After earning her degree in journalism from the University of Oregon, she worked in Boston’s publishing industry until returning to the rural family business in 1991. Soon after, she was joined by her winemaking sister and the two young women trailblazed the growing tide of female vintners. Simultaneously, they grew the business from an annual production of 10,000 to over 50,000 cases and increased its vineyard holdings from 20 to 140 acres. This ownership distinguished Ponzi Vineyards as the nation’s only winery solely owned and operated by second-generation sisters at the time. 

She is recognized for establishing a premiere travel destination with the opening of the valley’s first seated wine experience among other visitor attractions in the area. Her memoir ‘Pinot Girl’ was released in celebration of the winery’s 50th Anniversary in 2020. A year later, she and her sister successfully negotiated the sale of the winery to the esteemed French house Société Jacques Bollinger of Champagne, France. In 2023, she created “The Four-Ounce Pour”, a keynote that reflects on her life in wine and how bringing intentionality and balance into our lives creates greater meaning and impact.

In this episode, Theresa, Ivana, and Maria discussed:

• Elevating your values and discovering your potential 
• Being present in the moment 
• How pivots can lead to deeper understanding 
• Create more meaning in your life 

Key Takeaways:

• Points of pivot may become emotionally challenging, but sometimes they are opportunities for us to align ourselves with our values and elevate our potential. It will also sometimes lead to us discovering our identity. 
• Be present in the moment and enjoy the simple things, especially in today's fast-paced world. Once you’ve taken a pause to reflect, you will become even more ready for greater things. 
• Entrepreneurs and leaders need to understand the significance of giving back, particularly by mentoring and nurturing others, especially women, and being stewards of the land. Transitioning and pivoting in life can lead to a deeper understanding of oneself and the discovery of a personal "keynote" message.
• Slow down and create more meaning in your everyday lives and remember to give back to the community and embrace change as an opportunity for growth and self-discovery.

“I believe anyway that when you are in a leadership position, you have such an amazing opportunity to do more than what is anticipated of you or expected of you.” - Maria Ponzi

Connect with Maria Ponzi:

Website: https://www.amponzi.com/ 

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/amponzico 

Connect with Theresa and Ivana:

Websites:

Theresa, True Strategy Consultants: https://tsc-consultants.com/ 

Ivana, Courageous Being: https://www.courageousbeing.com/ 

Instagram:

Ivana: https://www.instagram.com/courbeing/  

Theresa: https://www.instagram.com/tscconsultants/ 

LinkedIn:

Step into the Pivot: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/step-into-the-pivot/ 

Theresa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tree-conti/

Ivana: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivipol/ 

• Four research-backed strategies to prevent and manage burnout
• The physical, emotional, and mental symptoms of burnout and the importance of addressing them
• Tips on how to have quality self-care 
• Helping others and yourself overcome burnout 

Key Takeaways:

• According to Johns Hopkins, the four things that we can practice to prevent and manage burnout are the following: First is exercise. Second is having a good amount and a good quality of sleep. The third is to seek out happiness or make time for what makes you happy. The fourth and final one on their list is social support. 
• Women carry unique responsibilities that make them more prone to burnout. Menopause and taking care of children for example can cause one to lose a lot of sleep. People who take care of a lot of things should take time to take care of themselves, in order for them to increase their capacity to keep on serving and leading in their lives. 
• In order to have quality self-care, one must consider internal and external restoration. Go on a vacation, and while on vacation, set good boundaries for yourself. Focus on the moment and make sure that your soul is being fed by the pause. 
• Help yourself and others overcome burnout by opening up to a group. Be vulnerable and be honest with what you are feeling and listen without judgment. Be mindful of your inner thoughts, and give yourself healthy, positive, life-giving words. 

