Driving rtuneLeader
Editors Insights
Welcome to The Fortune Leader’s Special Edi on
“Top 10 Visionary Women Driving Change in 2025.”
In this issue, we celebrate extraordinary women whose leadership, innova on, and compassion are reshaping industries and communi es across the globe. At the forefront of this inspiring lineup stands Dr. Nicole Odom-Hardne , President & CEO of Focus Point Behavioral Health, whose transforma ve work in mental and behavioral health exemplifies purpose-driven leadership at its finest.
Dr. Odom-Hardne ’s journey is a testament to the power of empathy and vision. Guided by a profound commitment to restore dignity and humanity in behavioral healthcare, she has built Focus Point Behavioral Health into a model of compassionate excellence. Her mission transcends treatment — it’s about empowering individuals to heal, rebuild, and thrive. Under her guidance, Focus Point has achieved CARF accredita on, expanded into new regions, and integrated holis c, technology-driven care that meets people where they are.
Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Odom-Hardne stands as a beacon for women in leadership. Her authen city, resilience, and advocacy for inclusion con nue to inspire the next genera on of women to lead with courage and convic on. Through mentorship, innova on, and community engagement, she is redefining what it means to lead with both heart and strategy.
As The Fortune Leader honors these ten visionary women, we recognize their collec ve impact in driving meaningful change and crea ng a more equitable, compassionate world. Dr Nicole Odom-Hardne ’s story reminds us that leadership is grounded in purpose and humanity has the power not just to transform organiza ons but to transform lives.
We invite our readers to draw inspira on from these remarkable women and carry their spirit of innova on into their own journeys. May their stories encourage each of us to lead with empathy, build with integrity, and pursue change that leaves a las ng legacy
Editor-in-Chief
CoverStory
Nicole Odom-Hardnett 10
Nicole Odom-Hardnett
Leading with Compassion, Redefining
Behavioral Health Care
Intheheartofeverygreatleaderliesastoryonebuiltonpurpose,
resilience,andanunrelentingdrivetocreatechangewhereitis mostneeded.ForDr.NicoleOdom-Hardnett,founderandCEOof FocusPointBehavioralHealth,thatstorybeganwithadeepawareness ofhumanstrugglethequietbattlesthatsomanyfacewithoutaccessto therightkindofcare.Whatbeganasavisiontoprovidecompassionate, person-centeredtreatmenthasgrownintoatransformativemovement thatredefinesbehavioralhealthservicesacrosscommunities.
TheJourneyofPurpose
Dr.Odom-Hardnett'sjourneyintobehavioralhealthwasbornoutof empathyandobservation.Earlyinhercareer,sherecognizedatroubling patternpeopleseekinghelpwereoftenplacedintoone-size-fits-all programsthatdidnotacknowledgetheirindividualstories.Shesawhow depersonalizedcarecouldleavepeoplefeelingunseenandunsupported. Determinedtochangethat,shefoundedFocusPointBehavioralHealth withamissiontodelivercarethatfeelsdeeplyhumanpersonalized, respectful,andcompassionate.
“Toooften,peoplearegivenastandardprogramthatdoesn'tfittheirreal needs,”sheexplains.“Iwantedtocreateaplacewherehealingisnot aboutlabels,butaboutrestoringdignity.”
AtFocusPoint,everyclient'sstorymatters.UnderDr.Odom-Hardnett's leadership,theorganizationhasbuiltanecosystemofsupportdesigned notjustforrecovery,butforlastingtransformation.It'saphilosophythat seesbehavioralhealthasmorethantreatmentit'sempowerment.
AMissionRootedinHumanity
ThecoremissionofFocusPointBehavioralHealthissimpleyet profound:tomeetpeoplewheretheyareandhelpthemmoveforwardin healing.ForDr.Odom-Hardnett,thismeanstreatingthewholeperson mind,body,andspiritratherthanfocusingsolelyondiagnoses.
“Leadership,tome,isaboutrestoringcontrolanddignity,”shesays. “Whenpeoplefeelseen,theybegintoheal.”
ThisphilosophyisreflectedineveryaspectofFocusPoint'sapproach. Programsaredesignednotjusttotreat,buttonurtureconfidence, independence,andhope.Theorganization'smodelblendstherapywith practicallifesupport,ensuringthatclientsareequippednotonlyto recover,buttorebuildtheirliveswithpurpose.
SettingaNewStandardinBehavioralHealth
Inanindustrythatisbothsensitiveandvital,Dr.Odom-Hardnetthas emergedasapioneer AtFocusPoint,theemphasisisoncompassion withoutcompromisetreatingclientslikefamilywhileadheringtothe highestprofessionalstandards.
Theorganization'sCARFaccreditationaprestigiousmarkofqualityand accountabilitystandsastestamenttoitscommitmenttoexcellence. “AchievingCARFaccreditationdemonstratesthatourcaremeets
rigorousnationalstandards,”shenotes.“Ittellsourclientsand communitythattheycantrustustoprovidesafe,effective,andethical treatment.”
