Women Influencers

This week on Women Influencers, we compiled three of the great questions my guests have asked me. I am honored to have the opportunity to chat with amazing, influential women on the podcast and it is always an honor to consider and respond to insightful inquiries.Tressa LoVasco asked why I keep going professionally. Tina Thakkar asked what motivates and inspires me. Catherine Bell asked, what's the one thing I did to learn and build my wealth for my family. Watch to find out how I answered! Connect with Veronica: capstrata.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronica-malolos-ccim-401649218/ #womeninbusiness #CRE #commercialrealestate #businesspodcast #realestatepodcast #commercialbroker #entrepreneur

In this episode, I sit down with Lisa Woodruff, Founder and CEO of Organized 365 and author of the upcoming book Escaping Quicksand, whose work focuses on helping women organize their homes and lives so they have more time to pursue what they are uniquely called to do. Lisa shares how her passion for organization began in childhood. Growing up with an artistic mother and an organized father, she often brought order to the household in creative ways — even giving her mother the gift of organizing her cluttered piles as a Christmas present, something her mother genuinely loved. What started as a natural instinct for creating order eventually grew into a mission to help women reclaim their time and energy through organization.She reflects on a difficult season in her late 30s when life felt overwhelming. After adopting two children, managing complex family needs, losing income during the recession, and navigating the illness and passing of her father, Lisa found herself feeling stuck in what she later described as “quicksand.” That period ultimately led her to start Organized 365 and begin rebuilding her life with a renewed sense of purpose and self-care.Today, Lisa has built a thriving community of more than 11,000 members and continues to teach that organization is not just about tidy spaces, but about creating the capacity to live intentionally. Her message to women navigating the busy decades of life is both reassuring and empowering: “You’re going to have so much time.” — Lisa Woodruff Connect with Veronica: https://capstrata.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronica-malolos-ccim-401649218/ Connect with Lisa: linkedin.com/in/lisawoodruff https://organize365.com/escapingquicksand/ https://organize365.com/podcast-landing-page/ #womeninbusiness #CRE #commercialrealestate #businesspodcast #realestatepodcast #commercialbroker #entrepreneur #CCIM #organize365

In this episode, I sit down with Karen Rands, best-selling author, investor advocate, and founder of the Compassionate Capitalist movement, whose work is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and investors build wealth through informed, purposeful investing.Karen shares how her outlook on money and success was shaped by growing up with a single mother who valued education but struggled financially, and a father she later discovered was an inventive entrepreneur who built wealth after securing a patent at age 50. That realization became a defining moment for her: it’s never too late to reinvent your life or pursue your vision.After earning an economics degree from Emory and spending over a decade at IBM working with emerging technologies and startups, Karen stepped into the world of angel investing, eventually leading an investor group that grew into one of the top networks in the Southeast. When the Great Recession halted investment activity and dismantled her platform, she faced one of her greatest challenges, forcing her to rebuild her confidence, clarify her mission, and recommit to helping others access capital and opportunity.Throughout the conversation, Karen emphasizes her passion for teaching women how to invest, close wealth gaps, and support businesses they believe in, leaving listeners with one powerful piece of advice: “Get started... You know more than you think you do.” - Karen RandsConnect with Veronica:https://capstrata.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronica-malolos-ccim-401649218/Connect with Karen:http://bit.ly/linkCCS#womeninbusiness #CRE #commercialrealestate #businesspodcast #realestatepodcast #commercialbroker #entrepreneur #CCIM #investor #venturecapital

January isn’t just about resolutions — it’s about reflection, gratitude, and renewed purpose. ✨📝 What began as an idea has grown into a community built on authenticity, encouragement, and connection. 🤝💫 As we move into a new year, I’m excited to continue amplifying women’s voices, sharing wisdom, and creating space for meaningful dialogue. 🎙️🔥 Thank you for being part of this journey. 💖🚀

