In a world humming with AI, automation, and endless digital noise, something quieter and far more human is making a comeback. Community.

In this episode of The Women On Top, Valerie Lynn sits down with Meagan Allers, Community Manager and Partnership Strategist at Marco Polo, for a conversation about what it really means to create spaces where people feel seen, safe, and connected. Not the kind of community measured in numbers or engagement metrics, but the kind that lingers, roots itself in trust, and feels like coming home.

Together, they explore the often misunderstood difference between community building and community management, why genuine connection cannot be rushed or manufactured, and how introverts, often underestimated, can become some of the most powerful community leaders. Meagan shares her own winding path into this work, from boldly cold reaching out to start a women’s pickleball group, to helping cultivate meaningful connection inside a fast growing tech company.

They also talk about the quiet return to in person gatherings, the role of storytelling in technology, and the beautifully unexpected range of people finding connection through Marco Polo today. At its heart, this conversation is a reminder that while technology can scale systems, belonging is still built in small, human moments, one conversation at a time.

If you are building a brand, nurturing a community, navigating loneliness in a hyper connected world, or simply craving something more real, this episode is for you.

About Meagan:
Meagan Allers is a Community Manager and Partnership Strategist at Marco Polo, where she designs spaces rooted in connection, trust, and belonging. With a background in storytelling, partnerships, and community strategy, Meagan brings a deeply human lens to tech, grounded in the belief that meaningful relationships are the foundation of everything worth building.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Community Building
02:56 Community Building vs. Community Management
06:04 The Journey into Community Building
09:08 The Importance of Authentic Connection
12:03 Creating Inclusive Spaces for Women
14:59 Launching a Local Pickleball Community
17:53 The Power of Cold Outreach
20:58 Managing Community Energy and Engagement
24:07 The Rise of In-Person Communities
26:52 Niche Communities and Their Growth
30:03 The Value of Community in Tech
33:01 Unexpected Lessons from Startup Life
36:14 Measuring Community Impact
38:57 Diverse User Demographics of Marco Polo
41:53 The Deeper Why Behind Community Work
45:03 Closing Reflections and Quotes

Connect with Meagan:
linkedin.com/in/meaganallers
https://www.instagram.com/meaganallers/?hl=en
https://www.facebook.com/61574537443033/videos/

Connect with The Women On Top:

Follow The Women On Top Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you get your podcasts. Subscribe for more empowering conversations and stories!

• Website: https://thewomenontop.com/
  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewomenontop
  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewomenontoppodcast/
  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-lynn/

What does it really take to build multiple seven-figure businesses while raising four children? In this powerful conversation, host Valerie Lynn sits down with Jen, founder of Becoming Iconic, who shares her unfiltered journey from corporate marketing to entrepreneurial success.

Episode Chapters

[00:00] Introduction to Jen and Her Journey

[02:23] Facing Challenges and Breakdowns

[05:34] The Financial Struggles and Lessons Learned

[10:21] The Birth of Becoming Iconic

[12:36] The Evolution of Becoming Iconic and Iconic Magazine

[16:35] Advice for Aspiring Coaches and Entrepreneurs

[20:06] Redefining Success Beyond Million Dollar Businesses

[24:42] The Value of Six-Figure Businesses

[25:15] Enjoying the Journey

[26:05] Finding Your One Thing

[29:25] The Concept of Balance vs. Harmony

[34:29] Lessons on Money and Wealth

[38:17] Overcoming Pressure in Business

[41:19] Becoming Iconic by Being Decisive

[42:09] Get Out of Your Own Way

About the Guest

Jen is the Founder of Becoming Iconic and the Founder and Editor in Chief of Iconic Magazine as well as a mom of four. Jen has helped thousands of women worldwide build successful businesses, resulting in over $100 million in sales through her full service brand that incorporates mentorship and done-for-you creative services. Renowned for her innovative approach to business and her impeccable leadership, her consulting and mentorship consistently generate waitlists.

Connect with Jen:
ICONic Capsule - https://becomingiconic.myflodesk.com/iconiccapsule
Digital Copy of Magazine - https://becomingiconic.co/magazine
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/becomingiconic/
Website - https://becomingiconic.co/

Connect with The Women On Top:

Follow The Women On Top Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you get your podcasts. Subscribe for more empowering conversations and stories!

• Website: https://thewomenontop.com/
  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewomenontop
  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewomenontoppodcast/
  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-lynn/

-In this conversation, Valerie Lynn speaks with Naama Zusman, a licensed life, career, and health coach, about navigating major life transitions and career changes. Naama shares her personal journey from being an artist to becoming a yoga teacher and eventually a coach, emphasizing the importance of following 'breadcrumbs'—the clues that guide us toward our true paths. They discuss the iterative process of career exploration, the balance between financial realities and aspirations, and the significance of understanding one's zone of genius. Naama encourages listeners to embrace their authentic selves and make choices that align with their values, ultimately leading to a fulfilling life.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Career Transitions
01:39 Naama's Personal Journey
07:55 Exploring New Paths
14:22 The Shift to Coaching
19:14 Navigating Career Transitions
24:28 Balancing Passion and Practicality
28:19 Navigating Job Transitions and Identity Changes
33:17 Understanding the Zone of Genius
39:59 Finding Your Passion and Purpose
44:02 Embracing Simplicity in Decision Making
48:37 Living Your One Precious Life

✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
How to approach career transitions as an iterative, exploratory process

-Why following the “breadcrumbs” of your past experiences can guide your next move
-How to balance financial realities with your aspirations
-Identifying your zone of genius and what energizes you most
-Embracing authenticity and letting go of societal expectations
-Steps to get unstuck and start your career reinvention journey

**FOR OUR LISTENERS: FREE PASSIONS AND PURPOSE WORKBOOK!*

Download it here: https://naamazusman.kit.com/passions-purpose-workbook

Connect with Naama:
Website: https://www.naamazusman.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naamazusman/
Resources: https://linktr.ee/naamazusman?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaf1Yx1j2me0hjdeQBv4vQiVAJOX_-XoakmkZGLpx7VxDIhyyaLnxEJNC3W05A_aem_kqJ9bZjJMsbHr60FFouxbA

Connect with The Women On Top:

Follow The Women On Top Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you get your podcasts. Subscribe for more empowering conversations and stories!

• Website: https://thewomenontop.com/
  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewomenontop
  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewomenontoppodcast/
  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-lynn/