351. From Broke to Bestselling: Tiffany Aliche’s 10-Step Path to Financial Wholeness
In this powerful episode of CEO School, host Suneera Madhani is joined by the incomparable Tiffany Aliche, aka @thebudgetnista. Tiffany opens up about how a financial scam, a job loss during the recession, and $300,000 in debt led her to start her mission: helping women become financially whole.
Tiffany shares how she went from a broke preschool teacher to a New York Times bestselling author and founder of the Get Good With Money Library. This conversation covers everything from the emotions of financial shame to building generational wealth—and why women must stop underestimating their power.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
💸 The 10-step framework to achieve "financial wholeness"
🚫 The biggest money mistakes women make (and how to avoid them)
📈 How to invest without fear, even during market uncertainty
👩🏽💼 Why budgeting alone won’t build wealth (and what to focus on instead)
🤝 The CEO-level move that saved Tiffany from a $250K IRS nightmare
This is the money conversation every woman needs to hear. Whether you're scaling your business or sorting your personal budget, you'll walk away empowered and equipped to take control of your financial future.
Tiffany's website: https://thebudgetnista.com/
Buy Tiffany's Book! https://getgoodwithmoney.com/
💬 Your Turn: What’s one step you’re taking toward financial wholeness? Tag @ceoschool and @thebudgetnista on Instagram and let us know!
📢 Loved this episode? Share it with a friend and leave a review to help more women scale with confidence.
(00:03:05) From Debt to Empowerment: Tiffany Aliche's Journey
(00:09:53) Monetizing Financial Education through Speaking Opportunities
(00:11:33) "Comprehensive Financial Blueprint for Personal Wellness"
(00:17:05) Financial Empowerment Through Open Conversations
(00:21:29) Income Growth: Balancing Lifestyle and Budgeting
(00:25:09) Expense Management for Financial Stability
(00:34:32) Empowering Financial Security through Earning Discussions
(00:39:18) Building Wealth through Confident Investing
(00:44:04) Turning Financial Challenges into Opportunities
(00:53:46) Self-investment for growth and opportunity success
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57:52
350. Celebrating 5 Years of CEO School: AMA, Reflections & Real Talk
Five years, 350 episodes, and countless women impacted—this week’s episode of CEO School is a celebration.
Host Suneera Madhani reflects on five years of showing up weekly with zero podcasting background, fueled only by passion and purpose. From the early days recording on her laptop to hitting top charts, she shares the real behind-the-scenes of what it’s taken to build the CEO School community.
Want to win some CEO School Swag? Leave us a review, dm @ceoschool on Instagram a screenshot, and follow both the @ceoschool and @suneeramadhani Instagrams, and we will pick 10 people to send some swag to!
Joined by podcast producer Lily Wiggle, this special AMA (Ask Me Anything) part two is packed with listener-submitted questions that cover everything from motherhood and business sacrifices to Suneera’s most expensive accessory (hint: it’s not a handbag).
In this episode, you’ll learn:
🎙️ What it takes to stay consistent for five years—even when you want to quit
💬 Suneera’s biggest mindset shifts from building two companies and a podcast
⚖️ How she balances motherhood, marriage, and ambition without burning out
💎 Her unexpected answer to “what’s the most expensive thing you own?”
🧠 The mantras and advice that keep her grounded, grateful, and growing
This episode is both a masterclass in consistency and a heartfelt thank-you to the women who’ve made CEO School what it is today. If you’ve ever felt like giving up or wondered if your work is making a difference—this one’s for you.
💬 Your Turn: What’s your favorite CEO School moment from the past five years? Tag @ceoschool and let us know!
📢 Loved this episode? Share it with a fellow entrepreneur and leave a review to help more women scale with confidence.
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37:18
349. How Betches Went Viral: Aleen Dreksler on Building a Media Empire from a Blog
Ever wonder what it really takes to build a viral brand and stay relevant in today’s fast-moving content world? In this episode, host Suneera Madhani sits down with Aleen Dreksler, Co-Founder and CEO of Betches Media, to talk about launching one of the internet’s most iconic brands, navigating creative burnout, and embracing the cringe in the name of growth.
Aleen shares how she and her two best friends turned a scrappy anonymous blog into a media powerhouse, landing a book deal, building a loyal audience, and eventually exiting the company while staying on as CEO. From managing friendship dynamics in business to staying consistent with content creation, Aleen gets real about the highs, lows, and evolution of leading a brand through every season of life.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
🧠 How to stay creative in a chaotic world (especially when you’re wearing all the hats)
📱 The smartest way to show up on social right now (spoiler: it’s not too late!)
💬 Aleen’s advice for creating content that actually connects
👯♀️ The secret to working with friends without burning bridges
🔥 Why embracing the cringe is your greatest growth strategy
If you’re a content creator, entrepreneur, or anyone trying to make an impact online, this episode will fire you up and give you permission to show up—messy, authentic, and all in.
