Durana Elmi | Global Women Entrepreneurs to Follow | Exeleon Magazine by Exeleon Magazine

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ROBIN ALBIN: THE BRASH AND BOLD ENTREPRENEUR I N - F O C US

Mandy Cordia: The Kindness Cause Story

Durana Elmi M A K I N G A G LO B A L I M PACT I N H E A LT H A N D W E L L N E S S

Navigating the Trust Terrain ST R AT E G I E S F O R ST R E N GT H E N I N G BUS I N E S S B O N D S

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CONTENTS

12 DURANA ELMI

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34 AMANDA LUDWIG

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40 ADIE KRIEGSTEIN

C OV E R STO RY

urana lmi Making a Global Impact in Health and Wellness

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Founder Cymbiotika

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With the advancement of time and human civilization, the idea of leadership has gone through its evolution at a simultaneous pace. Scholars, philosophers, and leaders themselves have all tried to lend their de inition to the term leadership. However, not one de inition has been able to stand the test of time as expectations related to leadership have been fragile and ever-changing.

However, the complexities of our time call for leaders who possess a unique blend of vision, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to making a diﬀerence on a global scale. These leaders are the architects of change, paving the way for a brighter, more sustainable future.

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Durana Elmi is an example of a leader whose life and work exemplify the essence of global leadership.

As the Founder of Cymbiotika, a wellness brand on a global mission to bridge the gap between health and nutrition, Durana embodies a holistic approach to wellbeing that is both refreshing and inspiring.

Fittingly, Duran Elmi features on the Cover of Exeleon Magazine's Most Inspiring Global Women Leaders to Follow. THE EARLY YEARS

Born of Afghan heritage but raised in the United States, Durana's early years was a delicate dance between tradition and modernity. As an Afghan girl navigating the American landscape, she grappled with the intricate task of balancing her family's deeply rooted traditions with the allure of the American lifestyle.

Growing up in America, Durana often found herself forming clubs with her friends and naturally taking on leadership roles within them. Her early inclination towards guiding, supporting, and inspiring others planted the seeds of leadership within her.

"My journey as a leader and entrepreneur traces back to my childhood," Durana shares. "I realized that even then, I found ful illment in being someone who could rally others towards a common goal."

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Years later, her entrepreneurial journey began when she, along with her husband Shahab Elmi, owned their irst Cricket Wireless store. She recalls, “It was then that I realized I loved the notion of being my own boss and owning my own time.” THE CYMBIOTIKA VISION

Through their individual experiences, Durana and her husband realized that there was a notable lack of transparency within the wellness industry. This realization became even more daunting when they began contemplating the products they were giving to their daughters. This lack of transparency left them, like many others, unsure about the quality and ef icacy of the health and wellness products they were using.

Durana explains, “The inception of Cymbiotika was driven by a shared desire to bridge this gap and provide people with transparent products they could truly trust.”

The name "Cymbiotika" itself re lects the harmonious relationship the brand aims to create between our bodies and the products they oﬀer. It encapsulates the idea of symbiosis – a mutually bene icial interaction between us and nature. It signi ies the balance the company strives for, where the products nourish and support the body, enabling individuals to thrive in synergy with their surroundings.

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One Step at a

ime

For those who are just beginning their journey towards a healthier lifestyle and incorporating ﬁtness, Durana offers valuable advice: Approach it as an act of self-love. It's important to remember that every step you take towards better health is a testament to your commitment to yourself. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the process, focus on taking small, intentional actions each day. Consider it a journey of owning your day with purpose – one day at a time. By making gradual improvements and celebrating each milestone, you're cultivating a positive relationship with your well-being.

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5 CORE VALUES Spearheaded by Durana, Cymbiotika is built on 5 core values: Knowledge, Transparency, Sustainability, Community, and Excellence.

These values have allowed the company to deliver unmatched results from the research and development phase to the product innovation phase.

With the brand line of “Safe for the body. Safe for the home. Safe for you,” Cymbiotika produces a range of supplements that improve your overall wellbeing by illing the nutritional gaps caused by modernday diets.

The company uses the most advanced bioavailable absorption technology and sources only the highest quality plant-based nutrients to resolve speci ic nutritional de iciencies and support healthy aging, detoxi ication, and longevity. Moreover, Cymbiotika steers away from using synthetics, GMOs, illers, chemicals, preservatives, additives, or sugar substances in its products.

With a commitment to transparency and the relentless pursuit of excellence, Durana and Shahab Elmi have created a line of supplements that not only ill nutritional gaps but also empower individuals to make healthier choices for their bodies. PERSONAL FITNESS

Durana's philosophy on health and itness is a testament to her unwavering commitment to living 18

life to the fullest. She believes that health and itness are not isolated aspects of our lives but rather the driving forces behind everything we do. She mentions, “For me, health and itness serve as the very core of how we navigate our lives.”

Maintaining her own itness level is a key priority in her day-to-day life. Her daily routine revolves around activities that keep her physically and mentally it. “I kickstart my mornings with a 30-minute highintensity interval training (HIIT) workout,” she adds.

