Pioneering Women Leaders of the Year | Julie Zhu | Exeleon Women by Exeleon Magazine

LOLITA BEYLINA Leading with Purpose, Pioneering Change DR. COLLEEN GEORGES A Pioneer in Life and Career Coaching TRACY LIVINGSTONE How to win at entrepreneurship and parenting

Jenn Drummond: Journey Beyond Everest

Meet the Moss Guru

Julie Zhu: Helping Women Entrepreneurs Gain Visibility and Scale Their Businesses

Unleashing Authenticity EDITION- #03

PIONEERING WOMEN LEADERS OF THE YEAR

EXELEONWOMEN.COM

\EDITORIAL NOTE

In this season of celebration and reflection, Exeleon Women proudly presents its December issue, shining a spotlight on The Most Pioneering Women Leaders of the Year. This year-end edition pays tribute to the remarkable women who have blazed trails and set new standards in their respective fields. On the cover of this issue, we feature Julie Zhu, a true marketing pioneer. Her dedication to empowering women entrepreneurs with authentic marketing strategies has not only elevated their businesses but also paved the way for new female leaderships. Julie's story exemplifies the spirit of innovation and perseverance that defines the pioneers we highlight within these pages. As we bid farewell to another year, Exeleon extends warm wishes for a joyous holiday season and a prosperous new year to all our readers. May the stories of these extraordinary women inspire you as we embrace the future together.

women EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DARYL YEUNG ART DIRECTOR NAOMI LAM MANAGING EDITOR MATT REIS CREATIVE DIRECTOR ADAM WARING CONTRIBUTING EDITORS JOHN RIGGS CONTENT CURATOR CATHY G. PROJECT MANAGER JOSH WILDER MARKETING MANAGER MIKE JACKSON SENIOR BDM KATHERINE PRICE BDM RICHARD DANN

C O N TAC T U S

With admiration and gratitude,

Daryl Yeung DARYL YEUNG Editor-in-Chief

For any advertising related information, please contact info@exeleonmagazine.com. Submissions as well as contributions to the magazine are welcome. Take a moment and let us know about our magazine; whether it be about the design or a possible mistake, we would appreciate any feedback from your end. You can reach out to daryl@exeleonmagazine.com.

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JULIE ZHU Helping Women Entrepreneurs Gain Visibility and Scale Their Businesses

LOLITA BEYLINA Leading with Purpose, Pioneering Change

JENN DRUMMOND Journey Beyond Everest

TRACY LIVINGSTONE How to win at entrepreneurship and parenting

JAMIE MITRI Meet the Moss Guru

DR. COLLEEN GEORGES A Pioneer in Life and Career Coaching

KRISTY GORDON Exploring Africa

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Unleashing Authenticity JULIE ZHU AND HER MARKETING JOURNEY

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the dynamic world of entrepreneurship, visibility and marketing are indispensable. For entrepreneurs, establishing a strong online presence is crucial. This involves more than just being seen; it's about creating meaningful connections with the audience. Effective marketing strategies empower entrepreneurs to tell their unique stories, differentiate their brands, and resonate with their target market. Julie Zhu is an example of a marketing strategist and entrepreneur who specializes in helping business owners build bold online presence and establish market visibility. A Columbia University graduate, Julie has worked with reputed brands like Ogilvy PR, Lincoln Center, and various creatives and entrepreneurs. She is passionate about simplifying marketing, finding unique brand voices, and empowering

entrepreneurs to achieve visibility without being pushy or salesy. Her approach is characterized by empathy, curiosity, and the ability to create authentic connections. Fittingly, she features on Exeleon Women's Most Pioneering Women Leaders of the Year. Herein, we look into the journey of Julie Zhu, her ideas related to marketing, and her vision going forward. A DIVERSE CHILDHOOD Growing up, Julie loved nothing more than getting lost in a good detective book, playing the piano, or acting in school plays. She deﬁnes her childhood as something “pretty eclectic!” After earning a master's in communications from Columbia University, she found her way into the world of marketing, driven by her love for storytelling and connecting with people. She explains, “It's a ﬁeld where every day is a unique adventure, allowing me to craft compelling narratives for a wide range of clients, from local

WE BELIEVE IN FORGING OUR OWN PATH RATHER THAN FOLLOWING OTHERS.

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artisans to corporate giants like JP Morgan Chase.” TAKING THE LEAP

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During the summer of 2020, as the pandemic swept through the world and the city of New York shut down, Julie found herself in a small studio, diligently washing her hands and applying almond-ﬂavored cream to combat the eﬀects of overwashing!

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It was during this time that an old lawyer friend reached out to her, facing a crisis of her own. The pandemic had caused a significant loss of clients, and she lacked the digital presence to rebuild her practice. Julie's friend, like many others, was hesitant about navigating the complex world of social media and online marketing. Together, they embarked on a transformative journey: Ÿ They identified where her client base could be found online. Ÿ They crafted a comprehensive 90-day marketing plan. Ÿ Within just a few months, they successfully expanded her social media following, secured podcast invitations, and garnered media mentions, all the while attracting a stream of new clients. By alleviating the stress associated with marketing efforts, her friend was liberated to focus on becoming a thought leader in her field, unburdened by the demands of managing social media accounts. Last year, at the grand opening of her second office in New Jersey, Julie's friend inspired her to take the next step. Recognizing her exceptional work and her ability to make a tangible difference in the lives of entrepreneurs, she urged her to start her own business.