FocusPoint'sprogramsintegratecounselingwithreal-worldsupport: fromDUI/DWIassistancetojobreadinessprogramsandpsychiatric rehabilitation.Byaddressingthesocialandemotionaldimensionsof recovery,theorganizationisprovingthatoutpatientcarecanbeboth clinicallysoundanddeeplycompassionate.
OvercomingChallengesasaWomanLeader
Theroadtoleadershiphasnotbeenwithoutobstacles.Asawomanand oftentheonlywomanofcolorinexecutivehealthcarecircles,Dr Odom-Hardnettfacedsystemicbarriersthattestedherresolve.Her ideasweresometimesoverlooked,andherleadershipstylewas measuredagainstadifferentstandard.
Yet,sheturnedadversityintoagency.“Ifocusedonlettingresults speakforme,”shereflects.“Ibuiltcredibilitythroughoutcomesand cultivatedallieswhovalueddiverseperspectives.”
Herstrategyextendedbeyondpersonalsuccessshebecameachampion forinclusion,mentoringandsponsoringotherwomenand underrepresentedprofessionals.Bynurturingdiverseleadership pipelines,shehashelpedshapeamoreequitablehealthcareculture.
Mostimportantly,sheleadsauthenticallynotbyemulatingtraditional norms,butbyembracingempathy,collaboration,andstrategicvision ashercorestrengths.“Trueleadershipisn'taboutfittingin,”shesays. “It'saboutstandingfirminyourpurpose.”
InnovationthatTransformsLives
UnderDr.Odom-Hardnett'sleadership,innovationisnotabuzzword it'sadailypractice.FocusPointBehavioralHealthhasembraced technologyandmoderntherapymodelstomakementalhealthcare accessibleandeffectiveThroughtelehealthservices,clientscanreceive counselingfromhome,eliminatingbarrierssuchastransportationand stigma.Theorganizationalsointegratesmedication-assistedtreatment withindividualizedcounseling,ensuringaholisticapproachthat supportsbothphysicalandmentalwell-being.
ThepsychiatricrehabilitationprogramfurtherextendsFocusPoint's impactbyequippingclientswithlifeskills,socialsupport,and employmentopportunities.“Recoveryisn'tjustaboutstayingsoberit's aboutbuildingafull,healthylife,”saysDr.Odom-Hardnett.
EmpoweringWomenandRedefiningLeadership
Beingrecognizedasa“visionarywomandrivingchange”holdsdeep meaningforDr.Odom-Hardnett.Forher,thehonorisnotjustabout personalachievementit'saboutvisibilityandrepresentation.
“Thisrecognitionmeansthatourworkismakinga difference,”sheshares.“Iwantotherwomentoseethat leadershipdoesnothavetolookoneway Wecanleadwith empathy,makebolddecisions,andstillbuildstrong, sustainableorganizations.”
Throughmentorship,publicspeaking,andcommunity engagement,shecontinuestoinspirewomeninhealthcare andbeyondtoembracetheirvoicesandstepintopositions ofinfluence.
BuildingBridgeswithCommunities
FocusPoint'ssuccessisbuiltonconnectionnotonlywith clientsbutwiththecommunitiestheycomefrom.Dr. Odom-Hardnett'steamactivelyparticipatesinhealthfairs, schoolprograms,andlocaloutreachevents,promoting mentalhealthawarenessandbreakingdownstigma.
“Educationisapowerfultool,”sheemphasizes.“When peopleunderstandthattreatmentworksandhelpis available,theystarttoseebehavioralhealthdifferentlyasa partofoverallwellness.”
Byshowingup,sharingresources,andfosteringopen dialogue,FocusPointhasbecomeatrustedcommunity partneronethattransformsunderstandingintoaction.
TheRoadAhead:AVisionfortheFuture
Lookingforward,Dr.Odom-Hardnettenvisionsafutureof growth,accessibility,anddeeperimpact.Overthenextfive years,FocusPointBehavioralHealthplanstoexpandits reachparticularlytounderservedandruralpopulationsthat oftenlackqualitymentalhealthservices.
Theorganizationaimstostrengthenitstelehealth capabilities,broadenholisticwellnessprograms,andforge partnershipsthatconnectclientstohousing,jobtraining, andcommunityresources.
HergoalisforFocusPointtostandasanationalmodelof integratedbehavioralhealthcareonethatinspiresothersto leadwithbothcompassionandinnovation.
ValuesthatDefineaLeader
Dr.Odom-Hardnett'sleadershipisgroundedinthreecore values:integrity,compassion,andresilience. “Integrityensuresthateverydecisionservesourclientsand community,”shesays.“Compassionkeepsushumanina fieldthatcaneasilybecomeclinical.Andresiliencereminds
usthateverychallengeisanopportunitytostrengthenour mission.
Shealsoembodiesthephilosophyofservantleadership empoweringherteamtoinnovate,takeownership,and grow.“Aleader'slegacyisn'tmeasuredjustbywhatthey build,butbyhowmanyotherstheyuplift,”shesays.
WordsofWisdomforFutureWomenLeaders
Foraspiringwomenleadersinhealthcare,Dr.OdomHardnett'sadviceisbothpracticalandprofound:leadwith courage,persistence,andauthenticity
“Don'twaitforpermission,”sheurges.“Stepforwardwith confidence,seekmentors,andrememberthateveryobstacle youfacebecomesthefoundationforotherstoriseupon.”
