Podcast Summary: So Money with Farnoosh Torabi
Episode: 1804
Title: How to Build Like a Woman: Kathleen Griffith on Creating a Life and Business You Love
Release Date: March 24, 2025
Introduction
In Episode 1804 of So Money with Farnoosh Torabi, Farnoosh welcomes Kathleen Griffith, a dynamic entrepreneur and author of the bestselling book Build Like a Woman. Kathleen shares her inspiring journey from a corporate environment to founding her successful brand consultancy, Grace & Co., and creating a movement that empowers women to design lives and businesses they love.
Kathleen Griffith’s Entrepreneurial Journey
Leaving the Corporate World
Kathleen recounts her transition from a high-pressure corporate job to establishing her own business. She describes a pivotal moment in a New York pizzeria, where feelings of emptiness and lack of fulfillment culminated in her decision to quit her corporate role. A powerful quote encapsulates this moment:
"If you are this successful doing what you don't love, imagine how successful you'd be doing what you do love."
— Kathleen Griffith [12:06]
Founding Grace & Co.
Without prior experience in the nonprofit sector due to a non-compete clause, Kathleen ventured into brand consulting, initially focusing on nonprofits. This move marked the inception of Grace & Co., which has since directed over $500 million in marketing strategies for major brands like Nike, Verizon, and others.
Leadership Style and Mindful Leadership
From Chaos to Mindfulness
Initially, Kathleen describes her leadership style as chaotic and disorganized:
"I was running very fast with super sharp scissors. It was dangerous, it was reckless."
— Kathleen Griffith [16:57]
As her business grew, she recognized the need for a more mindful approach. Kathleen developed what she calls Mindful Leadership, emphasizing self-awareness and authenticity. She highlights the importance of understanding one's subconscious motivations and triggers to lead effectively.
Knowing Thyself
Kathleen emphasizes that true leadership begins with self-discovery:
"To be a great leader, you have to uncover all that lies underneath, what triggers you, what excites you, who you really are as a leader, who you really are as a person."
— Kathleen Griffith [16:57]
Overcoming Challenges as a Woman in Business
Navigating Microaggressions and Self-Shielding
Kathleen discusses the impact of microaggressions in the workplace, referencing a McKinsey study where 78% of women experience such behavior. She reflects on her own experiences of self-shielding to avoid taking up space, which led to feeling unseen and unfulfilled.
"The biggest piece that I would tell myself if I were able to go back would be to have spoken my mind more."
— Kathleen Griffith [09:08]
Breaking the Double Standard
Addressing societal expectations, Kathleen points out the double standards women face in leadership roles. She advocates for authenticity, urging women to lead in ways that are true to themselves, despite societal pressures to conform to specific leadership archetypes.
"Once you stop caring and just own the truth of who and what you are, negative criticism in the media be damned."
— Kathleen Griffith [21:53]
Build Like a Woman: Insights from the Book
Purpose and Empowerment
Kathleen explains that Build Like a Woman was initially intended to focus on women to acknowledge the unique challenges they face in entrepreneurship. The book features insights from various successful women, aiming to democratize wisdom and inspire others.
"I wanted to bring that insight to more women as well."
— Kathleen Griffith [28:08]
The Power of Outrageous Asks
One of the standout concepts from her book is the Outrageous Ask, a strategy encouraging bold requests that can lead to transformative opportunities. Kathleen shares her own experience:
"One yes can change your life."
— Kathleen Griffith [33:54]
Her first outrageous ask to Jessica Alba was pivotal in launching her interview series, demonstrating the immense potential of taking bold steps.
Strategies for Personal and Professional Growth
The 60-Minute Prime
Kathleen outlines her daily regimen to maintain balance and productivity:
- Sweat: 20 minutes of physical activity
- Sustenance: Nourishing breakfast
- Silence: 20 minutes of meditation and mindfulness
"Sweat, sustenance, silence—the three S's."
— Kathleen Griffith [06:08]
Mindset Shifts and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
Kathleen discusses the importance of mindset in overcoming self-doubt and imposter syndrome. She emphasizes the necessity of asking questions and viewing curiosity as a strength rather than a weakness.
"Asking questions is a sign of intelligence."
— Farnoosh Torabi [40:18]
Advice for Aspiring Authors and Entrepreneurs
Taking the Leap
Kathleen encourages aspiring authors to share their unique stories and insights, assuring them that the process is manageable with daily discipline.
"If that is on your heart, just go do the darn thing."
— Kathleen Griffith [31:52]
Building Authentic Connections
She highlights the value of authentic relationships and community, which have been instrumental in her success and fulfillment as an entrepreneur.
"I felt seen. You made me feel seen."
— Kathleen Griffith [32:21]
Conclusion and Key Takeaways
Kathleen Griffith’s journey exemplifies the power of authenticity, mindful leadership, and bold action in building a fulfilling life and successful business. Her insights offer invaluable lessons for entrepreneurs, especially women navigating the complexities of leadership in a male-dominated environment.
Key Takeaways:
- Authenticity is Crucial: Leading authentically fosters genuine connections and sustainable success.
- Mindful Leadership: Understanding oneself is foundational to effective leadership.
- Embrace Boldness: Taking outrageous asks can open doors to transformative opportunities.
- Overcome Societal Pressures: Women should lead in ways that resonate with their true selves, despite societal expectations.
Kathleen’s story is a testament to building like a woman—leveraging inherent strengths such as empathy, resilience, and intuition to create impactful and meaningful ventures.
Notable Quotes:
- "Sweat, sustenance, silence—the three S's." — Kathleen Griffith [06:08]
- "Asking questions is a sign of intelligence." — Farnoosh Torabi [40:18]
- "If you are this successful doing what you don't love, imagine how successful you'd be doing what you do love." — Kathleen Griffith [12:06]
This episode serves as a powerful guide for anyone looking to align their professional endeavors with personal passions, emphasizing that authentic and mindful approaches to leadership can lead to profound fulfillment and success.