Robbie Hardy is an accomplished entrepreneur, author, and the Founder and Chair Emeritus of xElle Ventures, a unique investment fund focusing on empowering female investors and supporting female-founded startups through debt financing. With a wealth of experience in both the startup ecosystem and corporate strategies, she has made significant contributions to the business world, including mentoring roles at Duke University and developing strategic solutions for Fortune 500 companies. Beyond her professional achievements, Robbie has authored books such as Upsetting the Table and Fed Up to Startup, sharing her insights and experiences to inspire and guide aspiring entrepreneurs toward success. Robbie’s innovative approach to investing and her commitment to fostering female entrepreneurship highlight her dedication to creating more inclusive opportunities in business. In this episode… Have you ever taken a leap of faith to follow your passion, even if it meant stepping away from security and into the unknown? Imagine building a company from the ground up, facing the trials of entrepreneurship head-on, and even resorting to unconventional methods to close the deal of a lifetime. What can drive someone to make such bold moves? Robbie Hardy, a seasoned entrepreneur, author, and investor, shares her unique story, highlighting a pivotal moment in her career that underscored the power of unconventional thinking. Having spent a considerable portion of her career in corporate America, Robbie transitioned to entrepreneurship, founding her first company and later engaging in angel investing focused on empowering female founders. Her tale of using an eight-ball during critical sale negotiations not only demonstrates her creative approach to business challenges, but also underscores the importance of agility and innovation in entrepreneurship.  In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz hosts Robbie Hardy to talk about her transition from corporate America to entrepreneurship and her commitment to supporting female founders. They delve into the significance of mentorship, the courage to take leaps of faith, and the impact of thinking differently. Robbie's experiences offer valuable lessons on resilience, strategic innovation, and the importance of community and mentorship in achieving success. Through her books Upsetting the Table and Fed Up to Startup and her work with xElle Ventures, Robbie continues to inspire and support the next generation of women leaders and innovators.