At Chief Mama Officer, we believe the most powerful thing you can build is yourself.
This is a podcast for women founders, investors, and anyone curious about how women are redefining power: women who are ready to lead more fully with both strength and soul, ambition and ease, and drive and depth.
We talk purpose, wellbeing, wealth — and the inner work that makes it all possible.
Connect with us on Instagram and TikTok @chief.mama.officer
Ting Guo-Villaseñor spent a decade building companies before she started investing. Today she leads Hello Moai, a deal-by-deal angel syndicate backing founders in healthcare, family, and consumer essentials people actually rely on. In this conversation, Ting and Jennie dig into how she’s defined success over the years: the version her parents prescribed, the version she measured against her peers, and the one she’s working out now as a mother, investor, and founder-backer.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Ting Guo-Villaseñor and Her Journey
05:03 The Impact of Upbringing on Motherhood
07:56 Creating Hello Moai: A New Kind of Syndicate
11:54 Investment Philosophy and Focus on Essentials
18:13 Redefining Success as a Mother
21:57 The Value of Community in Angel Investing
25:44 Empowering Women Investors
26:09 Evaluating Early Stage Investments
30:22 The Importance of Coachability
31:20 Building Relationships in Investing
33:11 Vision for Future Investments
36:11 Health and Well-being in Entrepreneurship
37:12 Support Networks for Founders
41:18 Redefining Success and Values
45:29 The Power of Asking for Help
Find Ting Guo-Villaseñor at https://www.linkedin.com/in/tingtingguo (https://www.linkedin.com/in/tingtingguo) and https://www.hellomoai.com (https://www.hellomoai.com)
Find Jennie Yang on Instagram and TikTok @chief.mama.officer
Got a question or a comment? You can reach us at aloha@chiefmamaofficer.com.
6 Oct 2026
Elizabeth McCluskey | Capital with a Purpose
In this episode, Elizabeth McCluskey, venture capitalist and angel investor, shares her path from investment banking to backing purpose-driven founders in family, community, and health. She discusses the moment managing her grandmother's investments pushed her toward impact, why she believes founders driven by mission last longer on a 10+ year road to exit, and what changed in 2024 that made her ready to write personal checks as a mother of two.
Elizabeth emphasizes the power of angel groups, starting with small checks, and building relationships to source deal flow. She also reflects on what makes a founder a 10 out of 10, how women founders can navigate the risk lens in pitches, and why time has become her most valued form of wealth.
Find Elizabeth McCluskey on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethcmccluskey/
Join Elizabeth’s newsletter At The Table: elizabethmccluskey.beehiiv.com
Find Jennie Yang on Instagram andTikTok @chief.mama.officer
Got a question or a comment? You can reach us at aloha@chiefmamaofficer.com.
29 Sept 2026
Rei Wang | It's Your Time to Build
In this episode, Rei Wang, co-founder of The Grand, shares her journey of building community and support for mothers who are also entrepreneurs. She discusses her unique upbringing, the importance of intentionality in community design, and the transition from her role as CEO at Dorm Room Fund to building The Grand. Rei emphasizes the significance of in-person connections, the challenges of motherhood, and the need for supportive spaces for women navigating personal and professional transitions. She also offers advice for ambitious women and reflects on her own growth and aspirations.
Chapters
00:00 Building Community and Belonging
03:09 The Journey to Founding The Grand
05:53 Intentionality in Community Design
08:52 From Dorm Room Fund to Angel Investing
11:53 Creating Supportive Spaces for Mothers
15:14 The Importance of In-Person Connection
18:03 Navigating Personal and Professional Transitions
21:06 The Role of Retreats in Personal Growth
24:01 Advice for Ambitious Women
27:12 Embracing Change and Unlearning
30:03 Defining Your Zone of Genius
33:04 Looking Ahead: Future Aspirations
Find Rei Wang on Instagram @reireimagines
Find Jennie Yang on Instagram andTikTok @chief.mama.officer
Got a question or a comment? You can reach us at aloha@chiefmamaofficer.com.