Herjourneystandsasproofthatimpactisnotbornfrom perfection,butfromunwaveringpersistenceandpurposedrivenaction.
ALegacyofHealingandHope
Amonghermanyaccomplishments,earningCARF accreditationremainsaproudmilestone,reflectingthe organization'scommitmenttoexcellence.Recently,Focus PointexpandedintoTexas,extendingitscompassionate modelofcaretonewcommunitieswhilemaintainingthe standardsthatdefineitssuccess.
Lookingahead,newinitiativesareonthehorizonfrom employmentreadinessprogramstoexpandedtelehealth accessalldesignedtoblendbehavioralhealthwith empowermentandcommunitydevelopment.
ForDr.NicoleOdom-Hardnett,healingisnotsimplyabout recovery;it'saboutrebuildinglives,restoringconfidence, andredefiningwhatcarelookslike.Herlegacyisoneof vision,heart,andempowermentareminderthattrue leadershipbeginswithcompassionandgrowsthrough service.
AsshecontinuestoleadFocusPointBehavioralHealthinto thefuture,onethingiscertain:herworkismorethanan organizationitisamovement,transformingbehavioral healthintoaspaceofdignity,connection,andlastinghope.
Clāra Ly-Le
Founder and Managing Director of EloQ Communications
ClāraLy-Le,FounderandManagingDirector
ofEloQCommunications,aleadingPRand marketingagencyinVietnam,hasoveradecade ofexperienceblendingsharpbusinessinsightwitha bold,innovativeapproachthatchallengesindustry norms.AlongsideherleadershipatEloQ,sheservesas ViceDeanoftheFacultyofPublicRelationsand CommunicationsatVanLangUniversity,whereshe bridgesacademiaandindustrybyequippingstudents withreal-worldskillsanddrivingtheprofessional growthofVietnam'sPRsector.Respectedasbothan industryleaderandaneducator,Clāraisdedicatedto nurturingtalentandshapingthefutureof communications.
Herearethekeyhighlightsfromtheinterview:
Brieftheinceptionstoryofyourorganization?What inspiredyoutoestablishELoQCommunications?
IamClāraLy-Le.EloQCommunicationswasbornout ofmyvisiontobridgeglobalbestpracticesinpublic relationswiththeuniqueculturalandmarketdynamics ofVietnamandtheASEANregion.Isawacleargap that,whileVietnam'scommunicationsindustrywas vibrantandfullofpotential,manybrands,bothlocaland international,struggledtoconnectauthenticallywith Vietnameseaudiences,andlocalagenciesoftenlackeda trulyglobaloutlook.
In2018,IfoundedEloQCommunicationstoaddressthis need.Fromdayone,ourmissionhasbeentocombine strategicinsight,creativity,andculturalsensitivityto
helpclientstelltheirstoriesinwaysthatresonateboth locallyandglobally Today,EloQisamulti-awardwinningagencyservingclientsfromstartupstoFortune 500sacrossASEAN,helpingbrandstelltheirstories withclarity,creativity,andculturalintelligence.
Whataretheinitialchallengesthatyoufacedduring theinceptionandhowdidyouovercomethose challenges?
Atthestart,thechallengewasshiftingmindsetsin Vietnam'sPRindustryfromtransactional,pay-for-play mediatoethical,strategiccommunication.Weinvested timeineducatingclientsonthelong-termvalueof authenticstorytellingandrelationship-building.Another hurdlewasearningcredibilityasayoungagencyamong establishedcompetitors.Iovercamethisbyleveraging myPhDexpertise,internationalnetwork,andproven resultstobuildtrust.Bystayingtransparent,delivering measurableoutcomes,andupholdinghighprofessional standards,EloQestablisheditselfasamulti-awardwinningagencyknownforintegrity,creativity,and culturalintelligenceacrossVietnamandASEAN.
Canyoushareyourleadershipjourneyandwhat inspiredyoutobecomealeaderinyourfield?
Mypathtoleadershiphasbeenaboutadaptabilityand vision.Iembraceacollaborativestyle,empowering peopletobringtheirideasforwardandowntheirresults. Whatinspiresmemostisseeingbothmyteamand clientsgrow,whetherthat'sayoungprofessionalgaining confidenceorabrandfindingitsauthenticvoice.
Leadership,forme,isaboutcreating anenvironmentwheretrust, creativity,andsharedsuccessthrive.
Whatkeyqualitiesdoyoubelieve areessentialforaleaderintoday's businessworld?
Adaptabilitytonavigateshifting marketsandtechnologies,empathy tounderstandandconnectwith diversestakeholders,andintegrityto makedecisionsthatbuildlong-term trust.
Whattrendsdoyoubelievewill shapeyourindustryin2025and beyond?
IseethreemajortrendsshapingPR in2025andbeyond:theriseofAIpoweredtoolstransforminghowwe monitor,analyze,andpersonalize communication;growingdemandfor authenticityasaudiencesbecome moreskepticalofpolishedcorporate messaging;anddeeperintegrationof ESGnarrativesasbusinessesareheld accountableforsocialand environmentalimpact.
