Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Samantha Tradelius. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Samantha thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s kick things off with talking about how you serve the underserved, because in our view this is one of the most important things the small business community does for society – by serving those who the giant corporations ignore, small business helps create a more inclusive and just world for all of us.

The Sparkle Foundation, my nonprofit, supports single mothers and their children—some of the hardest-working yet most underserved individuals. Now in our ninth year, we’ve raised over $2.5 million, giving it all back to the communities we serve. In 2024 alone, we raised over $500K, delivering 100 Mother’s Day boxes, funding our second microloan to help a single mom grow her business, sending 45 children to enrichment programs, and supporting 97 families during the holidays. Sparkle matters because we know single moms work tirelessly, and when life throws curveballs, we’re here to help fill the gaps.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Samantha Tradelius is a remarkable individual with a diverse and impactful career. With 25 years of experience as a commercial insurance broker, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her role as the Vice President of Operations at LyteSpeed Learning. Her dedication to providing risk management support specifically to women-owned businesses demonstrates her commitment to fostering inclusivity and empowerment within the industry. Additionally, Samantha currently is a board member on the Curriculum Board for the California Department of Insurance.

Samantha’s journey as an educator in the field began in 1998, and her role at LyteSpeed Learning allows her to share practical insights gained from owning her own insurance agencies. This commitment to education aligns with her passion for empowering others, as evidenced by her dynamic consulting firm, S. By Samantha Inc., which she unveiled in 2021. Through this venture, she hosts the InspiHER’d podcast, curates a monthly collection featuring female-founded brands, and authored the inspirational book “Impact: Stories of Change Makers, Creators, and Everyday Women Doing Extraordinary Work.”

Beyond her thriving career in insurance and consulting, Samantha is also the visionary founder of The Sparkle Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting single mothers in the Bay Area, Los Angeles, Sacramento and Phoenix. The foundation, established in 2016, has raised over $2.5+ million, all of which is reinvested directly into the community. Through SparkleBiz, an arm of The Sparkle Foundation, Samantha provides financial aid, microloans, and a valuable network to female-owned small businesses.

In 2024, Samantha took her passion for helping others a step further by founding 2024 S. | Consulting, aiming to connect all the dots in assisting and empowering individuals. This initiative reflects her ongoing commitment to making a positive impact in the world.

Away from her professional endeavors, Samantha is a devoted mother raising two remarkable daughters. Her life serves as a testament to living with purpose and passion, as she tirelessly works towards uplifting and empowering women in both her personal and professional spheres. Samantha Tradelius is truly a multifaceted individual making waves in the insurance industry, advocating for women’s empowerment, and contributing positively to her community.

Any advice for managing a team?

My best advice for managing a team and maintaining high morale is to master communication. I’ve always been a people person—people are my love language—but I learned early on that leading successfully starts with how you connect with your team. I’m naturally a problem-solver who moves quickly, but refining my communication style was essential to ensuring clarity, motivation, and trust. It took years to truly master, but understanding how to effectively engage with my team has been key to keeping morale high and driving success.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Running Sparkle required me to completely rethink my approach to leadership. Unlike my day job, where my team was paid staff, Sparkle relies on volunteers. As the driven, I want it done YESTERDAY kind of person I am, I had to step back and recognize that my timelines weren’t always my board’s—they had jobs, families, and other commitments. I quickly learned that getting just 10% of someone’s time could be incredibly powerful if I leveraged their best skills effectively. Adapting to this new way of working was a challenge, but it taught me patience, flexibility, and the true power of collaboration.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.samanthatradelius.com
• Instagram: @samanthatradelius
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-tradelius/

Image Credits

all provided my samantha tradelius + Sparkle Foundation Inc.