Transitioning into finance and working as a stockbroker to learn about investments firsthand Strategic career planning and the importance of negotiating exit packages in senior leadership roles Recognizing market gaps and launching her fractional executive firm with three years of financial runway Investment strategies including maxing out 401k, high-risk portfolios, and angel investing in women-founded companies Teaching her children financial literacy and encouraging them to become entrepreneurs Building a diverse and inclusive business as her legacy while empowering the next generation   Connect with Hazel online: https://www.highlandvalleydigital.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hazelsevans/   Find more from Syama Bunten: Instagram: @syama.co, @gettingrichpod Website: https://syamabunten.com/ Download Syama's Guide to Getting Rich: www.syamabunten.com Big Delta Capital: www.bigdeltacapital.com

I am joined this week by the inspiring Laurie Wood of Evolution Financial Coaching. Laurie is a dedicated financial coach who has transformed her early experiences with financial hardship into a mission to help others achieve financial independence and break the taboo around money conversations. Today, we dive deep into Laurie's journey from growing up in a single-parent household reliant on public assistance to becoming a successful financial coach helping others navigate their money stories. You'll hear about Laurie's early exposure to corporate finances as a budget manager, her real estate investing adventures with her sister, and how she discovered her calling to help others with their financial lives. Listen as Laurie shares her transition from a 30+ year corporate career to launching Evolution Financial Coaching, the importance of "paying your future self," and her philosophy around using money as a tool for both security and joy. Laurie's story demonstrates the power of turning personal challenges into purposeful work that creates lasting impact in the lives of others. Key Topics: Growing up with financial hardship after her parents' divorce and learning early lessons about money and survival Early career exposure to corporate finances as a budget manager and discovering salary disparities and gender pay gaps First steps into investing through company programs, early losses, and building consistent 401k contributions Real estate investing journey inspired by Rich Dad Poor Dad, partnering with her sister, and overcoming fear to purchase property in San Francisco The natural evolution from helping friends with money decisions to moonlighting as a financial coach Formal training and launching Evolution Financial Coaching while working full-time, including her first beta client success story Building a coaching practice through networking, referrals, and helping clients transform their financial lives Money philosophy around "de-cumulation strategy," using money for self-care and joy, and creating philanthropic legacy through donor advised funds Connect with Laurie online: Evolution Financial Coaching: https://www.evolutionfinancialcoaching.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evolution_financial_coaching LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/evolution-financial-coaching/?viewAsMember=true   Find more from Syama Bunten: Instagram: @syama.co, @gettingrichpod Website: https://syamabunten.com/ Download Syama's Guide to Getting Rich: www.syamabunten.com Big Delta Capital: www.bigdeltacapital.com    

I am joined this week by the incredible Ari Krzyzek from Chykalophia Design and Development Studio. Ari is not only a design queen and best-selling author but also a passionate advocate for building women-led businesses. Her journey from a modest upbringing in Bali, Indonesia to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the United States is truly remarkable. Today, we dive deep into Ari's inspiring story of breaking cultural expectations, following her heart across the world, and building a thriving creative design and development studio from scratch. You'll hear about her early life in Bali, learning English from her tour guide father, rejecting a full scholarship to pursue her dreams, and the bold decision to move to the US for love and opportunity.  Ari shares the real challenges of starting a business with just $250, working at Sears while building her company part-time, and navigating the complexities of being married to your business partner. Her story is a testament to the power of resourcefulness, determination, and staying true to your vision even when the path seems impossible. Key Topics: How to start a successful business with only $250 and two laptops Moving to America as an immigrant entrepreneur with no credit history Rejecting a full scholarship to follow your entrepreneurial dreams Working at a corporate job while building your business on the side Running a business with your spouse and navigating money conversations at home Bootstrap business growth strategies and accessing grants for small businesses Transforming your relationship with money from scarcity to abundance mindset Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program and how it changed everything Connect with Ari online: Website: https://www.chykalophia.com/ https://arikrzyzek.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arichykalophia/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ari.krzyzek   Find more from Syama Bunten: Instagram: @syama.co, @gettingrichpod Website: https://syamabunten.com/ Download Syama's Guide to Getting Rich: www.syamabunten.com Big Delta Capital: www.bigdeltacapital.com