“Listen to yourself without judgment.” - Ivana Polonijo

Connect with Theresa and Ivana:

Websites:

Theresa, True Strategy Consultants: https://tsc-consultants.com/ 

Ivana, Courageous Being: https://www.courageousbeing.com/ 

Instagram:

Ivana: https://www.instagram.com/courbeing/  

Theresa: https://www.instagram.com/tscconsultants/ 

LinkedIn:

Step into the Pivot: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/step-into-the-pivot/ 

Theresa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tree-conti/

Ivana: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivipol/ 

In this episode, Theresa, Ivana, and Nick discussed:

• Embracing your true identity 
• The power of storytelling 
• Openness and self-discovery 

Key Takeaways:

• Don’t equate your self-worth and identity to achievements. Achievements, even when they are accomplished, will come and go. It will leave a void once the achievement has been completed. Let go of external validation and embrace your true identity. 
• Storytelling is innate. It transcends individual experiences and creates communal connections. Authenticity and vulnerability are the key elements to making a good story that will create deeper connections with others. Vulnerability is not easy but it is very powerful. 
• The road toward personal success often doesn’t come from being on a straight path. It takes many winding turns, pivots, and setbacks. Take courage and open your eyes to doors that present the opportunity to experience new things and discover yourself. 

“Perfection was a form of selfishness, ultimately. And when I was able to begin to break that apart, and it took time, it wasn't an overnight thing. It was a process - a shedding of some really habitual patterns taking it from what's in it for me, to ‘how can I help you?’” - Nick Demos 

Connect with Nick Demos:

Website: https://www.thenickdemos.com/ 

Podcast, The Creative Soulpreneur: https://www.thenickdemos.com/TheCreativeSoulpreneurPodcast 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNickDemos/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenickdemos/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7kkKuEAh413WxTWBwU-G0g 

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/nickdemos/ 

Connect with Theresa and Ivana:

Websites:

Theresa, True Strategy Consultants: https://tsc-consultants.com/ 

Ivana, Courageous Being: https://www.courageousbeing.com/ 

Instagram:

Ivana: https://www.instagram.com/courbeing/  

Theresa: https://www.instagram.com/tscconsultants/ 

LinkedIn:

Step into the Pivot: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/step-into-the-pivot/ 

Theresa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tree-conti/

Ivana: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivipol/ 

After 25 years in the financial services industry, Kelly left to start her wellness advisory firm, Power Through Wellness, because she saw first-hand how poor health and poor finances negatively impact those later golden years. She knew there had to be a way to help her fellow mid-lifers right their wellness ship so they could sail with good health into calm future waters. 

In this episode, Theresa, Ivana, and Kelly discussed:

• Why caregivers must care for themselves
• Building a mindset for more health and wealth
• The advantage of having a positive attitude 

Key Takeaways:

• People who have the responsibility to care about people who need it tend to forget to give themselves that very same care and love. A caregiver neglecting their own needs and happiness is a recipe for burnout and unhappiness. 
• Enhancing your health and creating more wealth comes more easily when one goes inward and changes one's mindset. The journey towards growth sometimes comes from bringing into awareness what is within and allowing it to be transformed to fit the desire or goal that you have in mind. 
• A positive attitude, mindset, and outlook will not instantly fix the situation that is going on in your life, but it will make a difficult situation more bearable emotionally and it will encourage the people that you are suffering with.

“I discovered the fact that working with people to help them with their health, will help them with their wealth.” - Kelly Majdan

Connect with Kelly Majdan:

Website: https://www.kellymajdan.com/ 

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089382613223&mibextid=ZbWKwL 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/powerthroughwellness/ 

Connect with Theresa and Ivana:

Websites:

Theresa, True Strategy Consultants: https://tsc-consultants.com/ 

Ivana, Courageous Being: https://www.courageousbeing.com/ 

Instagram:

Ivana: https://www.instagram.com/courbeing/  

Theresa: https://www.instagram.com/tscconsultants/ 

LinkedIn:

Step into the Pivot: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/step-into-the-pivot/ 

Theresa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tree-conti/

Ivana: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivipol/ 

In her downtime, Emily enjoys traveling, cooking, reading, and hiking with her son, daughter, husband, and dogs. She currently serves as a mentor and run lead for Tri It for Life, an organization empowering women of all ages and athletic abilities to train for their first triathlon. She also serves on the board of YMCA Emerging Leaders in Charlotte, as a foster home for ABC Basset Hound rescue, and as a Regional Leader and Carolinas Chapter Chair for WIPN (WE Inspire, Promote, Network) wipn.org, a women's leadership and networking group for women in the retirement industry.

