The NFL Cheerleader turned Founder & CEO at GrowthQ ft. Esther Iyamu
Tue Jan 27 2026
In today’s episode, I, Kristi Faltorusso, sit down with Esther Iyamu, founder and CEO of Growth Q. Esther shares her incredible story as the self-declared "pivot queen," taking us through the major shifts in her life—from immigrating to the US, switching college majors, being an NFL cheerleader, climbing the ranks at Cisco, and finally launching her own company.
Tune in as Esther Iyamu reflects on the power of community, the importance of calculated risks, and the value of learning from both successes and setbacks.
Timestamps
0:00 - Preview & Introduction
0:45 - Meet Esther Iyamu
6:00 - Life in Dubai
9:45 - Career Aspirations Growing Up
11:31 - Being The NFL Cheerleader
14:55 - Reflecting on Career Pivots and Major Decisions
19:07 - The Role of Community in Professional Growth
21:02 - Struggles with Hiring Fast & Firing Slow
27:50 - Celebrating Esther's Successes
33:27 - Raising Capital as a Female Founder
37:10 - Advice for Younger Self & Listeners
42:00 - Outro
Connect with the guest:
Esther Iyamu: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamestherayorinde/
Connect with Kristi Faltorusso:
Website: https://www.kristifaltorusso.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristiserrano/
Follow the Podcast
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvmKTIOWzy8e3kbzHr4f9VMr1oGfK5Qc_
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0Pf1SZMvfwvSJTA6WnpNjP
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shes-so-suite-podcast/id1730535499
To learn more about Wednesday Women, check out their
Website: https://www.wednesdaywomen.org/
LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wednesday-women/
Connect with the Show Producer:
Manali: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manalibhat/
_____________________
About She's So Suite Podcast:
Embark on a journey with Kristi in each podcast episode as she engages in insightful conversations with accomplished women in the C-suite. Explore their unique stories, triumphs, challenges, dreams, and valuable advice that will inspire and empower you. Tune in for an enriching experience as Kristi delves into the depth of their professional journeys and brings you closer to the dynamic world of female leaders at the top.
More
In today’s episode, I, Kristi Faltorusso, sit down with Esther Iyamu, founder and CEO of Growth Q. Esther shares her incredible story as the self-declared "pivot queen," taking us through the major shifts in her life—from immigrating to the US, switching college majors, being an NFL cheerleader, climbing the ranks at Cisco, and finally launching her own company. Tune in as Esther Iyamu reflects on the power of community, the importance of calculated risks, and the value of learning from both successes and setbacks. Timestamps 0:00 - Preview & Introduction 0:45 - Meet Esther Iyamu 6:00 - Life in Dubai 9:45 - Career Aspirations Growing Up 11:31 - Being The NFL Cheerleader 14:55 - Reflecting on Career Pivots and Major Decisions 19:07 - The Role of Community in Professional Growth 21:02 - Struggles with Hiring Fast & Firing Slow 27:50 - Celebrating Esther's Successes 33:27 - Raising Capital as a Female Founder 37:10 - Advice for Younger Self & Listeners 42:00 - Outro Connect with the guest: Esther Iyamu: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamestherayorinde/ Connect with Kristi Faltorusso: Website: https://www.kristifaltorusso.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristiserrano/ Follow the Podcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvmKTIOWzy8e3kbzHr4f9VMr1oGfK5Qc_ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0Pf1SZMvfwvSJTA6WnpNjP Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shes-so-suite-podcast/id1730535499 To learn more about Wednesday Women, check out their Website: https://www.wednesdaywomen.org/ LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wednesday-women/ Connect with the Show Producer: Manali: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manalibhat/ _____________________ About She's So Suite Podcast: Embark on a journey with Kristi in each podcast episode as she engages in insightful conversations with accomplished women in the C-suite. Explore their unique stories, triumphs, challenges, dreams, and valuable advice that will inspire and empower you. Tune in for an enriching experience as Kristi delves into the depth of their professional journeys and brings you closer to the dynamic world of female leaders at the top.