Moreover, Durana engages in tennis sessions three days a week in the evenings, thus adding a fun and dynamic element to her overall itness routine.

According to her, prioritizing health and maintaining itness equips individuals with the energy, clarity, and resilience needed to tackle each day with con idence and purpose. It's a holistic approach that encompasses physical vitality, mental well-being, and the determination to overcome challenges.

approach each day with vitality and enthusiasm.” THE ROAD AHEAD

Looking ahead, Durana is illed with excitement about the future of Cymbiotika. “Internally, I'm eager to nurture the growth of our team and foster the development of emerging leaders within our organization. It's a privilege to watch our team members lourish and contribute to our shared vision.”

“Externally, I'm particularly enthusiastic about the expansion of Cymbiotika's oﬀerings. We're venturing into areas such as homecare, pet products, and even a children's line,” she adds.

These endeavors allow Cymbiotika to extend its mission of holistic well-being to various aspects of life. Durana is thrilled to witness the positive impact Cymbiotika can have on individuals, families, and even pets, illing her with a sense of purpose and excitement for what's to come.

However, Durana emphasizes that itness isn't her sole focus. “I believe that nourishing my body is just as important.” She makes conscious choices when it comes to her daily diet, ensuring that the foods she consumes provide her with the necessary fuel for her body to thrive. She elaborates, “This dedication to itness and health is integral to my daily routine, as it empowers me to

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“The inception of Cymbiotika was driven by a shared desire to bridge the gap between health and nutrition.”

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We Embrace Excellence! Exeleon Magazine features some of the leading players in business and shares their journey of excellence to inspire aspiring leaders across the globe.

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T H E

B R A S H

B O L D

R O B I N A L B I N

A N D

E N T R E P R E N E U R

ntrepreneurship is a journey full of twists and turns, and for some, like Robin Albin, it's the thrill of unpredictability that drives them to be better.

For Robin, unpredictability is a catalyst for creativity. She thrives on the unknown, using it as a driving force to push her business to new heights.

From her love-hate relationship in the corporate space to her falling in love with branding, from building her own brand to becoming a globally recognized entrepreneur, Robin Albin's journey has been anything but predictable.

In this Interview, Robin discusses her journey, the highs, and the lows, and how instead of resisting on unpredictability, she leaned on it to thrive as an entrepreneur. What according to you makes one a powerful woman? How do you integrate the same thought into your leadership? A powerful woman – or for that matter, a powerful man - is someone who is comfortable in her or his own skin. She – or he – doesn't need to be the hero of the story.

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That's why I chose the title “Brand Sherpa”. A Sherpa is someone with terri ic experience. A Sherpa not only charts your path up the mountain, but knows the logistics, tools and resources needed to scale.

Sherpas are focused, resilient, and tough, yet possess a great deal of empathy. A Sherpa is a caretaker – who understands the abilities – and limitations of the entire team.

The role of a Sherpa is to empower and inspire people through courageous and thoughtful leadership. They de ine success by how many climbers they help reach the summit. Supporting and challenging the team so they become the best. In business, that means having the patience to pause when conditions seem unfavorable. And having the clarity and perspective to keep everyone on-mission.

Talk to us about your growing up years. What is your earliest memory as a leader / entrepreneur?

Leadership came late to me. I struggled with Imposter's Syndrome for a good part of my early career. Constantly believing that someone – or everyone – would ind out that I was a fraud who couldn't write her way out of a paper bag.

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I came into my own when I became a Creative Director and head of both women's accounts and new biz at a medium size agency. By that time, I was in my 30s. What prompted your interest and subsequently your foray into the branding space?

I have always been something of a MissFit. A square peg in a round hole. And for many years, I struggled trying to follow the rules versus trusting my instincts and ideals.

I've since learned that being an outsider can actually be a huge creative advantage and an inspired form of leadership. It's been my secret sauce and a key ingredient in my personal happiness, creativity, and success.

As a consequence, my entire career has been a series of detours and unpredictable disruptions followed by moments of incredible serendipity. Being in the right place at the right time and open to opportunities that some seem risky. I've become a master of the jig and jag.

For instance, I quit a toxic agency job where I was a VP Creative Director managing a team of 12 with no idea what was next. It turned out great and changed my life.

Less than 2 weeks later, I landed a sweet engagement to form a Skunk Works for a former client which morphed into my irst agency BRASH (an acronym of By Robin Albin and Susan Hunter). We created a virtual model long before the idea existed. Our job was to once a month bring our client white space business opportunities.

For three years, we brought them ideas for new products, new brands, promotions, and retail store concepts. When the company was bought by P&G, the gig was up. But we had built our agency and reputation. And wherever our former clients went

afterwards, they called us. As a result, we worked for a who's-who of brands for many years.

During that time, I was ired from one account for being too outspoken aka BRASH. Which led to an introduction to another Skunk Works project this time at Esté e Lauder where I became one of the Founders of the Origins Brand. This role led to tremendous visibility and again changed my life and my career.

Through these experiences I fell madly in love with branding. I love inding the needle in the haystack. The kernel of creativity that will stand out of the sea of sameness. I love solving big hairy challenges, the stumpers and head scratchers that keep clients up at night. And I love inspiring and challenging teams to go beyond their comfort zones.