In this episode, I sit down with Vernice Atkins-Bradley, Founder and CEO of Votum LLC, an Orlando-based construction firm, and a respected leader in a traditionally male-dominated industry.Vernice shares how her foundation was built early, growing up on a farm in rural Alabama with her grandparents, where she learned hard work, responsibility, and leadership. After moving to Florida to live with her mother and siblings, she became the oldest child in a large household, a role that shaped her confidence and resilience.She reflects on a pivotal moment in her career when she was denied a promotion despite being the most qualified, simply because she lacked a four-year degree. As a single mother, Vernice returned to school while working full time, eventually earning both her undergraduate degree and a law degree, before spending a decade with Turner Construction and founding Votum LLC, now operating for more than 15 years.Throughout the conversation, Vernice emphasizes her commitment to mentoring others, expanding opportunities for women and minorities in construction, and one guiding truth that defines her success:“You can be successful when you have those relationships that help you to be successful” - Vernice Atkins-Bradley.Connect with Veronica:https://capstrata.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronica-malolos-ccim-401649218/Connect with Vernice:https://votumllc.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/vernice-atkins-bradley-18a56429/#womeninbusiness #CRE #commercialrealestate #businesspodcast #realestatepodcast #commercialbroker #entrepreneur #CCIM #construction

This week on Women Influencers, we compiled three of the great questions my guests have asked me. I am honored to have the opportunity to chat with amazing, influential women on the podcast and it is always an honor to consider and respond to insightful inquiries.Edie Weintraub asked what I learned during my experience at REconvene.Beth Azor asked me about my investing experiences.John Crossman and I discussed advocacy for minorities and women.Watch to find out how I answered!Connect with Veronica:capstrata.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/veronica-malolos-ccim-401649218/#womeninbusiness #CRE #commercialrealestate #businesspodcast #realestatepodcast #commercialbroker #entrepreneur

In this episode, I sit down with Jessica Johnson-Kelley, CCIM, a top-producing retail broker, industry leader, and pastor’s wife whose path is rooted in generational influence, grit, and intentional balance.Jessica shares how her love for retail began in childhood trips to Dillard’s and JCPenney with her grandmother — the woman who raised her, funded her education, showed up for every milestone, and planted in her a lifelong sense of style, strength, and possibility.She talks about finishing her degree online as a stay-at-home mom of three boys, then launching a real estate career while pregnant with twins. After seven years in residential, a community connection encouraged her to consider commercial real estate. With no prior experience, she sold a boutique firm on her drive and potential, later moving to Cushman & Wakefield and specializing in retail. Her first-year income was small, but her conviction wasn’t — and over time it opened door after door.Jessica also reflects on remarriage, serving in her church, and mentoring young brokers. Through it all, she returns to one core principle: your career should never eclipse the people you love. Protecting time for her five children and building healthy boundaries has been both her greatest challenge and her greatest success.“Your family is your first client.” — Jessica Johnson-Kelley, CCIMConnect with Veronica:https://capstrata.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronica-malolos-ccim-401649218/Connect with Jessica:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-johnson-ccim/ www.johnsonkelleycre.com https://www.instagram.com/brickandbizcre/#womeninbusiness #CRE #commercialrealestate #businesspodcast #realestatepodcast #commercialbroker #entrepreneur #CCIM 

In this episode, I sit down with Heather Hansen, a former trial attorney turned speaker, coach, and founder of Belief Builders. After 25 years in the courtroom, Heather now helps leaders and teams overcome doubt, communicate with confidence, and build unshakable belief in their vision and their work.Heather shares how growing up with strong, working women—her mother and grandmother—gave her the foundation she needed to thrive in a male-dominated profession. As one of the few women in trial law, she leaned on psychology, communication, and storytelling to guide clients, influence juries, and navigate the emotional intensity of medical malpractice cases. But the greatest turning point came when she realized she was exceptional at advocating for others, yet hesitant to advocate for herself.Learning to “ask for what she wanted in a way that made her likely to get it” changed the course of her career. That shift led her from burnout to reinvention, and ultimately to the work she does today: teaching individuals and organizations how to choose themselves, communicate with clarity, and build belief from the inside out.Heather’s journey is a powerful reminder that advocacy isn’t just a skill for the courtroom — it’s a skill for life, leadership, and every dream we dare to pursue.“Choose yourself, and then advocate for that choice.” — Heather Hansen Connect with Veronica:https://capstrata.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronica-malolos-ccim-401649218/Connect with Heather:https://www.beliefbuilders.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-hansen-84243512/https://www.instagram.com/anelegantwarrior/#womeninbusiness #CRE #commercialrealestate #businesspodcast #realestatepodcast #commercialbroker #entrepreneur #CCIM #BeliefBuilders

