The Cyber Savvy Woman

In this episode of The Cyber Savvy Woman, Rachele Schainker sits down with Lisa Avila, nonprofit strategist and founder of Poppy Grove, for an inspiring conversation about purpose, legacy, and helping women create meaningful impact through mission-driven work. Drawing on her experience in the nonprofit sector, Lisa shares how women can build organizations that not only serve their communities but also create lasting change for future generations.
Together, Rachele and Lisa explore what it really takes to build a sustainable nonprofit, from creating strong systems and securing diverse funding to setting healthy boundaries that prevent burnout. They discuss why nonprofit leaders shouldn't have to sacrifice their financial well-being for their mission, the importance of strategic planning, and how the right processes can help organizations grow while staying true to their purpose.
The conversation also touches on the role of technology and AI in the nonprofit world, with Lisa sharing how digital tools can improve productivity, strengthen communication, and help organizations reach more people without losing the human connection that drives meaningful impact. She also offers thoughtful advice on recognizing burnout, protecting your time, and creating space to lead with intention instead of exhaustion.
Whether you're leading a nonprofit, thinking about starting one, or simply looking to build a life and business with greater purpose, this episode offers practical insights on creating sustainable impact, embracing thoughtful leadership, and building a legacy that extends far beyond yourself.
Connect with Lisa Avila:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisaavila.co/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lisaavila.co
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisaavilaco/

In this episode of The Cyber Savvy Woman, Rachele Schainker sits down with Marissa Stahl, founder and CEO of Cherry Creative, for an insightful conversation about what it really takes to build a successful brand in today's digital world. With a background in theater and years of experience leading a full-service marketing agency, Marissa shares how storytelling, strategy, and authenticity come together to create meaningful connections with customers.
Together, Rachele and Marissa explore why modern marketing is about far more than posting on social media. They discuss the importance of creating a consistent brand experience across every marketing channel, building genuine relationships with audiences, and helping founders understand the difference between marketing that builds trust and sales that drive conversions.
The conversation also dives into the evolving role of AI in marketing, with Marissa sharing how she uses AI to improve workflows and productivity while emphasizing that creativity, storytelling, and authentic human connection can't be replaced. They discuss changing consumer expectations, the rise of founder-led brands, and why people are increasingly drawn to businesses that share real stories and real experiences.
Whether you're growing a business, building your brand, or trying to make sense of today's rapidly changing marketing landscape, this episode offers practical insights into creating authentic connections, strengthening your brand, and using technology in ways that support, not replace the human element.
Learn more about Marissa Stahl and Cherry Creative:
Website: www.cherry-creative.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherrycreative.co/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cherry-creative-la/
 

In this episode of The Cyber Savvy Woman, Rachele Schainker sits down with Jennifer Hancox, founder of The Edna Collective, for a refreshing conversation about entrepreneurship, craftsmanship, and building a business centered on trust and personal connection. Jennifer shares how she transformed her passion for custom jewelry and heirloom redesign into a business that helps clients preserve memories while creating pieces they'll treasure for years to come.
Together, Rachele and Jennifer explore the realities of running a small business, from wearing multiple hats and building strong community connections to finding the right technology to support growth. They discuss how thoughtful systems, cybersecurity best practices, and the right tools can help business owners protect sensitive client information while working more efficiently.
The conversation also highlights the emotional value behind custom jewelry, with Jennifer sharing how redesigning heirloom pieces allows families to honor their history while creating something meaningful for future generations. She also offers practical insights into current jewelry trends, the growing demand for custom designs, and how technology is helping streamline both the creative and operational sides of her business.
Whether you're a business owner looking for inspiration, curious about the role of technology in a creative business, or simply appreciate the stories behind meaningful craftsmanship, this episode offers valuable insights into building a business with purpose, authenticity, and lasting impact.
Learn more about Jennifer Hancox and The Edna Collective at:
TheEdnaCollective.com
 
 
 

