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Lisa Subrize

YASHODA KHILWANI

Embracing Excellence

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YASHODA KHILWANI

Leading with Heart

How Lisa Subrize is Helping Founders Build with Purpose

Lisa

Subrize never set out to become a business coach. Her journey didn't begin with a business plan or a branding strategy. It began with loss, resilience, and a deep desire to serve.

When Lisa was just a child, she lost her mother and was raised by her grandmother—a woman whose faith and strength left an imprint that would shape Lisa's life and leadership forever. “I was raised by a strong, faith-ﬁlled grandmother who taught me resilience, compassion, and the importance of character,” she says. “People don't just follow what you say. They follow who you are.”

That philosophy didn't just inspire Lisa's personal values. It became the heartbeat of her leadership style and eventually the foundation of her company, Leading with Lisa. Today, as a CEO and leadership strategist, Lisa is helping small businesses navigate growth, align with purpose, and build the kind of systems that sustain real, long-term success. But none of this came easily or quickly.

“People don’t just follow what you say. They follow who you are.”

FROM CRISIS TO CLARITY

BeforefoundingLeadingwithLisa, Lisaspentnearlytwodecadesin thehealthcareindustry.Sheled departments,mergedcompanies, andhelpedpreventorganizational closures.Herworkwasintense, high-pressure,anddeeplymissiondriven.

“Myleadershipstylehasalways beenrootedinservice,strategy, andclarity,”shesays.“ButIalso learnedveryquicklythat leadershipisonlyasstrongasthe teamaroundyou.”

Throughyearsofmergersand

industrydisruption,Lisa developedasharpeyeforteam dynamics.Shesawhowbusinesses eithersurvivedorcollapsedbased notontheiroﬀeringsbutontheir people.

“Mostcompaniesdon'tfailbecause ofabadproduct.Theyfailbecause theydon'thavetherightpeople aroundthem,”sheexplains.That realizationbecameevenmore vividduringtheCOVID-19 pandemic,aturningpointnotjust forthehealthcaresystem,butfor Lisaherself.

“Beingahealthcareexecutive duringthepandemicwaslike

workingininancialservices duringtheGreatRecession,”she says.“Theweightofeverydecision washeavy.Everydaybrought unimaginablechallenges.Andit mademerelectdeeplyonwhat matteredmost.”

Lisabegantoaskherselfanewset ofquestions.Wasshelivingher purpose?Wasthereagreater impactshecouldmake?Andwhat woulditlookliketouseeverything shehadlearnedinanewway?

THE BIRTH OF LEADING WITH LISA

Whatbeganassoul-searching

quicklyturnedintostrategy.Lisa realizedthatsmallbusiness ownerswereoftennavigating complexchallengeswithlittle support.Theyhadgrit,vision,and heartbutlackedaccessto experiencedguidance.

“Ididn'twantthelessonsI'd learnedtositonashelf,”shesays. “Iwantedtousethemtohelp peoplewhoriskeverythingto bringtheirdreamstolife.”

Withthat,LeadingwithLisawas born.Lisacreatedacompanythat oﬀersbusinessstrategy,branding clarity,leadershipcoaching,and socialmediasupport,allrootedin personalized,practicalsystems thatmeetfounderswheretheyare.

Butthisisn'ttraditionalconsulting. Lisabringssomethingraretothe

table:theabilitytomarrystructure withsoul.

“Strategyisimportant.But empathyistransformational,”she says.“Wedon'tjustbuildplans.We buildalignmentbetweenthe leaderandthebusiness.”

ThatalignmentiswhereLisasees truetransformationhappen.When leadersareclearontheirpurpose andvalues,shesays,theyshowup stronger,leadwithmore conidence,andgrowtheir businessesmoresustainably.

RESULTS THAT SPEAK

Sinceitsinception,Leadingwith Lisahashelpedcompaniesdouble proits,rebrandforclarity,regain stability,andprepareforrapid growth.Lisa'sclientsaresmall

Leading with Heart and A Framework

Oneofthethingsthatmakes Lisa'sapproachstandoutis thatherbrandisrootedin personalvalues.Leadingwith Lisaisn'tjustabusinessname. It'sadailypracticeanda guidingframework,grounded intheacronymLISA:

Lifelong Learning Integrity Strength Awareness

“Tome,purposeisn'tjustabig, loftymissionstatement,”she explains.“It'sasetofdaily

actionsthatrelectyour values.”

Whethershe'sadvisinga founderpreparingtoscaleor workingwithateamincrisis, Lisareturnstothesecore valuesagainandagain.They informhowshehires,howshe servesclients,andhowshe showsupinherpersonallife.

Purpose-drivenleadership,in Lisa'sworld,isthebridge betweenperformanceand people.“It'showyoubuild loyalty,createculture,and driveresults—notjustfora season,butforthelonghaul.

businesseswithbigdreams, companieswithstrongpotential butlackingtheaccesstosupport systemsoftenreservedforlarger irms.

“We'veexpandedourRapid GrowthAcceleratortomeetthe needsofcompaniespreparingto scale,”Lisashares.“AndourNew BusinessAcceleratorRoadmapis helpingearly-stagefoundersbuild solid,sustainablefoundations.”

Oneofherproudestinitiativesis the Investment Readiness Program,whichhashelped multiplebusinessesunlock millionsinfunding.Theseare entrepreneurswhoknewhowto hustlebutdidn'thavethetoolsor strategytospeakthelanguageof investors.Lisaandherteambridge thatgap.

“Thesearecompaniesbuilton visionandgrit,”shesays.“Butwhat theylackedwasaccess.We're changingthat—andtheresults speakforthemselves.”

A NEW DEFINITION OF SUCCESS

Lisa'sclientsdon'tjustwalkaway withbetterprocesses.Theywalk awaywitharenewedsenseof conidence,purpose,andclarity. That'snotanaccident.Lisasees theemotionalandpersonalsideof entrepreneurshipasequally importanttotheoperationalone.

“Businessownersarepouringtheir livesintowhatthey'rebuilding,” shesays.“They'renotjustchasing revenue.They'retryingtobuild somethingmeaningful.That deservesmorethanabusiness

template.Itdeservescare,clarity,and honestsupport.”

Inaworldthatoftenrewardshustleand burnout,Lisaoﬀerssomethingdiﬀerent. Sheteachesherclientstoslowdown,get clear,andaligntheirdailyactionswith theirdeepestvalues.Andsheleadsby example.

“Idon'twanttobeeverywhere.Iwantto bewhereI'mmosteﬀective,”shesays. Thatsenseoffocusiswhathasallowed Lisatogrowherbusinesswhilestaying truetohermission.