She hasn't looked back ever since. EMPOWERING WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS While collaborating with early-stage businesses, Julie ﬁrsthand saw the unique hurdles faced by women as well as minority entrepreneurs, especially in areas like fundraising and scaling up.

always end my day reflecting on a gratitude list. Mentoring is also a key part of my routine. I devote time to guiding small business owners, particularly women entrepreneurs, by offering personalized marketing suggestions through programs like SCORE and WENYC. This mentorship, a two-way street of learning and sharing, is incredibly fulfilling.

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My day usually kicks oﬀ with an energizing activity, like kickboxing or cycling. Then I dive into strategic consultations and brainstorming sessions with clients. These are the parts of my day where I connect, collaborate, and create – working together to bring innovative ideas to life. In the evening, I switch gears to some creative planning, where I map out future projects and strategies. I

In marketing, your unique essence is invaluable. Embracing and expressing your authenticity is what will truly set you apart.

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Julie Zhu

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A D AY I N T H E L I F E O F

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She remembers, “I wanted to be part of the solution – to aid these entrepreneurs in crafting and sharing their stories, enhancing their business presence and viability, highlighting their unique strengths, and connecting them with their ideal audiences.”

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Today, working with these women and minority entrepreneurs provides her with real joy and fulﬁlment. “There's a real joy in co-creating marketing strategies that help their businesses stand out and shine.” Julie advices emerging women entrepreneurs with a simple yet eﬀective statement – be unapologetically you. She adds, “In marketing, your unique essence is invaluable. Embracing and expressing your authenticity is what will truly set you apart. You can sense the authenticity whether in a mission statement or a brand campaign you're creating.” PIONEERING SPIRIT For Julie, a pioneer is someone who's not afraid to stand out. These leaders take risks, rewrite the rules, and transform the game. Leading her team, she encourages pushing creative boundaries and forging new paths rather than following the crowd. It's this commitment to innovation that sets her and her team apart.

She passionately points out, “We believe in forging our own path rather than following others.” THE VISION AHEAD Julie's vision extends beyond her personal success. She is passionate about building a strong, supportive community for women and minority entrepreneurs. Most importantly, she is excited about the upcoming events and programs that will foster in-person interactions and community building. Grateful for the progress made by her brand this year, she mentions “This year, I've had the privilege of collaborating with phenomenal brands like Asia Society, Soho House, Diane von Furstenberg, and Suntory. A highlight was organizing a special event at Soho House New York for AAPI Heritage Month.” She continues, “We brought together established API leaders and notable entrepreneurs who shared their stories, challenges, and practical tips. These gatherings are about more than just a panel talk or networking – they're about creating a safe and nurturing space for learning, sharing, and collective growth.”

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Shorts One Book Entrepreneurs must read – "Outliers" by Malcolm Gladwell – it redeﬁnes success in an exciting way. One Productivity Tool / App that you use – Google Calendar. A friend once told me, "If it's not on your calendar, it's not happening." So, I colorcode everything and make it all count. One Quote that Motivates you the most – Nike's "Just Do It." It's my go-to for overcoming those moments of doubt. One Marketing Advice that you Follow – Consistency, a magic word – simple yet eﬀective. One Movie / Podcast / Show you recommend - "Saturday Night Live" – it's the perfect blend of humor and sharp wit.

F E AT U R E I N

EXELEON WOMEN MAGAZINE WE BELIEVE IN THE POWER OF STORYTELLING TO IGNITE CHANGE, AND OUR PAGES ARE FILLED WITH AUTHENTIC NARRATIVES THAT UPLIFT AND MOTIVATE. DO YOU HAVE A STORY TO TELL THE WORLD? REACH OUT TO US BY CLICKING THIS LINK AND POTENTIALLY FEATURING IN EXELEON WOMEN MAGAZINE.

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aving spent her earlier years in the labyrinth of ﬁnance, helping individuals save and manage their wealth, Jenn Drummond realized the interplay of health and wealth. For her, if health failed, all the amassed wealth would inevitably be channeled towards its restoration.

Hence, the philosophy she adopted was simple yet profound: a healthy body nourishes a healthy mind, allowing one to present their best selves to the world. However, Jenn's story is no linear narrative. From the world of ﬁnance, through the tragic wake-up call of a car accident, to the

dizzying heights of Mount Everest and becoming the First and ONLY Woman EVER to complete the Seven Second Summits, her journey has been a rollercoaster of pursuits, setbacks, victories, and self-discovery. Through her various challenges, including earning the world record title and becoming a successful entrepreneur, she showcases the universality of human experience. In this Interview Jenn Drummond talks about her journey, philosophy, and her vision going forward. How would you describe your philosophy on health and ﬁtness? I believe that a healthy body gives you a healthy mind, and so by taking care of our body, we're taking care of who we are as a person. I think that I was in ﬁnance if this makes sense, to cooperate in this.