Talk to us about your agency – Insurgents. What was the idea that led to its start?

After BRASH disbanded (my partner chose to retire), I accepted the “perfect job on paper” as SVP of Conceptual Innovation on the Esté e Lauder brand. Essentially an inhouse entrepreneur charged with creating the future expression of the mothership brand. I knew the players and the politics. I'd been a consultant there for over 25 years. I igured I had less than a 10% chance of succeeding. But what did I have to lose? While I de initely did not succeed, I learned a ton.

After I left Esté e Lauder, I thought I'd just be a “gun for hire”. But soon found myself competing for projects against some pretty cool and established boutique agencies. I decided to form a band of pirates, essentially BRASH 2.0. And named it INSURGENTS.

I wanted to do an agency my way. I only work on projects I believe in. There has to be

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there, there. I only work on brands that do something good for the world. And I will only work with nice people.

As a serial entrepreneur, what have been some of the biggest learnings for you in this journey? I believe the messed-up things that happen in life - the stuﬀ you think is going to sink you forever – actually present moments of incredible opportunity.

Here what I learned along the way. Ÿ Don't be afraid to take a baseball bat to the piñ ata. There are some wonderful surprises inside ready to shower you.

Ÿ Fitting in is overrated. It makes a nice corporate PDP (Professional Development Plan) that may get you a small raise and bonus. But having a strong point of view makes you interesting. It creates conversation and causes people to feel something. Beige is boring and it rarely looks good on anyone.

Ÿ Above all, give a shit! Being passionate about your work is the only way to make it successful. If you don't give a shit about the product or the service – the work will likely be shitty. When you fall in love with the work, you develop high standards and will ight for what's right – down to the last detail – even if everyone else thinks that you're absolutely nuts.

Looking at this journey, what would you have done diﬀerently

if you were to start again? I never had a ive-year plan that said, “travel up this corporate ladder and with the goal of becoming an Executive Creative Director at some advertising agency. And given my 3-year stint in Corporate America, I doubt I would have succeeded. Despite the relative autonomy my particular role at Esté e Lauder aﬀorded me, I felt sti led. The structure, the politics, the slow pace, the endless meetings, and never-ending No's frustrated me.

And my grumpiness became obvious. So much so that my boss told me in my semi-annual review, “Robin you are not corporate.”

She was 100% right. I am de initely not corporate. Give me freedom to call my own shots. Make my own hours. Binge work then take a break.

I thrive on the networking and the ability to meet new people and do something diﬀerent every day. The unpredictability excites me. My greatest accomplishments,

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WHAT WOULD BE YOUR ADVICE FOR ASPIRING AND EMERGING WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS IN THE BEAUTY AND LIFESTYLE SPACE?

The world is not waiting for another beauty brand. Today, beauty brands are a dime a dozen. With each new one a slight variation on the previous one. Copycats. Who cares!

Your brand value must go beyond what you do – or make – or sell.

Have an authentic idea and point of view that you are willing to go to the mat for. Ask yourself: “What's not good enough about the status quo?” Then tell us how you will ix it.

Be able to answer these 5 whys. Why is this a great idea. Why is it unique. Why is now the perfect time for it. Why do you understand the problem better than anyone. And why will it succeed.

insights, and creative eﬀorts have come as a direct result of a disruption to the status quo, of being pushed to think out of the box, quite simply, because the box suddenly disappeared into thin air. So, I de initely would not do anything diﬀerently. What does a day in the life of Robin Albin look like? How do you ensure worklife balance?

I am a workaholic. I'm up and at my desk generally by 5:00 a.m. 7 days a week with 8 shots of expresso to get me going. That's when I do my

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Make an emotional connection with your audience. What you stand for is what makes you stand out. It drives customer loyalty and trust.

Then execute the bejesus out of it. Vividly. And consistently. At every touch point. In product development, brand experiences, PR, services, web, and store design.

Develop a culture, customs, gestures, behaviors, and idiosyncrasies that are distinctive and truly unique to your brand.

The result will be a beloved brand with the power to burn its way into the hearts and minds of your teams, stakeholders, partners, and customers so they believe what you believe and become diehard evangelists.

best thinking and writing. But, when an idea strikes – no matter time of day – or situation, it demands immediate attention. I often awaken in the middle of the night with some random epiphany that I must attend to. As master of my own schedule, and because I frequently work for clients in diﬀerent time zones, I can duck out 3-4 days a week to do my Cross-Fit class. I'm addicted to it. And when I can, I sneak in a short afternoon power nap with my 3 dogs.

Finally, what does the future look like for you and your brand? I want to keep doing what I'm doing. The way I'm doing it. I'm having a great time. I'm meeting fabulous people. I keep moving forward. I'm a big believer in serendipity. I try to always keep myself open to possibilities. Especially for projects that would seem out of my wheelhouse.

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Navigating the

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Trust Terrain Strategies for Strengthening Business Bonds 54% of businesses say partnerships drive over 20% of total company revenue, while 34% of marketers say brand partnerships are the most eﬀective method of increasing email subscribers lists.