In this episode of The Cyber Savvy Woman, Rachele Schainker sits down with Kathryn Nunez, founder of Revenue Alchemy, for an engaging conversation about building smarter sales and marketing systems that help businesses grow without adding unnecessary complexity. With more than 30 years of experience in sales, business development, and marketing strategy, Kathryn shares how founders can create sustainable growth by focusing on clarity, consistency, and the right processes.
Together, Rachele and Kathryn explore the common challenges that hold businesses back, from unclear messaging and underused technology to inconsistent lead generation and founder-led sales. They discuss why more leads won't solve a broken system, how businesses can remove friction from the customer journey, and what it takes to build marketing and sales processes that are both scalable and effective.
The conversation also dives into the practical use of AI, with Kathryn sharing how she uses automation and AI-powered workflows to streamline repetitive tasks, uncover insights, and help clients make better decisions. Rather than replacing human expertise, she explains how AI can become a valuable partner in creating more efficient systems while allowing business owners to focus on what they do best.
Whether you're a founder looking to improve your sales process, refine your messaging, or make better use of AI in your business, this episode offers practical insights to help you build stronger systems, work more efficiently, and create long-term, sustainable growth.
Learn more about Kathryn Nunez and Revenue Alchemy at: https://revenuealchemy.net/more-leads-will-not-fix-a-broken-system/
 

In this episode of The Cyber Savvy Woman, Rachele Schainker sits down with Alice Shikina, founder of Shikina Mediation and Arbitration, for a thoughtful conversation about navigating conflict with confidence, clarity, and respect. With a unique background spanning acting, negotiation, and dispute resolution, Alice shares how the skills of listening, understanding emotions, and finding common ground can transform the way we approach difficult conversations.
Together, Rachele and Alice explore the differences between mediation and arbitration, why workplace conflicts are often more complex than they appear, and how shifting from positions to shared interests can lead to more meaningful outcomes. They also discuss practical communication techniques, the importance of emotional intelligence in business, and how AI is expanding access to mediation while reinforcing the value of human connection.
Whether you're a business owner, team leader, or someone looking to improve your communication skills, this episode offers practical insights on resolving conflict, strengthening relationships, and approaching challenging conversations with greater confidence.
Connect with Alice on
Official Website: https://www.shikinamediation.com/
Book a Free Mediation Consultation: https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/bookings/free-mediation-consult
Yelp Reviews: https://www.yelp.com/biz/shikina-mediation-and-arbitration-oakland
Negotiation with Alice: https://www.negotiationwithalice.com/
 

In this episode of The Cyber Savvy Woman, Rachele Schainker sits down with Hersh Rephun, founder of Yes Brand Builders, for a thought-provoking conversation about personal branding, authority, and why the way people perceive you often matters long before they experience your work. Hersh shares why the strongest brands aren't built through louder marketing, but through greater clarity about who you are, what you stand for, and the unique value only you can offer.
Together, Rachele and Hersh explore why so many business owners struggle to clearly communicate what they do, how small shifts in messaging can open the door to new opportunities, and why your reputation is being shaped whether you're actively managing it or not. They discuss the importance of creating a consistent message across every touchpoint, making it easier for people to understand who you are and what you do, and building a brand that grows alongside your business.
The conversation also dives into entrepreneurship, podcasting, technology, and AI, with Hersh sharing how embracing new tools has helped him expand his reach while staying true to his authentic voice. Along the way, Rachele reflects on her own experiences with branding, making this an honest and relatable discussion for founders navigating growth and visibility.
Whether you're launching a business, refining your personal brand, or looking to stand out in an increasingly crowded digital world, this episode offers practical insights into creating a message that resonates, building lasting authority, and showing up with confidence wherever your business takes you.
Connect with Hersh on: 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hershrephun/
 
Website: http://yesbrandbuilders.com/
 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hersh4all/
 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSWmayfCCT3834qMIScRUSA
 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hersh.rephun
 
Selling the Truth page, which has free resources and the buy link for my book:
https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/#books
 