THE LEGACY IN THE MAKING

LisaSubrizeisn'tjustbuildinga company.She'sbuildingalegacy.Her worksitsattheintersectionofbusiness andtransformation,showing entrepreneursthatsuccessandsoulare notopposite,rather they're partners

Herstoryisoneofgrit,intention,and faith.Andherbusinessisarelectionof everythingshebelieves:thatwhenyou leadwithclarityandpurpose,youdon't justchangeyourresults.Youchange yourlife.

“I'monamissiontochangelives,”she says.“AndIbelieveeverysmallbusiness isadreamworthightingfor.”

Fromhospitalsystemstofounder-led startups,Lisahasproventhatleadership doesn'tneedtobeloudtobepowerful. Itneedstobeclear.Itneedstobe consistent.Andaboveall,itneedstobe real.

“I’m on a mission

mission to change lives.”

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Guided by Passion

A Conversation with Lodestar

Whiskey

Co-Founders

Anna Axster and Wendelin von Schroder

Passion

Frommanagingartistsand runningamusicfestivalto buildingawhiskeybrandthat championsinclusivity,community, andcreativity,AnnaAxsterand WendelinvonSchroderhave carvedanunexpectedyetinspiring path.Theirtransitionfromthe musicindustrytospiritswasn't justacareerpivot;itwasapassion longwaitingforspacetogrow. Whatbeganasasharedlovefor whiskeyevolvedintoLodestar,a brandbuiltwithintention, authenticity,andadesiretoopen thedoorsofanindustry historicallydominatedbymen.

Inthisinterview,theco-founders relectonhowtheirpastshaped theirpresent,theexperiencesthat fueledtheirmission,andthevision theycarryforwardasLodestar continuestogainrecognition acrossCalifornia.

Both of you started your careers in the music industry. How did your journey during that time shape your love for whiskey?

Webothworkedinmusicand entertainmentforoveradecade together.Weweremostlyonthe managementandlabelside, workingbehindthescenes,andwe evenlaunchedasmallmusic festivalthatkeptusprettybusy. Welovedthatchapterofourlives, butwhenthepandemichit,things

shiftedprettydrasticallyovernight, andsincesomuchofourworkwas tiedtoliveshowsandtouring,we suddenlyhadtoigureouthowto moveeverythingonlineandkeep thingsrunningsmoothly.Itwasa bigadjustment,butitalsogaveus thechancetopause,catchour breath,andthinkaboutwhatwe wantedtodonext.

Whiskeyhadalwaysbeena passionprojectinthebackofour minds,sowedecidedtotakethe leap.Thatentertainment backgroundreallyshapedhowwe approachedLodestar.Ittaughtus resilience,businessinstincts,how tobetonourselves,andthat sometimesyoujusthavetostop overthinkingandgoforit.

You've shared that ordering whiskey as women often came with unwarranted reactions. How did that experience fuel the idea behind Lodestar? (optional)

Whiskeyisstillwidelyperceivedas moreofamaledrink,andthisis whatweoftenexperiencedwhen wewouldorderwhiskey.Reactions rangedfrompositivetoconfusedin awaythatyouwouldnotseewhen orderingavodkaortequila.This sparkedourinterest.Weknewa lotofwomenwholikedwhiskey, andwealsoknewalotofwomen whofelteitherintimidatedornot spokentobythecategory.These

ofyearsoftravel,visiting distilleries,andtastingcountless (sometimesveryobscure)whiskies. Thatbriefgaveusaroadmapfor whatwewantedLodestartotaste like.

Fromthere,wethrewourselves intoresearch,readingeverything wecould,talkingtootherfounders, blenders,anddistillers.The whiskeycommunityissurprisingly open,andpeopleweresogenerous withtheirtime.Ultimately,we realizedblendingwasthebestway toachievethelavorweenvisioned, sowebegansourcingbarrels directlyfromdistilleries.Wetaste everybarreltomakesureitmeets ourstandardsandourlavor proile,andwiththeblendwe created,weachievedtheproile thatweinitiallyenvisioned.

The whiskey industry has historically been male dominated, with only 8 percent of distilleries owned by women. How does it feel to be part of the movement challenging that norm?

realizations,combinedwithour loveforthespirit,werewhat ultimatelyledustowanttocreatea brandthatcelebratedinclusivity andcommunity.

Lodestar's lavor proile blends

an American Single Malt with High-Rye Bourbon. What inspired this particular combination?

Beforewelaunched,wecreateda detailedlavorbriefthatcameout

Therearealotofexcitingthings happeningininnovationwiththe goaltodiversifytheindustry.We areexcitedtobeapartofthisand celebrateotherbrandsthatare workingtowardthesamegoal. Withmorerepresentation,more peoplewillfeelinvitedand includedtodiscoverandexplore thiscategory,andthat'swhatwe wouldlovetosee—thatLodestar canbeapartofpeoplecoming togetherandcelebratinglife's specialmomentswitheveryone beinginvited.

How have you worked to create a brand experience — from

packaging to storytelling — that feels authentic to both of your visions?

Authenticityisdeinitelywhat's guidingusinbuildingeveryaspect ofthebrand.Itstartedwiththe liquidwecreatedtoputinthe bottleandcontinuedwiththe name.ALodestarisaguidingstar —somethingorsomeoneyou navigateby.Whenbrainstorming ourbrand,wefocusedonwhat mattersmosttous:community, inclusivity,andjoy.Theseareour guidinglights,soLodestarfeltlike theperfectname. Whendesigningourbottle,we aimedforalookthat'smodernyet

timeless,steeringclearofanything thatfeltgendered.Andwith everythingelsesurroundingthe brand,mostimportantisthatitis authentictousandthosepillars thatwenavigateby.

What has the reception been like from the Los Angeles bar and restaurant community, where Lodestar is already carried in several well-known venues? How do you see distribution evolving as you expand beyond Los Angeles?

It'sbeenreallygreattoseehow positivelyLodestarhasbeen received.Theproductandthestory

areconnectingwithpeople.Wejust expandedtosmallerSouthern CaliforniamarketslikeSanta BarbaraandLongBeach,andwe areexcitedtoreachSanFrancisco inthenearfuture.

Beyond sales and expansion, what legacy do you both hope Lodestar leaves in the spirits industry?

WewouldloveforLodestartobea partofdiversifyingwhiskeymore andultimatelybringpeople together.

NUMBERS, NERVES NEW HORIZONS &

“ “

WI’ve truly seen all sides of the table in ﬁnance and real estate.

hat inspired you to pursue Chartered Accountancy and later transition into investment banking? How do these roles complement each other in your work?

