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IN - FOCUS

Taking a Closer Look at the Importance of Female Mentorship

IN - FOCUS

5 Steps to Stop Letting Your Business Run You!

LEADING WITH PURPOSE - 2026 Empowering WOMEN LEADERS MOST

Ainsley McSorley

GUIDING WOMEN BACK TO THEIR TRUE SELVES

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MESSAGE

THE EDITOR from

Every now and then, an edition comes together that feels especially timely.This one does.

The idea behind Most Empowering Women Leaders Leading with Purpose is simple, but not easy to capture. Leadership today is no longer measured only by scale, revenue, or visibility. It is dened by clarity of intent, the ability to build with meaning, and the courage to stay grounded when everything around is shifting.

Across industries, we are seeing women step into leadership roles with a distinct sense of direction. Not performative, not forced, but intentional. They are not just participating in change, they are shaping it in ways that are practical, people-focused, and built to last.

This edition brings together stories of leaders who understand that purpose is not a tagline. It shows up in decisions, in culture, in how teams are built, and in how challenges are handled when the spotlight is off. These are leaders who know when to push forward and when to pause, when to scale and when to stay steady.

On our cover, Ainsley McSorley represents this shift with clarity. Her journey reects what it means to lead with focus while staying adaptable. There is a strong sense of ownership in her approach, along with a willingness to evolve. That balance is what sets apart leaders who sustain impact over time from those who only create short-term noise.

What stands out across every feature in this issue is consistency. Not in outcomes, but in mindset. The leaders featured here are aligned with what they stand for. They build teams that reect that alignment. They create environments where ideas can grow without unnecessary barriers.

Dyl Yeung

AINSLEY MCSORLEY 12

HAILEY 34

ANDREA

Guiding Women Back to Their True Selves

MOST

Empowering WOMEN LEADERS

LEADING WITH PURPOSE - 2026

AINSLEY MCSORLEY

Conﬁdence & Authenticity Coach | The Authentic Academy

AAinsley McSorley has done both. Her journey began with early success in ﬁtness entrepreneurship, but her most meaningful work came later, after she stepped away, rebuilt her life, and learned what real transformation looks like from the inside.

Today, Ainsley is the founder of The Authentic Academy, where she works with women, especially mothers, helping them reconnect with themselves, rebuild conﬁdence, and move through life transitions. Her work is not based on theory. It comes from experience. She has lived through success, loss, identity shifts, and rebuilding. Every step shaped the way she leads today. Some people build businesses. Others build lives that reﬂect who they truly are.

The Beginning of Her Entrepreneurial Journey

Ainsley did not grow up with a clear plan to become an entrepreneur. But looking back, she can see the signs were always there. Even before she opened her rst tness studio, she approached her work with ownership and responsibility.

She describes her early drive as coming from two places. One was learned independence. “Part of it came from hyper-independence,” she explains. “It's a defense mechanism developed early on that teaches you to rely on yourself, to gure things out

alone, and to build security through self-sufciency.”

The other part was simply who she was. Even while working in hospitality, she treated her role differently than others. She managed relationships carefully, created systems that worked, and took responsibility for outcomes. She was already thinking like a business owner.

After graduating from university, she opened her rst private boutique tness studio. It grew quickly. Over time, she expanded to ve locations. She also became a sponsored athlete

and tness model. From the outside, everything looked successful. She had built something impressive at a young age.

But rapid growth came with lessons.

“The biggest lesson was learning to hold two truths at once,” she says. “Growth required delegating and releasing control, but experience also showed me that not everyone carries the same vision or sense of ownership.”

Learning who to trust and when to let go became one of her most important leadership lessons.

MOTHERHOOD CHANGED EVERYTHING

In 2016, Ainsley became a mother. That moment changed her life in ways she could not have predicted. Before motherhood, she had built her identity around achievement. Her business, her performance, and her ability to push forward deﬁned how she saw herself.

“Motherhood cracked open an identity I didn't realize was armor,” she says. “Before becoming a mother, I was deeply performance-driven.”

She had even resisted taking maternity leave because she believed her business needed her. She saw it as something she could not step away from.

But after her son was born, her priorities shifted completely.

“That identity dissolved,” she explains. “I felt no desire to return to the business.”

It was not an easy realization. She had spent years building

her studios. They represented eﬀort, discipline, and personal investment. But she knew she had changed. Continuing down the same path no longer felt right.

She made the diﬃcult decision to sell her business.

That decision forced her to ask deeper questions. Who was she without the business? What did she truly want her life to look like? What mattered most now?

She began to see that transformation was not only physical. It was emotional and mental.