22 Sept 2026
Arielle Zuckerberg | Leading with Love
Arielle Zuckerberg, General Partner at Long Journey Ventures, joins Jennie to discuss what it really means to lead from a place of love. From her formative years in college through her journey into venture capital, Arielle reveals how she recovered from perfectionism and learned that vulnerability, not polish, is what builds trust. She opens up about her brother's sudden fame, the friends who showed up and those who didn't, and why surrounding yourself with high-integrity people is everything. Arielle shares her philosophy on difficult conversations (she's the "Grim Reaper" of her friend group), the power of seeing people's potential, and how her mother taught her that love is infinite. She also talks candidly about motherhood, partnership, community, and why asking for support is what allows us to rise into our zone of genius.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Arielle Zuckerberg
01:18 Formative Experiences and Early Career
05:14 Philosophy and Its Relevance
11:00 Navigating Personal Challenges
17:24 Transitioning to Venture Capital
22:15 Growth at Long Journey Ventures
23:12 Balancing Motherhood and Career
29:18 Heart-Centered Leadership
32:34 Trust and Vulnerability in Leadership
36:48 Embracing Messiness and Imperfection
39:32 Overcoming Perfectionism
43:03 The Power of Difficult Conversations
48:30 The Influence of Family on Leadership
52:44 Community Support for Women
54:51 Closing Thoughts and Reflections
Find Arielle Zuckerberg @ariellezuck (twitter) and @az (instagram)
Find Jennie Yang on Instagram andTikTok @chief.mama.officer
Got a question or a comment? You can reach us at aloha@chiefmamaofficer.com.
8 Sept 2026
Jennie Yang | From Scarcity to Abundance
In this conversation, Jennie Yang reflects on her journey of personal and professional transformation at the age of 40. She discusses the challenges of operating from a scarcity mindset, particularly in navigating work and family life. Jennie emphasizes the importance of shifting to an abundance mindset, prioritizing connection and well-being, and redefining how we view wealth and productivity. Through her experiences and insights, she encourages listeners to embrace their identities and recognize their worth beyond traditional measures of success.
Chapters
00:00 Embracing Change at 40
02:59 The Scarcity Mindset
Take the CMO Compass (https://www.chiefmamaofficer.com/cmo-compass) at https://www.chiefmamaofficer.com/cmo-compass
Find Jennie Yang on Instagram andTikTok @chief.mama.officer
Got a question or a comment? You can reach us at aloha@chiefmamaofficer.com.
1 Sept 2026
Balu Belz | Believing Yourself
Balu Belz leads membership communities at Chief and The WIE Suite after an early career in advertising. She's an angel investor focused on women's and family health, and serves on the boards of CFHI and the Wits Fund US.
Raised in South Africa on Ubuntu, "I am because you are", she connects people, ideas, and opportunities in ways that create real belonging. Today, she moves capital backing founders solving for the health and happiness of women, mothers, and families.
The relationship you have with yourself determines the relationships you build with others. In this conversation, Balu talks about finding your gifts, why your investment thesis is a reflection of who you are, and the difference between believing in yourself and believing yourself.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Balu Belz and Her Journey
02:19 The Influence of Ubuntu on Community Building
06:09 Discovering and Leveraging Your Zone of Genius
09:23 The Role of Community in Angel Investing
12:17 Navigating Personal Challenges: Health and Happiness
17:18 The Journey of Motherhood and Fertility
20:40 Practices for Cultivating Peace and Joy
26:39 Juggling Multiple Roles: The Reality of Solo Parenting
29:17 Navigating Parenthood and Work-Life Balance
33:21 Insights from Birth Order and Business Evaluation
38:12 The Journey into Angel Investing
44:33 Empowering Women Investors and Future Generations
Find Balu Belz on Instagram at @balubelz
Find Jennie Yang on Instagram andTikTok @chief.mama.officer
Got a question or a comment? You can reach us at aloha@chiefmamaofficer.com.