I'vealwayslovedchallenges.Backin2002,careeroptionswere limited—CA,engineer,ordoctor.ChoosingCAwasthebestdecisionI made.Comingfromabusiness-orientedSindhifamily,numberscome naturallytome.

MycareerbeganinCorporateFunding(2009),movedtorealestate consulting,andeventuallytofundraisingfordevelopers.

Withtime,I'vetruly“seenallsidesofthetable”ininanceandreal estate.

Yashoda Khilwani

Money is Power, Or You?

The Challenge Isn’t Capability — It’s Opportunity

Give women the same runway men get—and we'll soar. “ “

As a woman in a traditionally male-dominated ield, what challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them?

Theissueisn'tability—it'sopportunity. Womenoftendon'tgetequalplatformsto showcasetheirideasandleadership.

Thegapclosesonlywhen:

•We'retrustedtoleadandexecute

•Ourideasaregivenroomtogrow

•Performanceisjudgedonmerit,not stereotypes

Wealth isn't built overnight—it's built with time, patience, and discipline. “ “

With global economic uncertainty rising, what strategies would you recommend for investors to build resilient portfolios?

Chooseyourassetclasswisely–Alignrisk appetitewithsuitableassets—realestate,equity, debt,orstartups.

Researchdeeply;useexpertinsight–Study markettrends,growthdrivers,andregulations. Leveragefundmanagersandanalysts.

Focusonstability&long-termgrowth–Pune's realestate,forinstance,remainsstable,growing, anddata-backed.

Final Truth:

Quickmoney=highrisk.Realwealth=time+ research+discipline.

She is the Movement

Clarity is everything. Before you board any train, know where it stops.

“ “

What leadership philosophy guides your approach to mentoring young professionals, particularly women in inance?

“Tome,leadershipistheabilitytoinspireandmove othersintoaction.”

Trueleadershipliesinthenaturalabilitytomotivate others—notthroughforce,butinluence.

Myadvice:

•Evaluateyourskills,interests,andthemarket

•Taketime—don'trushchoices

•Alignyourpathintentionally

•Explorewisely

•Alwaysbewillingtolearn

Confusionisnormalinyour20s;directionisn't automatic—it'sbuilt.

Clarityiseverything.

Beforeyouboardanytrain,knowwhereitstops.

Where do you see your career and advocacy in the next decade?

I'mdrivenbyfourpillars:

• Real Estate –Scalingdeveloperfundraisinginto city-shapingprojects.

• Finance –LeveragingmyCAbackgroundfor strategicdeal-making.

• Fashion –Buildingsomethingsustainableand inclusive.

• Fitness –Theconsistencythatfuelseverything.

My vision:

•Iconicrealestateprojects

•High-impactinancialdeals

•Consciousfashioninitiatives

•Awellnessadvocacythatproves itness = wealth

Notchoosing—integrating.That'showIbuild somethinglasting.

Let's Dive Into Your Personal Favourites

•Favourite food: DalFrywithJeeraRice—plus avocadoonsourdough.

•What do you love most about life?- ThatI candanceanytime!

•Favourite dance move: SlowBhangraonan Englishtrack.

•Favourite song: ShowMeLovebyTyla.

•If you had to sing a recent song: Saiyaara.

•Movies: Inspiring:GullyBoy

Funny:DreamGirl&HappyBhagJayegi

•Favourite quote: “Asyoustarttowalkonthe way,thewayappears.”–Rumi

•Favourite books: ThePathtoTranquility;Do EpicShit

•Advice to youngsters: Doyourbestwith whatyouhave.

•Favourite pastime: CoﬀeeonaSunday morning;gymonweekdays.

A story of discipline, clarity, creativity, and unstoppable ambition— told through ﬁnance, fashion, ﬁtness, and the fearless pursuit of purpose.

Location: The Time Table at Ventive, Pune

Photo Credit: Lokesh Bhoyar

Building a Business with God at the Center

Inanentrepreneurial worlddrivenby algorithms,achievement, andrelentlesshustle,Stefanie Gassoﬀersarefreshingand faithfulcounter-narrative:a businessrootedinbiblical values,simplicity,andtrustin God'stiming.

Asthefounderof Stefanie Gass LLC andhostofthepopular podcast Online Business for Christian Women,Stefaniehas helpedthousandsofwomen createimpactfulbusinesses, withoutcompromisingtheir faithorfamily.

Herstoryisnotoneofinstant successbutofsurrender,prayer, anddivineredirection.Through hercoaching,content,and community,Stefaniecontinues tomodelwhatitlooksliketo thriveinbusinesswhile remaininganchoredinpurpose andobedience.

Stefanie, can you take us back to the beginning? What led you to create Stefanie Gass LLC and launch Online Business for Christian Women?

MyjourneytobuildingStefanie GassLLCandlaunching“Online BusinessforChristianWomen” beganinaseasonofsurrender. Yearsago,Ifoundmyself chasingworldlysuccessin networkmarketing,constantly hustlingandstrivingfor achievement.WhileIhitthebig milestones—sixigures, recognition,thetrips—Ifelt emptyanddisconnectedfrom mytruepurpose.

Godbegantoworkinmyheart, revealingthatIwasplacingmy worthinsuccessinsteadofin Him.In2016,Idecidedtolayit alldown.Ideletedsocialmedia foraseason,leanedintoprayer, andaskedGodtoguidemeto

Hisplansformylifeand business.

Throughthatprocess,He revealedacallingtohelp ambitious,faith-ledwomen buildbusinessesthathonor Him—withoutcompromising theirfamilyorfaith.That's whenmypodcast,“Online BusinessforChristianWomen,” wasborn,andlatermy signatureprogramsthathelp womenmonetizetheirGodgivengiftsthroughpodcasting.

You're known for your antihustle, biblical approach to business. How do you deine “anti-hustle” in a culture that gloriies grind?

Tome,“anti-hustle”means buildingabusinessin partnershipwithGodrather thanrelyingsolelyonourown strength.Itmeansprioritizing presenceoverpressure,

Founder Stefanie Gass LLC

STEFANIE GASS

sustainabilityoverburnout,and obedienceoveroutcomes.

Theworldcelebratesconstant hustle,latenights,andbusy schedulesasbadgesofhonor—but Godcallsustorest,totrust,andto stewardourgiftswithpeace.The “anti-hustle”approachallowsusto growbusinessesthatdon'tdrainus butinsteadsupportthelifeGodis callingustolive—withmarginfor faith,family,andtruefreedom.

How do you coach clients to trust God's timing and provision while still stewarding their business growth wisely?