Join me for an inspiring conversation with beauty industry pioneer Kim Wileman, co-founder of No Makeup Makeup and founder of Gala Beauty. Kim takes us on her unconventional journey from growing up with rock musician parents who toured with Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix, to discovering her passion for beauty at a Lord & Taylor counter. Kim shares how she built a successful career without finishing college, why no executive has ever asked about her education, and how following her heart to Hawaii opened doors she never expected. We dive deep into her philosophy of walking away from opportunities that aren't in alignment, even when money is tight, and how that approach has consistently led to better outcomes. From her early days making $5.80 an hour as a buyer to consulting for billionaires and now co-owning a revolutionary beauty brand, Kim's story is a masterclass in trusting your instincts, building expertise through experience, and creating wealth with purpose. She reveals her approach to risk management as an entrepreneur and shares her vision for using future success to invest in and mentor the next generation of founders. Key Topics: How growing up with parents who followed their dreams despite uncertainty shapes your relationship with risk and possibility Why she never finished college but built a successful career anyway - and why no executive has ever asked about her education How to recognize when opportunities aren't in alignment with your values and have the courage to walk away Building industry expertise and authority through hands-on experience rather than formal credentials The transition from employee to consultant to business owner - and how to manage financial risk at each stage Why following your heart (like moving to Hawaii for love) can open unexpected professional doors Her approach to building wealth for legacy - planning to invest in others rather than accumulating for herself Connect with Kim online: Website: https://nomakeupmakeup.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimmykimkimkim/?hl=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimwileman/   Find more from Syama Bunten: Instagram: @syama.co, @gettingrichpod Website: https://syamabunten.com/ Download Syama's Guide to Getting Rich: www.syamabunten.com Big Delta Capital: www.bigdeltacapital.com      

Join me for a special solo episode as we celebrate over a year of Getting Rich Together! In this deeply personal reflection, I take you behind the scenes of how this podcast came to life, from the initial spark in winter 2023 to launching two successful summits and building a thriving community. I share the vulnerable early days when I wondered if anyone would care about these conversations, my discovery of my role as a catalyst, and how the Zone of Genius exercise with my husband and business partner Jon completely transformed my understanding of my purpose. You'll hear about the evolution of Big Delta Capital, our mission to help women find wholeness through their relationship with money, and the three core pillars we've built our ecosystem around: education, networks, and access to opportunities. This episode is a candid look at the challenges we faced, from corporate sponsors saying no due to changing political tides to the leap of faith required to host our first events. I reflect on what it means to generate your own vision rather than seeking validation from others, and share exciting glimpses of what's coming next as we enter year two. Whether you've been with us from the beginning or you're just discovering our community, this episode captures the heart of what Getting Rich Together is really about: authentic connection, shared wisdom, and the radical idea that we can all have what we want when we get close enough to who we are. Key Topics: How to overcome the fear that no one will care about your big idea and take action anyway Using the Zone of Genius exercise to discover your true purpose and calling The three essential components needed to build lasting wealth and confidence Building meaningful professional relationships through vulnerability and admitting what you don't know What to do when sponsors and supporters say no - and how to fund your vision anyway The mindset shift from seeking external validation to becoming your own source of approval When you know you've found wholeness and can stop constantly trying to fix yourself   Find more from Syama Bunten: Instagram: @syama.co, @gettingrichpod Website: https://syamabunten.com/ Download Syama's Guide to Getting Rich: www.syamabunten.com Big Delta Capital: www.bigdeltacapital.com

Join me as I sit down with the remarkable Jen White, founder of Drawing from Memory, a thriving creative agency she's been running for over 20 years. In this captivating conversation, Jen takes us through her unconventional journey from a rural Vermont childhood to becoming a successful entrepreneur who built her business from the ground up. Jen shares her early experiences growing up in a traditional New England family where money was never discussed, her bold decision to attend boarding school at 14, and how she pieced together her first business while bartending in Vermont after graduating from RISD. We explore her strategic move to Colorado with just one cornerstone client, her savvy real estate investments that started with only $1,500, and the creative partnership with her husband that has shaped both their personal and financial decisions. Throughout our discussion, Jen opens up about the realities of entrepreneurship, from learning to price her services to navigating the challenges of raising two kids while running a business. She shares valuable insights on teaching financial literacy to her children, experimenting with alternative wealth-building strategies, and her surprising contemplation of leaving her successful 24-year business to work for a corporation. This episode is packed with practical wisdom for creative entrepreneurs, insights on building wealth through strategic investments, and honest reflections on the intersection of creativity, business, and family life. Key Topics: How to price your creative services when you have no experience or market reference points Building a business through word-of-mouth marketing while working other jobs to support yourself Making strategic real estate investments with minimal capital and turning small investments into long-term wealth Navigating finances as a couple when one partner is an entrepreneur with irregular income Teaching kids about money through transparency and real-world budgeting exercises Alternative wealth-building strategies beyond traditional employment, including buying and scaling small businesses When and why a successful entrepreneur might consider leaving their business for corporate employment Connect with Jen online: Website: https://drawingfrommemory.com/   Find more from Syama Bunten: Instagram: @syama.co, @gettingrichpod Website: https://syamabunten.com/ Download Syama's Guide to Getting Rich: www.syamabunten.com Big Delta Capital: www.bigdeltacapital.com