This week, in the 100th episode of Women Influencers, I sit down with Merrie Karimov, founder of Harbour Hope International, a Central Florida nonprofit dedicated to helping survivors of human trafficking rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.Merrie’s story is one of compassion turned into purpose. Raised in rural Colorado, she discovered early on a deep empathy for the “least likely”—those who feel unseen or forgotten. That calling led her across the globe, from South America to South Asia and ultimately to Moscow, where she met her husband before settling in Florida. It was through her travels and early experiences mentoring vulnerable youth in Los Angeles that she first encountered the reality of human trafficking—a reality that would eventually define her life’s work.In 2015, Merrie founded Harbour Hope after meeting her first survivor in Central Florida. What began as a single act of compassion grew into a movement: a network providing mentorship, case management, and long-term support for survivors and their children. Now marking its 10-year anniversary, Harbour Hope has become a beacon for restoration and community collaboration.Merrie’s journey reminds us that impact begins when we move from good intentions to informed action—and that lasting change happens together, not alone.“If you want to go fast, go alone. But if you want to go far, go together.” — African Proverb (shared by Merrie Karimov)Connect with Veronica:https://capstrata.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronica-malolos-ccim-401649218/Connect with Merrie:www.harbourhope.orghttps://www.linkedin.com/in/merrie-karimov-912860275/To order the book: https://harbourhopeinternational.audiencetap.com/qc/26fShkLk1BWKN#womeninbusiness #CRE #commercialrealestate #businesspodcast #realestatepodcast #commercialbroker #entrepreneur #CCIM #HarbourHope

This week on Women Influencers, we compiled three of the great questions my guests have asked me. I am honored to have the opportunity to chat with amazing, influential women on the podcast and it is always an honor to consider and respond to insightful inquiries.Dr. Laurel Mellin asked if I have any wire in my brain that Emotional Brain Training could help me with.Diego Leiva asked me how I will continue to grow the podcast.Traci Miller asked about my recent investment in Commericial Real Estate.Watch to find out how I answered!Connect with Veronica:capstrata.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/veronica-malolos-ccim-401649218/#womeninbusiness #CRE #commercialrealestate #businesspodcast #realestatepodcast #commercialbroker #entrepreneur

In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with Dana Williams, an executive coach, speaker, author, and founder of Dana Williams Consulting. After 25 years in leadership at Southwest Airlines, she now helps leaders move from performing to thriving by aligning their strengths, core values, and purpose.Influenced by her pioneering mother — a broadcast executive who returned to college at age 80 — Dana learned early that perseverance and creativity can reshape any life stage. Her own career at Southwest Airlines gave her deep insight into culture, leadership, and customer service. But the turning point came later, when she stepped away from corporate life to raise her daughter, returned to a shifting workplace, and faced her husband’s battle with cancer alongside financial and marital strain.Through those challenges, Dana discovered the power of authenticity over productivity. By doing the deep inner work, she not only rebuilt her marriage but also found a new calling: helping leaders stop living by default and start leading by design.Her story is both practical and inspiring — a reminder that transformation begins within, and that intentional living can spark change across our workplaces, families, and communities.“You don’t need to be more productive. You just need to be more you.” — Dana WilliamsConnect with Veronica:https://capstrata.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronica-malolos-ccim-401649218/Connect with Dana:Learn more about Dana’s work at www.danawilliamsco.comLearn more about The Internal Revolution: Lead Authentically and Build Your Personal Brand from Within at www.danawilliamsco.com/bookGet your copy of The Strengths Journal™ at thestrengthsjournal.comListen to the Dominate Your Day podcast at www.danawilliamsco.com/dominate-your-day-podcast#womeninbusiness #CRE #commercialrealestate #businesspodcast #realestatepodcast #commercialbroker #entrepreneur #CCIM #TheInternalRevolution

In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Jamie H. Kim, CCIM, founder of the Phronesis Group in California. Jamie’s story weaves together resilience, reinvention, and an unshakable faith that carried her through both professional pivots and profound personal challenges.She shares how growing up as a latchkey kid in West LA built her self-starter spirit, leading her to graduate early from NYU Stern and land at Arthur Andersen, where she audited Fortune 500 companies in New York City. Those years became her “business bootcamp,” sharpening her discipline and eye for detail. Yet Jamie ultimately craved more creativity and independence, and her path led her back to California, into commercial real estate, and eventually to founding her own boutique firm in 2009.Jamie opens up about the near-death health crisis that changed everything: sudden kidney failure in 2021 that left her two days from dying in her sleep. Her journey through hospitalization, dialysis, and recovery was as much about mindset and faith as it was about medicine. She recounts how she reframed her doctors’ language, visualized healing, and relied on prayer to beat impossible odds—emerging with a recalibrated view of work, balance, and life.Beyond her professional and personal resilience, Jamie reflects on the moment she intervened in her brother’s suicide attempt, an experience that forever changed her perspective on what truly matters. Her message is clear and compassionate: every problem has a solution, but not every burden is ours to carry.Her story is both sobering and uplifting—a testament to perseverance, resourcefulness, and the power of faith in leadership and in life. “Carry only the burdens that are yours to carry.” — Jamie H. KimConnect with Veronica:https://capstrata.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronica-malolos-ccim-401649218/Connect with Jamie:https://thephronesisgroup.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/mightyfive/#womeninbusiness #CRE #commercialrealestate #businesspodcast #realestatepodcast #commercialbroker #entrepreneur #CCIM #phronesisgroup 

