Heather Redisch, Founder of Adulting 101 Masterclass
Name: Heather Redisch
Founder: Adulting 101 Masterclass
What's your elevator pitch? (Ie. In one sentence, what do you do?)
I help recent and rising grads transition from college to Adulting by learning a new set of real-world tools through resources, experts, and community.
What's your story? Share how you got to where you are and WHY it is you do what you do.
Growing up, I always had a deep appreciation for human connection and the power of meaningful relationships. That passion led me to pursue a career in People Operations and Talent Management, where for nearly 25 years, I’ve worked alongside companies and individuals to align skills, culture, and values for long-term success.
Throughout my career, I’ve worn many hats: interviewer, coach, mentor, and manager. I’ve partnered with organizations to create workplace cultures that prioritize authenticity and growth while guiding thousands of candidates on their journey to fulfilling careers. But over time, I began noticing a significant shift, especially when working with college graduates and young professionals. Gen Z, in particular, was entering the workforce with unparalleled creativity, drive, and a desire for purpose, but also facing social, emotional, and financial literacy gaps that were holding them back. I saw firsthand the struggle they faced in bridging the gap between academic knowledge and workplace readiness, and I knew something needed to change.
As a mom of three girls, I’ve also felt the responsibility of preparing the next generation for life beyond the classroom. I’ve seen the challenges they face in today’s hyperconnected, fast-paced world, where the pressures of adulthood can feel overwhelming.
That’s why I founded The Talent Maven and created the Adulting101 Masterclass—to help empower young professionals with the essential life skills, workplace etiquette, and communication strategies they need to succeed. My goal is to not only teach practical tools but also instill confidence and resilience in a generation that’s rewriting the rules of work and life.
Whether it’s helping parents guide their kids through pivotal transitions, coaching leaders on how to adapt to younger generations, or working directly with students, my mission is simple: to create a generation of empowered, self-reliant professionals who navigate the complexities of adulthood with competence, confidence, and purpose. It’s been an incredible journey, and I feel privileged to play a role in shaping the future workforce.
What does BEING a FoundHer mean to you?
Being a Founder means stepping into a space of vision, creativity, and resilience. For me, it’s about identifying a gap or a need and having the courage to build something meaningful to address it. It’s not just about launching a business or program—it’s about creating impact and shaping the future.
As the Founder of The Talent Maven and the Adulting101 Masterclass, it means I get to champion a mission I deeply believe in: equipping the next generation with the skills and confidence to navigate adulthood and the workplace. It’s about taking my years of experience in People Operations and Talent Management, blending it with my passion for human connection, and channeling it into something that makes a difference.
Being a Founder also means embracing the highs and lows. It’s about showing up every day—whether things are going smoothly or you’re facing unexpected challenges—with the mindset that progress is possible. It’s about continually refining, learning, and growing as both a professional and a person.
Ultimately, being a Founder is personal. It’s the intersection of my values, my story, and my vision. It’s knowing that the work I’m doing not only builds a business but also empowers individuals, shapes workplace cultures, and fosters meaningful relationships. It’s not just what I do—it’s who I am.
How do you support other female founders and women in business?
I actively mentor women at various stages of their careers, offering guidance on navigating challenges, building confidence, and achieving their goals. I also share my experiences authentically. I use my platform on LinkedIn and other channels to highlight the achievements of female founders and women in business. By spotlighting their successes, I hope to inspire others and contribute to a culture of celebration and mutual support.
I champion workplace policies and cultures that prioritize inclusivity and equal opportunities for women. This includes advocating for representation in leadership, fair pay, and flexible work environments I believe in the power of partnerships and collaborations among women. Whether it’s sharing resources, offering referrals, or teaming up on projects, I actively promote the idea that we are in it t together.
What are three podcasts you listen to that have helped you with your business?
The Diary of a CEO
A Bit of Optimism
The Oversubscribed
DearFoundHer (duh)
Re:Thinking
Who is a female entrepreneur you look up to and why?
Hear me out, but I love Kim Kardashian. While I’m well aware she’s a "nepo baby," she’s gone far beyond what was given to her. She's taken advantage of her network and opportunities and built her own personal empire.
When Skims launched, I honestly tried not to like it, dismissing it as just another celebrity money grab. But as much as I resisted, I couldn’t deny the quality—it is truly one of the best, if not the very best, shapewear brands around. Now I own bras, underwear, shirts, and more, and I’ll keep buying.