I am joined this week by the remarkable Maja Kristin. Maja is known as someone with a deep spiritual and philosophical foundation who creates massive change in the world, with "the heart of a philanthropist and the spirit of an entrepreneur." Today, we dive deep into her journey from a challenging childhood in San Francisco to becoming a successful lawyer and later, a thoughtful impact investor and philanthropist. You'll hear about Maja's early life growing up in the projects with a single mother struggling with sobriety, her determination to pursue education as a way out, and how these formative experiences shaped her views on money, giving, and risk-taking. Maja shares her path through law school, establishing her own women-focused law firm, and her eventual transition to impact investing. She discusses the pivotal moments in her life—including a divorce and her sister's passing—that led her to reconsider her relationship with wealth and how she wanted to use it to create positive change in the world. Listen as Maja talks about creating her "Family and Beyond" vision statement, bringing her family together to collaborate on philanthropic decisions despite different political views, and her current philosophy of "the last breath, the last dime" as she prepares to distribute her wealth rather than passing it down. Maja's story is a testament to the power of aligning money with values and using financial resources to foster connection, healing, and love. Key Topics: Growing up in the projects of San Francisco with a single mother and how that shaped Maja's early money stories The importance of education as a path out of poverty and Maja's journey through law school Starting her own women-focused law firm at age 30 and building it into a successful practice The impact of being kidnapped in her mid-30s and how it led to personal reassessment Transitioning from litigation to a more healing-focused approach to law How her divorce 15 years ago became a pivotal moment of financial liberation Taking on her sister's three children after her passing and how family influences financial decisions Creating the "Family and Beyond" collaborative giving model with family members across the political spectrum The difference between traditional investment, impact investing, and philanthropy Working with her daughter to make financial decisions aligned with their values Preparing to "die with zero" and giving away wealth rather than passing it down Evolving from a fear-based relationship with money to one grounded in love and connection Finding joy in spending on travel, ocean adventures, and creating a nurturing home Connect with Maja online: https://www.Majakristin.com/ Get Her Memoir: Instructions Not Included by Maja Kristin Find more from Syama Bunten: Instagram: @syama.co, @gettingrichpod Website: https://syamabunten.com/ Download Syama's Guide to Getting Rich: www.syamabunten.com Big Delta Capital: www.bigdeltacapital.com

I am joined this week by the incredible Susan McPherson, founder and CEO of McPherson Strategies and author of "The Lost Art of Connecting." Susan is a renowned connector, communications strategist, and corporate social responsibility expert who has dedicated her career to helping businesses create meaningful social impact. In this heartfelt conversation, Susan shares her journey from being "the tiniest one in the room" who had to find her voice early to becoming a powerhouse in the world of social impact. We explore her childhood in upstate New York, where her academic parents instilled in her the value of connecting others through their morning ritual of clipping newspaper articles to share with friends and colleagues – an early form of social networking that shaped Susan's approach to relationships. Susan opens up about the profound loss of her mother at age 21 and how this tragedy shaped her financial mindset and career trajectory. Listen as she recounts her path from waitressing to fund her year abroad in Denmark, to working at USA Today, to eventually launching McPherson Strategies at age 48 without any formal business training. Susan's story demonstrates how personal values, lived experiences, and a commitment to service can create a meaningful career and lasting impact. Key Topics: How to start building your network by making conversations about other people The surprising power of "clip and share" - Susan's parents' pre-internet social networking ritual Why financial independence must come before entrepreneurial risks How Susan navigated a successful career despite never taking business courses The value of maxing out your 401(k) from day one (and why Susan has done this consistently for decades) Why angel investing can be about learning and impact, not just financial returns Building the courage to launch your own business after 45 Connect with Susan online: Website: https://mcpstrategies.com/ Book: The Lost Art of Connecting LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanmcpherson/ Twitter: @susanmcp1 Instagram: @susanmcp1   Find more from Syama Bunten: Instagram: @syama.co, @gettingrichpod Website: https://syamabunten.com/ Download Syama's Guide to Getting Rich: www.syamabunten.com Women & Wealth Catalyst Summit: https://women.win/ Big Delta Capital: www.bigdeltacapital.com