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My journey has been a lot like everybody's journey. I think I wrote in a speech this morning, its pursuit, setbacks, struggles, overcoming, becoming, summits, and then something else lures us into that cycle again. If you think of the Joseph Campbell story of the Hero's Journey, it's been that in all different ways. I got out of college and took a job in finance. I loved working with people and helping people manage their money because that eased their brain, which then allowed them time to do things that they enjoyed. And I liked being a part of that story for them. I liked finance. I liked the puzzle of it. I liked just learning about it and understanding the time value of money and how compounding works and all that kind of stuff. Then when I had kids, I liked being home with them and looking at the world from their viewpoints and understanding that new challenge and that new summit. And then I had the car accident, which woke me up to the fact that we don't live forever, and we only have so much time. So, what are the things that I want to do with this time, and how do I want to make my life count? Life experiences change us, and that was an experience that changed me to want to show people, like, hey, life isn't forever. Climb your Everest or do whatever your big goal is. Don't wait for it. Just go for it. And if you want to change, then change. Climbing Everest was cool. Setting a world record

Talk to us about the record title being the First and ONLY Woman EVER to complete the Seven Second Summits. What does it mean to you? Being the first female and the only woman to complete it means I'm the person that brought that story to life, but it's society that made it possible. It's the community. It's all of us that made this pursuit within reach. It makes me excited because it shows how far we've come. It shows the prejudices that we've let go. It shows what we're capable of, what technology is produced, what communities produced, where women if I had been born in another era, it wouldn't have been in the realm of possibility. And it makes me excited for what's next to come. What's going to be possible for my daughters and even their daughters? It reminds me of the Mayan ruins in Mexico - they took like 500 years to build, so the people who built them never got to see the finished product. It's mind blowing to me that they built this thing, and they had all this stuff going and all this kind of stuff, and it's like they died, and they only got a couple layers of bricks. And it's so inspiring for that generation that gets to see the final product, and there's certain things that I get to see the final product on, and there's certain things that I'm the first bricks on. It's interesting to me how life evolves and becomes in the stories that we get to be a part of the stories that we get to finish, the stories that we get to start. How are you helping and empowering people master their own summit in life? I'm sharing my journey. I'm answering questions. I'm giving speeches. I'm writing a book. I'm doing coaching programs. I am trying to make this intangible thing tangible because we all plant our

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What has been the journey like for Jenn Drummond thus far – from your car accident to hiking Mount Everest, from earning the world record title to becoming a successful entrepreneur?

was way cooler because it was bigger than Everest. And there's something about us that likes to evolve and push forward and go beyond.

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I was in ﬁnance, and I would help people save money, and then if they didn't have health, it didn't matter how much wealth they had, because all their money would be spent on taking care of their health. So, I think it's critically important. It's the one thing that we can control, and it's the one thing that allows us to show up the way that we want to show up for ourselves and for others.

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flags in our own corners of the world. And when we stand on top of mountains, we're, like, quick to wave our flag, but we have to wave our flag the entire time we're on our journey because that flag lets other people know, hey, here's where I'm at. It lets them know how they can help, and it lets them know how you can help them. If I wasn't waving my flag that I was going to go climb Pakistan and go back a second time, no one would have been able to reach out to me and say, hey, can you help? So, we have to wave our flags. We have to do things that allow people to know where we are. Even if our journey is in the middle of failure. Even if it's just that just means your story is not done.

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What would be your advice for someone just starting to lead a healthier lifestyle and incorporate ﬁtness?

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You need to make it easy on yourself. If you're trying to incorporate a healthier lifestyle, don't go down the candy aisle at the grocery store. Don't have temptation around. You're going to have to be conscientious of when it is that you snack? I snack at four in the afternoon. I have a bowl of ice cream every day. It's terrible. The only time I don't have a bowl of ice cream is when I'm not in my house and if it's 07:00 p.m, I don't want a bowl of ice cream. The moral of the story is I'm not allowed to be home at 04:00 p.m. You need to know yourself and you need to know your patterns. You need to surround yourself with people that will help you make healthy choices. Every time I go on a podcast, every time I give a speech, every time, everywhere, everybody's like, man, it feels like I need to go for a walk today. I didn't say one thing about actually going for a walk, but because that's the energy that I have, that makes other people want to exercise. And so, you need to be aware of, hey, this person, when I'm around, is either going to bring me down or bring me up and you need to evaluate who your inner circle is. It's having community. Community to give you support and then make the sometimeshard thing easy. Make it easier to succeed than to fail. That's why people used to put credit cards in the middle of the ice block. They'd have to melt the thing, and for the entire 30 minutes they're melting it they're going against who they want to be. That gives you 30 minutes to pause before you spend the credit card. With your book and documentary coming out next year, what is your vision going forward? What are you most excited about? I'm most excited about when I get done with the speech or I get a text message on one of my channels or something, and someone tells me about what they're going to start doing, like how my story ignited something within their story and gave them permission to do the thing they've been desperately wanting to do. I'm most excited about the action that comes from bumping into those that I get the opportunity to bump into.

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Leading with Purpose, Pioneering Change outh unemployment is a pressing challenge that transcends borders, aﬀecting nations and communities worldwide. The repercussions of youth unemployment are far-reaching, encompassing not only economic ramiﬁcations but also social and psychological burdens.

Lolita Beylina is an example of a pioneer who is not only addressing this prevalent issue but is working towards ﬁnding potential solutions to reduce its impact. For Lolita, being a pioneer means embracing the uncertainty to bring about meaningful change into the community and across industries.

Fittingly, featuring as a pioneering woman in this issue, we look into the vision of Lolita Beylina, her journey, as well as her individual struggles. THE EARLY YEARS Raised in a household of immigrant women who came as refugees from Ukraine, Lolita's early life was marked by various challenges. At the age of 3, Lolita was evaluated to have the language development of a 13-month-old. Her inability to articulate sentences comprehensively in English or Russian made her earliest academic years diﬃcult.