She noticed this in herself and in other women she had coached. Eﬀort alone did not create change. Self-worth, mindset, and identity played a larger role than most people realized.

That realization became the foundation of her future work.

Rebuilding During One of the Hardest Seasons

Soon after selling her business, Ainsley faced one of the most difcult periods of her life. She found herself leaving a relationship and becoming a single mother with two young children under the age of two. She had no business, no job, and no clear direction.

“I had no business, no job, and no clear path forward,” she says. “Just two babies fully dependent on me.”

The challenge was not only nancial. It was emotional and personal. Her former identity was built on moving fast, taking action, and building things quickly. Now, she was in a season that required patience.

She wanted to build again, but she also wanted to be present for her children. She did not want to miss their early years.

This forced her to rethink everything.

She learned that self-trust was not only about pushing forward. It was also about knowing when to pause.

“I released the belief that my selfworth was tied to constant output,” she says. “I allowed my life to rebuild more slowly, with my children at the center.”

This shift changed her approach to business. Instead of chasing growth for the sake of growth, she began building in alignment with her values and her life.

The Authentic Academy Grew Naturally

The Authentic Academy did not begin

as a formal business plan. It grew naturally out of her life. As Ainsley worked through her own experiences, she began sharing what she learned. Women started reaching out to her. They related to her story. They were going through similar transitions.

“The Authentic Academy wasn't created from a single awakening,” she says. “It emerged as I did.”

She began working with women oneon-one, offering support and guidance. Her work focused on helping them reconnect with themselves, rebuild condence, and move through difcult life changes.

She did not rush the process. She built slowly, allowing her business to grow alongside her personal life.

“I built offerings around my life rather than forcing my life to t the business,” she explains.

This approach allowed her to remain present for her children while still growing her work.

Over time, The Authentic Academy expanded. It now offers private coaching, courses, retreats, and community support. Each part of the business reects her values of alignment, sustainability, and authenticity.

Learning From Every Season

Ainsley often describes herself as someone who has lived through many different seasons. Each one taught her something important. Instead of avoiding hardship, she learned to see it as a source of growth.

“My business has never been separate from who I am,” she says. “It has

evolved alongside me.”

She learned that success is not about avoiding challenges. It is about learning from them. It is about understanding patterns, making better choices, and continuing forward.

One of the most important mindset shifts she experienced was learning to slow down. She began practicing reective journaling, allowing herself to process emotions instead of ignoring them. She used afrmations to change limiting beliefs. She learned to reframe challenges and nd meaning in difcult moments.

These practices helped her rebuild without losing herself.

She also learned that honesty with oneself is essential.

“Sustainable success begins with selfawareness,” she explains.

This self-awareness became the foundation of her work with others.

A Different Vision of Success

Today, Ainsley lives a life that looks very different from her early years of rapid business expansion. She has chosen a slower, more intentional pace. She lives on a farm with her children and animals. She continues building The Authentic Academy, but in a way that aligns with her life rather than controlling it.

She is also writing a book, sharing her story and lessons with a wider audience.

“I'm excited about leading from a deeper place than ever before,” she says.

Her work now focuses on helping women remember who they are beyond their responsibilities.

“My hope is that women remember who they are beneath responsibility, expectation, and survival.”

She understands this experience personally. She knows what it feels like to lose yourself in roles and expectations. She also knows what it takes to rebuild.

Helping Women Reconnect With Themselves

Through The Authentic Academy, Ainsley provides support for women going through life transitions. Many of them are high-functioning women who appear successful on the outside but feel disconnected internally.

Her work helps them reconnect with

themselves. It helps them rebuild condence and self-trust. It helps them create lives that feel aligned with who they truly are.

She does not offer quick xes. She offers understanding, guidance, and space for growth.

Her leadership comes from experience. She has lived through the same challenges she helps others navigate.

Building a Life That Feels True

Ainsley McSorley's story is not only about entrepreneurship. It is about identity. It is about learning to listen to yourself, even when it means changing direction.

She built successful businesses early in life. She stepped away when her priorities changed. She rebuilt during

one of the hardest seasons of her life. She created a new business aligned with her values and her life.

Her journey shows that success does not have to look one specic way. It can evolve. It can slow down. It can become more aligned with who you truly are.

She continues to grow, both personally and professionally. But she does so from a place of clarity and self-trust.

Her work reminds others that it is possible to rebuild. It is possible to choose yourself. And it is possible to create a life that feels true.

