

Getting Rich Together
Syama Bunten
By 2030, women are projected to inherit more than $30 trillion in wealth. That's power and possibility—but here's the catch: women still earn just 85 cents on the dollar, and we don't get a 15% discount when we shop. Financial literacy and confidence haven't kept up with the times.
That's where Getting Rich Together comes in.
I'm Syama Bunten. After my divorce, I wrote to fifty women asking to talk about money. Ninety-five percent said no. But the few who said yes changed everything. They became my wealth expanders—showing me new ways to think about money, power, and what's possible. They were, in essence, my personal wealth catalysts -- something we can all be for each other as we unlock the wisdom inside.
This podcast brings those conversations and that catalyst to you. Each week, you'll meet women across industries and backgrounds—investors, founders, leaders, and creatives—who are redefining wealth on their own terms. Their stories are here to expand your vision, unlock your wisdom, fuel your confidence, create a wealth catalyst in your own life, and remind you that wealth isn't built alone.
It's built together.
That's where Getting Rich Together comes in.
I'm Syama Bunten. After my divorce, I wrote to fifty women asking to talk about money. Ninety-five percent said no. But the few who said yes changed everything. They became my wealth expanders—showing me new ways to think about money, power, and what's possible. They were, in essence, my personal wealth catalysts -- something we can all be for each other as we unlock the wisdom inside.
This podcast brings those conversations and that catalyst to you. Each week, you'll meet women across industries and backgrounds—investors, founders, leaders, and creatives—who are redefining wealth on their own terms. Their stories are here to expand your vision, unlock your wisdom, fuel your confidence, create a wealth catalyst in your own life, and remind you that wealth isn't built alone.
It's built together.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 17, 2024 • 49min
Creating Societal Ripple Effects by Teaching Women to Lead with Samantha Karlin, CEO of Empower Global
I am thrilled to be joined by the brilliant and generous-hearted Samantha Karlin. Known for her work in helping leaders, especially women, find their voices and manage leadership challenges, Samantha shares her incredible journey with us. From her childhood watching her sister fight the odds against a rare disease to her dynamic career helping others amplify their messages, Samantha's story is one of resilience and passion for social good. Throughout our conversation, Samantha details how her early experiences with fundraising for her sister's treatment shaped her money mindset and championed her leadership skills. She candidly discusses her pivot from a struggling actress in New York to a powerhouse in women's leadership training and international relations. We dig into Samantha's unique approach to feminist leadership, emphasizing the importance of community, social change, and ethical practices in leadership. You'll learn about the integration of feminist principles into leadership training and how Samantha's background in the arts has enriched her current work. Her insights into transforming traditional leadership training, leveraging emotional and experiential methods, and her plans for future projects, including a keynote and books on feminist leadership, provide valuable lessons for anyone on a mission to catalyze change. Key Topics: Taking the initiative to be part of the solution for saving her sister's life Learning at a young age to make good things happen for yourself Early wake-up calls with finances and learning how money works Deciding between pursuing music or following in her sister's footsteps The difficult life as a struggling actor in New York The wake-up call that pushed her to do more at 27 Learning that everything won't always just fall into place if you follow your passion Integrating her life skills so far into new ventures The path that led her to start her own firm Combining what you're good at, what you can make money doing, what the world needs, and your passions into one business Creating the Women's Leadership Challenge Using money to hire people to fill in the spaces where you don't excel Striving to be a psychologically safe employer Going beyond just happiness in the workplace Connect with Samantha online: Website: https://www.empowerglobal.net/ Women's Leadership Challenge: Www.womensleadershipchallenge.com Women's Funding Network: https://www.womensfundingnetwork.org/member/samantha-karlin/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthakarlinspeaker/ Instagram: @samanthropolitics Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/samanthropolitics Register for the Feminist Leadership Formula: https://womensleadershipchallenge.com/feminist-leadership-formula/ 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