Indeed, strategic partnerships can be crucial for business growth, however, they're not always so easy to form. If you're working to develop a strong relationship with another company, it's important to start by building a foundation of trust. Cultivating a communicative relationship that encourages both parties to be honest, clear, and comfortable about revealing their overarching goals and expectations paves the way for a long-term and fruitful relationship. BE HONEST

Cut out the useless corporate jargon. Instead, be upfront, clear, and honest about your business goals. Being deliberately ambiguous, vague, or unclear implies dishonesty – which is sure to tank your relationship. A strong relationship is built by establishing trust, and trust can only be established when you're willing to have open and transparent discussions. This is particularly important when it W W W. E X E L E O N M AG A Z I N E . C O M

comes to talking about key points like pro it margins, operational costs, and even potential con licts of interest – a trustworthy partner shouldn't shy away from these topics. It can be useful to justify expenses by highlighting value and return on investment, which therefore reinforces the bene its of the partnership – relationships thrive when both parties involved understand its value. You can also demonstrate transparency and just how serious you are about the partnership by exposing a vulnerability; this can show you have a clear need for a relationship with this company.

It's also useful to highlight keyways you can align strategies. So, for instance, this usually involves de ining shared aims between both businesses. Considering the “value triangle” can help here. According to the value triangle, businesses generally put their strategic focus into speed, price, and quality in order to provide a successful product or service – although it's only possible to have two qualities together at a time, and not all three. So, for example, a business either values price and speed, quality and speed, or quality and price. Although the best way to go depends on your individual business goals (there's no

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right or wrong), it helps to know whether or not your partner shares your core values here. Above all, in the beginning of your relationship, it may be tempting to assume you'll work out the iner details later on, and instead spend most of the time getting excited about the potential new possibilities on the horizon. However, the early days are the ideal time to learn about each other's foundational values, as well as uncover any diﬀerences in corporate culture or organizational structure, that can better help you prevent and overcome potential problems that may arise later down the line. GET CLEAR ON YOUR ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Successful business partnerships are usually formed when two parties are either reaching for a shared goal, or have services or resources that can bene it each other. Partnerships can, however, deteriorate when the two parties fail to get clear on each of their expectations for the relationship. So, it's essential to determine and clarify your roles and responsibilities from the get-go. Spend as much time as needed to understand both party's expectations for the relationship, as well as which party is responsible for what. That way, there's no doubt about the outcomes you're expecting the partnership to deliver. Both parties also need to comprehend the needs of the other – don't just assume you know what your partner values. Rather, take time to ask questions about their goals and needs, as well as come up with eﬀective ways to measure that success. By ensuring you both understand each other's needs and W W W. E X E L E O N M AG A Z I N E . C O M

goals, you can both be con ident the other isn't solely working in their own self-interest. FOLLOW THROUGH ON PROMISES

Trust isn't something that's earned overnight; it takes time and eﬀort to build. You need to prove to your partner that in reality you're as trustworthy and reliable as you like to portray. And, actions always speak louder than words. So, be careful to follow through on your commitments and the actions you promise to take. If you fail to make good on your word, you won't show yourself to be a valuable or worthwhile partner – and the relationship will fail.

Additionally, you can further provide value by positioning yourself as a helpful resource. Think about what you can do for your partner, and not just what they can do for you. Similarly, it also helps to prove success as soon as possible with quick wins. This is a more productive route compared to putting your resources into theoretical activities that may potentially end up being a waste of time.

Business partnerships can be an eﬀective way to grow your operations – whether it's through developing a new product or attracting new customers, for example. By taking care to build a business relationship based around trust, transparency, and open communication, you'll have an easier time creating a successful partnership that provides mutual bene its for both parties.

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Amanda Ludwig on Leading the #AntiHustleMovement

or Amanda Ludwig, her advocacy for the #antihustlemovement is not just a trend; it's a testament to her personal journey and a pivotal aspect of her leadership philosophy. As a transformational leader, Amanda intertwines her exceptional business acumen with a profound understanding of the human element in the corporate world.

Her approach goes beyond traditional metrics of success, focusing on cultivating a culture that values rest, critical thinking, and personal well-being alongside professional achievement.

In this exclusive interview, Amanda Ludwig discusses her journey from 34

a self-driven entrepreneur to a visionary leader advocating for the #antihustlemovement. She delves into the importance of understanding the "why" behind the "how" in leadership, the need for unconventional thinking, and the signi icance of identifying the root causes of restlessness.

What according to you makes one transformational? How do you integrate the same thought into your leadership?

A truly exceptional leader not only boosts a company's inancial performance but also shapes its culture. These two components are vital for long-term growth and prosperity in any organization.

As a leader, I prioritize two key elements that achieve both

objectives:

Unlocking the power of unconventional thinking. Critical thinking skills are in short supply in today's workforce, regardless of age, gender, or education level. My aim as a leader is to help teams see things that may not be obvious at irst glance. I encourage them to ask questions, voice theories, and contribute their insights to solve problems. Teaching the "why" behind the "how." Any leader can provide standard operating procedures (SOPs) to their team. However, a truly transformational leader goes beyond that and explains the reasons behind the tasks they E X E L E O N M AG A Z I N E

Founder | Increase Expert

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assign. By doing so, I empower my team to excel in their roles, boosting job satisfaction and con idence.

