In episode 184, I’m joined by Ilene Marcus, a Techstars Global Facilitator, author, and CEO of Aligned Workplace. We talk about why entrepreneurs need a real support network, why keeping ideas secret slows progress, and how leadership starts with self-awareness.
Ilene shares how generational trauma and blind spots show up in business, what she’s learned from working with founders through Techstars, and why managing yourself is often the most overlooked leadership skill. We also dig into asking for what you want, choosing rooms that serve your future self, and knowing when and how to speak up.
This episode is especially relevant for Gen X women solopreneurs who want sustainable growth without isolation, performative confidence, or grinding it out alone.
👉 Learn more and get the full show notes at kandasrodarte.com/184
00:00 Why entrepreneurs need a support network
00:40 Stop keeping your ideas secret
03:45 Generational trauma and blind spots
09:10 Awareness, mirrors, and unlearning patterns
12:55 What Techstars does for entrepreneurs
18:10 Choosing rooms that serve your future self
21:30 Getting fired for someone else’s fraud
24:45 How the book Managing Annoying People was born
30:20 Ask for what you want
33:40 Manage yourself before managing others
36:40 Nonverbal cues, triggers, and blind spots
39:55 Three questions to ask before you speak
44:05 Using AI to stay present
47:10 Keep trying, use data and intuition
49:30 Moment of gratitude
Gratitude Geek is the business education podcast for Gen X women solopreneurs who weave gratitude and appreciation into their business strategy. Hosted by metastatic breast cancer thriver, Kandas Rodarte, who co-creates spaces, opportunities, and conversations for women business owners.
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