The Kara Goldin Show

Latest Episodes:

761 Marcy Syms: Author of Leading With Respect Oct 31, 2025

Show notes

On today’s episode, Kara welcomes Marcy Syms, author of Leading With Respect: Adventures of an Off-Price Fashion Pioneer. For 35 years, Marcy helped build her family’s company, Syms Corp, into a retail powerhouse famous for the slogan, “An educated consumer is our best customer.” Working alongside her father, Sy Syms, she pioneered the off-price retail model and made designer fashion accessible to millions of educated shoppers nationwide. When Syms went public, Marcy became the youngest female president of a New York Stock Exchange-listed company — breaking barriers while redefining what leadership looks like.
In this episode, Marcy shares her inspiring journey from the stockroom to the boardroom and the lessons behind her leadership philosophy — that respect isn’t just a value, it’s a strategy. We dive into how she built trust with customers and employees, the story behind the $10 coupon that saved hundreds of shoppers, and the risks and rewards of taking a family business public. Marcy also opens up about her philanthropic work, her advocacy for gender equality, and how she continues to “change the conversation” in business and beyond.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a leader, or someone passionate about building with integrity, this episode is full of wisdom and inspiration. Don’t miss it!

Are you interested in sponsoring and advertising on The Kara Goldin Show, which is now in the Top 1% of Entrepreneur podcasts in the world? Let me know by contacting me at karagoldin@gmail.com. You can also find me @‌KaraGoldin on all networks.

To learn more about Marcy Syms and Leading With Respect:
https://sysymsfoundation.org
https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcy-syms

Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/761

760 Lauren Makler: Co-Founder & CEO of Cofertility Oct 29, 2025

Show notes

On today’s episode, Kara welcomes Lauren Makler, Co-Founder and CEO of Cofertility, the revolutionary fertility care platform making egg freezing more accessible and egg donation more human. Cofertility offers women the opportunity to freeze their eggs for free when they donate half—reshaping an industry traditionally built on transactional models and high cost barriers. Lauren’s work is transforming reproductive healthcare into something more equitable, transparent, and empowering.
Lauren shares how her personal fertility journey and background launching Uber Health inspired her to create Cofertility. We dive into her approach to ethical egg donation, building trust in a sensitive space, and scaling a tech-enabled platform that puts patients first. From disrupting outdated healthcare systems to navigating the emotional and logistical complexity of fertility, this episode is packed with insights for founders, healthcare innovators, and anyone curious about the future of family building. Don’t miss it!

To learn more about Lauren Makler and Cofertility:
https://www.cofertility.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenmakler
https://www.instagram.com/cofertility
https://www.instagram.com/laurenmakler
https://www.cofertility.com

Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/760

759 Sarah Creal: Founder & CEO of Sarah Creal Beauty Oct 27, 2025

Show notes

On today’s episode, Kara welcomes Sarah Creal, Founder and CEO of Sarah Creal Beauty, the luxury makeup and skincare brand redefining beauty for women 40+. With nearly 30 years of experience as a Brand Architect and Product Developer for some of the world’s most iconic beauty houses — including Prada Beauty, Tom Ford Beauty, Aerin, Bobbi Brown, and Victoria Beckham Beauty — Sarah has built her career creating products that women around the world love. Now, she’s taken all that expertise to launch a brand of her own.
Sarah shares the story behind Sarah Creal Beauty — a line born out of listening to the real beauty needs of women 40+, and creating high-performance products that deliver moisture, wear, and repair. We dive into her journey from working behind the Clinique counter at Bergdorf Goodman to shaping global brands, and how she’s bringing authenticity, science, and representation to an often-overlooked demographic. From the lessons she’s learned in leadership to the art of brand-building with purpose, this episode is filled with insights for founders, creatives, and anyone ready to reinvent what beauty means at every age. Don’t miss it!

To learn more about Sarah Creal and Sarah Creal Beauty:
https://www.instagram.com/sarahcrealbeauty/
https://www.sarahcrealbeauty.com

Sponsored By:

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Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/759

758 Erin Piper: Founder of Saint Crewe Oct 24, 2025

Show notes

On today’s episode, Kara welcomes Erin Piper, Founder of Saint Crewe, the skincare brand redefining what it means to care for young skin. With over 15 years of experience working with teens and young women as a licensed therapist, Erin witnessed firsthand how skincare is deeply tied to confidence, self-esteem, and the way we present ourselves to the world. Her insight led her to create Saint Crewe — a clinically tested, dermatologist-approved, vegan, and cruelty-free line designed specifically for Gen Z and Gen Alpha.
Erin shares the story behind Saint Crewe’s creation, how her background in psychology and years of supporting young women informed her brand philosophy, and why she’s committed to changing the conversation around “clean beauty” for younger generations. We dive into her journey from therapy to entrepreneurship, how she’s cutting through viral TikTok trends with science-backed products, and what it means to build a purpose-driven brand that parents and teens alike can trust. This episode is filled with insights for founders, beauty lovers, and anyone inspired by mission-led innovation. Don’t miss it!

