Épisodes

  • Trusting Your Gut in Climate Tech with Virginia Klausmeier of Sylvatex
    Oct 1 2025

    In this episode of Finding Fearless, Madeline sits down with Virginia Klausmeier, the President and CEO of Sylvatex, a climate tech company. Together, they explore Virginia's journey of founding and scaling an impact-driven business and her mission to create a more sustainable future.

    Key themes include:

    • Virginia’s path to founding Sylvatex and the unique challenges of scaling a climate tech company.
    • The essential need to secure the right investors who are aligned with your company’s mission.
    • The vital importance of a strong support system for female founders navigating a male-dominated industry.
    • The significance of trusting one's intuition and the power of perseverance in the face of entrepreneurial challenges.
    • The energy implications of technological advancements and the necessity of building sustainable solutions.


    00:00 Introduction to Finding Fearless

    00:39 Guest Introduction: Virginia Klausmeier of Sylvatex

    02:52 Virginia's Journey and Vision for Sylvatex

    06:26 Challenges and Insights in Climate Tech

    13:58 Navigating the Investment Landscape

    23:39 Balancing Growth and Values

    30:45 Navigating Hardships as a Minority Leader

    32:40 Balancing Personal and Professional Life

    35:40 Building a Support System

    38:08 The Importance of Community and Mentorship

    43:48 Advice for Aspiring Founders

    50:00 Final Thoughts and Encouragement


    Connect with Virgina:

    For more information about Sylvatex and their work in sustainable battery materials, visit sylvatex.com or connect with Virginia on LinkedIn.


    Connect with Fearless Foundry:

    • Fearless Foundry
    • Madeline Reeves



    Finding Fearless is an exploration of human-centric leadership and a celebration of ambition, releasing every other week on Wednesdays, 6AM PST. If you liked the show, please rate, review, and share! You can also visit our website to learn more about how to become a sponsor of Finding Fearless!


    Finding Fearless is produced by Fearless Foundry, a creative consultancy focused on advancing ambitious humans from around the globe to amplify their impact through branding, marketing, and business development. You can contact us at hello@fearlessfoundry.com if you are interested in our services and can follow us on all social media @fearlessfoundry.


    Season 4 music is by Premium Beats. All audio is recorded and owned by Fearless Foundry.

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    56 min
  • Accounting Tech That Does Good: Guy Pearson on Building Ignition
    Sep 17 2025

    In this insightful episode of Finding Fearless, Madeline Reeves sits down with Guy Pearson, the founder and executive director of Ignition. Together, they explore their parallel journeys from the traditional accounting world to tech entrepreneurship, driven by a shared mission to build businesses that create positive change.

    Key themes include:

    • Guy’s entrepreneurial journey and the challenges and triumphs of scaling Ignition.
    • The critical importance of building a business that is deeply aligned with your personal values.
    • His approach to leadership, emphasizing the creation of meaningful teams and a culture of diversity and inclusion.
    • The power of mission-driven leadership and the impact of prioritizing positive change over pure profit.
    • The vital role of self-care and authentic leadership in navigating the entrepreneurial path.

    00:00 Introduction to Finding Fearless

    00:42 Meet Guy Pearson: From CPA to Tech Entrepreneur

    01:45 The Birth of Ignition: Solving a Personal Problem

    05:52 Challenges and Strategies in Scaling a Business

    08:02 The Importance of Team Building and Leadership

    11:38 Maintaining Standards and Accountability

    19:29 Personal Growth and Leadership Evolution

    29:57 Balancing Leadership and Self-Care

    38:00 Balancing Work and Personal Life

    38:59 Finding Equilibrium Through Hobbies

    39:56 The Importance of Taking True Days Off

    40:58 Transitioning Leadership Roles

    43:11 Supporting Women in Male-Dominated Industries

    44:40 Personal Backstory and Influences

    49:28 Promoting Diversity and Inclusion

    01:00:27 Advice for Founders and Building a Positive Company Culture

    01:05:04 Closing Remarks and Reflections


    Connect with Guy:

    If you're interested in Guy's work around values-based leadership and building purpose-driven organizations, you can find him on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/guypearson1/.

    For Ignition, check out ignitionapp.com and follow @ignitionHQ.


