“Just get started, right? Progress over perfection. What I teach all the time, what I coach, what I consult on, progress over perfection.”
On this episode of Startups in Stilettos, hosts Carlyn Bushman and Ingrid Zapata-Read sit down with award-winning podcaster and coach Heidy De La Cruz to unpack the real journey behind building a podcast that’s not just a passion project—but a powerful business tool.
Heidi shares how she turned a simple desire to tell stories into her two-time award-winning show, The American Dream in the Eyes of Immigrants, and how those deeply human conversations have created a lasting impact for listeners around the world.
What We Talked About:
The Birth of a Podcast Idea [2:16]
Creating a Safe Space for Guests [10:26]
Navigating Personal Challenges [18:56]
Helping Others Launch Podcasts [23:01]
Final Takeaways and Advice [34:57]
Connect with Heidy:
@heidy.delacruz13 on Instagram
Heidy de la Cruz on LinkedIn
Listen to Heidy’s award-winning episode
Connect with Carlyn:
@carlynbushmanconsulting on Instagram
Carlyn Bushman on LinkedIn
Connect with Ingrid:
@itsingridsworld on Instagram
Ingrid Zapata-Read on Linkedin
Want to learn more about joining us at Founders Weekend or joining the Entreprenista League? Schedule a call with the Entreprenista team here
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
Heidy de la Cruz
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.
Carlyn Bushman
Carlyn Bushman is a seasoned business consultant, entrepreneur, and advocate for female founders. She founded POP Business Academy to empower women entrepreneurs with tools for building sustainable, profitable businesses. As CEO of Carlyn Bushman Consulting, she specializes in helping product- and service-based business owners navigate financials, marketing, and growth strategies. With extensive corporate experience, Carlyn, a mom in a blended family and lifelong learner, has been featured on Good Morning America and in Times Square. She's here to help you make money and stay in business.
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