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Founder Moore Out of Life

Turning Clarity into Leadership and Purpose into Impact

Leadership often begins long before someone carries the title. It begins in moments of reection, in the quiet recognition that stability alone is not enough, and in the decision to pursue work that creates deeper impact. For Demetra Moore, that realization came after more than 15 years in the nance industry, where she built a successful and secure career while quietly sensing that her purpose lay elsewhere.

Today, as the Founder of Moore Out of Life, Demetra works at the intersection of leadership development, communication strategy, and personal transformation. Through her coaching, workshops, and proprietary frameworks, she helps leaders close communication gaps, build condence, and create cultures grounded in clarity and trust. Her work has supported corporate teams and executives across industries, with measurable improvements in engagement, collaboration, and organizational alignment.

In this Black History Month exclusive interview with Exeleon, Demetra Moore reects on the moment that led her to entrepreneurship, the philosophy behind Moore Out of Life, and her vision for empowering leaders and the next generation to lead with purpose, intention, and inuence.

After more than two decades in the nance industry, what was the dening moment that inspired you to step into

entrepreneurship and found Moore Out of Life?

My passion to help others has always been deeply woven into who I am. For more than 15 years I built a successful career in nance. I had a stable position, travel perks, and the opportunity to meet outstanding people. On paper, it looked ideal.

But internally, I felt challenged. My fear was at odds with my entrepreneurial beliefs. I valued security, yet I found myself craving something more purposeful, a space where I could help people think differently, challenge assumptions, and expand what they believed was possible.

The dening moment came when a colleague said, “Demetra, you should be a coach,” and placed a sticky note on my desk with information about a coach training program. Professional coaching was unfamiliar to me at the time, but the conversation and school felt like a breakthrough. I enrolled, and what began as curiosity evolved into Moore Out of Life.

What is the core philosophy behind Moore Out of Life, and how do you help leaders communicate with greater clarity, condence, and inuence?

At Moore Out of Life, our work is grounded in four core pillars: Self-Discovery, Mindful Living, Relationship Enrichment, and Goal

Achievement. These principles guide how we help leaders strengthen both leadership development and organizational performance.

I partner primarily with corporate organizations, and 90% of my clients report a measurable culture shift after working together, particularly in communication, engagement, and leadership alignment. Through my G.I.V.E. framework, I equip leaders to ground themselves, foster judgmentfree dialogue, and embrace growthoriented feedback. The results have been stronger collaboration, more condent decision-making, and smoother transitions.

My focus is simple: turn communication gaps into strategic partnerships and build leadership cultures that sustain impact.

How have your certications and extensive training shaped your coaching approach, and what makes your methodology unique?

My certications and extensive training have expanded both my perspective and my range in the leadership development space. They've given me the opportunity to work with clients across different countries and cultures, which has reinforced the importance of adaptability, emotional intelligence, and cultural humility in leadership development.

What makes my methodology unique is the integration. Through the LIGHT Method™, I combine evidence-based frameworks with practical leadership application. Clients don't just gain insight, they develop sustainable tools for navigating conict, making clear decisions, and leading with condence under pressure. My work

bridges inner development with organizational impact, ensuring that growth is both personal and strategic.

Many professionals struggle with self-doubt or hesitation. How do you help individuals break through internal barriers and step into their full potential?

Many struggle because they have internalized limiting narratives about their worth or abilities. I help coachees identify those patterns, whether it's perfectionism, overthinking, or fear of visibility, and build the mental awareness to interrupt them in real time.

We work together to strengthen selfawareness, quiet self-criticism, and align actions with values. Breaking through internal barriers isn't about becoming someone new, it's about gaining clarity, condence, and the courage to lead with conviction.

As an Inuential Black Leader, what responsibility do you feel to create representation and inspire the next generation of Black professionals and entrepreneurs?

I see representation as both an honor and a responsibility. Visibility expands what's possible. When the next generation sees Black professionals and entrepreneurs leading with condence, strategy, and integrity, it challenges limiting narratives and afrms that they belong in every room they desire to enter.

In my opinion, leadership is not about a title or a corner ofce, it's about character, discipline, self-awareness, and the ability to connect in ways that empower others. At its core, leadership is the commitment to

develop people and create space for others to grow.

My goal is to model courageous, community-minded leadership so the next generation doesn't simply follow existing paths, they understand how to build new ones and bring others along with them.

What is your long-term vision for Moore Out of Life, and the legacy you hope to build through your work?

Coaching remains a core pillar of my work, helping leaders build the clarity, condence, and resilience needed to lead effectively. At the organizational level, workshops are often the most impactful way to engage teams. My team and I would like to host workshops for small to mid-size businesses. This would help them create alignment, strengthen communication, and provide practical tools that leaders can apply immediately. When workshops are paired with coaching, the result is both individual growth and lasting cultural change.

