(un)conversations Podcast | S1.E16
From Mother to Daughter: Cristina Torres on Leading a Legacy Winery into the Future

In this episode, Dr. Alison sits down with Cristina Torres — general manager of Marimar Estate and daughter of a legendary California winemaker — for an inspiring conversation about legacy, leadership, and innovation in the wine industry.

Cristina shares how she's honoring her family's rich winemaking heritage while forging her own path and modernizing one of California's most iconic legacy wineries. From championing sustainability to embracing bold new wine styles, she offers a refreshing take on what it means to lead in today’s wine world.

Whether you're a wine enthusiast, aspiring entrepreneur, or simply love a great story of growth and purpose, this episode delivers powerful insights on navigating tradition while embracing change.

🍷 Tune in now to explore the future of winemaking through the eyes of a next-gen trailblazer.

🎙 Episode Highlights:

• Generational Leadership: Cristina reflects on stepping into leadership with vision, heart, and authenticity.

• The (UN)word Effect™: Discover the three “un” words that define Cristina’s personal and professional journey.

• Tradition vs. Innovation: How Cristina balances respecting legacy while driving bold, modern changes.

• Family & Influence: The pivotal role her mother played in shaping her values and leadership approach.

• Unifying Leadership: Building a collaborative, people-first culture in a family-run business.

💡 Key Takeaways:

• Embracing both tradition and innovation is key to evolving a family business.

• Strong support systems — especially family — fuel leadership and personal growth.

• Unconventional paths often lead to the most fulfilling outcomes.

👍 Like, Comment & Subscribe for more inspiring conversations on leadership and purpose.

🎧 Listen & Subscribe @(un)conversationsSpotify | Apple Podcasts | Amazon Music | iHeart Radio
📺 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/VUNIm00t4mE
🔔 New episodes every month — turn on notifications so you never miss out!

Connect with Us
🔹 Creator & Host Dr. Alison Schmidt, CEO of Unconvention
IG: @alsphdbcc | @unconventionllc | @unconversationspodcast
LinkedIn: Alison L. Schmidt, PhD, BCC
TikTok: @alschmidtphd
Website: unconventionllc.com

🔹 Guest Cristina Torres, GM at Marimar Estate Vineyards & Winery
Website: marimarestate.com
IG: @marimarestate | FB: Marimar Estate
📍 Book a Visit: Our Tasting Room
📍 Events: Wine Club Events

📍 Episode Chapters:
0:00 – Intro
1:21 – The Torres Legacy
3:08 – Cristina's Leadership Journey
19:27 – Challenges & Innovation
30:10 – Family & Business
46:22 – Reflections & Future Vision
52:02 – Closing Notes

#unconversationspodcast #CristinaTorres #LegacyWinery #WomenInWine #WineLeadership #SustainableWinemaking #WineInnovation #TheUNwordEffect #ModernWinemaking #DrAlisonSchmidt

(un)conversations podcast | S1.E15 - Beauty Brands on the Rise: From Billion-to-Million to Growth Phase Companies & Success Secrets

Join Dr. Alison as she sits down with Stacey Tank, CEO of Bespoke Beauty Brands, to explore her remarkable journey—from nuclear power and finance to communications, beer, and finally the vibrant world of beauty. Through the lens of 'the (UN)word effect™', Stacey reflects on the empowering "(un)words" that have fueled her growth both a leader and personally. As a mother of two boys, she shares how her diverse experiences shaped her leadership style and helped her balance family life along with an executive-level career with significant responsibilities.

About Our Guest:Stacey Tank is a visionary leader behind Bespoke Beauty Brands, home to high-growth beauty brands such as JasonWu Beauty & KimChiChic Beauty. She has led companies from billion-to-million to growth phase, pioneered social commerce strategies on TikTok, and has emphasized inclusive leadership, radical transparency, and innovation. Stacey is also a devoted mother who has navigated long-distance relationships while pursuing ambitious career goals, offering unique insights on resilience and personal choices.

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In this episode, Stacey dives into leadership challenges including:

💄 Transitioning from corporate experience to growth phase business

💄 Leveraging social media platforms like TikTok for retail success

💄 Creating psychologically safe and innovative work environments

💄 Advocating for radical transparency and diversity in business

💄 Managing long-distance relationships while nurturing personal and professional goals

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Key Takeaways:

🪞 How to build a successful, inclusive, and body-positive beauty brand

🪞Balancing motherhood with a high-level career

🪞Navigating the challenges of social media and fast-paced business

🪞The importance of radical transparency, innovation, and diversity

🪞Lessons from leading billion-dollar corporations and growing a gazelle company

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💡 Don’t miss our upcoming episodes! Turn on notifications to stay updated on new episodes.

👉 LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more episodes on leadership and personal growth! Listen to the (un)conversations podcast while you're on-the-go!