Dec 10, 2024 • 52min
Dying with $0 to Help Fundraise the Future with Barbara Pierce, Founder and Principal of Women With Capital
I sat down with the remarkable Barbara Pierce to explore her incredible journey of empowering women through financial literacy and wealth management. Barbara is renowned for her work in evangelizing women, wealth, and the powerful ways women can exercise their wealth in alignment with their values. You'll get a fascinating glimpse into her early years and discover how money conversations at home and her industrious nature shaped her future. From figuring out her early career to making significant philanthropic moves, Barbara shares how she navigated the financial world with grit and determination. Barbara opens up about the important milestones in her life, including her career as a fundraiser for large-scale philanthropies and how she ultimately took control of her investments. We delve into the motivation behind founding Women With Capital, a non-pitch community aimed at educating and supporting women in managing their wealth. She shares the personal stories that influenced this mission and how she's helping women unlock their financial potential. As we discuss both the joys and challenges of managing wealth, Barbara provides valuable insights on risk tolerance, family financial dynamics, and the importance of community. Key Topics: Growing up "in the poor house" Realizing at a young age that passions don't always result in money Seeing the real-time power of personal networks in university Entering the world of fundraising Learning the value of money to make legacy decisions Discovering the strategy behind asking donors for large amounts of money First savings, investment, and retirement moves Getting interested in aligning wealth with things that actually make a difference Making the investment decisions in the family A tough lesson in risk tolerance Navigating different approaches to money in marriage and family Becoming a founder to bring women together over money Barbara's money conversations with her son about investing and spending 50 women moving $150 million in 5 years Enabling women to build their missions and legacies Connect with Barbara online: Website: https://www.womenwithcapital.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/womenwithcapital/ Email: Barbara@WomenwithCapital.com 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

Dec 5, 2024 • 43min
Real Change Starts with Women Making a Sh*t Ton of Money with Cindy Gallop, Founder of Make Love Not Porn
Cindy Gallop, founder of Make Love Not Porn, is a pioneering force in advertising and a fierce advocate for women entrepreneurs. She reflects on her frugal upbringing in Asia and how it molded her financial perspective. Cindy shares her unplanned journey into advertising and emphasizes the importance of negotiation for women. She confronts the challenges of securing funding as an older female entrepreneur in tech, advocating for safe online spaces. Her insights inspire financial empowerment and collaboration among women in business.

Dec 3, 2024 • 41min
Healing a Toxic Relationship with Money and Building a Media Empire with Susan Hyatt, Master Certified Life Coach
I had the incredible opportunity to chat with the powerhouse life coach and mentor, Susan Hyatt about how she used the lessons she learned in the real estate business to build her prolific life coaching and media empire she has today. We explore Susan's childhood in Savannah, Georgia, where she learned to be frugal and work hard for the lifestyle she wanted for herself. You'll get an intimate look at her early money stories and how she overcame a somewhat toxic relationship with money in her 20s — her "aha moment" to take some big leaps to create the life she wanted for herself and her family. Susan shares her transition from a career in residential real estate to establishing herself as a life coach, along with the challenges and breakthroughs she encountered along the way. We discuss early investments in real estate, overcoming the fear of self-investment, and how she eventually built her media empire. She also opens up about her vision for closing societal gaps for women and leaving a lasting legacy for future generations. From financial advice to personal growth, this conversation will inspire you to harness your inner power and create the financial future you desire. Key Topics: Learned anxiety and frugality around money at a young age Adopting a workaholic attitude in college and racking up credit card debt Susan's struggle to figure out how to save and stop overspending The "aha moment" that made her realize she needed to heal her relationship with money The first steps toward entrepreneurship Falling in love with helping people get what they want through real estate The mindset shift that happened for her and her husband to realize they could bet on themselves Leaving real estate and discovering life coaching Betting on herself again to launch a life coaching business Almost breaking into 6-figures in her first year of coaching How Susan's children are following in her footsteps Closing societal gaps for women Connect with Susan online: Website: https://susanhyatt.co/about/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanehyatt/ Instagram: @susanhyatt Podcast: You've Got Nerve Blog: https://susanhyatt.co/blog/ Masterminds, Meditations, Events, and Newsletter: https://go.susanhyatt.co/links?c=0 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

