Empowering Female Entrepreneurs: Lessons from Sherry Deutschman of BrainTrust

Carli and I recently connected with Sherry Deutschman, founder of BrainTrust. Sherry’s mission is to empower female entrepreneurs to grow their businesses, and she’s changing the conversation around entrepreneurship, shedding light on the unique challenges—and advantages—that women bring to the table. Here are the key takeaways from our conversation.

The Female Entrepreneur Advantage: ROI That Speaks Volumes

Sherry shared a powerful statistic: only 2% of venture capital funding goes to women, even though data shows female-led businesses yield 30-70% higher returns. This stat underscores a missed opportunity in the funding world. Venture capitalists are all about ROI, and as Sherry pointed out, investing in women-led businesses isn’t just good for optics—it’s good for the bottom line. This data validates the hard work, resilience, and ingenuity women bring to their businesses.

Navigating Entrepreneurship with Humility and Grit

One of the qualities that struck us about Sherry was her humility. She shared her journey from cleaning bathrooms at a gas station to becoming the CEO of a multi-million-dollar company. This hands-on experience at every level of her business gave her an authentic understanding of what it takes to lead, and it’s this authenticity that resonates with her audience. Knowing the struggles firsthand, Sherry approaches leadership with empathy, understanding the challenges and sacrifices that come with running a business.

Tackling Imposter Syndrome: A Shared Experience

Sherry’s openness about feeling like an outsider at times struck a chord with us. Imposter syndrome isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a reality many entrepreneurs face, wondering if they’re truly qualified for their role. Sherry’s story, however, is a reminder that most of us feel this way at some point, and it shouldn’t hold us back from pushing forward. Her transparency was a breath of fresh air and a reminder that success doesn’t mean being free from self-doubt; it means moving forward despite it.

The Multitasking Power of Women Entrepreneurs

During our discussion, we noted how uniquely equipped women are to maximize resources, often stretching a dollar or making time work in ways that defy the clock. Carli reflected on how, as a mom and business partner, the ability to juggle multiple responsibilities isn’t just a skill but an art. Sherry’s message acknowledged this strength and reminded us that this ability to “pull resources as hard as we can” is a powerful asset that often goes unrecognized.

Building Empathy and Community

Sherry’s emphasis on empathy in entrepreneurship hit home. We talked about our own experiences and how they’ve shaped our appreciation for the people working on the front lines. My time delivering packages with FedEx taught me the realities of the job and the importance of acknowledging the labor force. Today, we leave snacks for delivery drivers during peak seasons because we know firsthand the difference a small act of kindness can make. Sherry’s approach is similar—she believes in showing empathy and respect for everyone in her organization, no matter their role, as a way of building a supportive community.

The Legacy of Resilience

Carli shared a personal story about watching her parents work tirelessly as single parents, balancing career and family without any guidebook. Sherry’s story reminded us of this legacy of resilience, a quality that often goes unseen but powers so many entrepreneurs and parents today. Her example shows that resilience is built not just in boardrooms but through everyday experiences—taking your child to work, doing what it takes to make ends meet, and showing up day after day.

The Future of Female Entrepreneurship

Sherry’s work with BrainTrust is creating a pathway for more women to grow successful, sustainable businesses. By offering a supportive network, she’s helping female entrepreneurs see that they are not alone in their challenges. Sherry’s message is one of hope and empowerment, showing that while the world of venture capital may be slow to catch up, women entrepreneurs are proving their worth and delivering returns that speak for themselves.