Whatadvicewouldyougiveto aspiringleaderslookingtomakea differenceintheirrespectivefields?
Focusonimpact,notjustposition. Buildyournetworkwith authenticity;relationshipsoftenopen doorsskillsalonecan't.Andnever compromiseyourintegrity.Trustis thecurrencythatsustainsinfluence overthelongterm.Mostimportantly, leadwithpurpose.Whenyour decisionsalignwithaclearmission, you'llinspireothersandcreate changethatlasts.
Canyoudescribetheprimaryareaofinnovationyou arefocusingonwithinyourbusiness?
AtEloQCommunications,ourkeyinnovationliesin craftingculturallyintelligent,fullyintegratedcampaigns thatcutthroughthenoiseinVietnamandacross ASEAN.Wespecializeintailoringbrandmessagesso theyresonateacrossmultiplechannels–traditional media,socialplatforms,andon-the-groundactivations–whilepreservingauthenticity.Whatsetsusapartisour commitmenttomeasurableimpact:everycampaignis backedbyclearKPIsandtransparentreporting.This ensuresourclients,fromlocaldisruptorstoglobal leaders,gainnotonlyvisibilitybutalsolong-termtrust andinfluenceintheirtargetmarkets.
Briefusaboutyourfutureroadmap?
Lookingahead,EloQCommunicationswillexpandour footprintacrossASEAN,buildingastrongernetworkof localexpertstodeliverseamlessmulti-market campaigns.InVietnam,weaimtodevelopnewservice lines,suchasadvancedcrisisreadinessprogramsand sector-specificPRconsulting,toaddresstheevolving needsofourclients.Wewillcontinuetoinvestintalent development,ensuringourteamstaysaheadofindustry trendswhilemaintainingtheculturalintelligencethat definesourwork.Ourgoalremainsclear:tobethe trustedpartnerforbrandsseekinghigh-impact,authentic communicationthatbuildslastinginfluenceinSoutheast Asia.
ELINOR STUTZ
CEO Smooth Sale, International Bestselling and Evergreen Author and Blogger
ElinorStutz,InternationalBest-SellingandEvergreenAuthor,Top1%Influencer, andInspirationalSpeaker,isrenownedforbreakingbarriersinsalesand leadership.Defyingthenotionthat“womencan'tsell,”shebecamethetop producerateverycompanysheworkedfor.Knownas “The Walking Miracle” after survivingabrokenneck,sheleadsSmoothSalewiththeempoweringmotto: “Believe, Become, Empower.” Herbook Nice Girls DO Get the Sale isaglobalbestsellerand timelessclassic,whileherblogranksamongtheworld'stopsalesresources.
Herearethekeyhighlightsfromtheinterview:
TellusabouttheinceptionstoryofSmoothSale.Whatinspiredyoutoestablishthe organization,andwhatvisionguideditsfoundation?
Mysalescareerbeganwithblatantdiscriminationduetobeingafemaleaheadofmytime. Myfirstjobentailedmind-bogglingeffortstogetmetoquit,butallthewhile,myclientele referredtomeas'Abreathoffreshair.'Withouttraining,bythefourthmonth,Ibecame thetopsalesproducerforthe'games'togrowuglier
Attheendofeachyear,overelevenyears,managementgavemyhard-earnedaccountsto themenandtripledmyquotaforthefollowingyear.TheonlygoodnewsisthatIbecame awareof'Howtosellmyselfoninterviews.'
Uponexitingmysalescareer,Iwasstoppedataredlightwhenmylifechangedforever Slammedintotherearofmycarbyanother,Icouldfeelmybrainswayinginmyhead.No doctorwantedtotouchme.Fortenyears,Iwasindreadfulpain,needingtoputtheback
ofmyheadinanoose,hangingfromadoorknobsothatI couldlieonthefloortorelievesomeofthepain.Tenyears later,asapassengeronarainynight,weencountereda secondaccidenthadmetransportedbyanambulancetothe hospital.
ItwaswhilelyingonthegurneyasIwasawaiting admissiontothehospital,thatabrilliantgoldlightencased myentirebody,andthentwovisions,oneaftertheother, appearedbeforemethatwouldchangemylifeforever.The firstvisionpicturedmebeingaspeaker,towhichIwholeheartedlyagreed.
Thesecondvisionshowedmylifereportcard–highmarks ontheleft-handside,butcompletelyblankontherightside, entitled'CommunityService.'Iimmediatelypledged,inmy mind,tobegingivingbacktocommunitiesanywayIcould, but(beingasalesnegotiator),Iadded:'Togivemybest,I needtowalkoutofthehospitalonmyown!'Ablinkofa goldlightindicatedtomethatIwouldrecover.
ItwasinthehospitalICU,uponrecoveringfromsurgery duetohavingenduredan'irreparablebrokenneck,'and beingdeemed'theWalkingMiracle,'thatIknewthatIwas finishedwithcorporate.Mynear-deathexperiencehighly motivatedandinspiredmetomentallylayouttheplanfor mythirdentrepreneurship,SmoothSale;thedefinition being,'Earningareturningandreferringclientele.''
