“I’m so glad these conversations are coming to full force of what a woman’s cycle is like and how this affects business.”

In this episode of the Magic Hour, Hope Mikal sits down with Anna Sotnykova, a leader in operations, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Anna opens up about the challenges of balancing a full-time career in academia with building her own business in women’s health. From tackling fear and embracing creativity to breaking down barriers in tech, Anna’s journey is an inspiring blend of determination and passion.

Anna shares how community-building has shaped her career, her insights into the evolving role of women in tech, and why vulnerability and collaboration are the keys to driving meaningful change.

Tune in for an honest, actionable conversation that will leave you inspired to take the next step in your own journey—wherever it leads.

Episode Highlights:

• Anna reflects on the power of embracing the messy, bringing your full self to the table, and navigating the journey of entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship.
• A deep dive into women’s health: understanding how your cycle impacts day-to-day life and why embracing each stage can lead to empowerment.
• Insights from Anna’s fertility journey and how it intertwines with her life, work, and interpersonal growth.
• The importance of community building—reaching out, showing up authentically, and fostering diverse perspectives in every room.
• A valuable reminder: “If you’re the smartest person in the room, get out of that room.” Anna shares how stepping into new spaces with curiosity can lead to unexpected opportunities and growth.

Meet Our Magical Guest

Anna Sotnykova, Entrepreneur and Operations & Communications, Office of the Vice-President, Research and Innovation (OVPRI) @ Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU)

Having met many interesting people, she made a good friend who became a fellow co-founder of a generative AI based tattoo design app, Inkspire (2023) and has progressed to be renamed to Inkside, it looked at ways we think and design tattoos, and how that tattoo artists work and promote their art online and best practices for capturing clients and streamlining the booking and post-op experience. 

Anna enjoys being part of community building initiatives and mentorship, and currently sits on a Canadian affiliate board with International Federation of Inventors Association (IFIA) and is a proud Ambassador of PORCH and a member of Women of PORCH initiative in partnership with Monday Girl, an accelerator that supports immigrant entrepreneurs in Canada. Anna holds a Masters in Political Science from York University and a Public Administration Diploma, a Project Management Certificate from the Chang School of Continuing Education and is always looking for opportunities to upskill and continue her learning in the fascinating and ever changing world propelled by technology. Her next adventure will likely be a MBA that will allow her to build aspects of her company in real time while advancing on the degree.

Resources mentioned in this episode

PORCH

PORCH is an exclusive community designed to support immigrant entrepreneurs and professionals in Canada and the U.S. It offers a platform for members to build relationships, share expertise, and access curated content and resources. Through 24/7 discussions, weekly events, and a comprehensive content library, PORCH fosters a collaborative environment where members can learn from one another and grow their businesses.

Monday Girl

Monday Girl is a private networking platform designed to support and connect next-generation women leaders across North America. It offers members access to a powerful network of like-minded professionals, resources, programming, and mentorship opportunities to foster personal and professional growth. Members benefit from digital and in-person gatherings, including monthly virtual workshops, Office Hours sessions with industry leaders, and exclusive events in major cities such as Toronto, NYC, San Francisco, Vancouver, Chicago, and Calgary. The community emphasizes authentic relationships, providing a safe space for women and marginalized genders to build meaningful connections and advance their careers.

International Federation of Inventors’ Associations

The International Federation of Inventors’ Associations (IFIA) is a nonprofit organization established in 1968, representing over 135 member organizations from more than 95 countries. IFIA promotes innovation and supports inventors worldwide by organizing international invention exhibitions, scientific seminars, and workshops. It collaborates with entities like the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) to provide platforms for inventors to showcase their innovations and engage with industry stakeholders. IFIA also offers capacity-building programs, guidance on intellectual property rights, and fosters global collaboration among inventors, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals.

Connect with Anna

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anna-sotnykova2024

Instagram: www.instagram.com/iloveusw/

Listen Now

Listen now to the Magic Hour Podcast on Apple Podcast and Spotify.

Find the show notes here.

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