Oneofmyfavoriteversesis Proverbs16:9:“Intheirhearts humansplantheircourse,butthe Lordestablishestheirsteps.”I remindmyclientsthatGodisnot surprisedbytheirtimelineortheir journey.

Weco-createastrategy—because planningandtakingactionare biblical—butweholdthoseplans looselyandremainopentoHis redirection.Ihelpthemset boundaries,deinetheir“enough,” andbuildbusinessesthatalignwith theircallingratherthanchasing numbersorcomparison.

Ultimately,it'saboutleaninginto trustdaily:trustthatGodseesthe bigpicture,thatHisprovisionis alwaysontime,andthatsuccess Hiswayisfargreaterthananything wecouldforceinourownstrength.

Can you walk us through your coaching framework or roadmap? What are the key milestones your clients reach?

Mycoachingframeworkisbuilt

aroundtheideaofgrowingan audienceorganicallyand monetizingwithsimplicityand sustainability.Itstartswithclarity: gettingclearonwhoyouserve, yourniche,andthetransformation youoﬀer.

Nextiscontent—formostofmy clients,thismeanslaunchinga podcastasalong-formplatformto buildtrustandauthority.From there,wefocusoncommunityand cultivatingaloyalaudiencewho deeplyconnectswithyourmessage.

Thencomesmonetization:creating scalableoﬀerslikecourses, coachingprograms,or membershipsthatsolveyour audience'sproblems.

ThemilestonesIloveseeingclients reacharelaunchingtheirpodcasts, growinganengagedlistenerbase, creatingandsellingtheirirstoﬀer, andinally,generatingconsistent income—allwhileworkingless andlivingmore.

How do you ensure your message and mission remain authentic and God-centered as your inluence expands?

Ibelievethatstayinggroundedin God'sWordandmaintainingadaily relationshipwithHimisnonnegotiable.Beforeanybigdecision, launch,orpivot,IprayandseekHis direction.

Ialsosurroundmyselfwitha communitythatholdsme accountable—mentors,peers,and myteam—whoallsharethesame faith-centeredvalues.

Whentheworldstartsshouting“do more,bemore,”Iintentionallystep

back,evaluateifsomethingaligns withGod'swill,andremindmyself thatmyworthisnotinnumbers, butinobedience.

Looking ahead, what's your vision going forward both on a personal and professional front?

Personally,I'mfocusedon deepeningmyrelationshipwith Godandbeingfullypresentformy family.Myprayeristolivealifeof simplicityandjoy,withmarginto serveandlovewell.

Professionally,I'mexcitedto continuehelpingthousandsof womenstepintotheircalling, createkingdombusinesses,and indtruefreedom.Ienvision expandingourprogramsand resources,reachingmorefaith-led entrepreneursaroundtheworld, andcontinuingtocreatecontent thatequipsandinspires.

Attheendoftheday,myultimate visionistostewardtheplatform GodhasgivenmetobringHim glory—oneobedientstepata time.

Thankyousomuchforthe opportunitytosharemyheartand mission.Myhopeisthatthis encouragesotherwomento surrendertheirbusinessestoGod andtrustthatHisplansaretruly thebestplans.

8 Effective Leadership Styles for Women in Business

Inthedynamiclandscapeofwomeninbusiness,leadershipstylescan makeasigniicantimpact.We'vegatheredinsightsfromeightfemale leaders,includingfoundersandCEOs,tosharethestylesthey'vefound mosteﬀective.Fromempathyandauthenticitytoteam-focused leadership,thesearethediverseapproachesthathaveresonatedin theirprofessionaljourneys.

OnestylethatI'vefoundtoresonate profoundlywithwomeninthelegal sectorisleadingwithempathyand authenticity.Thisstyleforegrounds theempowermentoffuturefemale leadersbyacknowledgingand addressingtheuniquechallenges theyencounter,particularlyin traditionallymale-dominatedields likelaw.

Theeficacyofthisapproachliesin

Empathy and Authenticity

Michele

Ross,Founder&CEO, M.Ross&Associates,LLC

itsunderlyingethosofsolidarity andguidance.Mentorshipcreatesa supportiveframeworkwherein experiencedwomenleadershelp theupcominggenerationnotjustto excelintheirlegalcareersbutalso toindpassionalongwith equilibriumintheirpersonal lives—aharmonythatisoften consideredfar-fetchedinhighstakesenvironments.

Frommypersonalexperience, havingenteredthelegalprofession whenfemalementorshipwasa rarity,Iunderstandtheimpactsuch leadershipcouldhavehad.Starting alawirmwhilesevenmonths pregnantcamewithamedleyof challenges,frombattlinginherent

genderbiasestomanagingthe delicateinterplaybetween professionalambitionsand familyresponsibilities.These adversities,thoughstressful, equippedmewithinvaluable insightsandasteelyresolve.

Now,withaplatformofmyown,I choosetoempowerotherwomen bysharingtheinsightslearned irsthand,frommanyyearsoftrial andtribulation.Bybeingthe mentorIonceneeded,Iendeavorto nurtureamoreinclusiveand supportivelegalcommunity.I irmlybelievethatwhenwomen leaderstakeanactiverolein mentoring,theynotonlystrengthen individualcareersbutalso contributetoreshapingthe industry'svaluestowardsamore equitableandsupportiveculture.

Thecoachingapproachto leadershipisaparticularly impactfulleadershipapproachfor womeninbusiness.Itisthe approachIpredominantlyusein myownbusinessandtheapproach Icoachmyexecutiveandmid-level leaderstoadopt.Thecoaching

InmyexperienceleadingandcoowningBonsaiBuilders,a constructionirm,I'vediscovered thatacollaborativeleadershipstyle isexceptionallyimpactful, especiallyforwomeninbusiness. Thisapproachhingesonopen communication,sharedobjectives, andcollectiveproblem-solving, whichareallvaluesweprioritizein ourcompany.Forinstance,we makeitapointtoinvolveourteam andclientsindecision-making processes,ensuringeveryonefeels heardandrespected.

Onespeciicexampleofthisin actionwasduringachallenging homerenovationproject.Wefaced unexpectedstructuralissuesthat signiicantlyalteredtheproject's scopeandbudget.Ratherthan makingunilateraldecisions,we heldaseriesofdiscussionswith ourteamandtheclients.Byopenly discussingeachother'sconcerns

Coaching

EmilyGolden,CEO&StrategicTalentAdvisor, GoldenResources,LLC

approachtoleadershipfocuseson guidinganddevelopingothersto reachtheirfullpotentialrather thansimplydirectingorinstructing themon“how”todoit.Inmy experience,thisapproachcomes morenaturallytowomen,perhaps asaresultofhowwomenareraised inourculture.