Another goal is to build my vision of hosting an entrepreneurship academy for young adults, a supportive hub where emerging leaders can develop real-world skills, mentorship, and access.

Ultimately, my work is about creating spaces where leadership is cultivated with intention and sustained with impact.

LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLES THAT ENDURE

Timeless frameworks from leaders who transformed companies and deﬁned generations—wisdom that never goes out of style.

LEADERSHIP STYLE

Servant Leadership: The Inverted Pyramid

Traditional leadership: Leader at top, employees at bottom. Servant leadership: Flip it. Leader's job is removing obstacles for their team. Satya Nadella transformed Microsoft's culture by asking 'How can I help you succeed?' instead of 'Why didn't you hit targets?' Revenue grew from $77B to $198B. Servant leaders don't diminish authority—they multiply impact. Your team's success IS your success. When they win, you've led.

LEADERSHIP TRUTH

TEAM DYNAMICS

The Five Dysfunctions: Why Teams Fail

LEAD WITH THIS

This week, ask every direct report: 'What obstacle can I remove for you?' Then actually remove it.

Patrick Lencioni's hierarchy of team failure: (1) Absence of Trust leads to (2) Fear of Conflict, which creates (3) Lack of Commitment, resulting in (4) Avoidance of Accountability, ending in (5) Inattention to Results. Most leaders focus on results. Elite leaders build trust first. Trust enables productive conflict. Conflict enables commitment. Commitment enables accountability. Accountability drives results. Fix the foundation, not the symptom.

LEADERSHIP TRUTH

LEAD WITH THIS

Diagnose where your team breaks down. Start at trust, not results. The pyramid builds from bottom up.

The Hedgehog vs. The Fox: Focused Leadership Wins

Ancient Greek wisdom: The fox knows many things, the hedgehog knows one big thing. Jim Collins studied 1,435 companies over 5 years. Hedgehog leaders (one clear vision, relentlessly pursued) outperformed fox leaders (scattered focus, many initiatives) by 5x. Apple under Jobs: 'We say no to 1,000 things to say yes to the few that matter.' Amazon: 'Customer obsession.' One North Star beats ten priorities. Complexity is easy. Simplicity is leadership.

LEADERSHIP TRUTH

LEAD WITH THIS

Write your organization's ONE hedgehog concept. If you can't, you don't have one yet. Get clear.

CRISIS LEADERSHIP

Stockdale Paradox: Brutal Facts Meet Unwavering Faith

Admiral James Stockdale survived 8 years as Vietnam POW. Who didn't survive? The optimists who said 'We'll be out by Christmas.' Broken when Christmas passed. Stockdale's insight: Confront brutal facts of reality AND maintain unwavering faith you'll prevail. Leaders who sugarcoat reality demoralize teams. Leaders who only focus on problems create despair. The paradox: Face the brutal truth while never doubting ultimate success. This is crisis leadership.

LEADERSHIP TRUTH

INFLUENCE

LEAD WITH THIS

In your next crisis: Name the brutal facts explicitly. Then declare unwavering faith in the outcome. Both.

The Platinum Rule: Lead How THEY Want to Be Led

Golden Rule: Treat others how you want to be treated. Platinum Rule: Treat others how THEY want to be treated. You prefer direct feedback? Your team member might need gentle coaching. You want autonomy? They might need structure. Great leaders adapt their style to each person. One-size-fits-all leadership creates one-size-fits-all mediocrity. Study your team's working styles, communication preferences, motivation triggers. Flex your approach. That's influence.

LEADERSHIP TRUTH

LEGACY

LEAD WITH THIS

Ask each team member: 'How do you prefer to receive feedback? Make decisions? Be recognized?' Then adapt.

Level 5 Leadership: Humble + Fierce Resolve

Jim Collins found leaders who took companies from good to great share paradoxical traits: Personally humble (credit others for success) + Professionally ﬁerce (blame themselves for failures). They're ambitious for the company, not themselves. Darwin Smith (Kimberly-Clark) was shy, awkward, unknown—yet transformed the company 4x market average for 20 years. Contrast with celebrity CEOs who shine bright and ﬂame out fast. Ego serves self. Humility serves mission.

KEY METRIC

LEAD WITH THIS

Audit your last success: Did you credit your team publicly? Your last failure: Did you own it? Flip if needed.