25 Aug 2026
Claire Smith | It's Not a Zero-Sum Game
Jennie Yang talks with Claire Smith, Partner at SpringTide Ventures, about Claire’s path into venture capital, the difference between tech bio and biotech, and why strong teams matter. Claire also shares how she thinks about building trust with founders and the power of networking, mentorship, and community support for women in investing.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Claire Smith and Her Background
03:04 The Evolution of TechBio vs. Biotech
05:57 Claire's Journey into Investing
08:51 The Importance of Team in Venture Capital
12:03 Supporting Founders Through Challenges
15:03 Building Trust and Transparency with Investors
17:54 Well-Being in the Workplace and Family-Friendly Policies
22:14 Navigating Work-Life Balance
29:03 The Importance of Networking
35:31 Building Genuine Connections
40:28 Empowering Women Investors
Find us on Instagram and TikTok @chief.mama.officer
Find Claire Smith at https://www.springtide.com/claire (https://www.springtide.com/claire) and https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-elizabeth-smith/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-elizabeth-smith/)
Got a question or a comment? You can reach us at aloha@chiefmamaofficer.com (mailto:aloha@chiefmamaofficer.com).
18 Aug 2026
Caroline Lewis | Investing in the Whole Person
Caroline Lewis is Managing Partner at Nura Ventures and Rogue Women’s Fund. In this episode, she shares more about her journey in building Nura Ventures, investing in women, and the experiences that shaped her path from operator to venture investor. The conversation focuses on women, money, power, and how Caroline supports founders as whole people, not just as companies.
Jennie and Caroline also discuss how financial fluency creates agency, why scarcity mindset can affect even successful people, and how Caroline uses nature, sport, and daily practices to stay grounded while fundraising and investing.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Caroline Lewis and Her Journey
03:50 Founding Nura: The Vision and Values Behind the Fund
09:49 Supporting the Whole Founder: Unique Offerings of Nura
12:07 Lessons from Nike and Entrepreneurial Insights
14:06 Defining Success: Personal and Professional Goals
15:51 Empowering Women Through Financial Knowledge
20:19 The Influence of Family on Financial Acumen
23:17 Overcoming Scarcity Mindset: Strategies and Narratives
24:36 Navigating Fear and Intuition in Decision Making
32:00 The Importance of Hobbies and Personal Growth
38:14 Lessons from Nature and Its Impact on Life
40:08 Legacy and Empowerment for Future Generations
Find Caroline Lewis at https://nura.vc/ (https://nura.vc/)
Find us on Instagram and TikTok at @chief.mama.officer
Got a question or a comment? You can reach us at aloha@chiefmamaofficer.com (mailto:jennie@chiefmamaofficer.com).