Implementing these two approaches may require extra time when onboarding new employees. Yet, I have consistently witnessed the bene its over the years. Empowering employees in these ways cultivates self-suf iciency, con idence, and independent decision-making abilities, ultimately leading to signi icant time savings in the long run.

Talk to us about your growing up years. What is your earliest memory as a leader / entrepreneur that you can remember? From a young age, I displayed a natural knack for managing money, staying organized, and taking charge of my time. According to my mother, I kept track of my allowance money in a ledger when I was 4! (I think I was likely closer to 6!)

By middle school, my entrepreneurial spirit was evident. I chose homeschooling because I believed I could save time by teaching myself rather than relying on a teacher. At the beginning of each school year, my textbooks would arrive, and I would sit down with a calculator, divide the number of pages in the text by the number of days I wanted to study (usually 3-4 months), set my daily goals, then get to work. My mom mentioned that if she saw me playing outside, she was con ident that my work was done for the day! 36

By my senior year of high school, my passion for business led me to work at a prestigious inance company during the day and complete my studies at night.

But it wasn't just innate traits that shaped my entrepreneurial journey. My father, a lifelong entrepreneur, passed down a mindset of endless possibilities. He instilled in his children that everything is igureoutable long before Marie Forleo wrote about it! His example instilled in me the con idence that I could “ igure out” how to succeed at just about anything!

How are you helping entrepreneurs and executives improve their overall business performance without sacri icing their personal lives? In 2021, my life took an unexpected turn. I was forced to step away from my thriving career, sell my client list, and face a challenging illness head-on. Burnt out from the demanding pace of working nonstop, I realized I needed a diﬀerent approach to not only ight this illness, but also to prioritize my overall well-being when I returned to my career.

Throughout my journey, I had the privilege of working with top doctors, therapists, mentors, and coaches. Drawing from my experience as a business advisor and fractional CFO for over a decade, I've developed a unique methodology that blends professional success and personal well-being.

Let me share the core idea behind my methodology through this funny story. I once con ided in my sister about a tough situation with a client, expressing my wish to escape to a tranquil tropical island and have a zero-responsibility job at a snow shack. I'll never forget her life-changing response. She reminded me that my ambition and drive would inevitably lead me to not just manage the snow shack, but “You'd open your own snow E X E L E O N M AG A Z I N E

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shack, and soon, you'd start a snow shack franchise, and you'd be on all the islands. It's just who you are.” And she was right! I irmly believe that our inability to unwind and embrace rest is often a symptom of a deeper issue. That's why my work focuses on: Ÿ Identifying the root cause of our restlessness.

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Ÿ Objectively viewing whether pressures that are causing stress are from external factors or internal insecurities.

Ÿ Implementing eﬀective strategies to maintain focus and productivity during peak business seasons, while also allowing for periods of rest and recovery that fuel mental clarity and creativity.

You have been vocal about the #antihustlemovement. Talk to us about this movement and the importance of attaining worklife balance. When I am speaking on this topic, I often have the audience envision their career goals. I can always feel the energy in the room while people are envisioning the status or the income they aspire to. 37

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increased signi icantly, so the competition is now worldwide.

So, my best advice to emerging women entrepreneurs is to be 100% authentically and unapologetically you. There is only one you, and if your brand shows the world who you are, you will attract the people who have been looking for you! Looking ahead, what is your vision for your brand? What are you most excited about?

Then I ask them to envision themselves when they reach that goal. Who will they be? Will they be happy or stressed? Do they look tired or energized? Are they surrounded by friends and family?

Sadly, every time I reach that point in the exercise, the mood in the room plummets. So much of what we learn in our youth revolves around an “achievement leads to reward” structure. Especially in America, we are taught that hard work and dedication always pays oﬀ. To hustle and to grind is to win. But what is missing in that tale is that without substantial teaching on the bene its of rest and a focus on health, the hustle isn't sustainable. And then comes the guilt and shame we put on ourselves for becoming too burnt out to remain successful. So, we hide it and push even harder, often leading to serious health consequences. 38

Having nearly lost my life to success, I'm on a mission to ensure others don't take the same path that I did. Coining the term #antihustlemovement, I am here to give hope that sustainable success is achievable without giving up everything! What would be your advice for emerging women entrepreneurs when it comes to establishing market presence? I am seeing a huge shift in the market over the last 5-7 years, and what it boils down to is that people are truly seeking out authenticity. Between social media and userfriendly platforms that allow us all to create our own websites overnight, the market is overwhelmed with choices of service-providers. And, since COVID, the increased level of consumers/companies willing to have work done remotely has

Sharing my experiences and methodology from the stage, through podcasts and workshops, and in 2024, in a book, is extremely powerful and ful illing work. But the vision doesn't stop there. I want to be in the room when corporations are having the conversation about converting to a 4-day work week for the wellbeing of their employees.

