Hanna is an inspiring author, speaker, and co-founder of She Rises Studios. Born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada, she is also the founder of the Brave & Beautiful Blood Cancer Foundation. Her personal journey began in 2017 when she was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, an incurable blood cancer. This experience has fueled her passion for empowering women to become leaders, driven by her strong belief that the future is female. Hanna has authored over 50 books, been featured in over 30 magazine articles, and received a Telly Award for her show on FENIX TV, Rise with Hanna Olivas.
Company: She Rises Studios
We are thrilled to have you join us today, welcome to ValiantCEO Magazine’s exclusive interview! Let’s start off with a little introduction. Tell our readers a bit about yourself and your company
Hanna Olivas: I am Hanna Olivas, an inspiring author, speaker, and co-founder of She Rises Studios. Born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada, I am also the founder of the Brave & Beautiful Blood Cancer Foundation. My personal journey took a significant turn in 2017 when I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, an incurable blood cancer. This experience has fueled my passion for empowering women to become leaders, as I strongly believe that the future is female.
In July 2020, in the midst of a global pandemic, my daughter Adriana Luna Carlos and I recognized a growing need for a supportive platform for women across the globe. Together, we founded She Rises Studios, envisioning it as the next global women’s network of empowered leaders. Our mission is to inspire, empower, and educate all women facing seemingly impossible situations, teaching them to navigate their personal journeys with hope, perseverance, strength, education, and unstoppable fearlessness.
Through She Rises Studios, I have had the privilege of authoring over 50 books and being featured in more than 30 magazine articles. I’ve also been honored with a Telly Award for my show on FENIX TV, Rise with Hanna Olivas. These achievements are a testament to my unwavering commitment to uplifting women and celebrating their growth and accomplishments. Together, with my daughter Adriana, we are dedicated to making a difference, proving that women are better and stronger together.
If you were in an elevator with Warren Buffett, how would you describe your company, your services or products? What makes your company different from others? What is your company’s biggest strength?
Hanna Olivas: Hi Mr. Buffett, I’m Hanna Olivas. You may not know me, but I know you, and I’m inspired by all you’ve done. I lead She Rises Studios and FENIX TV, dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs worldwide. Our work includes everything from books and docu-series like InspireHER to Becoming An Unstoppable Woman Magazine and our EmpowerHer Hub training programs.
What makes us unique is our deeply personal approach. I’ve faced significant challenges—raised by a single mom and overcoming multiple myeloma—and I’ve channeled those experiences into building authentic, heartfelt resources for women. We’re not just another company; we’re a community where women find real support and inspiration.
Our greatest strength is our unwavering commitment to uplifting others. We’re creating a movement where women are encouraged to dream big and achieve even bigger, fostering genuine collaboration and support. The impact we’re making is reflected in the countless stories of transformation and triumph from women all over the world.
Quiet quitting, The Great Resignation, is an ongoing trend causing many businesses to struggle to keep talent engaged and motivated. Most are leaving because of their boss or their company culture. 82% of people feel unheard, undervalued, and misunderstood in the workplace. In your experience, what keeps employees happy? And how are you adapting to the current shift we see?
Hanna Olivas: I firmly believe that our people aren’t just employees—they’re team members. We were recently recognized as one of the top 100 companies to work for in the United States, ranking number 4, which speaks volumes about our culture.
In my experience, what keeps team members happy is feeling genuinely valued and heard. I’ve faced my own challenges and I know firsthand how essential it is to feel seen and appreciated. That’s why I ensure every team member feels important, loved, and honored.
We invest in our team by fostering a supportive, inclusive environment where everyone’s voice matters. Regular check-ins, open communication channels, and genuine recognition of their contributions are key. We adapt to the current shift by continually evolving our practices to ensure that every team member feels heard, valued, and known.
Ultimately, our greatest strength lies in this commitment to our people. When team members feel truly engaged and appreciated, they’re not just more productive—they’re happier, more fulfilled, and more likely to stay and grow with us. This approach has not only helped us retain talent but also build a thriving, dynamic team that drives our mission forward
Online business keeps on surging higher than ever, B2B, B2C, online shopping, virtual meetings, remote work, Zoom medical consultations, what are your expectations for the year to come and how are you capitalizing on the tidal wave?
Hanna Olivas: Absolutely! The surge in online business has opened up unprecedented opportunities, and it’s an exciting time for all of us. As we look ahead, I see several key trends shaping the landscape even further.
First, the integration of AI and machine learning into business processes will continue to revolutionize how we operate. These technologies will enable us to streamline operations, provide personalized customer experiences, and gain deeper insights into our markets. At She Rises Studios, we’re already leveraging these tools to enhance our offerings and better serve our community.
Second, the rise of virtual and augmented reality will transform online shopping and virtual meetings. Imagine hosting a virtual event where attendees can have an immersive experience from the comfort of their homes. We’re exploring ways to incorporate these technologies into our events and training programs to provide an unparalleled experience for our members.