In this episode, Theresa, Ivana, and Emily discussed:

• Growing by slowing down 
• Balance versus Harmony 
• Assuming the best in others 
• Protect your calendar 

Key Takeaways:

• Many times people feel that the meaning of “growth” is to keep getting a bigger title and a bigger salary. However, real growth would sometimes mean that you’d have to pause, slow down, and carefully consider what the most meaningful thing in your life truly is and if you’re spending your limited time with the people who mean a lot to you. 
• Work-life balance is like walking on a tightrope - you have to keep each side of yourself equal in order to stay upright. However, being in balance in this way is still a stressful picture. Harmony is different, it’s about making one side of your life work well with the other, embracing both and discerning which deserves priority in the moment. 
• It’s difficult to see past your own hardships and your own pain. However, when dealing with others, it’s better to always assume the best in them and recognize that they might be going through something heavy in their life. You can only know so much about a person, even if you see them every day. It is best to give people the benefit of the doubt. 
• Learn to say no. You don’t have to say yes to everything and to everyone. Protect your calendar, be mindful of what you’re dedicating your schedule to, and make sure that you are always able to keep your work in harmony with your personal life. When you are given a request, take time to really consider if you should say yes or no to it. 

“[Work-life] balance to me [is] balancing on a tightrope, if you don't have them equal, then you're not going to be balanced. So harmony just feels better. My goal is just that I feel good about both areas. I'm trying to build both [areas] into my life happily.” - Emily Rassam

Connect with Emily Rassam:

Website: https://archerim.com/ , https://archerim.com/team-members/emily-c-rassam/ 

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

Connect with Theresa and Ivana:

Websites:

Theresa, True Strategy Consultants: https://tsc-consultants.com/ 

Ivana, Courageous Being: https://www.courageousbeing.com/ 

Instagram:

Ivana: https://www.instagram.com/courbeing/  

Theresa: https://www.instagram.com/tscconsultants/ 

LinkedIn:

Step into the Pivot: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/step-into-the-pivot/ 

Theresa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tree-conti/

Ivana: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivipol/ 

Joining Fiduciary Decisions (FDI) in November 2020 as Vice President of National Accounts has allowed her to focus close to 25 years of industry experience on FDI’s valuable broker/dealer and RIA clients.

Andrea is very active with WIPN — WE | Inspire | Promote | Network — a non-profit organization focused on advancing equity and opportunity for women in the retirement industry. She currently serves as the Regional Leader for the Pacific Northwest region and had previously co-founded and co-chaired the Oregon chapter. She is also active with the Youth Charity League (YCL) and currently serves on the YCL Board as Secretary. YCL has provided her and her family with the opportunity to serve various non-profit organizations.

She enjoys time with friends and family, golfing, reading, and traveling. Andrea is a proud parent to three awesome kids – two in college and one in high school. Andrea lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband, kids on the go, and their dog Rocky.

In this episode, Theresa, Ivana, and Andrea discussed:

• Allowing people to help 
• Finding unexpected connections in the midst of difficulty
• Take your time, don’t rush 
• Take care of your needs 

Key Takeaways:

• Unexpected problems may cause people to stay in shock or become overwhelmed. In this state of mind, it often becomes difficult to ask for support or receive help from other people. However, we have to push past this resistance and courageously allow people to help us. 
• Difficult situations have a way of bringing people together. It creates an instant connection when you meet someone who’s going through something similar to what you are going through. 
• Take your time. You don’t have to answer every message right away or return every call that you miss. If it’s not an emergency, then don’t burden yourself with responding to the point that you become overwhelmed and burnt out. If you’re feeling tired, then take a break. 
• Eat healthy and on time. Drink water when you are thirsty. Take a nap if you feel like taking a nap. Listen to your body because it tells you what you need in the moment. Break the habit of ignoring your own needs. 