Nov 26, 2024 • 50min
Thinking Beyond the Board Seat to Build a Legacy Career with Coco Brown, Founder & CEO of Athena Alliance
I had the privilege of sitting down with the exceptional Coco Brown, the driving force behind Athena Alliance. Coco, a Silicon Valley veteran of 30 years, shares her captivating journey from her free-spirited childhood in a hippie academic family to becoming a trailblazing female leader in the corporate world. We explored her humble beginnings, the formative experiences of her early life, and her ambitious climb up the corporate ladder in her 20s. We dive into Coco's unique approach to life, wealth, and family, discussing the importance of financial literacy and transparency with her children. Coco's story is refreshingly candid, as she recounts the highs and lows of her financial journey — from making a quarter of a million dollars in her twenties to removing the golden handcuffs and couchsurfing with her children as she started her entrepreneurial journey. The Athena Alliance's mission is to empower women to expand their career portfolios and build lasting legacies. Listeners will gain valuable insights into Coco's strategies for success, her philosophy on money and happiness, and the importance of investing in oneself. Coco's narrative is a powerful reminder that wealth is not just about financial gain but also about creating meaningful impact and lasting change. Key Topics: A wild childhood in Amish country, Pennsylvania Career choices driven by a desire to understand how people make sense of the world Moving to Paris with no plan and using her resourcefulness as a career starter in the UN Coco's early money moves as a 20-something in Silicon Valley Launching an entrepreneurial venture with a full-time career at 23 Using wealth to give back to the family Navigating the frustration of golden handcuffs at Taos while starting a family Encountering a rollercoaster of wealth and hard times in the early stages of entrepreneurship Asking yourself if you're being paid what you're worth The karma behind money and knowing when to cut your own salary Being open and honest with children about money, even in the hard times How Coco's identity shifted as she left Taos How their family's investment decisions have shifted and evolved over the years Building a legacy means stepping away from a linear path Connect with Coco online: Website: https://athenaalliance.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cocobrown/, https://www.linkedin.com/company/athena-alliance/ Instagram: @athenaalliance 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

Nov 21, 2024 • 52min
Moving Mountains with Money, Education, and Empowerment with Laurel Mintz, Founder of Fabric VC and Elevate My Brand
I had the incredible opportunity to chat with Laurel Mintz, the powerhouse behind Elevate My Brand and Fabric VC. I got a behind-the-scenes look into Laurel's fascinating journey from her early years in LA's iconic Laurel Canyon, surrounded by the hippie culture of the '60s, to becoming a formidable force in the marketing and venture capital worlds. We discuss her unexpected leap from wanting to be a lawyer to becoming an accidental CEO at 26, running her dad's furniture company while he battled cancer, and how she navigated those challenging years. Laurel shares candidly about her financial journey, from growing up affluent to experiencing her family's financial downfall and emerging stronger and wiser. Her transition from law to business, the birth of Elevate My Brand, and her foray into venture capital are all part of her colorful journe to the entrepreneurial success she enjoys today. Laurel is all about empowering others, especially women, to understand and harness the power of financial literacy and investment. Through her candid and bright stories of resilience, learning, and now educating others, you'll learn the importance of money management, the value of support systems, and the thrill of going after your dreams fearlessly. Key Topics: Growing up affluent with parents who were the epitome of sex, drugs, and rock and roll The early signs that Laurel would become a lawyer The drastic change her family's finances took in her teenage years Switching from law school to business school Becoming a 26-year-old CEO unexpectedly and helping turn her dad's business around Learning how to fake it 'till you make it How Laurel took signs from the universe that she wasn't meant to be a lawyer The business meeting that changed her career path forever Found Elevate My Brand and building a team How Laurel and her husband overcame early disagreements about money and finances Entering rooms with people smarter than her to learn about investing Laurel's first venture capital deal and where it's at now Knowing when it's the right time for high risk, high reward investments Launching Fabric VC and reentering the startup environment Educating and empowering people who have never had a seat at the table Becoming the Brene Brown of Venture Capital Connect with Laurel online: Fabric VC: https://www.fabricvc.com/partners Elevate My Brand: https://www.elevatemybrand.com/about Elevate Your Brand Podcast: https://www.elevatemybrand.com/podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurel-mintz/ Instagram: @laurelmintz 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