Ihavetodateenjoyedanextra23yearsoflife,andmy commitmenttoservingcommunitiesisstillalive today—thepurposeoftheSmoothSaleBlogistohelp readersadvancetheircareersandbusinesses.Asa collaborativeperson,leadersinvaryingindustries contributecontentbasedontheirexperiences,helpingto provideawiderarrayofinsightsfromtheirunique experiences.Theappreciationandopportunitiesduetothe projectarefargreaterthanIcouldeverhaveimagined.
Everybusinesshasitsshareofhurdlesinthebeginning. Whatweresomeofthekeychallengesyoufacedin buildingSmoothSale,andhowdidyouovercomethem? Ibeganwithasymbolic'blankpieceofpaper',notknowing theexecutives'willingnesstotakeachanceonafemale salestrainer–thepossibilitieswerealmostzero.However,I becamefamiliarwithandadmiredtheheadoftheChamber ofCommerceinourtown,andIaskedherforameeting. Slowlybutsurely,theintroductionssheprovidedhelpedme totransformmyknowledgeintoafunandprosperoussales trainingprogram.
Mytechniqueistoaskopen-endedquestionsforlearning andtorealizeabetterpathforward.Accordingly,Icreated salestrainingmaterialsforentrepreneursandsalesteams.
Mystylewastoaskquestionsupfront,suchas,'Howdo youattractprospects'attention?'
Anothervitalelementistoshareappropriateshortstories fromexperiencethatproducelaughterandthedesireto learnmore.Glowingtestimonialscamefromboth entrepreneursandSiliconValleysalesteamsthatIhadthe privilegeoftraining.Icanproudlysaythateverysession concludedwithappreciationandapplause.
Thegoodandbadnewsisthattheravereviewsdidnot followuponmovingNorth.Uponintroducingmyselfasa salestraineratanewevent,thejeerswereunimaginable. Thankfully,someonetookmeasidetosay,'Toestablish credibility,youmustwriteabook!'
Myphonewassilent,sotherewasnothingtolosewith muchtogain.Allthehorrificcorporatestoriescameto mind;mygoalwastorevealtoreadershowIwasableto standmygroundandalso'upthegame'sothattheycould dothesame.
Themanuscriptbrokemanyrecords,asdidtheformal publicationofthebook:Thefirstpublishinghouseagreed topublishthemanuscript.ThebookwasfeaturedinTIME Magazine,andIappearedonABC-TVNews.
NiceGirlsDOGettheSale:RelationshipBuildingThat GetsResultsveryquicklybecameanInternational Bestseller Theultimateachievementisthatthebookis Evergreen–amongtheclassics!
Canyoushareyourpersonalleadershipjourney?What experiencesandturningpointsshapedyourpathasa leaderinthebusinessgrowthandsalestransformation space?
Childhoodwastheperfectpracticeforwhatwastobe.Asa child,Iwasalwaysinquisitive,relyingonthequestion, 'Why?'Forexample,atage10,IaskedtosellGirlScout cookiesdoor-to-door.Mymothertoldmeitwasunsafeto dosoandtogivetheissuesomethought.Accordingly,I thoughtofeverypossibilityIcould.Atdinner,Iletitbe knownthatIgavemuchthoughttomyrequestandhave onequestion.Ifit'sunsafeformetosellGirlScoutcookies door-to-door,thenwhyisitokayforyoutodothesamefor theMarchofDimes?'
Thenextmorning,myveryfirstprospectwasanelderly lady.Shekindlytoldmethatherdoctorgaveherstrict instructionstoomitsugarfromherdiet;therefore,shewas unabletopurchaseanycookiesfromme.Thewomanthen politelyclosedthedoor.
However,Istoodontheporchdebating'whethertoaska
questionornot,'mymotherwasn'tcertainwhatwasgoing onwithmeasshewasobserving.Abouttenminuteslater, thewomanreopenedthedoortoaskifIhadaquestion.I thenaskedifshehadanynieces,nephews,or grandchildren.Surprised,shesaid,"Yes,Ido!'Ithenasked, 'Don'tyouthinktheymightvisitmoreoftenifyoukepta supplyofsnacksandtreatsinyourpantry?'
Astonished,thewomanlookedatmymotherwhilepointing atmetosay,'Wow,sheisgood!'Shethenpurchasedten boxesoftheGirlScoutcookies.
Onamoredisturbingfront, growingupamongbullies,I learnedhowtonotonlydefendmyselfbutalsoturnthe tablesonthem,despitebeingsmallerandnotnearlyas strong.Ourselectionofwordsisvitalforstandingour ground,plusinfluencingclientele.
Thedailypracticegavemetheknowledgeandthecourage tostandupinthecorporatearenaforwhatwasright.I'm onewhotooktwodifferentemployerstocourtbecausethey wereattemptingtocheatmeoutofbonusesthatIrightfully earned.Eachtime,thejudgebangedthegavelsohardthat mostpeopleinthecourtroomjumped,astheyexclaimed, 'Payherthemoneytoday!'