🎧 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@unconversations?sub_confirmation=1🎧 @(un)conversations available wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts: Spotify, Apple Podcast, Amazon Music & iHeart Radio. New episodes dropping every month.💬 Comment on your favorite insight from this episode!

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Learn more about Dr. Alison Schmidt, CEO of Unconvention & Host of (un)conversations podcast.

Instagram: / @alsphdbcc /@unconventionllc / @unconversationspodcast

Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-l-schmidt-phd-bcc/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alschmidtphd

The (un)conversations podcast: https://www.unconventionllc.com/podcast

Website: https://www.unconventionllc.com/

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Learn more about Stacey Tank, CEO of Bespoke Beauty Brands

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/staceytank/

Bespoke Beauty Brands LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bespoke-beauty-brands/posts/

Instagram: @StaceyTank / @TankTalksGo / @KimChiChicBeauty / @JasonWuBeauty

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Episode Chapters:

0:00 -Introduction

2:15 - Stacey’s eclectic career journey

6:50 -Lessons from corporate to startup

12:30 - Balancing family and leadership

18:45 - Growth strategies for beauty brands

25:00 - TikTok and social commerce insights

32:10 - Inclusive leadership and workplace culture

40:00 - Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs

44:30 – Closing thoughts

#DrAlisonSchmidt #unconvention #unconversationspocast #theUNwordeffect #StaceyTank #undeterred #unafraid #unconventional #BespokeBeautyBrands #theUNwordeffect #SocialMediaMarketing #jasonwubeauty #kimchichicbeauty #WomenCEO #leadershipexcellence #executivecoaching #executiveconsulting #growthphasecompanies

(un)conversations podcast | S1.E14 - Investing in Women: Julie Castro Abrams on Leadership & Empowering Change | (un)conversations

Join us for a powerful episode of (un)conversations with Julie Castro Abrams, founder and managing partner of How Women Invest. In this inspiring discussion, we explore what it truly means to invest in women, build confidence as leaders, and create long-lasting impact through values-driven investment strategies.

🌟 What you’ll learn in this episode:

Why embracing visibility and unapologetic leadership is critical for women, especially at pivotal stages like turning 50. The biggest funding challenges small businesses face — and practical solutions like microloans, credit cards, and alternative funding options.The risks of venture capital include how founders can lose control of their business if they’re not careful. The disparities women of color face in venture capital and why diverse investment matters for innovation. How aligning investment strategies with personal values can create more sustainable success.Actionable tips for new angel investors on how to evaluate risks, build networks, and get started in venture capital.

💡 Pro Tips & Tricks for Entrepreneurs and Investors:

1. Always research funding options before committing—sometimes smaller, flexible loans are better than large-scale VC deals.

2. Build a support system of mentors and peers who can guide you in both leadership and financial decisions.

3. If you’re new to investing, start small but strategic — don’t chase trends, focus on long-term value.

4. Visibility is power: Don’t hide your achievements. Share your story to inspire others and attract opportunities.

5. For women in leadership: Confidence grows with action. The more you take up space, the more influence you create.

✨ This episode is not just about money — it’s about personal growth, leadership, and redefining success on your own terms. Julie also shares how sports, self-awareness, and supportive relationships play a vital role in shaping effective leaders.

🔑 Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a small business owner, or a future angel investor, this conversation will leave you with the tools and mindset to invest wisely, lead boldly, and make a difference.

👉 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more episodes on leadership, investment, and personal growth!

#WomenInLeadership #InvestInWomen #VentureCapital #SmallBusinessFunding #WomenOfColor #AngelInvesting #LeadershipDevelopment #FinancialFreedom #Entrepreneurship #UnapologeticLeadership #InvestingInWomen #WomenEmpowerment #FemaleEntrepreneurs #WomenSupportingWomen #humannatureandyourenough #InvestingInWomen#JulieCastroAbrams #LeadershipTips #VentureCapital #WomenInBusiness#EmpoweringChange #PersonalGrowth #FemaleEntrepreneurs #LeadershipAndInvestment#BusinessLeadership

---Learn more about Dr. Alison Schmidt, CEO of Unconvention & (un)conversations podcast

Instagram: / @alsphdbcc /@unconventionllc / @unconversationspodcast

Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-l-schmidt-phd-bcc/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alschmidtphd

Facebook: @Alison L Schmidt

The (un)conversations podcast: https://www.unconventionllc.com/podcast

Website: https://www.unconventionllc.com/

---Learn more about Julie Castro Abrams, Founder of How Women Invest & Women Who Lead

The sites: https://www.howwomenlead.com/the-movement & https://www.howwomeninvest.com

Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-castro-abrams/

Business LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/howwomeninvest/

Business LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/howwomenlead/

Instagram:IG: @howwomenlead