Nov 19, 2024 • 39min
Getting Out of Survival Mode with Money and Knowing Your Money Love Language with Sathya Chey Patterson, Co-founder of Arise Private Wealth
In this episode, we sit down with the successful and inspiring Sathya Chey Patterson. Sathya is known for her numerous accolades, including being recognized as one of the top women advisors in California by Forbes in 2023. As the founder of Arise, Sathya is dedicated to aligning wealth with values and empowering women to create real, tangible abundance. Her story is not just about financial success but also about integrating into the US as an immigrant from Cambodia and rising above many challenges to achieve the American dream. Sathya shares the importance of living within one's means, investing wisely, and integrating money with personal values. You'll learn how her early experiences shaped her outlook on money, the sacrifices her family made for financial security, and how she now aims to help others achieve a balanced and fulfilled life. This episode is brimming with valuable insights into financial planning, emotional connections to money, and the profound impact of aligning wealth with purpose. Key Topics: How Sathya's family found their American dream after experiencing a genocide in Cambodia Sathya's early experience in finance working in for her family Breaking off on her own career path Going to university with a desire to help others pursue the life they want by building their wealth Growing, saving, and studying while raising a baby at 20 years old How Sathya learned to be as efficient as possible with the money she was making The skills that ultimately led to Sathya being able to break out on her own as an entrepreneur Getting to the core of what people need to be truly happy The financial planning that happened that allowed her to quit her job Allowing space to be more present and conscious with how she spends her time Bridging the gap between her upbringing and who she is now Building success through soul alignment of wealth Giving people the confidence to do the things they love with the people they love What is your love language for spending? Connect with Sathya online: Website: https://www.ariseprivatewealth.com/ Forbes Rankings: https://www.forbes.com/profile/sathya-chey-patterson/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sathya-chey-arisepw/ Instagram: @ariseprivatewealth 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

Nov 12, 2024 • 52min
How Understanding Our Money Psychology Can Unlock Significant Change with Kristin Merrick, Co-founder of Women Work F*ing Hard
I had the pleasure of speaking with Kristin Merrick, a renowned evangelist for women's wealth management. Known for her abundance mindset and community support, Kristin shares her fascinating life journey, instilled early on with deep financial awareness. From her experiences as a young child amidst the highs and lows of her family's finances to her rise on Wall Street, Kristin's story is rich with insights and lessons on money management, investment, and personal growth during financial crises. Through candid conversations about early career mistakes and entrepreneurial hustles, Kristin reflects on the importance of financial planning and offering sound advice while humanizing the financial struggles many face. We also dive into Kristin's co-founding of Women Work F*ing Hard, an initiative designed to foster community and a network of support among women. This movement emphasizes the importance of women helping women through networking, hiring female professionals, and advocating for women's success. Kristin's perspective on blending personal and community growth sets the foundation for a legacy rooted in kindness, support, and financial wisdom. This episode serves as a powerful reminder of how we can all contribute to a more equitable and thriving community by being intentional with how and why we spend our money. Key Topics: Getting involved in the family finances How Kristin started her first side hustle in 5th grade Going all in on a business degree and cementing her path in finance Making all the financial mistakes in your 20's The importance of making retirement contributions as early as possible Working with a financial advisor for the first time to invest her money Learning from the hardships that came with the 2008 financial crash Coming to the decision to launch her own business Making her first check as an entrepreneur The psychology and trauma of money How Kristin sees herself in her clients Turning a love of getting women new business into a business with Women Work F*ing Hard Instilling in her kids the idea that things in life aren't free Leaving a legacy of kindness and generosity You don't have to be an expert in money to get your finances in order Connect with Kristin online: Website: https://okeeffefinancialpartners.com/our-team/kristin-okeeffe-merrick/ Women Work F*ing Hard: https://wwfh.community/ Make Money Less Weird: https://makemoneylessweird.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaaFqIzEIlesNqa_qMTzCVaq5SQy2FDuC9ktRw91JWeSgMuXjLGMeuNqM28_aem_LgOfINnBF7mSftVDPbN6tg LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-merrick-32a1b1b7/ Instagram: @thegirlwhosavesmoney 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