Howhaveyoupersonallydriveninnovationand transformationthroughyourvisionandleadershipat SmoothSale?Canyoushareaspecificexamplewhere yourapproachcreatedasignificantimpact?
Todate,Ihaveenjoyedanextra23yearsoflife.My commitmentisalwayswithmetoservecommunitiesat large.Thepurposeofthe istohelp Smooth Sale Blog readersadvancetheircareersandbusinesses.Asa collaborativeperson,Ihaveotherscontributingcontent, helpingtoprovideawiderarrayofinsightsandstories depictinghowtoadvanceone'scareerandotherendeavors. Theappreciationandopportunitiesduetotheprojectarefar greaterthanIcouldeverhaveimagined.
Howwouldyoudescribeyourpersonalleadershipstyle, andinwhatwaysdoyounurturecreativity,resilience, andemotionalintelligenceinthepeopleyouworkwith? Longago,amarketingexpertadvisedthatIdropbeingso highlycompetitivetobecomecollaborative.Theideawas frightening,butIwaswillingtogiveitatry.Almost magically,opportunitiesseeminglybegantoappear Incorporatingmysalesstyle,Ialwaysencourageaskinga questionupfronttolearn'why'someonemightwanttowork withme.Thequestionhastheotherpersonspeakingfirstso thatIcanaskquestionsasneededforafullerunderstanding upfront.
Next,Iaskmorequestionsrelatingtohowtheyseetheir progressionforwardandhowtheypotentiallyviewour
workingtogetherandthebenefitswemayallderivefrom thecollaborativeeffort.Finally,Ihavethenecessary informationtorealizehowtoframemyexperiencetotheir interestsandneedsforustofindameetingoftheminds.
Whatdoesthefutureroadmaplooklikeforyouand SmoothSale?Arethereanyupcominginitiatives,goals, orexpansionsyou'dliketohighlight?
I'mthecreativetype,soideasarealwayswithme.Fornow, thecollaborativeeffortonline,primarilyviaLinkedIn,is howImeetandconnectwithpeopleglobally,torealize withwhomtoconnect,whyothersreachouttomefora connection,andultimately,explorenewpossibilities.
Inyourview,whatarethemostessentialskillsor qualitiesleaderswillneedtothriveandmakea meaningfuldifferenceinthefuture?
Ourfutureisrapidlychangingforhowwewillliveand work.Curiosityisacriticalcomponentasitencouragesone tolearnaboutthelatestfindingsconcerningbusiness,plus howregulationsaffectit.Next,oneneedstoconnectthe dotsfromtheirlearningregardingthenews,personal conversations,articles,andposts,andtheoutcomesofone's efforts.
Moreover,noteveryoneistechnicallysavvy,makingit morecriticaltocollaboratewithothersasAgenticAIand Roboticsareseeminglytakingovertheworkspace environment.Morethanever,itisvitaltobeofa collaborativemindsetbothinthecorporateenvironmentas wellasentrepreneurialendeavorstoperformandserve otherstoone'sbest.
Isthereapersonalmessageorguidingphilosophyyou'd liketosharewithourreadersthatbestreflectsyour vision,values,andpurposeasaleader?
Oneofmysayingsis,'Ourworstexperiencescanbeour giftsindisguisewhenwearewillingtolearnfromthem.' Forexample,beingbullieddailyasIwasgrowingup, pointedmetowardspeakingtomyreflectioninthemirror inmyroom.Iwouldtakeallthenegativecommentary directedatmetorelaytheprosandconsofwhatwasstated, andforideastocometomindonhowtoproceed.Andall thewhile,Iwouldobservemyfacialexpressions,hand gestures,andbodylanguageasmyreflection,asIcarried ontheconversation.Allofitprovedtobeoutstandingsales training,unbeknownsttomeatthetime.
Andofcourse,mycommitmentduringmynear-death experiencetoservecommunitiessavedmetosaveothers. Discriminationagainstwomenneverstopped.Accordingly, theonlinebloggingeffortbecamemymethodforhelping myaudiencetoreachtheirgoalsandformetoenjoymy workonanongoingbasis.Ifeelprivilegedtobelivingmy secondlife!
Kelly Augspurger
An inspiring conversation
highlighting her entrepreneurial journey, leadership insights, and the innovative approach driving Steadfast Insurance's success.
Canyoushareyourprofessional journeyandtheinspirationthatled youtoco-foundSteadfast Insurance?Whatmotivatedyouto focusonthisindustry?
Myhusband,Adam,andIco-founded SteadfastInsuranceLLCin2019with asharedvisiontohelpfamiliesprotect whatmattersmost.Inthebeginning,I focusedonlifeinsurancewhileAdam managedpropertyandcasualty About sixmonthslater,aconversationwitha mentorchangedeverything. Shereachedoutwithquestionsabout long-termcareinsurance(LTCi).I didn'thavetheanswers,butthat momentlitafireinmetofindthem. Memoriesofallfourofmy grandparentsneedingextendedcare camerushingback.Noneofthemhad insuranceoraplaninplace,andour familycarriedtheweight–physically, emotionally,andfinancially.Ihelped careforoneofmygrandmothers firsthand,andI'llneverforgethow hardthatseasonwas.
