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Katana's Corner
Monthly Reflections from Katana Abbott
Your Voice Still Matters
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“Influence isn’t about starting something new. Often, it’s about sharing what we’ve learned so others can go further, faster.”
I remember a time in my life when I realized something was missing.
At the time, I was at the top of my game managing over $100 million in assets for a wonderful group of clients that I loved. From the outside, everything looked perfect. But inside, I had a dream that I couldn’t pursue because of the many regulations and compliance rules that come with being a financial advisor.
| | Your Next Chapter of Influence | |
By Kristin Thomas, Founder & CEO of Marble Collective, SWT Guest
After my grandfather passed away, I spent weeks piecing together his life’s work from fragments scattered across the internet. He was one of the most recognized voiceover narrators of his era — a man whose voice had shaped decades of documentary and broadcast storytelling — and yet there was no single place to find him, follow his work, or understand the full breadth of what he had contributed. It was beautiful to uncover and quietly devastating to realize how easily even an extraordinary legacy can fade.
That experience planted a seed. Years later, after two decades building a career in New York City real estate, I began to see the same pattern in the women around me.
| |  | Six People Who Determine Your Future | |
By Lewis Schiff, Previous SWT Guest
How many “best friends” do you have? Social scientists say most people count just four friends with whom they can discuss very important matters, but the maximum possible number of such friends is around six.
With rare exceptions, it’s just not practical for anyone to maintain close, truly meaningful relationships with more than six people.
Super-successful people know this better than anyone. In the survey research I did for my books, Business Brilliant and The First Habit: The One Technique That Will Change Your Life, I found that the wealthier you are, the fewer “best business friends” you have.
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Turning Experience into Opportunity
with
Katie Fortunato
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Many women spend decades building careers, relationships, and professional wisdom — only to reach midlife wondering how everything they’ve learned can continue to make a difference.
In this inspiring conversation, Katana speaks with Katie Fortunato, Co-Founder of Hire Innovations and EVP of Platform Innovation & Strategy, about how experienced professionals can leverage their networks, knowledge, and influence to help others succeed while creating meaningful new opportunities for themselves.
Katie shares how new technologies are reshaping hiring and connection — and how women can use their lifetime of experience to mentor, guide, and open doors for the next generation in ways that are both purposeful and rewarding.
In this episode you’ll discover:
- How your professional relationships and experience can become one of your greatest legacy assets
- Why helping others find meaningful work can become a powerful new chapter of purpose and contribution
- How emerging platforms are creating opportunities for women to generate impact and influence by sharing what they already know
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Preserving Women's Wisdom
with
Kristin Thomas
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After the moment passes, too often even the most powerful insights and leadership voices fade from view.
In this fascinating conversation, Katana speaks with Kristin Thomas, Founder and CEO of Marble Collective, an innovative platform designed to preserve, elevate, and connect the work of extraordinary women leaders.
Kristin shares how Marble Collective is creating what she calls “mentorship at scale” — a place where women can learn from accomplished leaders, discover inspiring voices, and build meaningful connections with others who are shaping the future.
The platform brings together remarkable women and the content they’ve created — interviews, talks, insights, and ideas — ensuring that their wisdom can continue to inspire others for years to come.
In this episode you’ll discover:
- Why women’s leadership and wisdom often disappear after the moment — and how that limits our collective impact
- How collaboration and connection can amplify women’s influence across industries and generations
- Why preserving women’s insights and experiences may be one of the most powerful legacies we can leave
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CHECK OUT LAST MONTH'S SMART WOMEN TALK GUESTS:
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Physical Therapist, Integrative Health Coach, and Happiness Trainer, and author, Margie Bissinger, shared how to have healthy bones for life.
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Master Certified Vegan Lifestyle Coach, Plant-based Culinary Instructor, Certified Personal Chef, and author, Vicki Brett-Gach, shared why it's time to eat more plants.
Check these and other Smart Women Talk episodes on Smart Women Talk YouTube! And don't forget to WATCH, LIKE & SUBSCRIBE!
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ABOUT KATANA AND
SMART WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT
Katana Abbott is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, Retirement Income Coach, and the founder of Smart Women’s Empowerment, a nonprofit project of United Charitable. For more than 35 years, Katana has helped women gain clarity, confidence, and peace of mind around their money and their lives—guiding them through major transitions such as retirement, encore careers, caregiving, and legacy planning.
After retiring from her corporate advisory career, Katana brought together her lifelong passion for financial education, philanthropy, and women’s empowerment by creating Smart Women’s Empowerment. Through her long-running podcast Smart Women Talk, her inspirational ezine Smart Women Smart Choices, and her signature course Unlock Your Financial Power, Katana continues to educate, inspire, and support women around the world as they step into their next chapter with purpose and intention.
Katana believes there is no single “right” path—only the one that aligns your values, resources, and vision for the life you want to create.
To learn more or connect with Katana, visit www.katanaabbott.com.
Smart Women’s Empowerment is a project of United Charitable, a registered 501(c)(3) public charity (EIN 20-4286082). Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
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