“It’s okay to say no. No one's bleeding, it can wait till the next day or whenever you're feeling more up to it. If you're feeling tired, don't fight the nap, just take the nap. You're gonna be better for it.” - Andrea Nitta

Connect with Andrea Nitta:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-nitta/ 

Connect with Theresa and Ivana:

Websites:

Theresa, True Strategy Consultants: https://tsc-consultants.com/ 

Ivana, Courageous Being: https://www.courageousbeing.com/ 

Instagram:

Ivana: https://www.instagram.com/courbeing/  

Theresa: https://www.instagram.com/tscconsultants/ 

LinkedIn:

Step into the Pivot: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/step-into-the-pivot/ 

Theresa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tree-conti/

Ivana: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivipol/ 

• The rhythm of pivots 
• A journey of growth 
• Giving yourself unconditional love
• Going up an upward spiral 

Key Takeaways:

• Splatting can happen in every pivot and in those moments, you’ll have to pick yourself back up and get moving. Gratitude is powerful and it can get you through the feeling of discomfort after each pivot. 
• Harness your adversity. Embrace the discomfort and build resilience. Acknowledge that your life is a journey of growth. 
• If you give yourself the same kind of unconditional love that you give to people who matter to you, then you’ll become a happier and generally better person. Accessing this connection to yourself will also help you connect with other people genuinely. 
• Embrace what you went through and embrace who you are and who you’ve become because of what you went through. See the bigger picture and know that the journey is an upward spiral. When walking through a transition, it may feel like you’re going backward. 

“If [my son] is worthy of love, for no reason, whether he is failing or succeeding, that just does not determine his inherent worth then that might also be true for me.” - Ivana Polonijo

Connect with Theresa and Ivana:

Websites:

Theresa, True Strategy Consultants: https://tsc-consultants.com/ 

Ivana, Courageous Being: https://www.courageousbeing.com/ 

Instagram:

Ivana: https://www.instagram.com/courbeing/  

Theresa: https://www.instagram.com/tscconsultants/ 

LinkedIn:

Step into the Pivot: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/step-into-the-pivot/ 

Theresa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tree-conti/

Ivana: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivipol/

• The value of self-awareness 
• The power of vulnerability 
• Don’t keep your story silent
• How your story can impact others 

Key Takeaways:

• Self-awareness and emotional intelligence are valuable not only for your own personal growth but also for your career. Being vulnerable to others requires one to step out in courage. 
• Vulnerability is the key to self-empowerment. Being vulnerable unlocks your connection with others because you’ll discover similar experiences and learn new lessons from their unique perspective.
• Don’t keep your story silent. Sharing your struggle, and what you’re doing to get through it, or how you got through it is going to give people hope. People who are going through the same thing will realize that they are not alone and will have the strength to claim that it is not the end of their journey. 
• Sharing your story won’t only help people who are going through the same thing. People who are going through something completely different can still discover something very meaningful and valuable from your journey to their own. You will never know how impactful and how powerful your story can be in someone else’s life unless you speak it out. 

“We are already powerful. We just oftentimes don't remember. ” - Ivana Polonijo

Connect with Theresa Conti and Ivana Polonijo:

Websites:

Theresa, True Strategy Consultants: https://tsc-consultants.com/ 

Ivana, Courageous Being: https://www.courageousbeing.com/ 

Instagram:

Ivana: https://www.instagram.com/courbeing/  

Theresa: https://www.instagram.com/tscconsultants/ 

LinkedIn:

Step into the Pivot: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/step-into-the-pivot/ 

Theresa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tree-conti/

Ivana: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivipol/ 

Connect with Ivana & Theresa: 

Ivana’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivipol/ 

Theresa's LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/theresa-conti-qka-apr-erpa-cpfa-1b36a713/