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Lolita Beylina

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However, her determination and creativity shone through, and she eventually found her academic footing. She recalls, “I lacked the strong logical reasoning skills, but creativity was a distinct cognitive side I relied on to excel in education. I went from being in a special education needs program with an IEP to earning a sweep in honor roll and Dean's List awards.”

Today, as a Career Readiness Coach at Hopeworks, Lolita Beylina plays a pivotal role in empowering young adults (aged 17-26) to secure living-wage opportunities and enter the workforce with conﬁdence.

a testament to her adaptability and unwavering commitment to personal and professional growth. She acknowledges that, in hindsight, committing to psychology earlier might have expedited her academic path.

She mentions, “Each day, I foster a collaborative environment with my caseload to help them envision and strategize their future goals.”

Nevertheless, as the ﬁrst woman in her family to achieve both a bachelor's and master's degree, she takes immense pride in her accomplishments.

Years later, Lolita's entrepreneurial spirit was ignited during high school when she participated in the Junior Achievement Company Program. The program is for empowering high school students to create a successful startup business, developing transferable entrepreneurship skills, and receiving direct mentorship from an assigned company throughout the program.

Her daily responsibilities involve fostering a collaborative environment, guiding individuals through comprehensive training and internship programs, enhancing job readiness, and optimizing their professional proﬁles, including LinkedIn.

Lolita started her professional career right after high school at the age of 18 as a retail associate.

Under the mentorship of Accenture, Lolita and her team brainstormed a business named "Portify," selling portable charger products. “We presented our business against other high-school students at the program's local competition.” This experience ignited her passion for entrepreneurship and marked the beginning of her pursuit of a meaningful career. EMPOWERING YOUTH THROUGH HOPEWORKS

In addition to her core responsibilities, Lolita goes the extra mile by capturing professional headshots for her clients and curating job opportunities to help them secure lasting employment. She also coordinates Listen-andLearn (L2) network events, where subject-matter experts share their knowledge and skills with young adults, enriching their career journeys. “In essence, my day-to-day eﬀorts are dedicated to ensuring young adults on their career path of lasting success and breaking barriers,” Lolita asserts. REFLECTING BACK Lolita Beylina's career journey is

After losing her ﬁrst job at 21, she struggled to secure a new job, facing multiple rejections and lack of worthwhile employment opportunities. During these eight months of struggle, she persevered and honed her skills in resume building, interview preparation, networking, and more. She explains, “I've learned to view each stage of my professional life as purposeful, seeing challenges not as roadblocks but as opportunities for learning and development. Shifting from asking "Why is this happening to me?" to "What is happening for me?" has been crucial in navigating and gaining value from my experiences.” This innate ability to turn challenges into opportunities has been instrumental in her continued success.

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Lolita's journey is deﬁned by her holistic approach, strategic thinking, data-driven decisions, community engagement, and an unwavering commitment to continuous learning.

Ÿ Innovative program development aimed at addressing creative solutions to break any barrier for youth and young adults entering the workforce. Ÿ Establishment of partnerships with diverse stakeholders leveraging a supportive ecosystem within the community. Ÿ Technology integration to enhance career development programs with digital tools promoting neurodiversity, such as online training and job matching.

THE VISION AHEAD As Lolita Beylina looks ahead, her vision remains clear. Professionally, she is dedicated to designing experiential learning programs and breaking barriers to youth unemployment. She aims to foster strategic partnerships and integrate neurodivergentfriendly technologies into career development initiatives. On a personal level, Lolita envisions self-improvement and a thriving family life. She also aspires to write a self-help autobiographical fiction series titled "The Glow-Up Formula," chronicling her journey of reflection and transformation over the last five years.

Leveraging this mindset in her

Exeleon Shorts Ÿ One Book Entrepreneurs Must Read - The Happiness Project (10th Anniversary Edition) by Gretchen Rubin

success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.” - Albert Schweitzer

Ÿ One Productivity Tool / App That You Use - Google Calendar

Ÿ One Advice for Women Entrepreneurs - Power through to grow through what you go through

Ÿ One Quote that Motivates you the Most - “Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to

Ÿ One Movie / Podcast / Show You Recommend - Movie: Legally Blonde | Show: Undercover Boss

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For Lolita Beylina, being a pioneer is about embracing uncertainty to create meaningful change. Her career is a testament to this philosophy, as she has continually sought innovative ways to drive positive impact in both communities and industries. Through proactive mentorship, innovative workshops, resourcefulness, and networking, she has woven a pioneering spirit into her leadership style.

advocacy of reducing youth unemployment, she points out the following key strategies:

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THE PIONEER'S MINDSET

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Dr. Colleen Georges

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A pioneering leader herself, Dr. Colleen's journey is marked by her relentless pursuit of positive change and a deep-seated passion for empowering others. As a life and career coach, she helps her clients and students to maximize their strengths and take action to achieve their dreams. Being an Award-Winning author, keynote speaker, University Lecturer, Certiﬁed Life and Career Coach, a Licensed Professional Counselor, and Organizational Trainer, Colleen helps people transform their lives and careers in more than one way. She mentions, “In my business, I work to help people bounce back from unemployment, toxic workplaces, and job dissatisfaction, as well as improve mental and physical wellbeing, boost conﬁdence, and enhance life and

career satisfaction.” THE FOUNDATION Talking about her childhood and growing up years, Colleen shows her gratitude for being raised by two amazing parents. They raised her to value kindness, compassion, diversity, education, and working hard. She adds, “They role modeled these values and led me to strive to be the best person I could be.” Most importantly, her parents taught her to be a person who stands up for others. “I feel my earliest experiences as a leader were the moments in my childhood when I befriended and was kind to kids who were being outcasted by others.” Colleen further recalls how much she loved going to school and valued the importance of working hard because of her parents' inﬂuence. She ﬁrsthand saw her parents work hard to achieve their personal, academic, and professional goals. These formative years laid the foundation for her lifelong commitment