    Connect with Fearless Foundry:

    • Fearless Foundry
    • Madeline Reeves

    Finding Fearless is an exploration of human-centric leadership and a celebration of ambition, releasing every other week on Wednesdays, 6AM PST. If you liked the show, please rate, review, and share! You can also visit our website to learn more about how to become a sponsor of Finding Fearless!


    Finding Fearless is produced by Fearless Foundry, a creative consultancy focused on advancing ambitious humans from around the globe to amplify their impact through branding, marketing, and business development. You can contact us at hello@fearlessfoundry.com if you are interested in our services and can follow us on all social media @fearlessfoundry.


    Season 4 music is by Premium Beats. All audio is recorded and owned by Fearless Foundry.

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    1 h et 9 min
  • Reclaiming Joy Through Radical Rest with Jordan Maney
    Sep 3 2025

    In this liberating episode of Finding Fearless, Madeline Reeves sits down with her friend Jordan Maney, a radical joy coach and the creator of Rest Lab. Together, they explore why rest, joy, and grief are essential, especially for women and people of color.

    Key themes include:

    • Jordan's personal journey from a highly regimented life to one rooted in rest and joy.
    • The vital importance of prioritizing rest in a culture that values constant productivity.
    • The powerful connection between collective grief and the capacity for joy.
    • Jordan's work in creating safe spaces for people to be present with their emotions and prioritize well-being.
    • The societal issues of loneliness and the need for stronger, joy-filled communities.


    00:00 Introduction to Finding Fearless

    00:41 Meet Jordan Maney: Radical Joy Coach

    04:16 Jordan's Journey: From Rigid Success to Radical Joy

    07:28 The Turning Point: Embracing Vulnerability and Change

    09:06 The Final Wedding: A Pivotal Experience

    09:48 From Burnout to Boundaries: The Path to Rest Coaching

    22:43 The Intersection of Boundaries, Joy, and Identity

    31:13 The Burden of Performance: Gender and Racial Contexts

    32:45 Exploring Loneliness and Self-Care

    33:30 The Journey of Self-Realization

    35:30 The Importance of Community

    37:53 Navigating Relationships and Boundaries

    43:03 The Role of Joy and Grief in Community

    52:16 The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic

    55:21 The Power of Rest and Community

    01:01:27 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    Connect with Jordan:

    • Website: jordanmaney.com
      Instagram: @jordanmaney
    • LinkedIn: Jordan Maney

    Work with Jordan: Jordan offers coaching for progressive leaders, service providers, and change makers who want to learn the radical practice of rest to reclaim their joy and sustain their advocacy. Through her coaching and Rest Lab community, she provides the tools and support needed to build sustainable practices that prioritize well-being alongside impact.

    Connect with Fearless Foundry:

    • Fearless Foundry
    • Madeline Reeves

    Finding Fearless is an exploration of human-centric leadership and a celebration of ambition, releasing every other week on Wednesdays, 6AM PST. If you liked the show, please rate, review, and share! You can also visit our website to learn more about how to become a sponsor of Finding Fearless!


    Finding Fearless is produced by Fearless Foundry, a creative consultancy focused on advancing ambitious humans from around the globe to amplify their impact through branding, marketing, and business development. You can contact us at hello@fearlessfoundry.com if you are interested in our services and can follow us on all social media @fearlessfoundry.


    Season 4 music is by Premium Beats. All audio is recorded and owned by Fearless Foundry.

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    1 h et 6 min
  • Finding Rest in a Restless World with Sleep Queen Monica Le Baron
    Aug 20 2025

    In this restorative episode of Finding Fearless, Madeline Reeves sits down with Monica Le Baron, a bestselling author, sleep expert, and creator of Sleep Simplified. Together, they explore how prioritizing rest can profoundly transform your career, relationships, and overall well-being.

    Key themes include:

    • Monica's personal journey from corporate burnout and insomnia to becoming a sleep expert.
    • The essential connection between self-love, self-care, and achieving quality rest.
    • Monica's unique four-step framework designed to simplify the path to better sleep.
    • The power of breathwork and mindful routines in preparing your body for rest.
    • Practical, actionable advice for listeners to immediately improve their sleep habits.