💬 Your Turn: What’s one piece of content you’ve been scared to share? Tag @ceoschool and @aleen on Instagram and let us know!
📢 Loved this episode? Share it with a friend and leave a review to help more women scale with confidence.
(00:07:42) Building Successful Business through Intellectual Property
(00:09:29) Consistent Branding for Enhanced Audience Engagement
(00:15:23) Navigating Co-Founder Dynamics in Business Success
(00:19:33) Effective Engagement Strategies for Content Creators
(00:22:44) Emotional Connection Through Consistent Brand Voice
(00:31:48) Following Aleen's CEO Journey on Substack
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34:54
348. CEO Behavior: Ask Me Anything with Suneera on Burnout, Boundaries & Showing Up Anyway
Ever wish you could sit down with Suneera and ask her anything? In this special episode of CEO School, we’re flipping the script.
Podcast producer Lily Wiggle takes the mic to ask Suneera your most pressing questions—completely unfiltered and unprepared. From executive style tips to productivity hacks, managing distractions, and staying motivated when burnout hits, Suneera gets real about what it takes to lead like a CEO while keeping it human.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
💼 How to elevate your executive presence without sacrificing authenticity
📅 Suneera’s no-fluff strategy for staying focused through distractions and chaos
🧠 What she’s learning in this season of life and why peace is her new priority
📈 The power of showing up consistently—even when you don’t feel like it
🔥 Why reconnecting with your purpose is the ultimate fuel for staying the course
This is the first installment of a brand new series called CEO Behavior—raw, real conversations about what it truly means to lead. If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing it all but still asking, "Is this worth it?"—this one’s for you.
💬 Your Turn: What does CEO Behavior mean to you right now? Tag @ceoschool and let us know!
📢 Loved this episode? Share it with a fellow entrepreneur and leave a review to help more women scale with confidence.
(00:03:14) Executive Presence: The Key to Leadership Success
(00:10:03) Overcoming Burnout for Consistent Success
(00:14:04) Maintaining Focus and Prioritizing Tasks as CEO
(00:18:02) From Eyeliner Sales to Stax Payments
(00:25:20) Staying Aligned with Purpose for Impact
(00:28:11) Venturing with Purpose: Women Changing the World
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31:35
347. How Patty Arvielo Built a Multi-Billion Dollar Empire Without a College Degree — And Why She’s Still Not Done
Feeling stuck in your career or wondering what’s next in your entrepreneurial journey? Patty Arvielo’s inspiring story is proof that reinvention, resilience, and purpose can lead to incredible success at any stage of life.
In this episode, host Suneera Madhani sits down with Patty Arvielo, Co-Founder and CEO of New American Funding, to discuss her journey from an entry-level job at 16 to building one of the largest independent mortgage lenders in the United States. Patty opens up about navigating imposter syndrome, building a business with her husband, and embracing her purpose in her 60s as she focuses on giving back and mentoring other women.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
💼 How Patty went from working at 16 to leading a multi-billion dollar mortgage company
🤝 The secret to successfully building a business with your spouse (and staying happily married!)
🌟 How Patty overcame self-doubt and imposter syndrome to own her success
💬 Why embracing "good enough" can be a game-changer for women entrepreneurs
🔥 The powerful mindset shift that fuels Patty’s continued ambition and purpose
This episode is your reminder that no matter where you are in your journey, you have the power to write your next chapter. If you’re ready to embrace your ambitions, lean into growth, and build a life filled with purpose, this episode is for you.
💬 Your Turn: What’s one goal you’re setting for this next chapter in your career or business? Tag @ceoschool on Instagram and let us know! Follow Patty on Instagram: @pattyarvielo.
📢 Loved this episode? Share it with a fellow entrepreneur and leave a review to help us inspire more women to scale with confidence.
(00:01:50) Empowering Female Entrepreneurs to Break Barriers
(00:07:56) Respecting Individual Skills in Succession Planning
(00:09:27) Supporting Individual Aspirations in Family Businesses
(00:14:47) Embracing Growth Through Shared Reflections
(00:16:45) Overcoming Imposter Syndrome Through Self-Acceptance
(00:19:53) Empowering Self-Talk for Overcoming Challenges
(00:26:50) Breaking Stereotypes: Women Succeeding in Leadership
(00:29:16) Empowering Connections for Women's Success
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Less than 2% of female founders ever break 1M in revenue. We’re on a mission to change that. Welcome to CEO School. I'm your host, Suneera Madhani, and each week, you’ll learn from incredible mentors who’ve made it to the 2% club and women well on their way. But first, a few class rules. Grab your seat because we’re here to get sh*t done. We’re one team, one dream. And we believe that we deserve to have it all because nothing bad happens when women make more money. You’re a real business now. Class is officially in session.
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