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t the core of Dr. Colleen Georges' philosophy is the belief that a pioneer is someone who identiﬁes and acts upon opportunities for positive change. Positive change that empowers others, enables growth, and inculcates strong values.

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to education and advocacy. APPROACH TO COACHING

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In her role as a life and career coach, Colleen emphasizes the importance of understanding her clients' unique backgrounds and objectives. She makes sure to have a 20–30-minute conversation with each prospective client.

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Prior to the first coaching session, she asks her clients to complete some pre-coaching questionnaires to understand their strengths, challenges, objectives, priorities, and current life and career satisfaction. “During our first session, we discuss these items and begin to strategize how we'll reach our goals together and where they want to begin,” she explains. A firm believer in tiny habits, her methodology involves setting small, incremental targets, fostering a sense of accomplishment and motivation in her clients. “This tends to be very motivating and generates hope and confidence toward accomplishing even bigger steps.” Moreover, she also makes sure to send recap/action emails right after her sessions to have a documented record. This helps organize the overall process and fosters accountability. Finally, once a coaching relationship has ended, Colleen

encourages her clients to share any additional questions that they might have and checks-in on their professional and personal progress from time to time. RESCRIPTING YOUR STORY Colleen's award-winning bestselling book – RESCRIPT the Story You're Telling Yourself – brings together her years of training, research, and experience working with clients and students. It comprises practical tools to help us practice self-compassion, maintain accountability, and

reach our goals in each area of our lives. RESCRIPT stands for - Release Rumination, Engage Your Growth Goals, Seek Your Strengths, Challenge Catastrophizing, Restrict Regret, Invite Imperfection, Pursue Passion & Purpose, and Think Thankfully. The acronym represents various steps towards self-improvement and empowerment, making it a valuable resource for anyone seeking to improve their selfdialogue and take positive action in their lives.

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I'm an early riser with a morning routine and I get up at 4:30am or 5am daily. I ﬁnd I can get a lot accomplished early in the morning personally and professionally. I schedule all my personal and professional activities into my Google Calendar well in advance, including client sessions, post-session action emails, workshops, presentation prep, writing projects, business administration tasks, teaching, class prep, assignment grading, volunteering, breakfast/lunch/dinner (I make sure I eat!), self-care, treadmill, outdoor walks, audiobook listening, time with family and friends, travel time to outings, and downtime. These are the items that typically make up my day and week. I hold around 20+ client sessions each week and maintain pre-scheduled time slots for my sessions. So, while I work

Colleen shares, “It's been really cool these last few years since its release to have readers share the ways RESCRIPT has helped them be kinder to themselves and others, shift their perspective, and make big changes in their lives.”

seven days a week, I'm typically done with my sessions by 2pm on weekdays and 11am on weekends. This allows me plenty of time for activities that bring me peace and joy. I love to visit cool outdoor places like arboretums, gardens, parks, woods, meadows, waterfalls, and quaint downtowns so I plan at least one day or afternoon trip like this per week with my family/friends. We throw in some Halloween scare attractions, winter holiday lights attractions, ziplining, and other adventures too! My husband, son, and I make sure to plan several bigger trips each season as well for a longer getaway.

With everything scheduled in advance, I just have to wake up and follow my own instructions each day! It simpliﬁes things so I rarely feel worried about having time for work and life tasks, since it's all planned out. Of course, emergencies and unexpected things happen that can throw things oﬀ balance, but I try to move things around to make sure everything gets attended to as much as possible.

THE PIONEERING TOUCH For Colleen, a pioneer is an individual who's willing to make a positive change. She integrates this ethos into her business, teaching, and personal life, advocating for not just people but also animals and

the environment. Her 13-year tenure teaching a women's leadership course at Rutgers University emphasizes social justice, molding students into advocates for diversity, equity, access, and inclusion.

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Through her previous workaholic habits, Colleen has come to the realization that a satisfying, joyful life is indeed a balanced life. Her daily routine is a testament to this belief:

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BALANCING WORK AND PERSONAL LIFE

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She claims, “Knowing each semester I can support 20+ individuals in fostering positive change in their own and others' lives is incredibly important to me.” Colleen extends this commitment to social responsibility beyond the classroom. “Since my son was ﬁve (he's 14 now), we've been volunteering together at our local food pantry and with community clean-ups and environmental organizations.”

Her dedication to these causes is further enriched by her recent completion of certification courses in ecology and environmental stewardship, reflecting her deep commitment to community service and environmental sustainability. VISION FOR THE FUTURE Reflecting on her 15-year journey thus far, Colleen remains passionate about continuing to serve others while enjoying a fulfilling life.

