Title: How to use rejection (coupled with a clear WHY) to supercharge your next big career or life move: Denise Woodard, founder/CEO, Partake Foods (Episode 189)

THIS WEEK’S TOPIC: 

Reframing and staying curious is a big part of building influence in your life. But that can be difficult when your big idea keeps getting rejected. What’s the secret to staying in the game even when you feel beaten down and demoralized? 

This week’s guest shares her journey from inspiration to side hustle to multi-million dollar startup and industry disruptor. She’ll teach you what she learned! 

THIS WEEK’S GUEST: 

Denise Woodard is a determined mom who set out to find safe snacks for her daughter Vivian who suffers from life threatening allergies. Denise’s search led her right back to her own kitchen where a side-hustle that quickly turned into a growing startup business was born. 

Denise is the founder and CEO of Partake Foods. Partake is a nationally distributed allergy-friendly snack and baking mix company. You can find Partake in more than 6,000 retailers or here. 

A former marketing executive at Coca-Cola, Denise is also the first woman of color to raise more than a million dollars in seed capital for a food startup. She’s now left that number in the dust after attracting the attention of some big name investors including Jay Z and Rhianna to name but two. But Denise’s success came only after enduring almost 100 rejections, and lots of lessons learned. 

KEY THEMES FROM THIS EPISODE: 

IS YOUR BUSINESS IDEA WORTH CASHING IN YOUR SAVINGS OR 401K? Denise shares the questions you should ask yourself before pouring all your money into your business. 

BE OPEN TO THE SIGNALS AND MESSAGES THAT MAY COME FROM UNLIKELY SOURCES: As Denise was thinking about whether to invest fully in her company, she got feedback from an unlikely source. 

THE VALUE OF REJECTION How can you come out stronger on the other side? And how to balance it against your “why”

WHY LEARNING HOW TO MARKET YOUR IDEA (OR YOURSELF) IS THE SUREST STRATEGY FOR A WINNING PITCH

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE BECOMING AN ENTREPRENEUR

DEALING WITH SELF-DOUBT AND IMPOSTER SYNDROME: One of my favorite moments in this conversation actually comes toward the end when I asked Denise about self-doubt and imposter syndrome. You will love what she says, so be sure you don’t miss it. 

Denise’s book recommendation: “Believe IT” by Jamie Kern Lima

THIS CONVERSATION IS PART OF OUR ONGOING COLLABORATION SERIES WITH THE SOUTHERN COTERIE:  The Southern Coterie is a network of creative founders and entrepreneurs who are working to build strong businesses, while supporting each other in the process. It’s a terrific organizaiton and I’m honred to be a member and to host this important series. I’ve learned so much, and I hope you have too. If you’ve missed any of the conversations in this series, be sure to go back and check them out. You’ll find them at She Said/She Said Podcast or wherever you listen to podcasts.  

Regardless of your career or life aspirations, I think you’ll find the advice and inspiration you’ll hear is a great investment in you! 

TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK? 

I’d love your feedback on this or any of our episodes. You can DM me on Instagram @LauraCoxKaplan or use the website contact link. And, if you’re enjoying she said/she said podcast and finding value from these conversations, please be sure to FOLLOW, SUBSCRIBE AND LEAVE A REVIEW! I’m truly grateful. 

Thanks for listening, and for making this investment in YOU!

ADDITIONAL EPISODE LINKS: 

About Denise Woodard

Partake Foods

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