Leaderswhoadoptacoaching approachsupporttheirteam memberstoidentifytheir strengths,weaknesses,blindspots, goals,andopportunitiesforgrowth.

Collaborative

KristinHintlian,Owner, BonsaiBuilders

andpotentialsolutions,we ultimatelydevisedacreative remodelingplanthatmetthe clients'needswithout compromisingonqualityor escalatingcosts.Thiscollaborative eﬀortnotonlyledtoasuccessful projectoutcomebutalso strengthenedourrelationshipwith theclientandcrew,reinforcingthe trustandrespectthatarecriticalto ourbusiness'reputation.

Whatmakesthisleadershipstyleso eﬀective,inmyopinion,isitsfocus onbuildingandnurturing relationships.Whetherit'swith employees,clients,orpartners, adoptingacollaborativeapproach fostersasenseofbelongingand signiicance.Itdemonstratesa

Thisapproachischaracterizedby activelistening,askingpowerful questions,providingconstructive feedback,andoﬀeringsupportand encouragement.

Iamabigbelieverthatwhenwe aredoingourownwork,applying thecoachingapproachto leadershiptohowweareleading ourselves,wewillshowupasour mostevolvedselvesandsupport ourteammemberstodothesame. Thisiswhatworkplacesneednow andinthefuturetothrive.

commitmenttomutualsuccess, ratherthanasingularfocuson personalorimmediatebusiness gains.

Inaieldlikeconstruction,where projectscanoftenbecomehighstressenvironments,maintaining openlinesofcommunicationand ensuringeveryoneisalignedand committedtoacommongoalcanbe thediﬀerencebetweenaproject's failureanditssuccess.

Asafemalebusinessleader, investor,anddedicated professional,I'vefoundthat adoptingatransformational leadershipstylehasbeen particularlyimpactfulforwomenin business.Thisapproach emphasizesfosteringasupportive andempoweringenvironment, whereleadersinspireandmotivate theirteammemberstoreachtheir fullpotential.

Byprioritizingopen communication,mentorship,and individualizedattention,

Unapologetic Conﬁdence

JulietDreamhunter,Founder &AIStrategist,Juliety

Anunapologeticleadershipstylecan beincrediblypowerfulforwomenin business.Toooften,womenfeel pressuretosoftentheirapproachor downplaytheirambition.An unapologeticstylemeansowning yourexpertise,advocatingfor

Transformational

SarahMarieNaska,Founder, SMHaviceInvestments

transformationalleadership encouragescollaboration, innovation,andpersonalgrowth withintheorganization.Thisstyle alignswellwiththerelationaland empatheticstrengthsoften associatedwithwomenleaders, enablingthemtocultivatestrong bondswiththeirteammembers anddrivesustainablesuccessin

AmyTribe,Director,OGLF (OurGoodLivingFormula)

style,particularlyeﬀectivefor womeninbusiness.Itdemonstrates conidenceandempowermentin femaleleadership.Theshiftto remoteworkhasallowedformore lexibilityinpersonalpresentation andleadership,relectingchanging mindsetsandadaptationstothe “newnormal”inleadership approaches.

yourself,andrefusingtoshrinkback toitoutdatedexpectations.

Thisdoesn'tmeanbeing aggressive—it'saboutconidence andclarity.Whenwomenleaders areunapologeticabouttheirgoals andthevaluetheybring,itcreatesa rippleeﬀect.Itsetsapowerful exampleforotherwomenand challengesthoseoutdated stereotypesthatcanholdeveryone back.

today'sdynamicbusiness landscape.

Inmyexperience,leaderswho embraceanafiliativestylefocuson fosteringasenseofunityamong theirteammembers.Female managerswhoadoptthisstyle prioritizeestablishingemotional connectionswitheachemployee. Thebeliefisthatteammembers whofeelastrongbondwiththeir colleaguesaremoremotivatedto excel.Thisapproachtoemotional connectionisespeciallyresonant forwomen,enablingustobuild moreintimateandcohesiveteams asleaders.

AfiliativeLeadershipisthe modern,inluentialleadership

Oneleadershipstylethathas demonstratedsigniicantbeneits forwomenwithinourServices companyistheparticipative(or democratic)leadershipstyle.This approachactivelyinvolvesteam membersinthedecision-making process,fosteringasenseof

Democratic

KatrinaElbahey,CEO&Founder, MatchmakingServices

ownershipandaccountability amongeveryone.

Frommyperspective,whatmakes participativeleadershipespecially effectiveforwomenisitsabilityto createanenvironmentofmutual respectandcollaboration.Itallows fordiverseperspectivestobeheard andvalued,whichiscriticalina ieldasnuancedasmatchmaking, whereunderstandingdifferent viewpointsandemotional dynamicscanmakeallthe differenceinservicedelivery.

Thisstyleencourageswomento speakup,sharetheirinsights,and contributetothedirectionof projectsandinitiativesconidently. Bypromotinginclusivityandequal participation,ithashelpedtobreak downtraditionalhierarchieswithin ourcompany,enablingwomento shineasleaders,innovators,and problem-solvers.Theresulthas beenamoredynamic,creative,and cohesiveteamdynamicthatdirectly beneitsourclientsandbolstersthe overallsuccessofourbusiness.

Team-Focused

LorettaKilday,DebtCCSpokesperson, DebtConsolidationCare

Ateam-focusedwayofleadinghas workedwellformeasawomanin charge.Peoplecompletetheirbest workthroughcooperation,not commands.

Bytrustingworkersfreelywith responsibilities,theirtalentsshine through.Myexperiencealso complementstheireﬀorts. Problemsgetsolvedsmoothly togetherversusthrough confrontation.

Anopen-doorpolicyinvites empathytowardissues.Iaimto addressconcernsthroughengaged

discussion,notjustordersalone. Thisfostersownershipoverjobs throughparticipation.

Valuingvariedviewscounters biasestryingtodismisswomen leaders'worth.Bycultivating strengthsthroughteamwork, careerssucceedun-tiedtounfair limitsblockingsuccessdueto genderunfairly.Resultsprove steadythroughcooperationbuilt onencouragementandhardwork.

Diﬀerentsituationsrequire adjustedstyles.Butanoutwardlookingapproachuniiesskilled,

driventeams,enhancingoptions forallbasedonmutualrespect overimposedmanagementonly. Positiveenvironmentslettalents thrivewherediversestrengthsjoin forces.

The WomanImpact

CHRISTIAN ROSS

Majorityofanyformofleadershipisgainingexperiencesand

learningthroughit.ChristianRoss,apioneeringbrokerin Atlanta,leveragedherexperiencesworkingwithvarying clientstocreateheruniqueidentityandreputationinthemarket.

