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/

Happy New Year, friends! 🎉

Valerie Lynn kicks off 2026 with a deeply personal solo episode on Women On Top, sharing her journey of loss, transformation, and self-discovery.

After her corporate position was eliminated, Valerie found herself navigating the unexpected darkness of identity loss and self-doubt. In this episode, she opens up about the whispers of fear, unworthiness, and the relentless inner critic—but also the liberating truths that come when we strip away external validation and reconnect with ourselves.

Valerie shares how The Artist’s Way and the practice of morning pages helped her reclaim creativity, explore forgotten joys, and rediscover the young, unapologetic version of herself.

Through simple acts like wandering a dollar store or revisiting childhood hobbies, she reconnects with life just because—without needing a reason or ROI.

This episode is packed with six powerful lessons in leadership and life:

1. You can’t lead others without leading yourself.
2. Your identity goes beyond titles.
3. The best leaders know how to return home to themselves.
4. Contentedness over happiness is a radical, grounding stance.
5. We are all artists, and life is meant to be lived just because.
6. We are fragile beings with infinite dreams—and that’s beautiful.

If you’re stepping into a new year of transition, transformation, or simply seeking a deeper connection with yourself, this episode will remind you: it’s okay to sit in the darkness, trust the journey, and allow a truer, kinder version of yourself to emerge.

💌 Valerie’s message is clear: You are enough. You are allowed to dream. You are allowed to just be.

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 episode of The Women On Top, Valerie Lynn sits down with Victoria Pelletier—a force of nature who became a COO before most people feel confident in their first leadership role. Today, she’s a sought-after keynote speaker, corporate executive, and author known for her unapologetic no excuses philosophy.

What unfolds is a raw and powerful conversation about what it really takes to rise inside the corporate world—and why resilience, ownership, and courage matter more than any job title.

Valerie and Victoria dive deep into:

🔥 How Victoria went from a challenging early life to becoming a corporate executive before 30
🔥 The “no excuses” mindset that changed everything—and how to build it yourself
🔥 The truth about resilience and why the best leaders are forged, not found
🔥 How to advance your career strategically (without waiting for permission)
🔥 The surprising reason Victoria loves corporate life—and what it gives her that entrepreneurship didn’t
🔥 Her evolution into keynote speaking and the power of using your voice
🔥 Why mentorship, influence, and sponsorship are game-changers for women
🔥 What it looks like to pursue leadership and motherhood without apology
🔥 How to redefine success—and use fear as a compass for your next level

This episode is equal parts tactical and deeply human. If you’re navigating your career, stepping into leadership, or craving a life built on courage instead of comfort… this conversation will light a fire in you.

Chapters

00:00 Victoria Pelletier's Remarkable Journey
02:50 Building Confidence in Leadership
06:01 The Corporate World: A Love Story
08:56 The Transition to Keynote Speaking
12:06 Practical Tips for Career Advancement
14:52 The No Excuses Mindset
17:40 Resilience and Leadership
20:43 Skills for Future Leaders
23:58 Mentorship and Influence
26:56 Purpose-Driven Leadership
30:03 Integrating Motherhood and Career
32:58 Defining Success and Influence
35:56 Embracing Fear for Growth

Connect with Victoria:

Website: https://victoria-pelletier.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VictoriaPelletierUnstoppable

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriapelletier/

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 discusses her journey of stepping into leadership roles, driven by the encouragement of a colleague who recognized her potential. She shares her initial fears and excitement about taking on new responsibilities and how a situation forced her to embrace her leadership capabilities, ultimately leading to personal growth and self-discovery.

Valerie explores a paradox many high-achieving women experience: they are often over-mentored but under-sponsored. Women invest time in seeking advice, guidance, and coaching—but when it comes to getting opportunities that actually advance their careers, the support they need is much rarer.

Valerie breaks down the difference between mentorship and sponsorship, shares research on career advancement, and offers practical ways for women to build a network that actually moves the needle.

Call to Action / Reflection for Listeners

• Ask: Are you investing more in mentors than sponsors?
• Who in your network is actively advocating for you?
• Identify one actionable step this week to move someone from mentor to sponsor, or gain a sponsor of your own.