    00:00 Introduction to Finding Fearless

    00:39 Meet Monica Le Baron: Sleep Expert and Author

    02:28 Monica's Journey: From Burnout to Sleep Queen

    06:24 The Importance of Quality Sleep

    11:42 Challenges and Breakthroughs in Sleep Therapy

    22:30 Self-Love and Sleep: A Deeper Connection

    28:50 The Importance of Self-Care and Setting Standards

    29:47 Navigating Relationships and Self-Worth

    31:07 Cultural Shifts in Self-Care Practices

    33:02 The Rise of Simple, Effective Wellness Routines

    34:46 Introducing the Sleep Simplified Framework

    36:39 The Power of Breath Work

    40:28 Incorporating Yoga and Wellness into Daily Life

    49:34 Personal Transformation Through Wellness

    52:09 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    Connect with Monica:

    • Instagram: @MonicaLeBaron
    • Website: MonicaLeBaron.com
    • Email: sleep@monicalebaron.com

    Connect with Fearless Foundry:

    Fearless Foundry

    Madeline Reeves


    Finding Fearless is an exploration of human-centric leadership and a celebration of ambition, releasing every other week on Wednesdays, 6AM PST. If you liked the show, please rate, review, and share! You can also visit our website to learn more about how to become a sponsor of Finding Fearless!


    Finding Fearless is produced by Fearless Foundry, a creative consultancy focused on advancing ambitious humans from around the globe to amplify their impact through branding, marketing, and business development. You can contact us at hello@fearlessfoundry.com if you are interested in our services and can follow us on all social media @fearlessfoundry.


    Season 4 music is by Premium Beats. All audio is recorded and owned by Fearless Foundry.

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    58 min
  • Unlearning to Succeed: Francesca Phillips on Finding Your Good Space
    Aug 6 2025

    In this episode of Finding Fearless, I sat down with Francesca Phillips, founder of The Good Space. We dove into her journey from the music industry to becoming an advocate for purposeful living and creativity. Francesca shared her powerful experiences with depression and discovering her ADHD, and how these realizations shaped her unique approach to work and life.

    We discussed the pervasive "hustle mindset" and why it's so difficult to let go of. A core theme of our conversation was the vital importance of aligning your work with your personal values to create a more balanced and fulfilling life.

    Key Themes:

    • Francesca's pivot from music industry management to nurturing creatives.
    • Overcoming the societal pressure to constantly "hustle."
    • The transformative power of understanding your own mental health and neurodivergence.
    • How AI can free up time, and the importance of using that time for creativity and connection.
    • Strategies for building a life and career that are truly aligned with your deepest values.


    00:39 Meet Francesca Phillips

    02:38 Francesca's Journey to The Good Space

    04:34 The Power of Morning Routines

    06:43 Overcoming Depression and Finding Purpose

    08:47 Challenging the Hustle Culture

    15:05 Cultural Differences in Work-Life Balance

    23:52 Redefining Value and Ambition

    32:43 Discovering Personal Values

    33:21 Aligning Work with Values

    34:00 Experimenting with Nervous System Regulation

    35:06 Challenging Capitalist Conditioning

    39:31 Embracing Neurodiversity

    47:13 Creating a Supportive Routine

    50:52 Unplugging from Social Media


    Get ready for the Advisory Amplified Tour!

    I'm hitting the road this fall, with FinTech and accounting innovators for a high-impact, one-day event in six cities. We're diving into the future of advisory—think AI, automation, pricing, payroll, and people-first leadership.

    If you're a modern firm owner aiming to grow your impact, streamline services, or connect with peers, you can't miss this! Join us in Seattle, LA, Chicago, Austin, Atlanta, or Boston. Tickets are just $99.

    Visit to www.advisoryamplified.com register now!


    Connect with Francesca's Work:

    • The Good Space Substack Newsletter
    • Website: findyourgoodspace.com
    • Personal site: francescaphillips.co


    Connect with Fearless Foundry:

    • Fearless Foundry
    • Madeline Reeves



    Finding Fearless is an exploration of human-centric leadership and a celebration of ambition, releasing every other week on Wednesdays, 6AM PST. If you liked the show, please rate, review, and share! You can also visit our website to learn more about how to become a sponsor of Finding Fearless!