Today,thetop-sellingbrokerismakinginroadsinthemarketasan inluentialleader.InthisExclusiveInterview,ChristianRosstalksabout herjourneyandtherealestatemarket.

What according to you makes for a powerful woman? How do you integrate the same thought into your leadership?

Apowerfulwomanisonethatgenuinelycares.Shecaresaboutherself, hercommunity,andisalwaysseeingwhereshecancreatebridges.A powerfulwomanisalwaysrespectfulofdiﬀerentviewsandseparates herselffromego.EverydayImakeintentionaleﬀortstobeimpactfuland bearelectionofalltheincrediblewomenthathavepouredintome.

Talk to us about your growing up years. What prompted your interest and subsequently your foray into the real estate space?

Iwasoutofcollegeandworkingacorporaterolewithradiostationsin thetop10markets.Myinterestcamefrommyneighboratmyirst apartmentoutofcollege.Hehadafriendthatownedacommercial developmentirmandsaidhewaslookingforanassistant.

AfterIinterviewedtoindoutmore andsawthedevelopmentstheywere workingon,Iwasin.Ihadmy corporateAmExcard,401kandmy momsaid,youhaveajob,this doesn’tsoundsmart.ItoldherifI don’tdoitnow,whenwouldIdoit?I putmytwoweeksinandstartedmy journeyintorealestate.Tothisday mymothersays,“I’mgladyoudidn’t listentome.”

What has been the approach followed by you to ensure optimal buying and selling experience for your clients?

Myapproachisclientcenteredevery stepoftheway.Iwantmyclientsto havethebestexperienceandfeel educatedthroughtheprocess.Ihave ateamthathelpsmesweatthe details,sowemanagetheir transactionwithknowledgeofthe marketandsensitivitythatthisisa largeinancialtransaction.In additiontorealestateinvestments, myhusbandandIhavepurchased8 homestogether.

What does a day in the life of Christian Ross look like? How do you ensure work-life balance?

Everysingledayisdiﬀerent.Iensure work-lifebalancebytakingbreaks throughouttheday.MostdaysIhave clientcheckins,followup,1-3 virtualandinpersonevents, marketingreviews,negotiations,as wellasspeakingorhosting.

Iusedtoworkmostweekendsfor yearsandnowIworkmaybeone weekenddayamonthwithclients, butIamstillworkingonmylaptop ormakingcalls.Myhusbandismy biggestsupporter.Wehavebeen marriedfor16yearsanditis importantthatIinvestmyattention

tohimlikeIdoformyclients.When Iirststartedmycareer,Isacriiceda lotofthatinsteadofcreating boundariesupfrontwithclients.

Looking at your journey, what would you have done diﬀerently if you were to start again?

IfIweretostartagain,Iwouldnot hopfromCRMtoCRM.Your customerrelationshipmanagement toolisyourpipelineandyour remindersystem.Youdon’twantto breakthelinksthataredirectlytied toyouremainingtopofmindand

creatingincome.

What has been the biggest challenges you have faced during this journey?

Thebiggestchallengewasthe downturnoftherealestatemarket duringtheGreatRecession.Ihad nineclientsinmypipelinetoclose andovernight,onepersonqualiied. Homevaluesplummetedandwe weredoingthesameamountof workatminimumwagebutwith wayhigherexpenseslikegas, marketing,etc.Itcreatedan

opportunityformetoworkwith internationalinvestorsandwiththat Istartedsellingrealestatetoclients fromover27countries.Nomatter whatchallengecomesyourway, thinkyourwaythroughitand execute.

What would be your advice for emerging and aspiring women leaders in the industry?

Understandyoursuperpowersand delegate.Delegatingallowsyouto leverageyourtimetocreatethelife thatyouwant.Donotaspiretosome

Instagram“reality.”Understandthe incomeandgoalsthatyouwantand createaplanforthat.Workyour numbersbackwards,includeallof yourexpensesandalwaysadd1520%ontopofanynumberyouthink yourequiretoliveyourlifestyle.

Finally, what does the future look like for you, both professionally and personally?

Iwillcontinuetoinvestinrealestate andhand-oﬀmoreopportunitiesto myteamwithacommitmenttoour sameservicelevel.

Personally,Iwillhaveextended periodsabroadandworkon expandingmybusiness,HappyTalks, thatwasbornfrommyexperiencein realestate,butisnotrealestate related.

THE WOMAN WITH A VISION

LAUREN IMPARATO

Innovator | Socio-Entrepreneur | Best Selling Author

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

Ireallythinkthatbeingapowerfulwoman comesfromthecorevaluesinstilledinyou thatyoucan'tseeanddon'texactlytalk about.Inessence,apowerfulwoman showsintegrityandstickstotheirword; notjustforothers,buttobetrueto themselves.Ifyoupromiseyourselfthat you'regoingtodosomething,ensurethat you'remeetingyourownexpectationsand followingthrough,whetherit'swithyour ownprojectsandambitions,embracing thedrivetostriveaheadinyourcareer,or focusingonself-caresoyoucanwakeup anddoitalloveragain.

Leadershipcomesfromwithin-it shouldn'tseemforced,trite,orrepetitive. Inlifeandbusiness,I'mverymuchmyself. RawLaureniswhatyouseeandwhatyou get.Ifyouworkforme,withme,alongside me,oryou'reaclient,you'llgetthesame

versionofme.That'ssomethingthatI knowresonateswithmanypeople.

What is your earliest memory as a leader/entrepreneur that you remember?

Ironicallyenough,myearliestmemoryas anentrepreneurwasmyirstlemonade standinthesummer.AndIcansaywithout adoubt,Ilearnedmoreabout entrepreneurshipinthosemomentsthan youcanimagine.Ispentthatentire summergettingmyirstlessononproit andloss,ethics,makingin-the-moment decisions,andcateringtothecustomer.

Mysecondforayintoleadershipwasatthe highschoolwhereIgrewupinNorthern California.Lacrossewasaneastcoast sportthatmanyofmycousinsplayed,and Ienviedthem.Iwantedtoplaythatsport atmyschool.Idecidedtocampaignatmy highschoolandendedupstartingtheirst femalelacrosseteaminNorthern

California.Ittookmonthsofhard work;petitions,budgeting,and actuallyteachingpeoplethegame. Duringlunch,I'dholdclinics throughouttheyearandtryto convincewomentoplaythisasa springsportinsteadoftheother typicaloptionsmyhighschool oﬀered.Weendedupwinninga bunchofchampionships.