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, Mandy Schell, founder of the Pacific Northwest Women's Network, shares her journey of empowering women through community and connection. She discusses the transformative power of saying yes to new opportunities, the importance of creating a welcoming space for women to connect, and the impact of her events on attendees' lives. Mandy emphasizes the shift from traditional networking to building genuine relationships and proximity, and she reflects on the challenges and lessons learned in event planning. Her insights on leadership, financial transparency, and the future of her network inspire listeners to embrace their own journeys of growth and connection.

Chapters
00:00 Empowering Women Through Community
03:02 The Catalyst for Change
06:00 Overcoming Fear and Embracing Opportunity
09:05 The Impact of Connection
11:55 Creating an Ecosystem of Support
14:58 Building Relationships and Authenticity
17:55 Lessons from the First Event
20:51 The Journey of Event Planning
23:54 The Purpose Beyond Profit
26:33 Creating Meaningful Connections
27:39 Dreams and Aspirations in Event Planning
29:20 The Joy of Dressing Up and Community
30:58 Challenges in Event Sponsorship
33:20 Strategies for Securing Sponsors
35:32 Handling Unexpected Challenges
38:36 The Importance of a Supportive Team
40:21 Evolving Membership Models
42:57 Creating Fun and Engaging Events
45:25 Empowering Women Through Strength and Leadership

Connect with Mandy:

• Tickets to LIVE 2026! https://www.pnwwomensnetwork.com/tickets?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAae2tb7WFYi1iIdmSvmVagAMVtQeJ5zhvXyLGM6d6mSDTkKOM64TuvhCGJLC2w_aem_K2ioBPgimHER9oM-G1iDvg
• PNW Women's Network: https://www.pnwwomensnetwork.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsmandyschell/?hl=en

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 episode of The Women On Top, Valerie Lynn sits down with Dylan Jahraus, powerhouse Etsy seller, coach, and former corporate leader, for a deeply honest conversation about ambition, resilience, and building a life on your own terms.

Dylan opens up about what pushed her to walk away from the corporate path and how she turned a simple Etsy shop into a multi-seven-figure business. She shares the real challenges behind the highlight reel, the role community played in her growth, and the mindset shifts that helped her navigate doubt, burnout, and big leaps.

Together, Valerie and Dylan dig into the strategies that actually move the needle in e-commerce, from understanding customer behavior to staying ahead of trends, and why consistency still outperforms perfection. Dylan also talks about the personal “why” that fuels her, the legacy she hopes to leave for her daughters, and the quiet power of choosing flexibility, freedom, and self-trust.

This episode is equal parts tactical and deeply human, offering practical steps for aspiring entrepreneurs and heartfelt encouragement for anyone ready to chase a bigger vision.

Chapters

00:00 – The Journey Begins: From Corporate to Etsy Success
02:53 – Building an Empire: Overcoming Challenges & Customer Relations
05:58 – E-Commerce Explained: Strategies That Actually Work
09:13 – Understanding Customer Needs: The Key to Longevity
12:09 – Trends & Market Research: Staying Ahead
14:50 – Facing Doubts: The Importance of a Strong “Why”
18:03 – Creating a Legacy: Personal Stories & Motivations
20:52 – The Power of Flexibility: Owning Your Time
23:58 – Saturation & Strategy: Standing Out in a Crowded Market
26:04 – The Power of Consistency
27:40 – Practical Strategies for Sustainable Growth
30:16 – Understanding Digital Products
31:22 – Aligning Skills With Your Business Ideas
33:17 – Finding Fulfillment in Entrepreneurship
36:11 – Building Confidence Through Action
37:38 – How Long It Really Takes to See Success on Etsy
39:13 – Learning From Mentors
40:43 – Balancing Business & Family
43:04 – Dreaming Bigger: Future Aspirations & Growth

Connect with Dylan:

The Ultimate Etsy Course: https://dylanjahraus.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dylanjahraus/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeO8Gmc2B-3G2fgcFnRR4Xw Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/etsy-seller-success-tips-for-starting-growing-and/id1647518076

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/