She mentions, “It's still sometimes hard to believe that something that began as a little side hustle has become the thriving main hustle it is today. I spent the early years achieving so many big dreams – to do a TEDx talk, write a book, create a planner and gratitude journal, publish articles in psychological journals, and earn industry certiﬁcations.” Her focus now is on enjoying her work, learning continuously, and experiencing successes alongside her clients.

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EXELEON SHORTS

One Quote that Motivates you the Most – "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed individuals can change the world. In fact, it's the only thing that ever has." ~ Margaret Mead One Advice for Women Entrepreneurs – Don't wait, initiate! Sometimes we spend too much time waiting for the right time, right opportunity, and right support. If the time isn't there, see what you can move around or eliminate in your schedule to make the time. If the opportunity isn't there, research what you need to do to create it and take those actions. If the support isn't there, launch your idea on your own and then build your team of supporters as you go. One Show you recommend – Happy (Documentary, 2011)

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One Productivity Tool / App that you use – Google Calendar

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One Book Entrepreneurs must read – Tiny Habits by BJ Fogg

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How to win at

Entrepreneurship Parenting By Tracey Livingston

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want to be honest about something I haven't shared before.

I've got two kids — age 3 and age 20 months. And I coach some incredible entrepreneurs who are also parents. We all want to win at entrepreneurship and at parenting — without compromising our success or sanity — so how can we do it? The same solution comes up:

We need to screw the idea that you can work the exact same as before you had kids and everything in life will be smooth sailing. You'd be lying to yourself or you're actually not there for your kids or for your partner or for yourself. HERE'S ARE 8 WAYS TO WORK LESS WHILE GROWING YOUR BUSINESS: 1. Double your prices and cut your clients in half. 2. Finally stop F***ing around half the day and focus.

WORK. LESS. IN. YOUR. BUSINESS. Yes, you need to work less hours if you want to win at entrepreneurship and parenting. Hear me out.

3. Hire a team member (or 100) and delegate the small stuﬀ that doesn't move the needle. 4. Stay in your zone of genius. Do work that matters. Do work that

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3. Work a 4-hour day (or week) in peak performance, ﬂow-states, and elevated emotion. 4. Automate as much as possible. 5. Understand that being easy on yourself, taking time oﬀ, sending your kids to day-care, sharing parenting duties, is completely normal and necessary. Do it more often.

That's how you will win at entrepreneurship and parenting. What do you think? Agree or disagree? Email me at tracey@livlitceo.com to share what does it take to win at entrepreneurship and parenting, from your perspective? I'd love to hear your experience and wisdom. ABOUT TRACEY LIVINGSTON

BEFORE KIDS, I WORKED ALL THE TIME MAINLY TO FILL UP MY LIFE. I'd bum around London to coffeeshops, networking events, coaching at all hours of the day, coming home late at night. I loved it. And then in my first four years of business — I had two kids. That comes to 32 months (!!) out of 48 months experiencing pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and postpartum recovery. I stopped being an all-hours entrepreneur. I stopped filling up my time with stuff that didn't move the needle. And I implemented these 8 solutions that allowed me to increase my revenues every year. I don't work on Fridays. I'm with my boys 5+ hours every day. And I sleep 8 hours at night.

Tracey Livingston Howard is the Cofounder of Liv.Lit! and is a coach for high-growth entrepreneurs and trainer in conﬂict resolution. Her coaching philosophy blends the science of peak performance with spirituality because she believes that: "leading a high growth company requires a high-growth version of you." She has coached and trained over 2,500 people across 31 countries in 5 years. Her roster of clients include: LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, CVC Capital Partners, Deloitte, numerous YPO Members, Corporate Connections Members, and Forbes 30 Under 30 members. Tracey is joyfully the mother to two young boys, Liam and Henry, and her husband Chris is also the CoFounder and CFO of Liv.Lit!. She loves reading, writing, and running by the ocean at her current place of residence, Curacao.

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2. Fire sh** clients and people that don't add value to your life.

WHY NOT DESIGN THE NEXT CHAPTER OF YOUR LIFE FROM A PLACE OF STRENGTH? POSSIBILITY? UPLEVELING?

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1. brings in the money!

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Meet the Moss Guru

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How Jamie Mitri used engineering and biology to create the ﬁrst and only live moss artwork that improves your air quality – Moss Pure

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

I don't think there's one right answer as to what makes a powerful woman. I think just being a woman in today's society – whether you're working a 9-5, raising kids, single, or just trying to ﬁgure it out – you are powerful. I think the number one thing that makes me powerful is that I don't have a fear of failure; I take calculated risks and if I do fail, I learn quickly and pivot. If I didn't take the risks that I did, I would still be in a complacent bubble. I don't like to be put into one box. I enjoy learning all areas of a business and I am constantly challenging myself to grow. I put my work ethic into everything that I do. I do not have a give up mentality. I work harder and smarter and face failure straight on. Talk to us about your growing up years. What is your earliest memory as an entrepreneur? I was born in Beirut, Lebanon during the Civil War and immigrated to Canada when I was just 8 months old and then to Smithﬁeld, Rhode Island when I was 5 years old. My parents are both entrepreneurs – as are my uncles and cousins. I grew up greeting customers in my parents' businesses and selling anything I could from gum to tires to falafel and hummus. What was the idea that led to the start of Moss Pure? What was the market gap that you wanted to address? I founded Moss Pure during a startup competition at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in June 2020, called the