Afewyearsago,Isawawomanon

thestreetsofNewYorkwearinga sweatshirtwithmyhighschool almamaterthatsaid,“Women's Lacrosse”anditmademeproud.At ayoungage,Ihadtoigureouthow totakeanideaandbringitto fruition,convinceabunchof people,andmakeithappen.

What were the biggest challenges when you took the leap of faith and started your entrepreneurial

journey in 2009?

Fear.I'mnotpersonallyafraidthat often,butIwasremarkablyafraid.I hadn'tbeeniredorlaidoﬀduring theinancialcrisisandwasdoing well.Iwenttoagoodschool,andI lovedit;overall,Iwascomfortable.

Theideaofgettingoverthefearof quittingwasthehardestthingfor

me.ThedayIquit,Iwasaballof nerves,andmypalmsweresweaty. IwasriskingsomethingIwasgood atwhereIwasinanciallystableto gooﬀintotheunknown.ButIknew thatfearissomethingthatyouface andit'snaturaltobeafraid,andyou reallyhavetobattlethroughitor elseyouwon'tgetanywhere.

What would be your advice for aspiring entrepreneurs

struggling to take that leap of faith?

Entrepreneurshipisromanticized thesedays.Somanypeoplesayif youdoagoodjobandfollowyour passions,everythingwillworkout. Buttruthfully,it'smorecomplicated thanthat.Youhavetohavea businessplanandbemeticulous aboutit.Youneedtoknowthat yourplansmightchange,anditwill behard,diligent,andrepetitive work.

Ifyou'rereadytoworkhardand sticktoaplan,knowthatbeingin thetrenchesonaday-to-daybasis isareality.Butifyouhavethedrive andpassion,trustyourgutand jumpinheadirst

Talk to us about your global leadership organization – The Association and what it stands for.

TheAssociationisairst-of-its-kind globalleadershiporganizationfor career-drivenwomenthatusesdata scienceandaproprietary leadershipmethodologytocreatea vettedgroupofElite,extraordinary women.

TheAssociationcurates'Your PersonalBoardofDirectors'for eachmembertohelpthesewomen assessandachievetheirgreatest goals,challengesandopportunities intheircareerandlife.Wehave oficiallyrolledout20boards acrosstheglobeincitiesincluding NewYork,LA,theBayArea, London,Boston,Madrid,Miami, D.C.,Philadelphiaandmore,and willcontinuetodebutnewcities quarterly.

Whatitstandsforissimple:it'sa

non-girlsclubfemaleorganization. Yes,wearewomen,butwe'renot justagirl'sclubwhereyoucanchat andcomplain.Wemakeapoint withourstructureand methodologiestoseehowyoucan extractvaluespendingtimewith TheAssociation.It'slessofa sisterhood,andmoreofan organization.We'vebuiltThe Associationintosomethingthat worksforwomenbywomenina waythat'sapplicabletosociety.

What does a day in the life of Lauren Imparato look like? How do you ensure work-life balance?

Havingjusthadababyin September2022,Ihaveadiﬀerent day-to-daylifethanIdideventwo monthsago.Butwhetheritwas pre-orpost-baby,Iknowthat work-lifebalanceisatoughthingto ind.Thatsaid,ImakesureItalkto somebodyIloveeveryday,sharea mealwithlovedonesandexercise everyday.UsuallythesecondI'm up,andoftentimesbeforeIstart anythinglikehavingaglassof waterinthemorning,I'mtalkingto myco-founder,JanelleHallier,who isbasedinSpainand6hoursahead ofme.Afterweconnect,Itrytoget someexerciseinbeforeIgetback toTheAssociationbecausewehave teamsonthewestcoastjustabout tostarttheirday.

Mydaysdon'thavestructure,but it'semblematicofthelifeofa founder.Chaoscanhappenwithin minutesandthingschangequickly. Asanentrepreneur,youneedto pivotandbelexible,whetherthat's inyourpersonallifeorwith business.

Ialsomakeitaprioritytoturnoﬀ. InmyirstbusinessIfoundedback

in2009,Ineverturnedoﬀortooka vacation.Iworkedsevendaysa weekandwasconstantlyonthe edgeofburnout(andtrustme,Igot there).NowwithTheAssociation,I makeapointoflearningfrommy mistakesandensuringthatwhen I'monvacation,I'm100%on vacation.ThatmeansI'mnotonmy phonebetweendinnertimeandmy coﬀeeinthemorningandinstead I'mfocusedonbeingpresent.Itrust myteamI'vebuilttokeepthe momentumandknowtheycandoit withoutmewhileItakethetimeto regroup.

Looking back at your journey, what would you have done diﬀerently when starting out?

Honestly,Iwouldn'thavedone anythingdiﬀerently.NotbecauseI thinkIdiditperfectly,butbecause thewayIdidittaughtmesomuch alongtheway.TheirstbusinessI didaloneanddidn'thaveacofounder.Ipurposelydidn'twork withinvestorsandturneddown variousopportunities.Thatledtoa

lotofextrawork,challenges,and stress,butittaughtmehowtoman theshipofaskilledbusiness.

Nowmycofounder,Janelle,andI workgreattogetherasateam. Lookingback,IwishIwouldhave hadmyownpersonalboardof directorsoranunbiasedplaceto discussbalancingbusiness,answer myquestions,facechallenges,and howtolookatopportunities.But that'swhywecreatedThe Association,sowomencannow accessthatwhetherthey'rean entrepreneur,VP,CFO,orartist.

Finally, what does the future look like for The Association? What are you most excited about?

TheAssociationisinabigmoment ofgrowth.Wehave20boards acrosstheglobewhichisincredibly fastincomparisontohowlong we'vebeenatitandhow meticulouswearewithmember acceptance.We'reabouttohita tippingpointforgrowthwhichwill reallyhelpchangethefabricof

workingwomenandtheircareers. I'mmostexcitedaboutthefactthat we'relaunchingourirstappand areplanningourirstglobalretreat. Wehavemembersaroundtheglobe thatwillmeetfortheirsttime whichwilladdexponentialpower totheorganizationandthese women,personallyand professionally.

I'mmostexcitedtobeabletobring TheAssociationtolifeforwomen whohavebeenseekingout opportunitiestoconnectwithlikemindedinnovatorsinthewaythat bothJanelleandIwerelookingfor inourownlives.Whilethereare countlesswomen'sgroupsout there,thereareveryfewthatcut throughthenoiseofnegativityand competitiontoactuallyempower andenergizeeachmembertobe thebestversionsofthemselves.At TheAssociation,we'rehyperfocusedonupliftingtheindividual andthecollective.