Taking a Closer Look at the Importance of Female Mentorship

Wrien by Liz Toombs

Thephrase“bewhoyouneeded whenyouwereyounger” playsonloopinmyhead.Idon't recallwhenIirsthearditorwho saidit.WhatIdoknow,however,is howmuchitresonateswithme. Thatsimplephraseisapowerful guidelineforthedecisionsthatI makebothpersonallyand professionally.Itechoesinmy mindwhenIinteractwithmy nieces.ItisthedriverforhowI leadmyteammembers,anditis the“why”behindthementoring focusofPDRInteriors,aninterior decoratingirmImanageand foundednearly15yearsago.

Onethingthatintriguesmeabout thephraseisthattheterm “younger”isrelative.WhenIwas inmy20s,itwouldmakemethink

ofmyselfasayoungchild,likely elementaryschoolage.Theninmy 30s,Ibegantoidentifymyyounger selfascollege-agedLiz.Nowthat I'minmy40s,thatwordbringsto mindmyearlydaysasayoung workingprofessional.Whoand whatIneededateachofthose juncturesinlifelookedvery diﬀerent.Iamextremelyfortunate tohavehadsomeexceptional femalerolemodelsovertheyears whotaughtmesomuchand helpedshapemyoutlookonlife acrossmultiplefronts.

WHO I NEEDED?

Mypaternalgrandmotherwasa nurturer.Shewasateacherby profession.Manyofmybrightest childhoodmemoriestookplacein

herpresenceoratherhome.I watchedherhostgatheringsfor herfriendsandmakespecial eﬀortstostayconnectedwiththem viaphonecallsandbysending thoughtfulcardsinthemail.She sawthecreativesideofmeand encouragedmyartisticnature.She modeledhowspendingtime connectingwithpeoplemakes themfeelseenandunderstood.

Incollege,Iworkedparttimeasa nannyforseveralfamilies.A commonalitythosefamiliesshared wasworkingmothers,manyof whomownedtheirownbusiness. Itwasinspiringtowitnesstheir respectivesuccessesas hairdressers,realtors,and attorneys.Iwasimmersedintheir homeshelpingthemtakecareof

theirchildrenandabsorbedthe storiestheytoldabouttheirlife experiences.Hearingthemtalk abouthowtheygottheirstartand witnesshowfarthey'dcomewas highlyimpactfulwhilecompleting mycollegeeducationanddeciding whatpathtotakemyself.

Asayoungprofessional,I encounteredagroupofamazing womenthatwereworthyof emulation.Oneofthemostspecial amongthemwasLulu,aclientI workedwithforoveradecade.She hadapenchantformentoringand fosteringyoungtalentthroughout herlife.

Shecametomewithwildideasfor herhomeandhadfullconidence thatIwouldigureouthowto makethemcometofruition.Her beliefinmegavemethe conidencetotrynewthingsand exploredesignoptionsthatIwould nothaveconsideredotherwise.

VeryfewofthemomentsIshared withthesewomenwereformal appointmentswithagoalto discussacertaintopicorformeto learnanewlifeskill.Mostofthese momentsjusthappenedandI didn'trecognizehowmuchthey shapedmeuntilmanyyearslater.

Mentorshipisrarelyanoficial arrangement.Instead,likemy stories,it'sarelationshipfostered naturallywhereonewoman teaches,encourages,orsharesher lifeexperienceswithanother.I recognizehoweachofthese mentorsgavemeconidencetoget tothenextstageofmylife.WhenI

examinehowIapproach relationshipsinmylife,Iseethe relectionsofeachofthesespecial women.

THE EFFECT OF MENTORSHIP

Iamanextrovertedintrovert.Ilike toengageone-on-oneorinsmall groupstohavemoreintimate conversationandconnectionwith people.Iadoresendinga handwrittennotetosomeone, whetherthatbetothankthemfor agiftorjusttoletthemknowthey arespecialtome.Whenafriend sharesadreamorgoal,shehasfor herself,Iamrighttherecheering heronandhelpingigureouthow tomakeithappen.Thisisadirect resultofmygrandmother's inluence.

Iamcontactedregularlyby numerousyoungprofessionals aboutbreakingintothedesign ield.IwouldbelyingifItoldyou I'mthrilledeverytimeIgetan inquiry.Sometimes,I'minthethick ofmybusyseasonandthelast thingIperceivehavingtimeforis interviewingorcreatingspacefor anewteammember.Atthevery leastthough,Ialwaystakeacoﬀee meeting.Doyouknowwhat happenseverytime?The conversationgivesmeasenseof purpose.WhenItalkaboutmy careerpath,Iamremindedthatall theexperiencesIhavehad happenedforareason.Evenifthat reasonisonlytoshareitwith someoneelsetohelpthemasthey navigatethesamesituation,justas themomsInanniedforshared withme20yearsago.