Thatconversationbecamemy“aha” moment.Iknewthatthiswasthework
Co-Founder, Steadfast Insurance, LLC
Godwascallingmetodo-tohelpfamiliesplan,sotheycouldfacefuture careneedswithconfidenceandcompassion.OnceIrealizedtherewerereal insurancesolutionstofundthatkindofcare,Iwas all in
Fromthere,IdovedeepintolearningeverythingIcouldaboutlong-termcare planningandinsurance.Iearnedthreeprofessionaldesignations:CLTC® (CertificationforLong-TermCare),CSA®(CertifiedSeniorAdvisor),and LTCCP®(Long-TermCareClaimsProfessional)andbegancreating educationalvideosandresourcestosimplifythiscomplextopicforfamilies andfinancialprofessionalsalike.
In2022,Ibecameapart-timeCLTC®instructor,trainingfinancialadvisors onhowtoengagetheirclientsinmeaningfulLTCplanningconversations. Thatsameyear,IlaunchedtheSteadfastCarePlanningPodcast,whereI interviewindustryexpertsandadvocatesabouthowtonavigateaging, caregiving,andextendedcarewithwisdomandgrace.
Whatstartedasoneconversationhasgrownintoaclearmission-tohelp familiesprotecttheirfuture,preservetheiroptions,andexperiencepeaceof mind.
WhatisthecorevisionandmissionbehindSteadfastInsurance,andhow doyoubelieveyourcompanyisdrivingmeaningfulchangeinthe insurancesector?
AtSteadfastInsuranceLLC,werecommendthepoliciesandcoveragethat webelievewillbestprotectourclient'squalityoflifeifaclaimoccurs.Our visionwithextendedcareplanningistohelpfamilies create a plan, fund it, and share it with those they love sotheycanfacethefuturewithconfidence, notfear.
Ourmissionisrootedineducationandempathy Webelieveclientsmake theirbestdecisionswhentheyunderstandtheiroptions,sowetakethetimeto
teachthemwhat'savailable.Everyrecommendationwe makeispersonalizedaroundtheclient'suniquesituationhealth,familydynamics,financialsituation,andpersonal valuestoprotecttheirqualityoflifeifaclaimoccurs.
Beyondone-on-oneguidance,we'vebuiltanentire ecosystemofeducationalresourcessuchasvideos,podcast episodes,blogposts,anddownloadableguidestohelp peoplelearninwhateverwaysuitsthembest.That commitmenttoclarityandaccessibilityhashelpedusstand outandreachclientsnationwide.
Wealsostrivetomodernizehowlong-termcareand extendedcareplanningaredelivered.Ouronlinehealth prescreenformallowsclientstosharesensitiveinformation privatelyandsecurely,andZoomconsultationsmakeexpert guidanceaccessiblefromanywhere.Electronicapplications furtherstreamlinetheprocess,savingclientstimeand stress.
Ultimately,Steadfastisdrivingchangebyblending compassionwithtechnologybringinghumanconnection andconveniencetogethertomakecareplanningsimpler, smarter,andmorepersonal.
Asawomanleaderinacompetitiveindustry,howdo youapproachleadershipandinnovationtokeep SteadfastInsuranceaheadintheevolvingmarketplace? Leadership:
Ibelievegreatleadershipstartswithhumility,service,and continuousgrowth.I'vebeenblessedbymentorswho've supportedmebothpersonallyandprofessionallyandItry topaythatforwardeverychanceIget.Myleadership philosophyissimple:serveothers,showintegrity,leadwith compassion,andgivecreditwhereit'sdue.Comparisonisa trapthatrobsusofperspective,soIfocusinsteadon progress-howfarI'vecome,what'sworking,andwhereI cangrow.Iencourageotherstodothesamesotheycan discovertheirstrengths,developnewones,andtake courageous,measuredrisks.Confidenceandcuriositygo handinhand;onegivesyouthecouragetostepforward andtheotherkeepsyoulearningonceyoudo.
Innovation:
Forme,innovationisrootedincuriosityandcare.It'snot aboutchasingshinynewideas-it'saboutimprovingreal experiencesforrealpeople.AtSteadfast,we'realways asking: How can we make this simpler, faster, or better for our clients? Everymistakeisalessonandeverychallenge isaninvitationtobuildamoreeffective,compassionate solution.Stayingaheadmeansstayingteachable;always
learning,testing,andrefining.Innovationdoesn'thavetobe loud-sometimesit'sasquietasabetterquestionoramore efficientprocess.
Whathavebeensomeofthebiggestchallengesyou've facedasanentrepreneur,andhowdidyouovercome themwhilestayingtruetoyourpurpose?
Startingandgrowingabusinesscomeswithplentyof obstaclesbothseenandunseen.Mostofmyclientscome throughreferralsfromfinancialadvisors,soI'vespentyears intentionallybuildingthoserelationships.That like, know, and trust factortakestime,consistency,andalotoffaithin theprocess.