In this thought-provoking episode, I sit down with Laura Cardwell and Megan O’Malley, co-founders of Embodied Leadership by Design and authors of Unstuck Yourself. Their work blends neuroscience, human design, and embodied practices to help people move beyond the “packets” of mental issues they’re dealing with and into authentic, heart-centered leadership.Megan shares how growing up in a family that prized achievement left her chasing productivity at the expense of authenticity—until she learned to embrace her seeker’s path and trust her body’s wisdom. Laura reflects on raising two children with intention while navigating her own burnout, and how aligning with her deeper purpose allowed her to parent and lead with more presence.Together, Laura and Megan describe how their partnership began in a hip-hop dance class, grew through their podcast Two Mystics and a Mic, and eventually crystallized into a company that helps individuals and organizations reclaim true leadership—whether in business, family, or community life. Their message is both practical and profound: every person is a leader, and living that truth requires courage, purpose, and self-awareness.“If following the path people told you feels wrong, it probably isn’t right for you.” — Megan O’Malley“Seeking a deeper purpose stabilizes everything else.” — Laura CardwellConnect with Veronica:https://capstrata.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronica-malolos-ccim-401649218/Connect with Meghan and Laura:https://www.embodiedleadershipbydesign.com/ https://www.unstuckyourselfbook.net/https://www.instagram.com/embodiedleadershipbydesign

This week on Women Influencers, we compiled three of the great questions my guests have asked me. I am honored to have the opportunity to chat with amazing, influential women on the podcast and it is always an honor to consider and respond to insightful inquiries.Andrea Simon asked how I make the podcast valuable.Ral West asked me what systems I use to make my business more efficient.Tamika Moses asked about a challenge I've overcome.Watch to find out how I answered!Connect with Veronica:https://www.capstackcommercial.com/veronica-malolos-ccimhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/veronica-malolos-ccim-401649218/#womeninbusiness #CRE #commercialrealestate #businesspodcast #realestatepodcast #commercialbroker #entrepreneur

In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Allison McCune Davis, best-selling author of 60 Is a Good Start and its companion Reignite! The 60-Day Dare Planner. Allison’s journey spans Hollywood, homeschooling, and holistic health. She began her career in television and film—working in Los Angeles on projects ranging from Star Trek: The Next Generation to PBS documentaries—before returning home to Oklahoma, where she raised five children (three biological, two adopted) and homeschooled for 20 years.Allison shares how a health crisis in her early 40s shifted her life toward natural wellness. After struggling with adrenal fatigue, thyroid issues, and gut imbalance, she discovered the healing power of herbs, supplements, and nutrition. That awakening became the foundation for her mission: teaching women how to reclaim energy, balance hormones, and build habits for long-term vitality.Her book blends science, longevity research, and practical habit-building. The core message: true transformation begins with small, daily choices.“Your future is hidden in your daily routine.” - Allison McCune DavisConnect with Veronica:https://www.capstackcommercial.com/veronica-malolos-ccimhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/veronica-malolos-ccim-401649218/Connect with Allison:https://allisonmccunedavis.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/allison-mccune-davis-%E2%AD%90%EF%B8%8F-773248108/#womeninbusiness #CRE #commercialrealestate #businesspodcast #realestatepodcast #commercialbroker #entrepreneur #CCIM #sixtyisagoodstart