Ileadasmallteamofdesigners andinternsatPDR.Ihonestly preferasmallerirmoveralarge companyenvironment,backtothe extrovertedintrovertthing!My styleofleadershipistoletmy peoplehaveownershipoftheir projectasIdon'twantto micromanage.Ioﬀerthem guidancewhenneededandhelp themwithanyhurdles,but otherwiseIwantthemtohave autonomyintheirwork.Mybelief isthatthisstyleofworkletsthem learnthemosteﬀectively.Ifthey makeamistake,theyrecognize thatmistakeistheirsandnow knowhowtoavoiditinthefuture. Iftheyhaveawin,thatistheirwin. Theycancelebrateitandbeproud ofthemselves.Ibelievethatletting somebodyhavethespacetoigure itoutontheirownmakesthema betterdesignerandprofessional.I creditLuluforthatphilosophy.

WHO NEEDS YOU?

Ichallengeyoutoexaminethe areasinyourlifewhereyoucould mentorthosecomingupbehind you.Whodidyouneedwhenyou wereyounger?Howcanyoube thattotheyoungwomenyou encounter?Maybeyousee opportunitywithyourchildren,coworkers,orfellowbookclub members.Iassureyouthereare plentyofpeopleouttherewho couldbeneitfromyourexperience ifyouwouldonlyshareit.

About the Author

LizToombsisaCertiied InteriorDecoratorandthe Owner/LeadDecoratorfor PDRInteriors,airmshe launchednearly15years agoinLexington, Kentucky.Sheisknownas the go-todecoratorfor sororityinteriorson collegecampuses.The workofToombsandthe PDRInteriorsteamcanbe seenonmorethan100 collegecampusesacross 25statesinallregionsof thecountry.Sheisa graduateoftheUniversity ofKentuckyandan alumnaofAlphaGamma Delta.Mentoringwomenis akeystoneofPDR, somethingToombs learnedtovaluethrough herfraternityexperience.

GUARDING DEMOCRACY,

ONE GENERATION AT A TIME

Hailey

Born Into Justice

Andrea Hailey doesn't remember a time when advocacy wasn't a part of her daily life.As a child, she wasn't simply raised in a home that valued justice—she was raised in a law ofﬁce, quite literally. Her parents, civil rights attorneys in Indiana, ran a small but mighty legal practice where justice wasn't measured by the size of a case but by the opportunity to make something right.

"It didn't matter if it was the largest case or someone walking in off the street with a small issue," Andrea recalls. "If my parents could see something was wrong that needed to be right, they would help—even ifthe client paid in lasagna."

That ethos of service was Andrea's foundation. From her earliest days, she was surrounded by legal minds not only concerned with the rule of law but with uplifting their community. It was never about prestige or proﬁt—it was about people. And that people-ﬁrst lens would shape every chapter ofher life and career.

Her family's activism extended beyond the courtroom. While the 1965 Voting Rights Act outlawed racial discrimination in voting, her parents understood the work was far from over. They helped neighbors get to the polls and embedded the value of civic participation in everyday life. This wasn't just about checking a box on Election Day. This was democracy as a lived, shared responsibility.

LESSONS FROM LEGENDS

Growingupinahousehold dedicatedtocivilrightsplaced Andreaindirectcontactwith history.Fromayoungage,shemet andlearnedfromiconslikeCoretta ScottKing,JuanitaAbernathy,and JohnLewis—leaderswhodidn't justmakehistory,butcarriedit forward.

Mrs.King'swordsstayedetchedin Andrea'smemory:"Freedomis neverreallywon.Youearnitand winitineverygeneration."The quotewasarefrainintheHailey household;alessonAndreatookto heart.Rightsaren'tinherited;they areprotectedandrenewedbyeach generation.

AndwhenAndreahadthe opportunitytomeetandthank JuanitaAbernathyforhersacriices, Mrs.AbernathylookedAndreain theeyeandsaid,"Stopthanking me."Instead,shepassedthetorch: Carry the work forward. That momentwasaturningpointfor Andrea—acalltoaction.

"Fromthatmomenton,"Andrea mentions,"Iknewitwasmydutyto takemyrotationonthewall.To protectdemocracy,sothatthenext generationhasonetolivein."

Andreaalsowalkedacrossthe EdmundPettusBridgewith

Spotlight

CongressmanJohnLewisto commemorateBloodySunday.And whensheaskedhimwhattoday's generationmightbeforgetting,she expectedatacticalanswer.Instead, hesaidsimply: "You have to keep your joy."