To learn more about Erin Piper and Saint Crewe:
https://www.instagram.com/saintcrewe/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-smith-piper-lcsw-mph-3721b768/
https://www.saintcrewe.com/

Sponsored By:

Square - Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at square.com/go/karagoldin

LinkedIn Jobs - Head to LinkedIn.com/KaraGoldin to post your job for free.

Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/758

757 Samantha Diamond: Founder & CEO of Bird&Be Oct 22, 2025

Show notes

On today’s episode, we welcome Samantha Diamond, Founder and CEO of Bird&Be, the modern fertility brand making evidence-backed, inclusive care accessible to both women and men. After facing her own experiences with PCOS and pregnancy loss, Samantha set out to disrupt a dated, gendered industry — creating a brand that merges science, empathy, and accessibility.
Hear how Samantha scaled Bird&Be into an eight-figure, subscription-first business that’s redefining access to fertility care — including reaching thousands of customers in fertility “deserts” across the country. This fall, Bird&Be is expanding into 300+ Ulta Beauty stores, becoming the first fertility brand to bring male-focused products to the beauty aisle.
In this episode, Samantha opens up about how her personal journey inspired Bird&Be, what it takes to build trust in such a sensitive and science-driven category, and how the brand is cutting through misinformation with evidence-based innovation. We also dive into her lessons in leadership, the power of reaching underserved communities, and what’s next as Bird&Be continues to reshape reproductive health for all.
This episode is packed with insights for founders, innovators, and anyone passionate about women’s health, inclusion, and creating change in industries that need it most. Don’t miss it!

To learn more about Samantha Diamond and Bird&Be:
https://www.birdandbe.com/
https://www.instagram.com/birdbeco
https://www.linkedin.com/company/birdandbe

Sponsored By:

Shopify - Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at Shopify.com/kara

Dell - Get a new Dell PC at Dell.com/ai-pc

Boll & Branch. Get 15% off plus free shipping on your first set of sheets at BollAndBranch.com/KARAGOLDIN

Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/757

756 Hannah Perez: Co-Founder of SEEQ Oct 20, 2025

Show notes

On today’s episode, Kara welcomes Hannah Perez, Co-Founder of SEEQ — the protein brand shaking up the supplement aisle with its clear, refreshing take on traditional protein drinks. With a vision to create something that felt more like a fruit juice than a chalky shake, Hannah and her co-founder launched SEEQ out of their apartment and quickly built a brand that’s gone viral on social media and found its way onto major retail shelves.
Hannah shares the early days of SEEQ, how she helped pioneer the clear protein category, and how bold branding, community-building, and an obsessive focus on product experience helped them stand out in a crowded wellness space. We dive into her founder journey, her evolving leadership role, and what it takes to turn a niche idea into a breakout CPG brand. Whether you're in CPG, fitness, or dreaming up your next big idea — this episode is full of insights and inspiration. Don’t miss it!

To learn more about Hannah Perez and SEEQ:
https://www.instagram.com/seeqsupply
https://www.linkedin.com/company/seeqsupply
https://seeqsupply.com/

Sponsored By:

Quo - Get started for free, plus get 20% off your first 6 months at Quo.com/KARAGOLDIN

Sommsation - Discover wine the way it was meant to be enjoyed at Sommsation.com/TheKaraGoldinShow to shop now.

Function Health - My first 1,000 listeners get a $100 credit toward their membership. Go to FunctionHealth.com/KARA or use code KARA100 at sign-up.

Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/756

755 Gabi Day: Founder & CEO of Bright Body Oct 17, 2025

Show notes

On today’s episode, Kara welcomes Gabi Day, Founder and CEO of Bright Body, the sustainable beauty brand redefining what “clean” really means. Bright Body combines modern science with Ayurvedic-inspired botanicals to create refillable skin, hair, and baby care products that are safe, effective, and truly sustainable. Every formula is crafted to meet stricter safety standards, packaged in glass and aluminum, and designed with a closed-loop refill system to reduce waste and protect the planet.
Gabi shares how she built Bright Body from the ground up — scaling sustainably without outside funding, earning high customer loyalty, and setting a new standard for transparency in clean beauty. We dive into her philosophy on balancing purpose with profitability, what it takes to stand out in a crowded industry, and how thoughtful systems can drive real growth. From product formulation to leadership lessons, this episode is full of insights for founders, beauty lovers, and anyone passionate about building with integrity. Don’t miss it!

To learn more about Gabi Day and Bright Body:
https://www.instagram.com/mybrightbody
https://www.instagram.com/brightbodybaby
https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabiday
https://www.mybrightbody.com/

Sponsored By:

Dell - Get a new Dell PC at Dell.com/ai-pc

LinkedIn Jobs - Head to LinkedIn.com/KaraGoldin to post your job for free.