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MIT Lebanon Challenge. Moss Pure won First Place Startup in the competition in Track 1B Health, Energy, and Waste Management. From there, the United Nations invited me to compete in their Development Programme in August 2020, where it won the Top 10 Startup. During the competition, I realized that moss has several beneﬁts. But there weren't many companies that were using live moss. Most moss companies use preserved moss or dried moss, which are no longer living. Because preserved and dried moss are no longer living, they are not able to improve air quality as only live moss can. In talking with customers and scientists, I found

that: 1. No other company was able to use moss as an effective air filter. 2. No other company was able to keep live moss alive in indoor environments for more than a few days. 3. Existing living walls and moss walls used a great amount of water and electricity and were bulky and required time to assemble. Using engineering and biology, I created the first and only live moss design that improves your air quality and provides therapeutic relief without needing any watering, sunlight, or maintenance. I

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wanted to create an aesthetically pleasing, yet simple decor piece that anyone could use in their everyday, modern space.

science and fashion and interior design every day and I'm stepping out of my comfort zone to grow the business.

Talk to us about the science that went behind the creation of the product.

Looking at your journey as an entrepreneur, if you were to start again, what would you do diﬀerently?

We are the only company that has certified analytical results showing that our live moss products improve your air quality within minutes, capturing carbon dioxide, dust, allergens, pet dander, VOC, metals and certain bacteria and viruses. I also worked with 150 customers in the U.S., gathering feedback on the aesthetics of our design. I conducted prototype, alpha, and beta testing with our customers to create the final Moss Pure products you see in our online store today. As the Moss Guru, what role do you play in the day-to-day proceedings of the company? I'm a very hands-on CEO. I am involved in every aspect of the business in some way – whether it's working with a customer on a custom moss wall, helping assemble our products, pitching to a distributor, sales, marketing, PR, accounting, finances – you name it and I'm doing it or have done it. I am able to combine my passion for

What would be your advice for emerging entrepreneurs bringing-in new and innovative sustainable solutions? Being an entrepreneur and launching a business is difficult in itself – let alone creating an innovative product in an existing market. When you create such an innovative product, you have to make sure your messaging is right so that you capture people's attention and then you have to clearly explain why you are different from your competition. It's incredibly challenging but if you know it's worth the risk and you are consistent, the business will grow and everything that you've worked so hard for will pay off – and it is such an amazing feeling. Finally, what does the future look like for you and Moss Pure? What are you most excited about? I'm excited to get the word out about the company and expand it. Moss Pure has such a positive impact and story and I want to share it with the world. We are also always learning and growing, and we are releasing new products with feedback from our customers. My creative and intellectual mind is always at work coming up with something and I love it.

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I formulated a multi-layered design of eco-friendly materials that sustain the moss within our product in any environment – indoor and outdoor. Because of this, our products do not need watering, sunlight, or electricity. Our proprietary technology extends the life of live moss from days to years. The multi-layer also works in synergy with the live moss, so that the moss uses toxic pollutants in the air as its food source, therefore improving your air quality. Air purifying plants take decades to purify the surrounding air. Moss Pure's technology enhances the air ﬁltering capability of live moss.

Absolutely nothing. Every milestone, every mistake, every failure, and every success accompanied a learning lesson, and I wouldn't take any of it back. It has been such a rewarding and amazing experience, even on the crazy days.

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A great deal of science is used in the creation of our products. We are not simply just putting moss on a wall frame. Although I have a strong science background, I spent months and many hours doing hands on research with moss to engineer Moss Pure.

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MAPPING EXTRA ORDINARY EXPERIENCES

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n the tapestry of life, fate often weaves its intricate threads, guiding us towards unexpected paths and shaping our destinies. Such was the case for Kirsty Gordon, a visionary entrepreneur whose journey in the travel industry is a testament to the power of serendipity.

With a multitude of passions and dreams swirling within her, Kirsty embarked on a quest for purpose, unaware of the extraordinary twists and turns that awaited her. AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT As Kirsty left school, her heart brimmed with a kaleidoscope of interests and potential career options. From the thrill of professional horse riding to the allure of landscape technology, from the depths of scuba instructor to the compassionate calling of physiotherapy, she pondered the myriad possibilities that lay before her. Little did she know that fate had already set in motion a series of events that would shape her future in ways she couldn't fathom. In the midst of waiting to hear if she had been accepted into a landscape technology course, Kirsty went on an adventure—a scuba diving

KirstyGordon CEO OF ANYWHERE IN A F R I C A S A FA R I S

As her sails billowed in the warm Caribbean breeze, Kirsty felt an indescribable sense of purpose and awe. Yet, a letter awaited her—a letter that held the key to a diﬀerent path, a landscape technology course that had accepted her into its folds. But fate, with its whimsical sense of timing, had played its hand. The letter, tucked away and forgotten, arrived too late. "When I returned home, I found a letter that had somehow not been opened conﬁrming my entry into this course – but they had started this a week before

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A lovely lady, bound for St Maarten in the Caribbean to embark on a sailing voyage, mentioned her friend's quest to navigate the waters down to Puerto Rico and through the legendary Panama Canal. The friend, in need of a capable crew member, sought a soul adventurous enough to seize this extraordinary opportunity. And in a heartbeat, Kirsty, her spirit ablaze with curiosity and wanderlust, leaped at the chance to embark on this voyage of a lifetime.

