“And not every idea should be one that you see through, but I feel like the ones that align with your goals and that you feel deeply passionate about are those that you should keep pushing forward.”
In this special episode of Startups in Stilettos, hosts Ingrid Zapata-Read and Carlyn Bushman flip the mic and interview each other.
If you’ve ever wondered who’s behind the voices, how this podcast came to life, or why Startups in Stilettos is all about the real side of entrepreneurship — this episode is for you. Ingrid and Carlyn dive into their entrepreneurial journeys, from sales floors and tech careers to pivots, community building, and the not-so-glamorous “messy middle.” They unpack what success actually looks like, why failure and iteration are essential, and how intuition, relationships, and showing up consistently can shape a sustainable business.

What we talked about:
Behind the Scenes [3:34]
Quitting or Pivoting? [7:17]
This is YOUR Journey [11:02]
Women Founders [14:13]
Use the Entreprenista League [19:17]

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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Get Featured on Startups in Stilettos
Want a chance to be featured on Startups in Stilettos? We’re currently accepting applications from our Entreprenista League members to be featured on the show! Think of the Entreprenista League as your team members in what can be a lonely startup founder’s journey. You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded female startup founders who are making an impact in business every day, special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, the opportunity to have your story featured on our ⁠website,⁠ social channels – and, of course, the Startups in Stilettos podcast – and so much MORE!

Grow Your Startup with Startups in Stilettos
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