Therewereseasons,especiallyearlyon,whenIquestioned myapproachandevenmyownabilities.Myhusbandoften remindedme:it'saboutthe long game,notthequickwin. Thatmindsethelpedmestaygroundedwhenprogressfelt slow.
Myfaithhasanchoredme.IbelieveGodplacedthiswork onmyheartforareason-toserveothersandguidethem throughsomeoflife'smostimportantplanningdecisions. WhenIrememberthatpurpose,Icanstaysteadfastthrough everychallenge.
HowisSteadfastInsurancemakingadifferencein people'slives,andwhatmakesyourapproachstandout comparedtotraditionalinsurancemodels?
AtSteadfastInsurance,we'renotjusthelpingpeoplebuy policies,we'rehelpingthemprotecttheirlives,their families,andtheirpeaceofmind.Long-termcareplanning canfeeloverwhelming,emotional,andoftenavoided.Our missionistomakeitapproachableanddeeplypersonal.
Wetakeaneducation-firstapproach,guidingclients throughthe“why”beforethe“what.”Thatmeanshelping themunderstandhowextendedcarecouldaffecttheir familiesandfinancesandhowthoughtfulplanningcan providesecurity,dignity,andchoicesinthefuture.
Whatmakesourmodelstandoutisthe humanity behindit. Welistenfirst,tailoreveryrecommendation,andwalk alongsideclientsfromeducationtoimplementation.Our processiscollaborativeandtransparent-weexplainevery stepsoclientsfeelempowered,notpressured.
We'vealsomodernizedhowcareplanninghappens.From onlineprescreenformsthatrespectprivacytoZoom consultationsanddigitalapplications,we'vedesigneda processthat'sbothcompassionateandconvenient.This blendofpersonalconnectionandinnovationallowsusto serveclientsnationwidewithoutlosingthepersonaltouch thatdefineswhoweare.
Attheendoftheday,thedifferenceisn'tjustinwhatwe do,it'sin why wedoit.Everyplanwehelpcreategives familiesconfidence,freedom,andpeaceofmindwhenlife takesanunexpectedturn.
Whattrendsdoyouforeseeshapingthefutureofthe insuranceindustry,andhowisSteadfastInsurance preparingtoadaptandleadinthattransformation? Thelong-termcareandbroaderinsuranceindustryare enteringaseasonoftransformation.Iforeseecontinued productevolutionwithnewLTCinsurancesolutions offeringmoreflexiblebenefitdesigns,partialcash indemnityoptions,creativeriders,andcaregiversupport featuresthatmakecoveragemoreadaptabletoreal-life caresituations.We'llalsoseemoreshort-termcareplans, hybridpolicies,anddeferredannuitieswithLTCbenefits, givingclientsmultiplepathwaystofundtheirfuturecare. Underwritingwillbecomemorestreamlinedanddatadriven.Electronichealthrecords,predictiveanalytics,and wearabletechnologywillplayanincreasingroleinrisk assessment,helpingcarriersmakefaster,moreaccurate decisionswithfewermedicalexams.
Atthesametime,technologyandAIwillcontinueto reshapehowcoverageisdeliveredandmanagedfrom digitalapplicationsande-signaturestomoreintuitivesales andclaimsplatformsthatimprovebothadvisorandclient experience.
Ialsoanticipatemorestate-levelpublicLTCprogramsto emerge,followingtheexampleofWashington'sWACares Fund.Astheseprogramsdevelop,privateinsurancewill playanessentialcomplementaryrole,offeringflexibility andchoicebeyondwhatgovernmentplansprovide.
Economicrealitiessuchasmedicalinflationandworkforce shortagesincaregivingwillcontinuetodrivecostshigher. Thatmakeseducationandproactiveplanningmorecritical thanever
AtSteadfast,we'repreparingtoleadthroughthis transformationbystayingonthecuttingedgeofproduct innovationandtechnology,whilekeepingourfocus anchoredonpeople.Ourcommitmenttoclarity, compassion,andcontinuouslearningensureswecanhelp clientsnavigatethischanginglandscapewithconfidence.
Whatadvicewouldyougivetoaspiringwomen entrepreneurslookingtocreateimpactintheir industries,andwhatlegacydoyouhopetoleaveasa visionaryleader?
StayfaithfultothepurposeGodhasplacedonyourheart. Therewillbedoubts,detours,anddaysthattestyour confidence,butdon'tletfearholdyouback.Surround yourselfwithmentorswhospeaktruthintoyourlife,build acommunitythatencouragesyou,andkeepyourfocuson progressoverperfectionbecausecomparisonstealsjoy
Leadwithintegrity,humility,andcourage.Begenerous withyourknowledgeandencouragement.Themoreyou helpothersgrow,themoreyourowninfluenceexpandsnaturallyandauthentically.
Asforlegacy,Ihopeminereflectssteadfastfaith, compassion,andpositiveimpact.Iwanttoberemembered assomeonewhousedhergiftstoserveothers-toeducate families,empoweradvisors,andbringclarityandpeaceto life'shardestseasons.
IfthepeopleI'veservedfeelmoreconfident,morecared for,andmorepreparedforthefuturebecauseofourtime together,thenthat'sthekindofimpactworthbuildingalife around.