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course on the shores of Inhaca Island, nestled oﬀ the coast of Mozambique. It was there, surrounded by the azure waters and the gentle sway of the tides, that destiny beckoned. A chance encounter with a kindred spirit led Kirsty to an invitation that would change the course of her life.

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and wouldn't take my late arrival," shares Kirsty.

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Soon, in a bustling shopping mall, she crossed paths with the mother of a dear friend, who revealed—her friend had recently completed a travel and tourism course and found herself impressed by its wonders. It was a lifeline, a glimmer of hope that guided Kirsty toward a new chapter in her life. With unwavering determination, Kirsty embarked on a whirlwind journey of exploration and learning. She shares, "All went super quickly, I applied, was accepted, arrived in Cape Town, and ended up with my friend in a 'dig' as a room has freed up. This was the start of my travel adventure." A 6month course became the gateway to a world of endless possibilities and her foray into the travel industry. Her thirst for knowledge was unquenchable, and she absorbed every nuance and insight with passion. Fast forward 30 years, Kirsty Gordon stands as an empowering woman in the travel industry. The founding of Anywhere in Africa Safaris, a concierge travel company, was born from her love for the continent, her desire to connect directly with clients, and her unparalleled expertise in the ﬁeld.

EXELEON One Book Entrepreneurs Must Read – The Secret by Rhonda Byrne One Productivity Tool that Everyone Should Use – Clockify. One Travel Destination that you would recommend – Rwanda. One Quote that Motivates you the Most – “It’s the Journey not the Destination.” One Advice for Women Entrepreneurs – Don’t give your Power Away – Believe in Your Women Power

ANYWHERE IN AFRICA SAFARIS — A CONCIERGE TRAVEL COMPANY Today, as the CEO of Anywhere in Africa Safaris, Kirsty weaves together the threads of luxury, personalization, and sustainability, creating

SHORTS

From the first planning phase to the final steps of their journey, Kirsty remains a steadfast presence, ensuring that every detail is meticulously planned and executed. She says, "During their trip, I am in contact with them from when they arrive to when they leave making sure that they are happy with their accommodation, all transfers, and flights are running timeously. They're never left wondering!" Kirsty's vision even extends beyond the bounds of the travel industry. She is driven by a profound sense of responsibility, seeking to make a positive impact on society, the environment, and the lives of those she encounters. She advocates for sustainable practices and supports smaller

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In Kirsty's world, communication is the lifeblood that connects her with her clients. No query goes unanswered, no concern is left unaddressed. While her team works tirelessly behind the scenes, she stands as the face of the company, ensuring that each client receives the attention they rightfully deserve.

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unparalleled travel experiences. Here's how she describes her company, "We plan bespoke, luxury travel packages to Southern Africa, East Africa, North Africa, and Indian Ocean Islands. We don't do anything oﬀ the shelf, as we tailor one-of-akind journeys to suit your speciﬁc interests."

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charities that often go unnoticed, recognizing their invaluable contributions to the communities they serve. Her commitment to fostering meaningful connections extends not only to her clients but to the people and places that make Africa so extraordinary.

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TRAVERSING THE INDUSTRY CHALLENGES

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When discussing the challenges of the travel industry, Kirsty's insight is both candid and reﬂective. She acknowledges the ever-evolving landscape in which the industry operates, with changing trends, emerging technologies, and global uncertainties. One of the ongoing challenges she highlights is the need for government support and recognition of the travel industry's vital contribution to the economy. She believes that collaboration between industry stakeholders and government is crucial in order to foster sustainable growth and navigate the complexities of regulations and policies. Another challenge she addresses is the mindset of African travelers, urging them to appreciate and invest in the wonders of their own continent, rather than seeking experiences abroad. Moreover, Kirsty recognizes the importance of guide training and education, advocating for a

holistic approach. Despite these challenges, she remains resilient, using them as opportunities for innovation, adaptation, and creating exceptional travel experiences that leave a lasting impact.

strategies, and focuses on utilizing them eﬃciently to create maximum value. She understands that by optimizing her resources, she can generate signiﬁcant results and drive success. FOR THOSE WHO DREAM

PAVING THE PATH FOR GROWTH From Kirsty's perspective, achieving team goals begins with setting clear expectations from the very beginning. She emphasizes the importance of clarity in communication, productivity, outcomes, and etiquette. By setting these expectations upfront, she fosters a culture of accountability and high performance within her team. Reflecting on her experience, she acknowledges that no manager can excel in every aspect of a business. She advises aspiring entrepreneurs and managers to leave their egos at the door and recognize the unique skills and strengths of their team members. She further advises budding entrepreneurs to find a business venture that aligns with their passion while ensuring viable opportunities for financial success. Kirsty embraces the 80/20 rule as a guiding principle in her entrepreneurial journey. She identifies her team's best assets, whether they're individuals, products, or

Looking to the future, Kirsty's long-term goal is to solidify Anywhere in Africa Safaris as the go-to company for planning trips to Africa. She aims to build a strong brand that is synonymous with trust, excellent service, and unrivaled knowledge of the continent. She understands that her company's future lies in the hands of her clients, and she strives to provide them with extraordinary service, unique experiences, and a personal touch that will make them repeat customers and enthusiastic ambassadors for Africa. She says, “My long-term goal is that when people thinking Africa, who do we contact for help in planning a trip, who is trustworthy, who oﬀers the best service and knowledge - they must recall Anywhere in Africa Safaris.”

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