I want to educate and inspire the leaders that decide our labor laws. And most importantly, I want to see the #antihustlemovement become part of mainstream culture, which means that in my lifetime, I'll see a decrease in stress-related illnesses, less people suﬀering from depression and anxiety, improved family structures and wealth generated by executives and entrepreneurs who have the energy and vision to ful ill their purpose.

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PUTTING CUSTOMERS Adie FIRST Kriegstein

or the last 17 years, Adie Kriegstein has built an impeccable reputation in the real estate industry with her customer- irst ideology. Her focus on building (and maintaining) strong relationships with clients, understanding their unique needs, and collaborating with them at every stage of their real estate journey has positioned her as one of the top realtors in Manhattan.

Moreover, Adie's strong knowledge of the market coupled with her hands-on working style has enabled her to deliver results that surpass expectations. In this exclusive interview, Adie Kriegstein talks about her journey, her real estate ideologies, and her vision going forward. What according to you makes for a powerful woman? How have you integrated the same thought into your real estate journey? From my perspective, a powerful woman is someone who possesses a strong sense of self, who is ambitious, determined, and resilient. She is knowledgeable, 40

honest and hands on in her approach. She is con ident in her abilities and is not afraid to take risks in order to achieve her goals. I have integrated these qualities into my real estate journey as I strive to become the best professional that I can be.

I strive to integrate these qualities in my approach to serving my customers and helping them navigate the complexities of our marketplace. By embodying these traits I have been able to achieve success in my real estate career, and I continue to strive for even greater accomplishments.

I believe that being a powerful woman in this industry means being able to adapt to the everchanging market conditions, to negotiate with con idence, and to build strong relationships with clients and colleagues. I am unwavering in my commitment to my clients and believe in clear and strong communication and transparency. I never lose sight of the fact that ours is a customer service industry.

Talk to us about your growing up years. What is your earliest memory as a

leader/entrepreneur that you can remember? My earliest memory as an entrepreneur would be the annual lemonade stands I would set up as a child spending summers on Martha's Vineyard. I think I started selling Lemonade when I was 7 or 8.

By the age of 14 I began working in retail at a clothing store on the Island. After spending a few summers in the retail world, I changed course and became a lifeguard. I was also in demand as a babysitter, until I discovered that I could make far more money being a Nanny, so I switched over to doing that all the way through college. After graduation I went straight into real estate! De initely not a natural or common trajectory for my ield. Most people fall into real estate as a second or third career.

I was a huge tomboy growing up, which eventually led me to become a competitive athlete. I picked up sports when I was young, and as I grew older I gravitated to team sports. My earliest leadership roles were as the captain of numerous teams throughout my elementary and Boarding School years. I went

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on to play Lacrosse at Colgate University.

I believe participating in competitive sports as a child plays a crucial role in the development of skills that are extremely useful in adult life. I can attest to having bene ited greatly from what I learned on the playing ield.

I strongly believe playing sports not only helps children gain con idence, but also teaches teamwork, communication and decision-making skills, as well as leadership. Let's not forget that playing sports teaches time management and discipline, along with perseverance, all of which are crucial for achieving success in any ield. Lastly one of the most important lessons one can learn is how to handle success and failure with grace and sportsmanship. These are traits and life lessons which help shape us, and learning them at an early age is invaluable. What prompted your interest and subsequently your foray into the real estate space?

I have always been interested in architecture and looking at homes; both exterior and interior design. When I was at Colgate University, I studied Geology (I dig for dinosaurs as a hobby) and Geography. What interested me the most about Geography was Urban Planning and sustainability. I originally had thought I would work in development, but after a stint in sales right out of College I discovered I just loved selling, and have been a real estate agent ever since. What is the approach followed by you and your team to ensure optimal buying and selling experience for your clients?

Unlike a lot of agents, I pride myself in prioritizing the client experience and always putting the customer irst. My team always puts the customer irst and is 42

committed to providing the highest level of expertise for them. I want to build enduring relationships. At the heart of my team's approach is a focus on understanding the unique needs and goals of each buyer and seller, and working collaboratively to achieve the best possible outcomes. Whether it's helping a irsttime buyer ind the perfect starter home, guiding an investor through a complex

transaction, or advising a seller on how to maximize their property's value, the team is dedicated to delivering results that exceed expectations. I want to know I have not just helped someone buy/sell their home, but that I have also helped everyone in their family and even their friends.

Having built an incredible reputation over the last 17 plus years as a realtor and entrepreneur, what would you change if you were to

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A while ago I underwent surgery and spent a week in the hospital due to complications. I learned an invaluable lesson- to accept help from others and put trust in those around you. In that circumstance I had no choice, but I have since become comfortable allowing and relying on others to help me. I have assembled an experienced team of Agents who I can entrust to work with me to serve my clients and help them acquire or sell their properties.

I am a big believer in abundance, that there is enough to go around and if you put it out in the universe it will come back tenfold. Knowing I was going to be apartment bound while recovering from my surgery, I took it upon myself to ind new avenues to get my name and my brand out there.

start over again? This is a wonderful question and while I don't believe in focusing on regrets, there may be a few things I would do diﬀerently if I was given another chance. I have always worked hard, but perhaps I could have tried to push myself out the door and do more things for my soul.

