“But it's also like a rising tide lifts all boats. And I mean that not only from moral support and collaboration, but it also is the gap in women starting businesses, growing businesses, but clearly staying in business.”

‍In this special episode of Startups and Stilettos, co-hosts Ingrid Zapata-Read and Carlyn Bushman turn the mic inward to share the stories, philosophies, and messy middle moments that shaped who they are as entrepreneurs—and why this podcast exists in the first place.From nonlinear career paths and building businesses that actually make money, to progress over perfection, pricing with confidence, and why consistency beats hustle every time, this conversation is equal parts insightful, honest, and refreshingly unfiltered.

Carlyn opens up about the creation of POP Academy, the gaps she saw for women founders, and why understanding your numbers isn’t optional if you want to stay in business. Ingrid brings the curiosity, energy, and real-talk questions that make this episode feel like a conversation with your smartest business besties.

What we talked about:
Getting to Know Carlyn [2:22]
Desire in Education [6:29]
Changing With AI Technology [10:52]
Understanding the Cost [14:12]
Working With Ingrid [19:11]
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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

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Connect with Ingrid: ⁠⁠

@itsingridsworld ⁠⁠on Instagram ⁠⁠

Ingrid Zapata-Read⁠⁠ on ⁠Linkedin⁠

⁠⁠⁠Grow With Community⁠⁠⁠

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Carlyn Bushman Teaches Founders How to Build Businesses that Last