Empowering Women in Entrepreneurship with Robbie Hardy

On this episode of the DealQuest Podcast, Robbie Hardy joins me to discuss her extensive experience as an entrepreneur, author, and investor, particularly focusing on the challenges and triumphs of women in business. As the founder of XELLE Ventures, an angel fund dedicated to investing in female founders, Robbie offers unique insights into the entrepreneurial journey and the importance of empowerment and mentorship.

With a rich background in corporate strategy and consulting for Fortune 500 companies, Robbie is an invaluable resource for understanding the complexities of starting and growing a business. Her mission is to help women find their own confidence and courage, guiding them to be bold and brave in their entrepreneurial ventures.

THE JOURNEY OF AN ENTREPRENEUR

Robbie shares her personal journey, starting from childhood and influenced by her determination to avoid abusive relationships, which shaped her strength and ability to stand up for herself. Her entrepreneurial path began with buying and selling Roseville pottery and led to her first significant exit, where a creative negotiation strategy with Seagate played a pivotal role.

She emphasizes the importance of thinking outside the box and taking risks without fully knowing how to achieve the desired outcome, trusting that solutions will emerge along the way.

NAVIGATING CHALLENGES AND EMPOWERING WOMEN

Robbie and I discuss the specific challenges women face in business, especially in negotiations, and the critical need for women to assert their value. Robbie shares her approach to mentoring women, encouraging them to take risks and view setbacks as opportunities for growth.

We also explore the ongoing struggle for gender equality and the vital role of empowerment in overcoming societal challenges. Robbie stresses the importance of women seeing role models who look like them in the investment world and shares her journey of overcoming her own biases when supporting female founders.


MENTORING AND ANGEL INVESTING

Robbie's post-exit journey includes extensive angel investing, mentoring, and authoring books focused on women's entrepreneurial paths. She has been involved in angel investing since 1995, sitting on boards, and coaching startup CEOs. Her dedication to making a positive impact is evident through her continuous support of women in both corporate and entrepreneurial spaces.

She highlights the importance of understanding business dynamics and the ability to pivot as key factors in successful angel investing. Robbie discusses the knowledge gap in angel investing among women and the need for education, noting generational differences in investment attitudes. Despite challenges, she is optimistic about the increasing number of women investors and their growing influence in the industry.

CONCLUSION: EMPOWERMENT AND IMPACT

Robbie's commitment to empowering women spans her career, from mentoring her secretary to her current role mentoring at Duke University. She underscores the importance of building one's own wealth and supporting each other in the entrepreneurial journey.

In conclusion, Robbie shares her views on freedom, emphasizing the significance of helping others and being true to oneself in both personal and professional contexts.

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For my full discussion with Robbie Hardy, and more on this topic and topics not featured in this blog post:
Listen to the Full DealQuest Podcast Episode Here
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FOR MORE ON ROBBIE HARDY:
Robbie Hardy's LinkedIn
Robbie Hardy's Website

FOR MORE ON COREY KUPFER:
Corey Kupfer's LinkedIn
Corey Kupfer's Website
DealDen

Corey Kupfer is an expert strategist, negotiator, and dealmaker. He has more than 35 years of professional deal-making and negotiating experience. Corey is a successful entrepreneur, attorney, consultant, author, and professional speaker. He is deeply passionate about deal-driven growth. He is also the creator and host of the DealQuest Podcast.
 
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