    Finding Fearless is produced by Fearless Foundry, a creative consultancy focused on advancing ambitious humans from around the globe to amplify their impact through branding, marketing, and business development. You can contact us at hello@fearlessfoundry.com if you are interested in our services and can follow us on all social media @fearlessfoundry.


    Season 4 music is by Premium Beats. All audio is recorded and owned by Fearless Foundry.

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    1 h et 4 min
  • Fearless Finance: Martin Kamenski on Breaking Down Barriers to Generational Wealth
    Jul 23 2025

    In this enlightening episode of Finding Fearless, Madeline explores "Fearless Finance" with Martin Kamenski, CEO and founder of Revel CPA. Together, they delve into Martin's unique journey bridging the worlds of theater and finance, and his powerful mission to break down barriers to generational wealth for underrepresented communities.

    Key themes include:

    • Martin's unconventional career path, spanning performing arts and the financial sector.
    • His dedicated mission to build generational wealth, particularly for underrepresented communities.
    • The critical importance of aligning core behaviors and values to forge a robust company culture.
    • How authenticity in leadership leads to sustained success for both entrepreneurs and their teams.
    • Insights into financial empowerment and the evolving landscape of the accounting industry.


    00:00 Introduction to Finding Fearless

    00:39 Exploring Fearless Finance with Martin Kamenski

    03:04 Martin's Unique Journey: From Theater to Finance

    05:18 The Intersection of Creativity and Business

    09:51 Rebranding and Niche Focus

    16:13 Core Behaviors and Company Culture

    23:24 Mission of Financial Empowerment

    31:00 Challenges Faced by Underrepresented Founders

    33:18 Barriers in the Accounting Industry

    36:18 Creating Inclusive Work Environments

    41:06 The Importance of Authenticity in Business

    46:43 Martin's Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

    50:23 Conclusion and Resources


    Get ready for the Advisory Amplified Tour!

    I'm hitting the road this fall, with FinTech and accounting innovators for a high-impact, one-day event in six cities. We're diving into the future of advisory—think AI, automation, pricing, payroll, and people-first leadership.

    If you're a modern firm owner aiming to grow your impact, streamline services, or connect with peers, you can't miss this! Join us in Seattle, LA, Chicago, Austin, Atlanta, or Boston. Tickets are just $99.

    Visit to www.advisoryamplified.com register now!


    Connect with Martin:

    Follow him on LinkedIn

    Check out his firm revelcpa.com and @revelCPA.

    Martin also created a business value assessment that helps you understand how your company stacks up in the key areas that drive business value.

    You can take it for free here.


    Connect with Fearless Foundry:

    • Fearless Foundry
    • Madeline Reeves

    Finding Fearless is an exploration of human-centric leadership and a celebration of ambition, releasing every other week on Wednesdays, 6AM PST. If you liked the show, please rate, review, and share! You can also visit our website to learn more about how to become a sponsor of Finding Fearless!


    Finding Fearless is produced by Fearless Foundry, a creative consultancy focused on advancing ambitious humans from around the globe to amplify their impact through branding, marketing, and business development. You can contact us at hello@fearlessfoundry.com if you are interested in our services and can follow us on all social media @fearlessfoundry.


    Season 4 music is by Premium Beats. All audio is recorded and owned by Fearless Foundry.

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    59 min
  • Good Awkward: Growing Through Discomfort with Henna Pryor
    Jul 9 2025

    In this inspiring episode of Finding Fearless, I sit down with Henna Pryor, a workplace performance expert, award-winning author, and keynote speaker whose journey from corporate conformity to entrepreneurial authenticity challenges everything we think we know about professional success.