Third, the shift to remote work is here to stay. This presents a unique opportunity to tap into a global talent pool, fostering diversity and innovation. We’re capitalizing on this by building a robust remote work culture that supports collaboration and productivity.
Lastly, the growth of telehealth and Zoom consultations indicates a broader acceptance of digital solutions in healthcare. We’re looking into partnerships and initiatives that can support women entrepreneurs in the health and wellness industry, helping them to scale their businesses online.
In summary, the coming year is full of promise. By staying ahead of these trends and continuously innovating, we’re poised to ride this tidal wave of opportunity and empower women entrepreneurs globally. Dream big, do bigger – that’s our motto, and it’s more relevant now than ever.
Business is all about overcoming obstacles and creating opportunities for growth. What do you see as THE real challenge right now?
Hanna Olivas: For me, the real challenge right now is navigating the fast-paced changes while staying authentic and true to our core values. The business world is constantly evolving, and it’s easy to get swept up in the latest trends and technologies. But the key is to not lose sight of the personal touch and the human connection that truly drives success.
Balancing innovation with authenticity is a tightrope walk. We’re inundated with new tools and strategies that promise to revolutionize our business, but it’s crucial to sift through these with a discerning eye and ensure they align with our mission and values. For She Rises Studios, this means embracing new technologies and trends while staying deeply committed to our core mission of empowering women entrepreneurs.
Another real challenge is fostering genuine connections in an increasingly digital world. While virtual meetings and online interactions are incredibly valuable, nothing replaces the personal touch and face-to-face connections that build trust and collaboration. We need to continuously find ways to make our digital interactions feel as personal and impactful as possible.
Overcoming these challenges requires staying grounded in our purpose, being adaptable, and maintaining that genuine human connection in everything we do. It’s about leading with heart while navigating the complexities of the modern business landscape.
In your experience, what tends to be the most underestimated part of running a company? Can you share an example?
Hanna Olivas: For me, the real challenge right now is navigating the fast-paced changes while staying authentic and true to our core values. The business world is constantly evolving, and it’s easy to get swept up in the latest trends and technologies. But the key is to not lose sight of the personal touch and the human connection that truly drives success.
Balancing innovation with authenticity is a tightrope walk. We’re inundated with new tools and strategies that promise to revolutionize our business, but it’s crucial to sift through these with a discerning eye and ensure they align with our mission and values. For She Rises Studios, this means embracing new technologies and trends while staying deeply committed to our core mission of empowering women entrepreneurs.
Another real challenge is fostering genuine connections in an increasingly digital world. While virtual meetings and online interactions are incredibly valuable, nothing replaces the personal touch and face-to-face connections that build trust and collaboration. We need to continuously find ways to make our digital interactions feel as personal and impactful as possible.
Ultimately, overcoming these challenges requires staying grounded in our purpose, being adaptable, and maintaining that genuine human connection in everything we do. It’s about leading with heart while navigating the complexities of the modern business landscape
On a lighter note, if you had the ability to pick any business superpower, what would it be and how would you put it into practice?
Hanna Olivas: If I could pick any business superpower, it would be the ability to clone myself! Imagine the possibilities: Hanna #1 is closing deals with new advertisers, Hanna #2 is hosting a fabulous red carpet event, Hanna #3 is brainstorming new empowering content for She Rises Studios, and Hanna #4 is sipping coffee while coming up with even more brilliant ideas!
With this superpower, I’d ensure that every project gets the attention it deserves while still having time to inspire and support incredible women entrepreneurs around the globe. Plus, I’d finally have a chance to catch up on my Netflix queue!
What does “success” in 2024 mean to you? It could be on a personal or business level, please share your vision
Hanna Olivas: Success in 2024, for me, is deeply personal and multifaceted. It’s not just about hitting business milestones or seeing financial growth—though those are important. Success is about resilience, love, and making a lasting impact.
Personally, success means cherishing every moment with my family. As someone who’s faced the trials of a serious health diagnosis and the daily challenges of being a mother, wife, and grandmother, I’ve learned that the most profound successes are the moments we create and share with our loved ones. It’s about being present for my children and grandchildren, and teaching them that with courage and determination, they can overcome anything.
On a business level, success means empowering women to break through barriers and reach new heights. It’s about seeing the women we mentor through She Rises Studios and FENIX TV thrive, knowing that our work has given them the tools and confidence to become unstoppable forces in their own right. It’s about the smiles and the stories of transformation, about knowing that we’ve made a real difference.
In 2024, success means embracing every challenge with grace and tenacity, knowing that each step forward, no matter how small, is a victory. It’s about continuing to dream big and do bigger, not just for myself, but for every woman who looks to us for inspiration and support. It’s about building a legacy that my family and community can be proud of, and that will continue to inspire future generations