Her decision to go to law school also left a huge impression on me. You can’t buy your way through passing the bar—it requires discipline, focus, and relentless effort. That choice speaks to her commitment to using her platform for real impact, particularly in advocating for prison reform.
I also admired her move into venture capital. Through her fund, she’s supporting other entrepreneurs and businesses, creating opportunities for growth and innovation that extend far beyond her own ventures. It shows that she’s not only focused on her own success but also on lifting others along the way. And while she undoubtedly has support for her kids, she’s open and authentic about the juggle and the pressures of balancing motherhood with ambition. She’s not afraid to work hard, take risks, and innovate, even under the weight of public scrutiny.
That level of determination and resilience is what I find so inspiring. Kim reminds me that success isn’t just about where you start—it’s about how far you’re willing to go, the risks you’re willing to take, and the work you’re willing to put in to achieve your vision.
What are the first five things that you did when you were starting your business?
1. Build a business plan
2. Create a name
3. Create a logo
4. Buildout a website and social media pages
5. NETWORK like crazy
Who is someone who has helped change or shape your business for the better and what did they do to help you?
The truth is, it was Lindsay. I would never have been able to launch this business without her. She was the one who gave me the confidence to pursue my idea, thanks to the tools and tips she continues to provide through her MMS cohort. Before joining her community and classes, I didn’t even know what a Lead Magnet was, let alone Content Buckets. I had no clue how to make a REEL, use Canva to create assets, build an email workflow, or choose the right platform for my business. More importantly, I didn’t fully understand how impactful and empowering it could be to connect with other women entrepreneurs.
I know this might sound “brown nosey” since this is for YOUR podcast, but it’s not—it’s just the truth. I say it like it is. If anyone is thinking about starting a business, growing their business, or finding a supportive network of like-minded women, there’s no better place. I’m so grateful Lindsay isn’t just a resource but someone who also lives in my community.
What lesson or skill did you take with you from a prior job to help you succeed in your role today?
One of the most valuable lessons I took from my prior roles in People Operations and Talent Management is the power of active listening. Early in my career, I learned that truly hearing what people are saying—and sometimes what they’re not saying—is the key to building trust, uncovering motivations, and fostering authentic connections.
This skill has been a cornerstone in everything I do today, whether it’s coaching a young professional, collaborating with organizations to create impactful workplace cultures, or developing programs like the Adulting101 Masterclass. Active listening allows me to understand the unique challenges people face, tailor solutions to meet their needs, and create spaces where individuals feel valued and supported. It’s not just about hearing words—it’s about listening for the “why” behind them. That approach has helped me build relationships that drive meaningful change and inspire growth, both personally and professionally.
Let’s talk social media—who handles it for your company (you, an internal team member, an outsourced solution?) and what is the secret to making it successful? What is the biggest challenge?
I do all of my social media. I have no secrets because I have come nowhere near mastering it. The juggle is TOUGH and being creative all of the time, when you don't feel like a creative person by nature is even harder. I have started to notice I burn out on myself every couple months and need a break from recording myself.
How did you land your first client?
Through my personal network.
What is something you do differently from the industry standard?
One thing I do differently from the industry standard is focus on building relationships before results. While many in People Operations or talent management prioritize metrics like time-to-hire or employee retention rates, I prioritize human connection as the foundation for long-term success. Whether I’m coaching a young professional, advising a company on hiring or workplace culture, or presenting the Adulting101 Masterclass, my approach is deeply personal. I take the time to understand the unique challenges, motivations, and values of the individuals and organizations I work with.
By addressing the "why" behind behaviors, decisions, or obstacles, I’m able to foster authentic, sustainable change that often goes beyond surface-level metrics.
Another way I deviate from the standard is by blending empathy with practicality. The workforce is often treated as a set of rules to follow or a ladder to climb.
Finally, I reject the notion that change happens in silos. Instead, I focus on bridging generational gaps and fostering mutual understanding in workplaces, recognizing that the most impactful solutions come from collaboration across perspectives. This approach creates environments where employees feel seen, leaders adapt effectively, and everyone grows together.
What are three actionable tips you would give with other women who want to start a business or are just getting started?
1. Just pull the trigger and stop thinking about it. Put pen to paper- or fingers to keyboard, and start that business plan. What the product is, what it is solving and who is the audience.
2. Build a simple website and develop a marketing plan.
3. Create a personal "advisory board" you can run ideas off of, who you trust to give honest feedback but believes in you. There's no space for negative energy.
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