In this episode, we delve into the remarkable journey of Joelle Tudor, the founder of CathConnect. Joelle's story is a testament to the power of innovation, determination, and building a strong team. She takes us through her unexpected foray into entrepreneurship, starting with a senior capstone project in engineering that led to the birth of CathConnect.

Joelle shares the moment when a urologist presented a challenging problem – patients frequently removing urinary catheters, which were outdated. This problem became the driving force behind CathConnect. Working closely with the urologist, Joelle and her team embarked on a journey to develop a solution that would revolutionize catheter technology.

The timeline of CathConnect's development is impressive. Joelle's journey began in early 2022, and through hard work, grants, and participation in an accelerator program, they are now on the path to transition from 3D printed designs to injection molds. Their goal is to obtain FDA clearance by 2025 and start selling their innovative catheter technology to hospitals.

Navigating the FDA process can be intimidating, but Joelle remains undaunted. She emphasizes that their relatively short FDA timeline, combined with a predicate device for comparison, makes the process manageable. CathConnect is dedicated to providing a safer and more effective solution for patients.

Joelle also sheds light on the intricacies of the MedTech industry, with its unique challenges related to reimbursement and purchasing pathways in different care settings. The company's initial focus will be on selling to hospitals, with plans to showcase their product's safety and efficacy through publications and conferences.

Throughout the episode, Joelle shares valuable lessons she's learned as an entrepreneur, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, learning from mentors, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. She also highlights the significance of having a founder friend group to lean on for support and camaraderie.

Joelle's entrepreneurial journey serves as an inspiration to all aspiring founders. Her story underscores the importance of perseverance and embracing every learning opportunity that comes your way. Tune in to this insightful episode to gain valuable insights into the world of entrepreneurship and innovation.

Learn More at: CathConnect

The Wild Feather Podcast

In this episode of the podcast, Leslie Danford, the founder and CEO of Vitaminis, a clean-label functional food and beverage brand, shares her inspiring journey from being laid off to becoming an entrepreneur. Leslie's background is in finance and consulting, but her passion for health and nutrition eventually led her to launch Vitaminis in 2020.

Leslie's entrepreneurial spirit dates back to her childhood when she displayed early signs of business acumen by writing and selling books to her family. Despite her interest in entrepreneurship, Leslie followed a traditional career path, working in large corporations in the beverage and consumer products industry.

The turning point came in 2020 when Leslie was laid off from her job and faced the challenges of being a stay-at-home mom to three young boys amid the COVID-19 pandemic. This period of reflection and necessity led her to consider her passion for health and wellness and the need for products that offer natural, clean-label nutrition.

Leslie's journey to create Vitaminis was a gradual process. She began by conducting extensive research, interviewing friends, family, and colleagues to understand their nutritional needs and challenges. This process helped her refine her idea and focus on immune support, a critical need during the pandemic.

To bring her vision to life, Leslie had to navigate the complex world of formulation and production. She sought guidance from industry experts and conducted meticulous research to find the right partners for product development. Despite the challenges, her determination and persistence paid off.

One of the key takeaways from Leslie's journey is the importance of persistence and resilience. She faced rejection initially but didn't give up. Instead, she continued to build relationships and refine her product until she secured opportunities with retailers like Fresh Time.

Leslie also emphasizes the significance of getting feedback and not striving for perfection from the start. By putting her product out into the market and listening to customer feedback, she was able to make necessary improvements and adjustments.

Currently, Vitaminis is available in various retail stores, and Leslie continues to connect directly with customers through their website. Her story serves as a testament to the power of determination, adaptability, and the pursuit of one's passion in the world of entrepreneurship.

Learn More at: Vitaminis

The Wild Feather Podcast

In this empowering episode of The Wild Feather, we sit down with the remarkable Julie Gordon White, CEO of Menowell and a true entrepreneurial visionary. Julie's journey from the corporate world to entrepreneurship is a testament to following one's passions and instincts. She shares valuable insights on the power of niching down, the challenges and lessons learned from launching Menowell during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the importance of normalizing conversations around menopause. Julie's personal experiences have driven her to make a profound impact in women's lives, and her story will inspire aspiring entrepreneurs, especially women, to pursue their dreams with unwavering determination.

Episode Highlights:

1. From Corporate to Entrepreneurship: Julie's unconventional journey from a successful corporate career to entrepreneurship and how it all began with becoming a business broker.

2. The Power of Niching Down: Julie's experience in niching down and becoming an expert in a specific industry, leading to the success of her business brokerage firm.

3. Menowell: Empowering Women Through Menopause: The inspiration behind starting Menowelll, a company dedicated to helping women navigate the challenges of menopause, and the personal journey that led to its creation.

4. Launching Menowell During the Pandemic: How Julie and her team navigated the unique challenges of launching Menowelll during the COVID-19 pandemic and the lessons learned in resilience and adaptability.

5. Normalizing Conversations About Menopause: The role of Menowell in breaking the stigma around menopause and providing a platform for open and empowering discussions.

6. Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Julie's words of wisdom for those looking to start their own businesses, including thinking big, starting where you are, and surrounding yourself with the right team.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration, entrepreneurial guidance, and insights into making a positive impact on women's lives through entrepreneurship and open conversations. Tune in to discover Julie Gordon White's incredible journey and her commitment to empowering women during the transformative phase of menopause.

Click here to learn more My Menowell

The Wild Feather Podcast