Nomiki Petrolla is on a mission to close the access gap for women in tech. As founder and CEO of Theanna, a SaaS platform helping women turn ideas into scalable companies, she’s changing what it means to be a startup founder. In this episode, Kara and Nomiki talk about why mindset matters more than perfection, how to build in public, and why some communities fail while others thrive. You’ll hear how a family crisis changed Nomiki’s entire trajectory, the difference between “idea people” and “doer people,” and why getting customers matters more than just pitching. This episode explores women in tech, startup mindset, and community-led growth.

(00:00:00) - Introducing Nomiki Petrolla and Theanna’s mission

(00:01:00) - Leaving corporate tech to build something new

(00:03:00) - Solving access gaps in women-led startups

(00:06:00) - From consulting to productizing a solution

(00:08:00) - Women in tech: gaps, patterns, and market insights

(00:10:00) - How AI is reshaping startup access and MVPs

(00:14:00) - A family emergency and a life-changing decision

(00:18:00) - Theanna’s curated community and what makes it work

(00:22:00) - Founder mindset: why fear is the real blocker

(00:27:00) - Routines, rituals, and support at home

(00:31:00) - Building from Columbus, Ohio, not Silicon Valley

(00:34:00) - Talking to customers and selling like a founder

(00:37:00) - Final thoughts on community, courage, and growth

The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms.

Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think.

Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com.

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