"Thatjoyiswhatcarriesyou throughthehardestmoments," Andrearelects."It'showyoupush throughexhaustionandsetbacks. Joyiswhatbuildsresilience.”

DEMOCRACY AS DESTINY

Andrea'scallingwasn'tsomething shestumbledupon;itwaswritten intoherDNA.Hergrandfather,a BlackveteranofWorldWarI,faced polltaxesandintimidationwhenhe triedtovote.Hergreatgrandmother,fromafamilyofSouth Carolinasharecroppers,hadtopass literacyteststoaccesstheballot box.

Theseweren'tdistantmemories, theywereofAndrea'sinheritance. Raisedinafamilywherecivilrights lawwasthefamilybusiness,Andrea watchedherparentsdismantle racism,includingtheirroleina majorcasethatledtothe bankruptcyoftheKuKluxKlanin Indiana.

Politicsandpurposeweren't separate.Theylivedtogether.Even asachildmeetingRepresentative

PatrickKennedy,sheconidently declaredshewouldonedaywork forhim.Thatprophecyfulilled itselfwhenshelaunchedhercareer onCapitolHillinhisofice.

SCALING A MISSION

WhenAndreatookthereinsat VOTE.org,thelargestnonpartisan votingrightsplatformintheU.S., shebroughttwodecadesof experienceinvoter engagement—fromCapitolHillto presidentialcampaigns.Butwhat trulysetherapartwasherabilityto translatedeeplypersonalpurpose intoscalableimpact.

Underherleadership, VOTE.org quadrupled its impact,reaching morevotersthaneverbefore. Andrea'sirstmove?Diversifythe funderbase.Shetraveled extensivelytobringinnew grassrootsdonors,fosteredcrosssectorpartnerships,andrebuild trustwithcivicorganizations, universities,andinluencers.

"It'snotabouthow I wantto communicate,"shesays."It'sabout howan18-year-oldstudent,a tradesperson,oranewvoterwants tobereached."Thismindsetledto a50-stateget-out-the-vote campaignthatreached over half a billion voter contacts.Thesecret? Meetvoterswheretheyalreadyare.

Andreaandherteamformed partnershipswithplatformslike SnapchatandTinder, organizationsliketheNBAand SouthernPovertyLawCenter,and evenpopcultureiconslikeTaylor Swifttoamplifytheirreach.These weren'tgimmicks—theywere bridges.Theresult?An astounding81%conversionrate amonguserswhointeractedwith VOTE.org.

"It'saboutcommunity,"Andrea says."It'saboutbringingcivic engagementintoeverydaylife."

LIFTING EVERY VOICE

Oneofthemostcriticalshifts AndreamadeatVOTE.orgwas intentionallyfocusingon traditionallyexcluded communities."Votinghistoryis likecredithistory,"sheexplains. "Youngpeopledon'tgetcourted bypoliticalpartiesbecause they'reseenaslow-propensity voters.Butthey'rethefuture."

Ratherthanignoringthem, VOTE.orgdidtheopposite:they prioritizedthem.Theylaunched on-rampsforirst-timevoters, demystiiedthevotingprocess, andprovidedyear-round information.Fromhowtoregister towhat'sontheballot,Andrea's teamensuredvotershadwhat theyneeded,whentheyneededit.

DEMOCRACY IS A LIVING THING

“Democracy is a living thing," Andrea often says. "It has to be nurtured,protected,andpracticed."

That doesn't just happen at the ballot box. It starts in community.Itstartswithshowingupforoneanother.

"Register yourself, then register three friends. Share your voting plans.Talk about your local elections," she urges. In 2025 alone, over 30,000 city council seats, 22,000 school board positions, 5,000 mayoral ofﬁces, and 1,000 judgeships will be decided. "These positions affect our daily lives far more than mostrealize."

Andrea is passionate about demystifying civic participation. National politics may dominate the headlines, but it's the local ballots that often hold the most immediate power over our lives.Hercalltoactionissimplebuturgent:

Democracy only works if we all show up.

Spotlight

Thiswasn'tjustabout elections.Itwasabout building a culture of democratic participation.

"Peoplethinkpoliticsis somethingseparatefromtheir lives,"Andreasays."Butevery partofourlives—fromour schoolstoourstreetstoour paychecks—isaﬀectedbyit.”

TOWARD A MORE PERFECT UNION

So,whatdoesatruly representativedemocracy lookliketoAndreaHailey?

"It'sonewhere everyone—regardlessof background—hastheability tocastaballotandhavetheir voiceheard,"shesays."The peopleshoulddecidethe leaders,nottheotherway around."

