For decades, society has told us what a do-it-all entrepreneur and business hustler looks like (hint: not a woman). To this day, boardrooms, cover stories, and corner offices still rarely showcase women, leaving the world with a lopsided narrative of what success looks like. That’s why there’s something electrifying about those female entrepreneurs and do-ers who defy dated conventions to transform the narrative. Enter: Mady Maio.
Mady is the co-founder of Camber—an LA-based platform that shares the coolest things to do and places to go in the city—and co-host of the Okay Sister Podcast, where she combines forces with her sister to interview female entrepreneurs and tastemakers. She’s also an obé member!
Like any successful businesswoman, Mady saw a problem in her community (with no existing solution) and decided to not only dream of it—but create it herself. From transforming how we share local recommendations to fostering deeper connections on her podcast, Mady is a powerhouse of creativity, community-building, and female empowerment.
We sat down with her to chat about her journey in building Camber, how important it is for women to brag every once in a while (yes really), and why we deserve to speak more openly about topics like money and self-care.
What’s the story behind Camber?
We noticed that sharing travel recommendations amongst friends was a clunky experience (Google Docs, email threads, screenshots of the notes app, etc). We kept coming back to this idea of being able to seamlessly exchange cool places with the people you trust.
What started as an app has evolved into a thriving social presence, newsletter, and local community events. We all have THAT friend who we go to for the coolest things to do or places to be, and now we’ve become THAT friend for our community. Camber is here to help you discover your next favorite place.
What inspired you and your sister to start the Okay Sister podcast?
Growing up, my sister and I have always had silly and honest banter, similar to a lot of sisters out there. When we started translating that banter into a podcast, people really related to our sisterly energy. Then, we invited our girl crushes to tell their stories, and by the end of the episode, it always ends up feeling like they’re part of our family. Fast forward, and it’s been 6 years of countless meaningful (and silly) conversations every Monday!
Can you share a particularly memorable or impactful episode of the podcast?
A recent episode that really struck me and our listeners was “How to execute on your goals,” which was all about execution tips. We like to leave our listeners with tangible steps to better their lives, and this one was particularly impactful. Women tend to get stuck in the ideation phase and struggle to create forward momentum out of fear. We help rid you of those limiting beliefs and provide ways to take action today.
Our episode with Alisa Vitti all about cycle tracking inspired me (and many listeners) to get off hormonal birth control. That conversation directly impacted my life and dramatically changed my hormone health. (Editors note: Check out our written Q&A interview with Alisa Vitti, here.)
Over the years, girl crushes that I’ve been most excited to chat with have been Kelsey Kreppel, Jennifer Meyer, Jaci Marie Smith, Shannon Ford, Melanie Masarin of Ghia, Lauryn Bosstick, Amanda Hirsch, Dianna Cohen of Crown Affair, Tay Lautner, Margo Oshry, Sahara Rose, Esther Povitsky, and more.
What have you learned about women’s POV, experiences, and needs through the podcast that you think more people should know?
We ask every woman who comes on the podcast the same question at the end of the episode: “If you could brag about one thing in your life, and you cannot be humble, what would you brag about?”
It’s illuminating to watch them get stumped and feel discomfort for a moment about bragging. Women don’t celebrate themselves and their wins as much as men do. We give them a safe space to truly brag about something in their lives, and once they finally allow themselves to lean into the question, the answers are beautiful. It always leaves the guest with a sense of inner pride.
What role do you think technology plays in empowering women to live healthier and more fulfilling lives?
Technology streamlines, supports, and automates my life. I use technology to work out with obé, for a meditation timer, to track my menstrual cycle, to learn about my sleep habits, and so much more.
How do you practice self-care, wellness, and movement in your own life?
Every morning, I journal, read a few pages of an empowering book, and meditate before starting the day. I sleep with my phone in another room to avoid distractions. I take long walks paired with a Sculpt class on obé about 5 times a week.
How do you spend your time off?
When I’m not building my startup, you can find me trying out all the latest restaurants in LA, reading romance novels, drinking natural wine on a patio somewhere, and taking mini getaways whenever I can.
What’s something you think women deserve to speak more openly about and why?
I believe women deserve to speak more openly about money. Lately, I’ve been on a money mindfulness journey, learning more about financial freedom and investing. I’m on a crusade to encourage women to think about, talk about, and make more money. It’s so empowering when we do.
What’s one thing you wish you could tell your younger self?
You’re not for everyone, and that’s OKAY.
What makes you feel your most confident?
I feel my most confident when I’m running an event for Camber or bantering with my sister on our podcast. I feel in the flow, present, and in service of my communities. There’s also a sense of inner pride and magnetism that I exude when I’m most confident. I try to embody that energy all the time, not just when working on Camber events and podcasting.
