“You can’t outperform your relationship with money.”
In this episode of Startups in Stilettos, hosts Carlin Bushman and Ingrid Zapata Reed sit down with Ruchi Pinniger, founder and CEO of Watch Her Prosper, to explore the powerful connection between money mindset and business success. After spending nearly two decades as a Wall Street executive, Ruchi left corporate finance to help women founders build healthier relationships with money through financial guidance, bookkeeping support, and mindset coaching. Together, they discuss why so many women avoid their numbers, how childhood experiences shape financial behaviors, and why true prosperity goes far beyond revenue and profit.
From overcoming shame around money to implementing practical habits that create financial confidence, Ruchi shares actionable strategies founders can use to build both wealth and wellbeing. She also introduces her RIR Method (Recognize, Interrupt, Reframe), a simple but powerful framework for transforming limiting beliefs into empowering ones.
What We Talked About:
Leaving Wall Street to Follow a Greater Purpose [3:00]
Why Women Carry Shame Around Money and How It Impacts Business [7:30]
Redefining Prosperity Beyond Revenue and Profit [11:00]
The Power of the RIR (Recognize, Interrupt, Reframe) Method [15:00]
Practical Steps to Build a Healthier Relationship with Money [24:00]
Connect with Ruchi:
@ruchipinniger on Instagram
Ruchi Pinniger on LinkedIn
Connect with Ingrid:
@itsingridsworld on Instagram
Ingrid Zapata-Read on Linkedin
Connect with Carlyn:
@carlynbushmanconsulting on Instagram
Carlyn Bushman 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
Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Startups in Stilettos, powered by the Entreprenista Podcast Network. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeart Radio
Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more startup founders, like you, and have a chance to win a one-on-one mentor and strategy session with Stephanie Cartin.
Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. And for even more exclusive content and information – and to get access to the 8 Secrets to Success in Your Business video course and worksheet – visit our website.
Guests
Ruchi Pinniger
Hosts
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.
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.
Join 2,000+ supportive, ambitious founders in the
Highlights
The Latest
5 Things I’m Prioritizing on LinkedIn as We Close Out 2026
A peek inside what’s actually working right now, and what I’m doubling down on.
Adley Kinsman, Viralish: Mastering Visibility and Viral Content
Automate Your Site with a 1-Month Free Trial
Kartra