    Key themes we explored:

    • Henna's bold leap from Big Four accounting to founding her own venture
    • Why traditional definitions of success are failing us
    • The revolutionary power of embracing professional awkwardness
    • How personal experiences shape our willingness to take career risks
    • Strategies for practicing effective vulnerability in professional settings
    • Building a sustainable, energizing career that aligns with your values

    00:00 Introduction to Finding Fearless

    00:38 Guest Introduction: Henna Pryor

    01:51 Henna's Career Journey

    05:35 The Call to Entrepreneurship

    11:34 Defining Success and Mindset Shifts

    18:07 Embracing Awkwardness: Henna's Book

    28:34 Understanding Burnout and Energizers

    28:52 Identifying What Energizes You

    29:24 The Clock-Watching Test

    30:21 Adjusting Your Workload

    32:04 Balancing Multiple Passions

    33:01 The Importance of Charging Your Worth

    33:49 Trial and Error in Business

    35:07 Diversifying Your Business

    36:31 The Reality of Hustle Culture

    38:25 The Myth of Overnight Success

    39:20 Authenticity and Vulnerability in Business

    41:01 The Power of Vulnerability

    46:02 The Value of Lifelong Learning

    52:28 Redefining Success on Your Own Terms

    54:44 Conclusion and Final Thoughts


    Connect with Henna's Work:

    • Website
    • Henna’s Book: ‘Good Awkward’
    • LinkedIn: Henna Pryor
    • Instagram: @hennapryor
    • Facebook

    Connect with Fearless Foundry:

    • Fearless Foundry
    • Madeline Reeves

    Finding Fearless is an exploration of human-centric leadership and a celebration of ambition, releasing every other week on Wednesdays, 6AM PST. If you liked the show, please rate, review, and share! You can also visit our website to learn more about how to become a sponsor of Finding Fearless!


    Finding Fearless is produced by Fearless Foundry, a creative consultancy focused on advancing ambitious humans from around the globe to amplify their impact through branding, marketing, and business development. You can contact us at hello@fearlessfoundry.com if you are interested in our services and can follow us on all social media @fearlessfoundry.


    Season 4 music is by Premium Beats. All audio is recorded and owned by Fearless Foundry.

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    58 min
  • Tea with the Team: What Does It Mean to Be Mission Driven with Madeline & Jamie
    Jul 2 2025

    In this introspective episode of Finding Fearless, Madeline Reeves and Jamie Engelhardt explore the essence of human-centric leadership and the critical alignment of mission, values, and actions in business.

    Madeline introduces a new segment, "Tea with the Team," featuring a candid conversation with CMO Jamie. Together, they delve into:

    • The common inconsistencies found within "mission-driven" organizations.
    • The challenges and vital importance of cultivating authentic brand values.
    • The necessity of establishing a clear and actionable mission statement.
    • The role of powerful guiding questions in fostering true alignment.
    • Reflections on personal experiences and the significance of being an "integrated entrepreneur."
    • A critique of superficial marketing strategies and the emphasis on genuine accountability in leadership.

    00:00 Introduction to Finding Fearless

    00:40 New Season, New Ideas: TEA with the Team

    01:44 Mission-Driven Organizations: A Deep Dive

    03:03 Meet Jamie: Fearless Founder Team Insights

    03:50 The Importance of Mission-Driven Work

    05:20 Challenges and Realities of Mission-Driven Organizations

    06:38 The Concept of Brene Washing

    07:20 Spilling the Tea: Real Stories from Fearless

    14:28 The Evolution of Fearless Foundry's Mission

    23:32 The Energy of Alignment and Values

    25:46 Addressing Energy and Mission Focus

    26:21 The Pitfalls of Rebranding

    28:04 Living Out Your Values

    31:04 The Importance of Guiding Questions

    32:52 Red Flags in Organizations

    40:47 Mission-Driven Decisions

    43:00 Engage with Us

    45:23 Conclusion


    Connect with the Fearless Foundry team:

    Fearless Foundry

    Madeline Reeves

    Jamie Engelhardt


    Finding Fearless is an exploration of human-centric leadership and a celebration of ambition, releasing every other week on Wednesdays, 6AM PST. If you liked the show, please rate, review, and share! You can also visit our website to learn more about how to become a sponsor of Finding Fearless!


    Finding Fearless is produced by Fearless Foundry, a creative consultancy focused on advancing ambitious humans from around the globe to amplify their impact through branding, marketing, and business development. You can contact us at hello@fearlessfoundry.com if you are interested in our services and can follow us on all social media @fearlessfoundry.


    Season 4 music is by Premium Beats. All audio is recorded and owned by Fearless Foundry.

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    47 min