In this episode of Feminist Founders, Becky Mollenkamp interviews Sean Adams, founder of Drowned in Sound and music industry expert, to discuss the complexities of feminism in the music industry. They explore the challenges for female musicians, the barriers to equality in music, and how allyship plays a crucial role in creating ethical and empowering spaces. Sean shares his insights on toxic masculinity in music, the importance of safe spaces for women in live music, and what it means to promote an inclusive, values-driven business model in the music world. This conversation dives deep into how the music industry can better support marginalized artists, combat sexism and misogyny, and work towards equality in every facet of the industry.

Sean Adams (he/him) founded the music community and music publication Drowned in Sound in 2000. It grew to be a record label that launched the careers of artists such as Kaiser Chiefs and Bat for Lashes, as well as pioneering with an award-winning podcast back in 2005, developing groundbreaking playlist features, and launched spin-off websites like The Quietus. Alongside running the media organization, Sean has also managed various musicians including Charlotte Church, Ed Harcourt, and The Anchoress. Outside of music, he’s a member of The Movement Forward political group alongside the likes of Carol Vorderman and was the launch producer for The Trawl podcast hosted by Marina Purkiss & Jemma Forte.

Website | Instagram | Threads

Discussed in this Episode:

• The challenges facing female musicians and the barriers created by gender inequality
• How men can be better allies to women in the music industry
• The pervasive nature of toxic masculinity in music spaces
• Why supporting marginalized artists is crucial for creating equality in music
• Insights into promoting female artists and empowering women in music
• The importance of safe gigs for women and fostering safe spaces in live music settings
• Social responsibility in music and ethical music business practices
• Misogyny in live music and how the feminist music movement is pushing back

Resources Mentioned:

• Safe Gigs for Women
• Drowned in Sound

In this episode of Feminist Founders, Becky Mollenkamp sits down with Allison Davis to explore how to do sales differently, centering ethics, empathy, and human connection. They discuss how traditional sales techniques, often dominated by white male voices, have perpetuated harmful practices, and how feminist business owners can shift to more values-aligned approaches. From compassionate sales tactics to consent-based selling, this conversation dives deep into how business owners can thrive while staying true to their principles. Whether you're navigating B2B sales strategies, focusing on service-based business growth, or just looking for more ethical sales techniques, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

Allison Davis (she/her) is the founder of Sales Done Differently, a consultancy focused on founder-led sales. Drawing from her 20 years of sales experience at companies like National Geographic and Time Out North America, Allison helps her clients leverage their strengths into consistent revenue-generating systems. In the past year alone, Allison’s clients have sold millions of dollars in services to organizations like Charles Schwab, Gartner, Planned Parenthood, Levi’s, Hulu, ACLU and more.

Website | LinkedIn

Discussed in this episode:

• How to build sales strategies for small businesses without sacrificing values
• Ethical sales techniques that foster trust and long-term relationships
• Relationship-based sales as an antidote to high-pressure tactics
• Sales done differently: Approaches that challenge traditional norms
• The importance of a progressive sales approach in today’s market
• Feminist sales strategies that center the buyer’s humanity
• Sales coaching for women in service-based industries
• Why compassionate sales tactics lead to better outcomes
• Consent-based sales and its role in building customer trust
• The intersection of anti-capitalist values and sustainable business growth
• Transformational sales practices that foster authentic connections
• Tips for recovering from sales trauma and mindset coaching for resilience
• How values-based sales can transform your business model
• The role of empathy in sales, particularly in B2B environments
• Organic lead generation and sales without manipulation

Resources mentioned:

• Allison's monthly sales roundtable
• “Snap Selling” by Jill Konrath
• Animal Kind (Hudson, NY)

In this episode of Feminist Founders, host Becky Mollenkamp sits down with financial coach Jacquette M. Timmons to dig into the complex and deeply personal relationship we all have with money. From examining the intersection of feminism and finance to addressing how systemic inequality shapes our financial experiences, Jacquette brings her wealth of experience and insight into the conversation. Together, they break down why focusing only on the math of money isn’t enough, and why understanding the emotional, cultural, and systemic aspects is crucial for true financial empowerment.

This episode is a must-listen for women entrepreneurs who are ready to confront financial trauma, reclaim their money narratives, and build businesses aligned with their values. Becky and Jacquette also discuss how wealth inequality impacts women and marginalized communities and share actionable steps for overcoming money shame and creating a healthier relationship with finances. Whether you’re a business owner struggling with your pricing or someone who’s feeling the weight of systemic financial inequality, this conversation will leave you feeling seen, empowered, and ready to tackle the human side of money.

For three decades, Jacquette M. Timmons (she/her) has been advancing the culture of financial well-being. Helping people decrease their financial stress and increase their financial health and wealth by getting them to focus on both sides of the money equation - the numbers, along with the psychology and emotions of money. She does this by helping people focus on their relationship with money. Because this relationship influences every swipe, every deposit, every fiscal choice you make. She's the author of, "Financial Intimacy: How to Create a Healthy Relationship with Your Money and Your Mate;" a frequent blogger; creator & trademark holder of "Pricing Made Human®; host of the podcast, "More Than Money," and a staunch advocate for getting people to focus on the human side of money.

Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Discussed in this episode:

• Feminism and money: why understanding the intersection of gender, race, and finance is critical
• The importance of money mindset coaching for women entrepreneurs
• Financial trauma recovery and the emotional relationship with money
• How systemic inequality impacts personal finance and wealth-building for marginalized communities
• Breaking money taboos: why talking about money is crucial for empowerment
• Equity vs. equality in finance and how race and wealth inequality are intertwined
• Financial empowerment for women: actionable steps for building financial literacy and confidence
• Overcoming money shame and learning to embrace a healthier relationship with your finances
• The power of money coaching for entrepreneurs to grow their businesses while aligning with their values
• Building wealth as a woman entrepreneur and the role of financial wellbeing

Resources mentioned:

• Planned Parenthood