AG1 - Head to DrinkAG1.com/KARAGOLDIN to get a FREE Welcome Kit, including a bottle of Vitamin D and free AG1 Travel Packs, when you first subscribe!

Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/755

754 Nicolas Jammet: Co-Founder & Chief Concept Officer of Sweetgreen Oct 15, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of The Kara Goldin Show, we’re joined by Nicolas Jammet, Co-Founder and Chief Concept Officer of Sweetgreen, the mission-driven restaurant brand redefining fast food with fresh, crave-worthy meals. Nicolas and his co-founders launched Sweetgreen in 2007, opening their very first location in Georgetown just three months after graduating college. What started as a single salad shop has grown into a nationally recognized brand with hundreds of locations and a loyal following, all built on a vision of making healthy food accessible and transparent.
In our conversation, Nicolas shares how Sweetgreen nearly ran out of money in the early months, the turning point that showed him the concept could scale, and how he’s balanced innovation with operational rigor. We dive into the role of technology in shaping Sweetgreen’s growth, the challenge of scaling culture across hundreds of restaurants, and how the brand continues to stay ahead in a crowded marketplace. Nicolas also reflects on the toughest leadership lessons he’s faced and what he sees as the future of food, wellness, and Sweetgreen’s place in it.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a foodie, or someone passionate about mission-driven business, this episode is full of insights and inspiration. Tune in to hear Nicolas’s journey and what it takes to build a category-defining brand. Now on The Kara Goldin Show.

To learn more about Nicolas Jammet and Sweetgreen:
https://www.instagram.com/nicolasjammet
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolas-jammet-5b9b878/
https://www.sweetgreen.com/

Sponsored By:

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LinkedIn Jobs - Head to LinkedIn.com/KaraGoldin to post your job for free.

Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/754

753 Katya Eckert: Founder & CEO of A DOMANI Oct 13, 2025

Show notes

On today’s episode, Kara welcomes Katya Eckert, Founder & CEO of A DOMANI, the emerging brand pioneering cooling sleepwear for women going through hormonal changes. Katya’s inspiration came from her own postpartum experience, when she was blindsided by night sweats and frustrated by the lack of elegant, high-quality solutions on the market. Determined to create something better, she set out to build sleepwear that was not only functional but also luxurious and beautiful.
In this conversation, Katya shares her journey from a 15-year career in institutional finance to building a science-backed DTC brand. We talk about the white space she saw in the sleepwear category, how she developed A DOMANI’s innovative fabrics and silhouettes, and what it takes to create products that solve real problems for women while staying true to luxury and design. This episode is packed with insights for founders, innovators, and anyone passionate about building brands that challenge the status quo. Don’t miss it!

To learn more about Katya Eckert and A DOMANI:
https://www.instagram.com/adomanisleep/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/katyaeckert
https://www.adomanisleep.com

Sponsored By:

ACORNS. Head to acorns.com/KARA or download the Acorns app to start saving and investing for your future today!

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Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/753

752 Mark Rampolla: Author of An Entrepreneur’s Guide to Freedom and Founder of ZICO Oct 10, 2025

Show notes

On today’s episode of The Kara Goldin Show, we welcome Mark Rampolla, Founder of ZICO Coconut Water and author of An Entrepreneur’s Guide to Freedom. Mark introduced coconut water to the U.S. market, scaled ZICO into a global brand, and sold it to Coca-Cola for over $200 million. Years later, he bought ZICO back — and today, he’s leading it into its next chapter while also helping entrepreneurs rethink success and freedom.
Mark shares the inside story of building and selling ZICO, why he decided to buy it back, and what feels different about running it now. He also dives into the core themes of his new book, An Entrepreneur’s Guide to Freedom — from why so many entrepreneurs aren’t truly free, to how success actually starts with freedom, to the daily practices and inner work that help founders reclaim their lives while building great companies. Packed with powerful insights and actionable takeaways, this episode is a must-listen for founders, leaders, and anyone chasing a vision of success that also leaves room for freedom.
Don’t miss it!

To learn more about Mark Rampolla, ZICO, and An Entrepreneur’s Guide to Freedom:
https://www.entrepreneursguidetofreedom.com
https://www.zico.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/markrampolla
https://www.instagram.com/themarkrampolla/
https://x.com/TheMarkRampolla
https://www.instagram.com/zicococonut/
https://www.facebook.com/ZicoCoconutWater/
https://twitter.com/ZicoCoconut

Sponsored By:

RULA - Go to Rula.com/KARAGOLDIN for convenient therapy that’s covered by insurance.

Sommsation - Discover wine the way it was meant to be enjoyed at Sommsation.com/TheKaraGoldinShow to shop now.

Function Health - My first 1,000 listeners get a $100 credit toward their membership. Go to FunctionHealth.com/KARA or use code KARA100 at sign-up.

LinkedIn Jobs - Head to LinkedIn.com/KaraGoldin to post your job for free.

Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/752

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