In this episode of The Cyber Savvy Woman, Rachele Schanker sits down with Shoma Sinha, founder of Vikara, for an insightful conversation about the intersection of finance, technology, and business growth. Drawing on her experience in global banking, financial leadership, and ERP transformation, Shoma shares how modern finance teams can move beyond spreadsheets to build smarter, more agile systems that support better decision-making.
Together, Rachele and Shoma explore what financial transformation really means, why growing businesses often outgrow their existing processes, and how automation and AI are reshaping the future of finance. They discuss the importance of aligning people, processes, and technology, the growing role of cybersecurity in protecting financial systems, and why businesses should approach AI with a clear strategy rather than rushing to adopt every new tool.
The conversation also touches on entrepreneurship, building credibility as a founder, and the unique challenges of leading a business at the intersection of finance and technology. Shoma shares practical advice for business owners looking to modernize their operations while staying focused on long-term growth and resilience.
Whether you're scaling a business, navigating digital transformation, or curious about how AI is changing the finance landscape, this episode offers valuable insights on building stronger systems, making more informed decisions, and preparing your business for what's next.
Connect with Shoma Sinha:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shoma-sinha-12b30148/
 

In this episode of The Cyber Savvy Woman, Rachele Schainker is joined by Josiah Lorsung, founder of Odin Marketing House, for an insightful conversation about the changing world of B2B marketing, brand authority, and the growing influence of AI on how businesses are discovered online. With years of experience helping businesses grow through practical, results-driven strategies, Josiah shares why successful marketing is built on trust, clarity, and understanding human psychology, not on chasing the latest trends.
Together, Rachele and Josiah explore what sets B2B marketing apart, why building credibility takes time, and how businesses can strengthen their online presence by focusing on authentic relationships instead of quick wins. They also discuss the evolving role of AI in search, what business owners should know about the future of SEO, and why creating genuine trust signals has never been more important.
Whether you're a business owner, entrepreneur, or marketing professional, this episode offers practical insights into building a brand that stands out, adapting to an AI-driven digital landscape, and creating marketing strategies that deliver long-term results.
Connect with Josiah Lorsung: https://odinmarketinghouse.com/
 

In this episode of The Cyber Savvy Woman, Rachele Schainker welcomes filmmaker, creative entrepreneur, and founder of Coffee Cup Productions, Olga Gabris, for an inspiring conversation about the intersection of technology, storytelling, and entrepreneurship. After a successful career in product management at leading tech companies, Olga made the leap into filmmaking, driven by a passion for creating stories that help people feel seen, understood, and connected.
Together, Rachele and Olga explore how authentic storytelling helps businesses build trust, why creativity and technology complement each other, and what it really takes to bring an idea from concept to screen. They discuss the challenges of entrepreneurship, balancing creativity with business, overcoming self-doubt, and the importance of leading with purpose while building meaningful connections with clients and audiences.
Olga also shares her approach to helping businesses tell compelling stories through video, how she creates a comfortable experience for clients who may be camera shy, and why understanding people is at the heart of every successful project. The conversation is filled with practical insights for entrepreneurs, creatives, and anyone considering a career change in pursuit of something more meaningful.
Whether you're building a brand, launching a creative business, or looking for inspiration to take the next step in your own journey, this episode is a reminder that the most powerful stories are the ones that genuinely connect with people.
Connect with Olga Gabris:
Website: https://www.coffeecupproductions.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/olgagabris_/
 

In this episode of The Cyber Savvy Woman, Rachele Schainker is joined by Ron “Coach” Woerner, a cybersecurity trusted advisor, vCISO, educator, keynote speaker, and longtime leader in the security community. Drawing from his experience in the Air Force, government, education, and consulting, Ron shares why cybersecurity isn't about fear, it's about awareness, confidence, and building resilience in an increasingly digital world.
Together, Rachel and Ron explore the evolving cyber threat landscape facing small businesses, the rise of AI-powered attacks, why email breaches and phishing remain so effective, and how concepts like zero trust, passkeys, and multi-factor authentication can help organizations strengthen their defenses. They also discuss the importance of translating technical concepts into plain language and why asking the right questions matters more than chasing the latest buzzwords.
The conversation goes beyond technology to highlight the power of community, communication, and leadership. Ron shares practical advice for those looking to break into cybersecurity, explains why Toastmasters can be a game changer for technical professionals, and offers simple but impactful steps every business owner can take to improve their security posture today.
If you've ever felt overwhelmed by cybersecurity or wondered how to make smarter decisions without becoming an expert, this episode offers practical advice and a refreshing perspective on protecting your business and your digital future.