Nov 7, 2024 • 52min
A Collective Power Source of Wisdom for Women with Gina Pell, Co-Founder of The What Alliance
Gina Pell is a spirited and visionary individual whose heartfelt commitment to incredible organizations is making substantial waves in the world. Her story is both nuanced and delightful, offering a refreshing perspective on how energy and passion can drive meaningful change. In our chat, Gina shares the importance of investing time and energy into causes that matter. We discuss her approach to supporting organizations that align with her values, and how this investment not only benefits the causes but also fuels her own sense of purpose and fulfillment. You'll hear about the pivotal moments that have shaped Gina's path and the sheer determination that has driven her to contribute so significantly to the community. As she discusses her ongoing projects and future aspirations, you'll hear about the practical steps she takes to support and uplift those around her. Gina's story is a testament to the incredible impact one person can have when they fully commit to their dreams and values. Her journey is a beacon of empowerment, reminding us all of the power we hold to shape our own futures and contribute meaningfully to the world around us. Key Topics: Unlearning the negative money stories Gina grew up with Finding security and stability in a chaotic financial situation as a kid When Gina decided to go back to school to finish her education The catalyst for Gina to move back to San Francisco and start her entrepreneurial journey Seeing unlimited possibilities in the internet boom of the 90s and early 2000s Always investing back in the business, but rarely investing in herself Exiting Splendora for other business ventures Learning that the community aspect of her business was the most valuable The feelings behind getting acquired after 10 years Building antidotes to loneliness through community The money stories she's passing down to her kids now When Gina decided to become more outspoken about her values and align her money with them Creating a power source of collective wisdom from women Connect with Gina online: Website: https://www.thewhatalliance.co/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gina-pell-54664/ Instagram: @gpgram Support the Causes Gina Supports: Center for Reproductive Rights Center for Investigative Reporting McSweeney's Publishing 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

Nov 5, 2024 • 44min
Architecting Freedom Through Money Math and Energetics with Holly Ruxin, CEO and Founder of Montcalm TCR
I sat down with Holly Ruxin, a visionary in the world of financial empowerment and ethical investing. Holly's journey is both inspiring and instructive, starting from her early days in a conventional finance career to becoming a leader in values-driven investment strategies. We begin by exploring Holly's professional background and the milestones that led her to question the status quo of traditional finance. Holly shares compelling stories from her career, highlighting the moments of disillusionment and awakening that directed her towards a path of ethical investing. Throughout our discussion, Holly opens up about the challenges and rewards of prioritizing ethics in a profit-driven industry. She discusses her experience teaching others about financial empowerment and architecting freedom through money, and aligning finances with your values. Through hearing Holly's money stories, you'll walk away with a deeper understanding of how to manage your finances responsibly while also making a meaningful difference. Key Topics: Equating personal freedom with earning and tracking money at a young age Using money to take charge of your own destiny When Holly first fell in love with economics and followed her intuition on that Striving to bring money conversations out of the dark Learning that money is an energy and using that to inform savings and investment decisions The investments and purchases that didn't work out as planned The spiritual awakening that moved Holly to leave Wall Street for good How to architect your own freedom with money math Giving back to yourself energetically to meet shifting and changing needs Being very intentional about money conversations around kids Teaching others that money is love Giving others permission to be braver and feel like they belong Connect with Holly online: Website: https://www.montcalmtcr.com/our-story LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollyziegelruxin/ Instagram: @montcalmtcr Find more from Syama Bunten: Instagram: @syama.co, @gettingrichpod Website: https://scalingretail.com/, https://syamabunten.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/scalingretailconsulting


