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“If you don't open up and share your story, you're never going to find the people who are meant to find you and that you're meant to find.”
In this special live episode of Startups in Stilettos, host Ingrid Zapata-Read sit down with three accomplished Entreprenista members—Emily, founder of Electric Collab; LinkedIn strategist Natasha Walstra; and trademark attorney Lauren—to explore how collaboration, authenticity, and community have transformed their businesses.
From landing first clients and creating powerful referral partnerships to protecting your brand and overcoming imposter syndrome, this conversation is packed with actionable networking advice for founders at every stage. The panel shares practical tips on following up after events, finding complementary business partners, building trust before making a sale, and why collaboration will always outperform competition.
What We Talked About:
Why Community Matters [1:06]
Natasha: LinkedIn Strategy [6:02]
Lauren: Protecting Your Brand [10:55]
Making Meaningful Event Connections [16:59]
Getting Outside Your Comfort Zone [21:13]
Closing: Be Open and Vulnerable [24:21]
Connect with Ingrid:
@itsingridsworld on Instagram
Ingrid Zapata-Read on Linkedin
Connect with Emily:
@heyemilypaulsen on Instagram
Emily Paulsen on LinkedIn
Connect with Natasha:
@nearpoint.strategies on Instagram
Natasha Walstra on LinkedIn
Connect with Lauren:
@storylocklegal on Instagram
Lauren Bercuson on LinkedIn
Members of our Entreprenista League get access to live Office Hours with top founders that have been on our show! Join the Entreprenista League today! We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!
Get Featured on Startups in Stilettos
Want a chance to be featured on Startups in Stilettos? We’re currently accepting applications from our Entreprenista League members to be featured on the show! Think of the Entreprenista League as your team members in what can be a lonely startup founder’s journey. You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded female startup founders who are making an impact in business every day, special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, the opportunity to have your story featured on our website, social channels – and, of course, the Startups in Stilettos podcast – and so much MORE!
Grow Your Startup with Startups in Stilettos
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Guests
Lauren Bercuson
Founder of Storylock Legal where she helps entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of intellectual property
Natasha Walstra
Emily Paulsen
Hosts
Ingrid Zapata Read
Grow With Community
Ingrid Zapata Read is a community strategist and founder of Grow With Community. She helps businesses get closer to the people they serve and build stronger, more intentional relationships around their mission.
After building a global community for moms of over 200,000 members, and through her experience in sales, startups, and customer experience, Ingrid brings a people-first perspective to growth across industries. She’s known for her thoughtful, practical approach and believes community building should be a part of every business strategy.
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