In the finance and business world, women are sometimes perceived as weak entrepreneurs and not considered suitable for work in that field.

In this episode, Shani Bocian, the founder and CEO of Allermi, shares how having chronic allergy rhinitis influenced the development of her company. She talks about the difficulties allergy sufferers have in locating suitable medications and emphasizes the uncertainty and trial-and-error process involved in symptom management. Shani adds that each patient receives a unique set of nasal sprays from Allermi that contain a certain combination of drugs. She also discusses the difficulties she encountered as a young female founder trying to secure financing but also emphasizes the support she received from financiers who shared her mission. Shani discusses several advantages of being a woman founder, such as having access to resources and a strong sense of support among other women business owners.

Listen to Shani Bocian's inspiring journey and learn how she's changing the game in allergy management with Allermi. Discover the challenges she's overcome and the advantages of being a woman founder in the business world. Tune in now for valuable insights and empowerment!

Episode Highlights:

• About Shani Bocian and her experience with allergic rhinitis

• How she partnered with her dad to create Allermi

• Her background in education and her desire to make a difference

• The challenges she faced in starting the business and the determination to push through

• Challenges of being a young female founder pitching to experienced investors

• Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs and the importance of perseverance and seeking feedback

• The growth and educational efforts required for the future of Allermi

About Our Shani Bocian:

Shani Bocian is the Co-Founder & CEO of Allermi, a position she has held since 2021. Prior to this role, she was a Graduate Researcher at Brown University in 2016.

Shani Bocian holds a Master of Arts from Brown University in Education, which she obtained in 2017. Shani also holds a Bachelor of Arts from Yeshiva University in Art History, Criticism, and Conservation, which she obtained in 2015.

Connect with Shani Bocian:

• Website | www.allermi.com

• Facebook | www.facebook.com/getallermi

• Linked In | www.linkedin.com/in/shani-bocian-steinberg

• Instagram | @getallermi

• Twitter | @shanibocian

In this episode, Natasha Wilch, a licensed physical therapist from Nanaimo, British Columbia, discusses her experience working with concussion and brain injury patients. She has a clinic called Symphony Brain Performance and also has a company that trains medical professionals across the world on how to treat concussions. Natasha's motivation stems from her own struggles with mental illness and her father's work accident that resulted in brain injury. She underlines the significance of prioritizing one's needs, especially for working women. She also talks about business coaching within the Concussion Nerds network and their coaching services for people with ongoing concussion symptoms.

 About Our Natasha Wilch:

Natasha Wilch has been a Registered Physical Therapist since 2011. She attended the University of British Columbia where she earned a Bachelors in Health Science & Kinesiology and then her Masters in Physical Therapy.

Growing up in the small town of Cranbrook, BC, she always wanted to work in health care. You'd find her volunteering in the hospital’s extended care unit playing piano for the residents, decorating for the season, and reading. As a teenager, she volunteered throughout the hospital as a candy striper. 

The scope of physical therapy is massive and a therapist can choose to specialize in many different areas. From day one, Natasha has worked in neurology. She was inspired by her cousin, who became a quadriplegic after a motorcycle accident, and his stories about the amazing therapists who influenced him and helped him start a new chapter in his life. Natasha focused her clinical practice on working with individuals with spinal cord, stroke, Parkinson’s, and other neurological diagnoses. She continued to develop her toolbox in post-graduate education in neurological rehab, functional neurology, chronic pain, IMS, acupuncture, neuro-optometry, and more.  

When Natasha relocated to Nanaimo, BC in 2014 she wasn’t sure what to do next. She was on maternity leave with her 4-month-old son, Hudson... and this turned out to be a blessing. As she began to look for work in her new city it became clear that there was a massive care gap for the neurological population she loved to treat. She decided to open her own clinic. Symphony Rehabilitation became official in May 2015.  Today, Natasha's passion is evolving the conversation and culture of concussions around the world. She does that through her clinic, Symphony Brain Performance, her online mentorship program for clinicians, Concussion Nerds, and speaking engagements. 

 She believes powerfully that change will come from the front lines - the clinicians and clients. But for clinicians to do their best work they also need to take care of themselves. Natasha supports the WHOLE PERSON.

About Symphony Rehabilitation

They are located in Nanaimo, BC and they absolutely love getting to work with the island community as well as their clients who travel from all over North America. They will work with you 1:1 throughout your journey of concussion, neurological diagnosis, vestibular challenges, or simply wanting to optimize your health and wellness. They have also been offering virtual services since 2017 as location shouldn't be a barrier to you receiving the treatment you need, and it isn't! Connect with them online and they can help you take the next step forward in your journey of health, wellness, and rehab. Let's get you back to your life!

Connect with Natasha Wilch:

• Website | www.natasha-wilch.com and www.symphony-rehab.com

• Facebook | www.facebook.com/symphonyrehab

• Linked In | www.linkedin.com/in/natasha-wilch

• Instagram | @natasha.wilch

Being a Physician leader is not only about your own growth but the growth of your team. By recognizing what you can do to make those around you succeed, you create a postitive workplace culture that leads to better patient care. Tune in to hear more from today's guest, Dr. Natasha Beauvais, as she kicks off Season 4 of the Strong Women in Medicine podcast.

About our guest: 

Natasha W. Lewry Beauvais, MD, MPHis a physician at Northern Virginia Family Practice Associates (NVFP), a family medicine practice that offers full-service concierge health care in the Northern Virginia area. With more than 16 years of professional experience, Dr. Beauvais understands the importance of providing care for the whole family through every stage of life and values the continuation of long-term patient care. 

Dr. Beauvais specializes in serving teenagers, new mothers, and those requiring end-of-life care services. A home-birth advocate who has personally experienced home birth herself, she cares for women throughout pregnancy, birth, and beyond, helping them connect with their newborns and providing them with breastfeeding support. 

In her experience, the early stage of the parent-child connection is a pivotal moment for children’s continued growth and well-being, especially during the young adult period. In addition to providing resources for families, she encourages parents to keep up with their children’s yearly check-ins to help develop a stronger doctor-patient relationship so kids can stay educated about their health and feel supported by their doctors as they grow.

Prior to joining NVFP, Dr. Beauvais served as a physician at Unity Health Care in Washington D.C. and co-founded the Women’s Mentoring Program for the American Medical Women’s Association. She has received the Joseph Collins Award for Excellence in Arts and Letters and the University of Connecticut Family Medicine Award.

Dr. Beauvais holds a Bachelor of Arts in American studies and science from Yale University, as well as a Doctor of Medicine and Master of Public Health from the University of Connecticut School of Medicine. She completed her residency in family medicine at SUNY Stony Brook and Mount Sinai School of Medicine’s Jamaica Hospital Family Practice Residency in New York City. After work, Dr. Beauvais enjoys taking family hikes and gardening. She currently lives in Alexandria with her husband and four children. For more information, please visit www.nvafamilypractice.com.

Quick links:

• Website Link: nvafamilypractice.com

Social Links: LinkedIn, Twitter, Podcast