In this insightful episode, I sit down with Dr. Camille Preston, business psychologist, executive coach, and founder of AIM Leadership, to explore how embracing life’s challenges can unlock true growth and fulfillment.Camille shares her journey from growing up in New England to working in Africa, on Capitol Hill, and ultimately founding AIM Leadership in 2004. Her path was shaped by a pivotal moment on 9/11, when she witnessed law enforcement leaders grappling with unprecedented responsibilities—an experience that inspired her life’s work in leadership development and inner mastery.As an author of three books—Rewired, Create More Flow, and her newest release, Living Real—Camille empowers leaders to navigate complexity, face hard things, and reconnect with their authentic selves. She opens up about personal challenges, including the profound loss of five loved ones in five months, and how stepping back into nature and listening inward helped her reclaim joy and resilience.Camille’s story is a masterclass in courage, service, and self-awareness.“If we were all listening to that inner compass, we would be guided.” – Dr. Camille PrestonConnect with Veronica:https://www.capstackcommercial.com/veronica-malolos-ccimhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/veronica-malolos-ccim-401649218/Connect with Dr. Camille:https://www.camillepreston.com/abouthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/camillepreston/#womeninbusiness #CRE #commercialrealestate #businesspodcast #realestatepodcast #commercialbroker #entrepreneur #CCIM #wealthwisewomen #livingreal

This week on Women Influencers, we compiled three of the great questions my guests have asked me. I am honored to have the opportunity to chat with amazing, influential women on the podcast and it is always an honor to consider and respond to insightful inquiries.Amy Calandrino asked how about a challenging moment in my career.Elise Russell asked me what advice I give myself when I'm struggling.Christy Gessler asked what drives me to do the podcast.Watch to find out how I answered!Connect with Veronica:https://www.capstackcommercial.com/veronica-malolos-ccimhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/veronica-malolos-ccim-401649218/#womeninbusiness #CRE #commercialrealestate #businesspodcast #realestatepodcast #commercialbroker #entrepreneur

In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Nemesie Esteves, CCIM, co-founder of Bison Construction, whose journey from humble beginnings to industry leadership is powered by bold decisions and relentless curiosity. Born in Puerto Rico and raised in Orlando, Nemesie grew up on job sites, helping with family construction projects and learning firsthand the value of transformation—of spaces and of self.After earning her undergraduate degree, Nemesie and her husband sold everything and traveled the world—from hiking national parks in a Toyota Matrix to backpacking Spain’s Camino de Santiago and managing an eco-hotel project in Thailand. But with their sights set on legacy, they returned home to Florida to launch Bison Construction, a company inspired by both their journey and their roots.Nemesie shares how saying “yes” to every opportunity—whether founding a business, working for a developer, or jumping into commercial real estate—helped her grow her skills and her confidence. Her pursuit of excellence led her to earn her Master’s in Real Estate, a General Contractor’s license, and the CCIM designation—not for the credentials alone, but to ensure that her work would speak for itself.Today, she mentors the next generation of professionals and reflects on how meaningful it is to empower others just starting out.“Don’t wait for permission.” - Nemesie Esteves, CCIMConnect with Veronica:https://www.capstackcommercial.com/veronica-malolos-ccimhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/veronica-malolos-ccim-401649218/Connect with Nemesie:https://bisonconstruction.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/nemesie-esteves-msre-ccim-b4b337189/#womeninbusiness #CRE #commercialrealestate #businesspodcast #realestatepodcast #commercialbroker #entrepreneur #CCIM #GameProperties

In this episode, I spoke with Charlotte Ustler, Principal at Ustler Development, whose passion for thoughtful city-building is rooted in her upbringing. Raised by a father who was a regional urban planner and a mother who led grantmaking for the Dr. Phillips Foundation, Charlotte was immersed in conversations about responsible development and community impact from a young age. That foundation led her to pursue a career in commercial real estate, beginning at just 18 years old. Her journey included 14 years at Kimco Realty, the nation’s largest owner of neighborhood shopping centers, where she managed multi-state portfolios and honed her skills in community-focused development.Charlotte shares her bold decision to leave a corporate role to join her husband at Ustler Development, where they now lead transformative urban projects in Orlando. She opens up about the challenges of being underestimated early in her career and how she used that to her advantage at the negotiation table. One of her proudest achievements is Creative Village—a 68-acre public-private redevelopment in Downtown Orlando that combines education, workforce development, affordable housing, and innovative community programs that uplift the historically underserved Parramore neighborhood.“Don’t be afraid to do the work.” - Charlotte UstlerConnect with Veronica:https://www.capstackcommercial.com/veronica-malolos-ccimhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/veronica-malolos-ccim-401649218/Connect with Charlotte:https://www.instagram.com/citylovecam/?hl=enhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/charlotte-ustler-36908410#womeninbusiness #CRE #commercialrealestate #businesspodcast #realestatepodcast #commercialbroker #entrepreneur #CCIM