A few years ago, I joined the University Club in NYC and I wish I had known about the club when I was younger. I have made a number of valuable relationships and W W W. E X E L E O N M AG A Z I N E . C O M

friendships through the club and have honed my skills on the Squash court, but I would have loved to have begun years earlier.

I belong to a few other clubs in the city, but playing Squash again has illed a void for me and gives an outlet to my competitive spirit. I also could have done more research into NYU's Real Estate Certi icate program to see if that would have been of interest to me.

I ended up pursuing PR publications (such as this) and just in the past 5 months I have been quoted in over 40 articles. I plan to continue to do this, while building out my Team's social footprint across all the main cyber platforms and nurturing a large business referral base. I want to continue to grow organically.

Lastly, I have a new sub-brand (not sure exactly what to call it yet) that I hope to launch and push out in the early Fall; 'Paw City NYC.' This is a collaboration with “Philbin,” my pet Labrador Retriever. I personally think it is an idea with real potential, and it has also been a super fun side project for me.

Finally, talk to us about your vision going forward for your brand and network.

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e K ndnes Cau e Story

– Written By Mandy Cordia

have a photo on my desk of a bright-eyed, eight-year-old me. That little girl was so full of hope and determination to make a diﬀerence. She wanted to change the world. Somewhere along the way, someone made her believe she was too small and insigni icant to make a diﬀerence, so she set that dream aside.

My irst love in life was fashion. The glitz and glamour I saw in fashion magazines were very diﬀerent from my hand-me-down, small-town, Missouri life. I always wondered what it would be like to walk into a store, buy whatever I wanted, and never worry about how much it cost. That very idea seemed outside the realm of any possibility I knew. I was taught very young that you have to work for everything you want in life. I got a job in retail at age 15 and never looked back. I managed to turn my love of shopping into a full-time career. I had the pleasure of helping others ind love and joy through the clothes they wear every day as a corporate retail fashion buyer for companies like W W W. E X E L E O N M AG A Z I N E . C O M

Zappos.com, Dillard's, and The Home Shopping Network.

My career as a corporate retail buyer allowed me to live out my childhood dreams of attending fashion shows, traveling the world, and working with brands that had previously only been within my reach in the pages of fashion magazines. I was living out my dreams, but those dreams came crashing down quickly with the onset of the pandemic.

The pandemic was my wake-up call. I realized I wasn't that same little girl anymore. Over the course of my career, I got married and had two beautiful children. My job required me to travel frequently, which meant I missed out on irst birthdays, picture days, and far too many other important events to count. If you were to ask my children, “Where does mommy work?” They would almost always reply, “New York,” even though we live in Las Vegas, Nevada. Prior to the pandemic, I did my best to separate home and work. I made it a point to be 45

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present with my family, and my kids rarely saw me working. The pandemic changed that; they saw mommy working all day, pulling all-nighters, and working on the weekends to keep from drowning in the workload. I was one of the “lucky” ones who got to keep my job in retail when many were laid oﬀ or furloughed. My job was already demanding, but now I was taking on the work of 3 other people. Whenever I received a phone call from an Account Executive to tell me they had been laid oﬀ, I secretly wished I could trade them places. The workload was becoming more than I could handle, and it wasn't long before I crash-landed in burnout.

My breaking point was a day I will never forget. I was at home frantically working to meet a last-minute deadline. I heard my 3-year-old son playing in his room, and something he said caught my attention. I got up and peeked around the corner to watch. My son had set up his stuﬀed animals around his table. He made a computer out of paper and pretended to work just as he saw me do every day. After a few moments, he turned to his stuﬀed animals and yelled at them to be quiet. He said, “I'm on an important call and need to inish my work.” I cried. My heart was broken. This was not the example I wanted to set for my children, and I knew something had to change. I didn't know what that change looked like, so I started with therapy. Little did I know then that those therapy secessions 46

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would change everything. One of the most signi icant discoveries was that I had been neglecting my passion for giving back. Before having children, I volunteered my time to several charitable organizations. Life had become so busy that I no longer had time to volunteer. We were still in the middle of the pandemic, so volunteering in person wasn't an option. Plus, I couldn't bring myself to take a lunch break away from my computer, let alone enjoy helping others, all while knowing the work is piling up (don't worry, this was also addressed in therapy).

As a mom, I felt like every time I turned around, I needed to buy another gift for a birthday, housewarming, or wedding. I started to buy gifts for my friends and family that supported charitable organizations as my way of giving back. The gifts became conversation starters about important issues and a way to learn about diﬀerent nonpro its. However, it often took a lot of work to uncover and learn about the nonpro it bene iting from my purchase, and the giveback was often vague. As a product person, I didn't always love the selection oﬀered. There had to be a better way. I decided that my many years of retail experience, coupled with my love of helping others, put me in a unique position to tackle the problem head-on.