‘‘

CEO & Co-founder

‘ Misa

Autopilot Reviews

‘ MisaChien

Attheageofeight,ayoungand

determinedMisaChiensetout onherentrepreneurialquest. Aquestthatbeganbysellingrocks!A questthathastodaypropelledheras anempoweringentrepreneur.

MisaChienistheCo-Founderof AutopilotReviews,aone-of-a-kind

softwareplatformbuiltwiththe intentionofshowingfrontlineagents' positivefeedbackaboutthemselves.

Inthisinterview,themodelturned techleadersharesaboutherjourney, herfailures,achievements,andthe importanceofmentalhealth.

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

Anempoweringwomanissomeone whoisopentogrow,self-relect, andcontinuestoputherselfout there.Icontinuetoexperiencefear offailureandimpostersyndrome, butdespitethat,stillwantto continuetobeuncomfortablewith beinguncomfortableandpushing theenvelope.

Talk to us about your growing up years. What is your earliest memory as an entrepreneur that you remember?

Whenyouwanttobean entrepreneur,youneedtostart somewhere.Formysisterandme, itwassellingrocks.Yep,that'sright, rocks!Itwasn'taverysuccessful business.IfIremembercorrectly, wedidn'thavemanycustomers.In fact,Ithinkitwasonlyourmom andmaybeaneighborwhopitied us.

We had no market and no demand, but it did teach us one thing—

Howimportantitistoputyourself outthere.Ifyoudon'tputyourself outthere,youwillnevertakethe irststep.You'llneverstartyour ownbusinessorlaunchyourown ideas.You'llalwayswonder"what if"anddreamofwhatcouldbe.In theend,sellingrockswasnotthe rightbusinessforme.Itwasthe irstofmymanybusinessfailure stories.Butatonlyeightyearsold, itwasagreatirststep.

Igottolearnhowtosellandbean entrepreneur.Today,I'mcofoundingasoftwarebusiness. Luckilythathasamuchbetter proitmarginthanrocks!Mysister, ontheotherhand,hasstill managedtosellrocks.Butnow, she'sdoingitasapopularjewelry designer.So,Iguessitisahappy ending.

What prompted your interest and subsequently your foray into the tech space?

Isawalotofopportunitytomakea large,positiveimpactontheworld, throughtech.Youcanscalevery quickly(forexampleweonlyhavea teamof5people,butwepositively impactmillionsof employees/customersperyear). It'saverydificultindustrytobreak into,unlessyoubothunderstand marketing,salesaswellas engineering.However,Iwaslucky, becausemyhusbandistheCTOof thecompany,andIhaveagreat understandingandfortein sales/marketing,sowe'vefoundthe recipetobeabletoscaleandgrow thecompanyinadificult market/industry.

What led you to start Autopilot Reviews? What was the pain point that you wanted to address in the market?

Asafront-lineemployee,yourlifeis usuallyapathofputtingoutires, andhearingnegativefeedback.

Inmy20s,Iworkedasbothafrontlineemployeeandmanagerformy foodtruckbusiness,NomNom Truck,andIwasalwaystryingto pleasetheunhappycustomers,

makingsureeveryonewashappy. Whenyou'reonthefrontline,you don'tusuallyhavetimetogetapat onthebackfromcustomers.You don'thavetimetostopandbe recognizedforyourgoodcustomer service.Youdon'thavetimebutto gettothatnextcustomerinline,or fulilthatnextorder.

So,whenNomNomTruckfailed, andIhadtheopportunitytobuild anotherbusiness,Irelectedback onmytimeatthisbusinessand realizedIwantedtobuild somethingtohelpothers,i.e., frontlineemployees.

AndsoIdid. Justlikeallfrontline employees,frontlineagentsatcall centersnevergettoseemuch positivefeedbackaboutthemselves. Forthesoftwaretoolwebuilt— AutopilotReviews,wedecidedto buildaplatformtoshowfrontline agents'positivefeedbackabout themselves.

Andwhatwastheresult? Increase incustomerretention. Increasein employeeretention. Andasurvey toolandcustomerexperience platformthateveryoneloveswith almost0%clientchurn.

What is the approach followed by you and your team to ensure optimal client satisfaction?

We'vebuiltanawesomesoftware productforleadersinthecustomer serviceindustrybecausewe've listenedtoourcustomers.It's extremelyimportanttolistento yourcustomers,withoutthem,you willbeoutofbusiness.There'sa reasonwehavealmost0%churn despitetherebeingarecession;it's

OneBookEntrepreneurs mustread:

The Charisma Myth by Olivia Cabane

OneProductivityToolthat everyoneshoulduse:

Slack

OneMobileAppthatyou usethemost:

OneMovie/Showthatyou wouldrecommend:

WeCrash- It shows the dark side of startups, and what you don't want to do

OneQuotethatMotivates youtheMost:

“Just because you failed, does not mean you're a failure.”

OneInvestmentAdvicethat youFollow:

Traction Trumps Everything.

becausewehavebuiltagreatproduct,thatcustomer experienceleadersneedandwant.

What would be your advice for aspiring female entrepreneurs struggling to take that leap of faith?

Alotofpeople–advisors,themedia,societyin general—oftenhighlightsthenegativestatisticsof beingawoman.It'simportanttoignorethestatistics, anddon'tletthemscareyou.It'seasytonoteventry, whenyoufeelthatyouhaveawholemountainto climb.Butjustremember,ifweallnevertried,we wouldneverbreakthatceiling,andtherewouldnot evenbefemaleentrepreneursinexistence.Weall needtostartsomewhere,andtheirststepistaking theirstleapoffaith.

Looking back at your journey, what would you have done diﬀerent when starting out?

IwishIhadaddressedmymentalhealthinmy20s sooner.WhenIwasonTVandinthespotlightformy previousbusiness,NomNomTruck,Ididn'trealize howunhealthymylifestylewas.Ishouldhavefound anexecutivecoachaswellasatherapistrightawayto helpmethroughthetoughtimes.Instead,Ididnot indatherapistuntilafterIhadafallingoutwithmy businesspartner,andIhadhitrockbottom.It's importanttoprioritizementalhealth,evenifyou don'tfeelyouhavethetime.

What does the future look like for Autopilot Reviews? What are you most excited about?

Iammostexcitedabouthelpingothers.Thatcouldbe everywherefromhelpingfrontlineemployeesstaying motivatedanddriventhroughpositivecustomer feedbackonmysoftware,oritcouldbefrombeinga headlinedspeakerataconferenceandhelpingothers throughthattalk.It'sdrivesmetogetupevery morning,knowingIammakingapositiveimpacton theworld,that'swhatIfeelI'vebeenbroughton earthtodo.