Lifestyle
PowerCast: Scheila and Bebel Reveal Paths of Female Entrepreneurship
Scheila Santos and Bebel Rendeiro of PowerCast inspire women to embark on entrepreneurship with purpose, resilience, and strong sisterhood.
On Donas da Voz, Livia Matos welcomes Scheila Santos and Bebel Rendeiro, hosts of PowerCast, Brazil's leading entrepreneurship podcast. They share the project's success story, from its unexpected beginning to becoming a global content and networking hub. This inspiring conversation covers challenges, self-discovery, and the power of women in business.
In this special episode of Donas da Voz, Livia Matos chats with Scheila Santos and Bebel Rendeiro, the visionaries behind PowerCast, Brazil's leading entrepreneurship podcast. With a shared background in the fashion world, these women transformed an idea into a vibrant ecosystem, inspiring entrepreneurs to overcome challenges and pursue their goals with purpose.
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The Entrepreneurial Spark: How PowerCast Came to Life
PowerCast was born three years ago, when Scheila and Bebel were already running the ESC communication agency, focused on new businesses. The idea emerged from an opportunity to use a studio for podcast recording, a format still nascent in Brazil. Initially reluctant to appear publicly, Bebel Rendeiro, who always had a more "low profile" and organized persona, was convinced by Scheila. The project, which was set to start with just eight "gift" episodes, quickly showed its potential.
The turning point came with just four episodes aired, when a listener recognized them and expressed her admiration. For Bebel, this was the moment PowerCast stopped being a "toy" and became a serious business. The transition from the agency to the podcast was organic, shifting energy and resources as PowerCast began to generate more revenue. The dedication and professionalism from the outset, with a writer and stylist team, were crucial for its accelerated growth.
Female Entrepreneurship: Breaking Taboos and Building Sisterhood
One of the central themes of the conversation was the experience of being a woman leading an entrepreneurial project. Scheila and Bebel revealed a surprising insight: while male entrepreneurs tended to accept invitations quickly, women often showed more apprehension or skepticism. They emphasize the importance of sisterhood and mutual support among women.
"If women knew how powerful we could be if we looked at each other with more love, if we supported each other, man, we would have a different standard of female presence everywhere," reflects Livia Matos. PowerCast's purpose is precisely to disarm these prejudices and show that the business world is for everyone, regardless of gender. Education is the foundation, and the podcast aims to bring real stories, with challenges and triumphs, to inspire the audience.
Innovation and Expansion: From Podcast to Global Power Talks
The founders' restlessness and future vision propelled PowerCast beyond the traditional podcast format. Scheila and Bebel knew that for the project to have a long life, they needed to innovate. Thus, "Pod na Estrada" (Podcast on the Road) was born, taking the studio to record with Brazilian entrepreneurs in other cities and even countries like Portugal, New York, and Miami. This initiative solidified PowerCast as the first Brazilian podcast to achieve international reach, interviewing Brazilians who are entrepreneurs globally.
Another successful offshoot is Power Talks, in-person events that have transformed into hubs for networking and content, featuring panels on topics such as sustainability, inclusion, and well-being (Wellness). These gatherings allow the PowerCast community to connect and do business, with the goal of becoming the world's largest entrepreneurship hub. Power Talks are so sought after that they often sell out, demonstrating the impact and relevance of Scheila and Bebel's work.
Essential Advice for Young Female Entrepreneurs
For women dreaming of entrepreneurship, Scheila and Bebel share valuable advice:
- Just start! Don't wait for perfection; businesses evolve and adjust along the way.
- Have purpose and believe in your idea. The first investor in your business is yourself.
- Plan, but don't get stuck only on paper. Get your hands dirty.
- Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Recalibrate quickly and move forward.
- Understand that entrepreneurship is not easy. It requires dedication, energy, and doesn't mean less work or more holidays.
Self-Care and Necessary Breaks for Longevity
Maintaining energy and motivation on such an intense journey is a challenge. Scheila and Bebel emphasize the importance of self-care and respecting personal time. Both highlight the need for an organized schedule and quality breaks, avoiding the self-sabotage of feeling guilty about moments of leisure or rest.
Bebel, after personal experiences, stresses the importance of making oneself a priority, setting aside time for activities like massages and manicures without guilt. "It's a gift to yourself, so we can have more fuel, more energy, to do other things," Scheila concludes. This view, that physical and mental health is fundamental for professional performance, is one of the pillars of both their success and longevity in the world of entrepreneurship.
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