<p>#273: Taking risks in your career can lead to big rewards, but what does it really cost you in the end?</p><p>In this episode, I chat with Tori Bell, founder and CEO of Inclusion Unpacked, about the real challenges of pivoting, taking risks, and betting on yourself.</p><p>From her time at Meta to starting her own business, Tori gets real about burnout, inequalities, and the stigmas founders face. She also shares how she’s championed DEI and inclusion every step of the way—both in her career and her life as a founder.</p><p>We Also Talk About…</p><ul><li>Tori’s transition from employee to founder</li><li>The truth behind the venture-backed process and why it’s not always as smooth as it seems.</li><li>Career steps to take when becoming a founder</li><li>How to navigate self-doubt and stay confident as a new founder.</li><li>Tips for balancing a 9-5 job while building your own business.</li><li>How to push past self-doubt and shame while creating something meaningful from scratch.</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Resources:</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.naacpimageawards.net/nominees/34?category=122" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Vote for Balanced Black Girl in the “Outstanding Podcast – Lifestyle / Self-Help”  category of the 2025 NAACP Image Awards!</a></li><li>Check out my new brand<a href="http://spaciousrituals.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Spacious Rituals</a> and get your virtual planner for 2025!</li><li><a href="https://balancedles.substack.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Subscribe to my Substack, Balance with Les</a></li><li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/__toribell/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Follow Tori on Instagram</a></li><li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/inclusionunpacked/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Follow Inclusion Unpacked on Instagram</a></li></ul><p><br></p><p>Keep in touch with Balanced Black Girl:</p><ul><li>Keep in touch with Balanced Black Girl:</li><li><a href="https://shop.dearmedia.com/collections/balanced-black-girl" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Shop limited-edition Balanced Black Girl merch</a></li><li>Watch on YouTube<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@BalancedBlackGirl/videos" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> @BalancedBlackGirl</a></li><li>Follow on IG:<a href="https://www.instagram.com/balancedles" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> @balancedles</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/balancedblackgirlpodcast" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@balancedblackgirlpodcast</a></li><li>Follow on TikTok<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@balancedles" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> @balancedles</a></li><li>Visit our website at<a href="http://balancedblackgirl.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> balancedblackgirl.com</a></li></ul><p><br></p><p>Sponsors:</p><ul><li>YNAB | YNAB is a life-changing budgeting app that helps you do what you want with the money you have. Visit<a href="http://www.ynab.com/balanced" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> www.ynab.com/balanced</a> to get an exclusive three-month trial.</li><li>LMNT | LMNT is a zero sugar electrolyte drink mix with a research-backed ratio of electrolytes. To try it out go to<a href="http://drinklmnt.com/balancedles" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> drinkLMNT.com/balancedles</a> to receive a free LMNT sample pack with any purchase.</li><li>Oura Ring | Oura Ring is the revolutionary smart ring that delivers personalized health data, insights, and daily guidance. Visit<a href="http://www.ouraring.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> www.ouraring.com</a></li><li>Quince | Get quiet luxury without luxury prices at Quince. Go to<a href="http://quince.com/balancedles" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> quince.com/balancedles</a> for free shipping and 365-day return on your next order.</li><li>Lifestraw | Lifestraw Home Studio is the only water filter dispenser that removes over 30 contaminants, including microplastics, bacteria, and PFAs. Use code BALANCEDLES for 15% off.</li></ul><p><br></p><p>See Privacy Policy at <a href="https://art19.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://art19.com/privacy</a> and California Privacy Notice at <a href="https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info</a>.</p>