11 Aug 2026
Jessica Kamada | You Don't Need Permission
In this episode of the Chief Mama Officer podcast, Jennie Yang interviews Jessica Kamada, managing partner of Swizzle Ventures. They discuss Jessica's journey from a competitive figure skater to a successful fund manager, the challenges of balancing motherhood and career, and the importance of financial literacy for future generations. Jessica shares her insights on the wealth gap for women and emphasizes the need for women to take ownership of their financial futures without waiting for permission.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to Jessica Kamada and Swizzle Ventures
10:07 From Ice Skating to Fund Management: A Personal Journey
20:00 The Impact of Parenthood on Career Choices
30:09 Wealth, Equity, and Financial Literacy for Future Generations
40:08 Empowering Women: No Permission Needed
Find Jessica Kamada:
https://www.swizzle.vc/ (https://www.swizzle.vc/)
https://www.instagram.com/swizzle.vc (https://www.instagram.com/chief.mama.officer)
Connect with Jennie:
https://www.instagram.com/chief.mama.officer (https://www.instagram.com/chief.mama.officer)
https://www.tiktok.com/@chief.mama.officer (https://www.tiktok.com/@chief.mama.officer)
https://linkedin.com/in/jennie-yang (https://linkedin.com/in/jennie-yang)
4 Aug 2026TRANSCRIPT
Naseem Sayani | Women Moving Capital
Naseem Sayani shares her journey through consulting, corporate VC, and venture capital, highlighting how women navigate male-dominated spaces. She emphasizes relationships as a superpower and the urgency of financial fluency as generational wealth transfers to women. Naseem discusses mobilizing women investors to close funding gaps, shifting healthcare toward precision health informed by female physiology, and how women can lead with opportunistic storytelling in fundraising conversations.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to Naseem Sayani
01:20 Pivotal Moments in Naseem’s Career
09:14 Navigating Gender Dynamics in Business
10:09 The Power of Relationships for Women
15:34 Money Mindset and Confidence
19:01 Starting the Angel Investing Journey
22:53 Thesis on Women's Health and Wealth
24:52 Transforming Healthcare: From Disease Management to Precision Health
30:00 Empowering Women: The Intersection of Health and Wealth
36:03 Mobilizing Women Investors: A Collective Approach to Capital
42:56 Building Relationships: The Key to Successful Fundraising
Find Naseem Sayani at https://thecapitalflexpodcast.buzzsprout.com/ (https://thecapitalflexpodcast.buzzsprout.com/)
Connect with Jennie:
Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/chief.mama.officer (https://www.instagram.com/chief.mama.officer)
TikTok — https://www.tiktok.com/@chief.mama.officer (https://www.tiktok.com/@chief.mama.officer)
LinkedIn — https://linkedin.com/in/jennie-yang (https://linkedin.com/in/jennie-yang)
28 Jul 2026
Jennie Yang | Building Power with Purpose
Jennie Yang shares her journey from corporate success to building her own venture, highlighting how inner work transforms women’s leadership, relationship with money, and systems of power. Discover how shifting from proving to choosing can unlock authentic success and create systemic change.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Jennie’s journey from corporate executive to founder of Chief Mama Officer
00:31 - The false sense of freedom and the scarcity mindset in corporate success
01:00 - Building her own business and realizing the same limiting beliefs persist
01:28 - The shift from proving to choosing through investing in venture capital
02:24 - How the mindset shift impacts relationships, leadership, and systems
02:39 - Women’s role in rewriting power and systemic norms from a place of wholeness
03:08 - The importance of inner work in redefining success and leadership
03:32 - Debunking the myth that success must come from fear and proving
03:42 - The foundational inner work of healing, trusting, and receiving
04:33 - Building a new paradigm for women leaders based on purpose and well-being
04:50 - Season one focus: women investors redefining how capital moves
05:10 - How women excavate limiting beliefs to move capital from wholeness
05:59 - The holistic journey of building wealth, power, and legacy
06:28 - Invitation for women curious about redefining power and capital
Connect with Jennie:
Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/chief.mama.officer) — https://www.instagram.com/chief.mama.officer
TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@chief.mama.officer)— https://www.tiktok.com/@chief.mama.officer
LinkedIn (https://linkedin.com/in/jennie-yang) — https://linkedin.com/in/jennie-yang
Inside a recent episode
Naseem Sayani | Women Moving Capital
Published 4 Aug 2026 · Transcript excerpt
[…] We've been told to not get the latte because we'll never buy the house. We're told that we have to give our money away and focus on philanthropy and not invest and that the boys do the investing. And that all compounds what is already happening. An otherwise very positive trait turns into something that doesn't get wielded in the most productive way because society puts these otherwise negative connotations around it. And so we have to recognize that. We have to recognize what's in the media and what's in the movies and what's in TV commercials and break those stereotypes for ourselves. I'd be able to stand in the confidence of what we know how to do and tell a mind story. […]
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