I launched my business, The Kindness Cause, in March of 2022 with three main goals: (1) make giving back easy when life is busy by incorporating giving into the things we do every day, like buying gifts for our friends and family; (2) provide transparency around funds donated with purchase and

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transparency around the charitable organization bene iting from the sale; and (3) create a platform to educate, bring awareness, and raise funds to support the incredible work of smaller, regional nonpro it organizations. Getting to merge my love of fashion, advocacy, and philanthropy is an added bonus.

The causes and issues that I am passionate about is an extensive list. However, my initial nonpro it partnerships for The Kindness Cause focus on human rights, women empowerment, the LGBTQIA+ community, children, cancer, and environmental issues. It was vital for me to launch with the right partners. I utilize Charity Navigator, GuideStar, and tax

returns to vet and hand-select the organizations for partnership.

Once I partner with a nonpro it organization, I create and curate merchandise around their mission for a “Cause Collection.” These collections are speci ic to one nonpro it organization, and the merchandise is only available for purchase for a period of 60-days. In every product description on the website, I state how much we donate to charity with purchase, along with the nonpro it organization bene iting from the purchase. The Kindness Cause also features a great assortment of merchandise themed around kindness and

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positive af irmations that are sold throughout the year in our “Kindness Collection.” Like the Cause Collections, every purchase donates to a charitable nonpro it organization, and we transparently share how much we donate and the organization bene iting from the sale. So far, I've had the distinct honor to partner with, bring awareness, and raise funds for some incredible charitable nonpro it organizations, including but not limited to: Ÿ Birmingham, Alabama, nonpro it GASP, whose mission is to advance healthy air & environmental justice in the greater-Birmingham area through education, advocacy, and collaboration.

Ÿ St. Louis, Missouri nonpro it, Zugunruhe Experience believes that to understand the world, you must see the world and that education through travel has the power to be the most in luential factor in inspiring a life illed with meaning. They provide opportunities to travel for underserved youth to discover their limitless potential.

Ÿ Las Vegas, Nevada nonpro it, The Remissonaries, positively impacts women ighting breast cancer by providing comfort during and after chemotherapy treatment with their comfort crates. Ÿ Westlake Village, California nonpro it, My Stuﬀ Bags Foundation provides new belongings, comfort, and hope 48

to thousands of children each year rescued from abuse, neglect, abandonment, and homelessness across the United States. The new belongings address the immediate physical and emotional needs of rescued children and help support the agencies caring for them.

I've discovered that life only gets busier. When we have the inancial means to give, we often do not have the time. When we have time to give, we often do not have the inancial means to give. How we give back evolves over time. It doesn't matter how we give; it just matters that we do. One of my favorite quotes is by Mother Teresa.

She said, “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.”

Every day when I sit down at my desk to start my day, I see that photo of 8-year-old me and smile. I no longer feel small and insigni icant. That photo is my daily reminder of the beautifully broken journey I've taken to ind my voice, my worth, and to be here doing what I love today. The work I do makes a meaningful diﬀerence daily, and the best part is I'm just getting started. I know that 8-yearold me would be so proud.

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Art The

Freedom H A R R I E T

With over 15 years of experience in the beauty industry, Harriet Had ield—better known as Harry—has established herself as a leading igure among creative freelancers. As a celebrity makeup artist, she has adorned the faces of renowned personalities and worked with prestigious brands and persevered beyond her own struggles. Distancing herself from the cliché d starving artist narrative, Harry has taken on the role of a mentor and

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business strategist, guiding freelancers through the intricacies of entrepreneurship with her 'Freelance with Freedom' platform.

Her insights and strategies have not only helped her own business thrive, hitting iveigure months and building an online coaching business to six igures during a global pandemic, but have also empowered others to scale their businesses and increase their bookings signi icantly.

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What according to you makes one transformational? How do you integrate the same thought into your leadership? A leader is transformational when they own who they are con idently. For example, I have Tourette's and OCD. I own this and manage it and I am not afraid to meet those needs for myself. This is key to having success. I also am honest with my clients and model what I teach to them by asking for what I would like as a business owner. This modeling is so key.

Talk to us about your growing up years. What prompted your interest and subsequently your foray into the makeup and beauty space? I wanted to become a makeup artist at a young age. I would practice on friends and family new styles or techniques and was interested since a young age. This soon became my profession, and I was good at it. I scaled to becoming a make-up artist for large celebrities as well. It all started from an honest young passion.

As a business and mindset coach, what is your approach when it comes to helping creative freelancers ind their brand and market?

much more. Just knowing the industry is key to being successful and pro itable. Then we also work on embodying that expert status. We want to make sure all our clients' mindsets are clear, something that doesn't hold them back from their full potential.

What according to you are some of the biggest misconceptions when it comes to freelancing?

I think the starving artist narrative. People hear freelancer and think it means you will be poor. I am passionate about creatives and freelancers knowing that's not true. This has become my mission. Looking ahead, what is your vision for your brand? What are you most excited about?

I am excited to continue to reach people through my YouTube channel @harrymakesitup. I am also excited to continue to scale my programs Freelance with freedom and Industry Icon. I want to see more freelancers have the success that they can.

I want them to be educated on the industry. We learn a lot about the industry, how to pitch yourself, negotiations and so

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