Butshe'squickto acknowledgethefragilityof thisvision."We'reina deiningmoment.Somewant amoreinclusive,participatory democracy.Othersare pushingforamore authoritarianmodel.Thenext fewelectioncycleswill determinewhichpathwe choose.”

ForAndrea,theansweris clear:showup,speakout,and vote.Anddon'tdoitalone.

A ROTATION ON THE WALL

AndreaHaileyseesherwork notasacareer,butasa rotationonthe wall—guardingthefragile promiseofdemocracysoit canbepassedtothenext generation.

Sheleadswithjoy,purpose, andunshakeableconviction. Sheisascomfortableona panelofpolicymakersasshe isingrassrootscommunity centers,remindingvotersthat theirvoicesmatter.

Fromthechildinthenursery roomofasmallIndianalaw oficetotheCEOleadingthe largestdigitalvotingplatform inAmerica,Andrea'sjourney hascomefullcircle.Buther missioncontinues.

Andwitheveryelection,every voterregistered,andevery barrierdismantled,shebrings usonestepclosertothe democracywedeserve.

5 Steps to Stop Letting Your Business Run You!

By Galit Ventura-Rozen

Rememberthatirstmoment youmadethedecisionto workforyourself,tobeyour ownboss?Youhadtheseideasof grandeur,Icangoonavacation whenIwant,makemyownhours, andnoonewilltellmewhatIcan orcannotdo.

First,ifthisdoesnotsoundlike yourbusinesswhyisthat?Asan entrepreneur,youcouldberunning yourbusinessaroundyourlifenot theotherwayaround.

Askyourselfifyouarehappywith theboundariesyouhavesetfor yourclients,thehoursyouwork, andfreedomyouhave,todowhat youwant?

OneoftheirstactivitiesIwork withmybusinessmentoringclients istocompletelyunderstandwhat theywouldliketheirlifestyletobe asanentrepreneur.

Iftheyarecurrentlyinbusiness,we modifytheirbusinesstomatch whattheywant.Iftheyarestarting theirownbusiness,webuildthe businessaroundtheirlifestyle.This includesvacation,timewithfamily, hours/daystheywork,andsomuch more.Ifyouarerunningyour businessaroundyourlife,great.If youarenothappyandthisdoesnot feeltoyouhowabusinessshould berun,herearethe5StepstoStop LettingyourBusinessRunYou.

Ÿ Boundaries -Withtechnology today,itcanbeeitheryourbest friendoryourworstenemy. Anyonecangetaholdofyouat anytimeinmultipleways.Just becauseyoureceiveatextfrom aclientat10pmatnight,this doesnotrequireyoutorespond. Ifyoudorespond,youhavenow setanexpectationthatyouwill respondtoyourclientsatany hour.

Ÿ Whenyouirststartworking withaclientmakeyour boundariesclearregardingthe daysyouworkandthehours youwork.Whenyour boundariesareclearupfront,in writingandverbally,thereisno surprisewhenyoudon't respondatatimethatisnotin youragreementwiththeclient. Iftheclientreachesoutatall hoursofthemorningornight, choosenottoresponduntilthe sethoursyouhadpreviously stated.

Ÿ Thinkaboutit,canyoureally helpaclientoutat10p.m.at nightoristhismoreabouttheir needtosendthatmessage?

Ÿ Prioritizing – Haveyouheard theexpression“squirrel'or “shinynewobjectsyndrome” theseexpressionsarerelatedto constantlyallowingyourselfto bedistractedwiththemost

Ÿ immediatenewthingthat comesupinyourbusinessfrom eitheraclientoryourself.Asan entrepreneur,youwantto prioritizeyourday.Havethat listofitemsyouwantto completeeachdayinfrontof youandfocusonthatlistuntil theitemsarecheckedoﬀand completed.

Ÿ Distractionswilloccurandires willneedtobeputoutattimes, butitisyourresponsibilityto knowwhensomethingthat comesupcantrulywaitoris urgent.Howmanytimeshave youlookedbackonyourday andfeltlikeyoucompleted nothing?Yourprioritylistwill helpyoufeelaccomplishedat theendofyourday.

Ÿ Delegating – Tobeasuccessful entrepreneuryouwantto recognizewhereyourtimeis spentinthemostvaluableway. Thetimethatbuildsyour businesswhichtranslatesinto proit.Itiscommonforbusiness ownerstothinktheycando everythingthemselves.Thisis justnotpossible,andyouwill notbespendingyourtime wisely.Isuggestyoulookat yourbusinessandmakealistof allthemovingpiecesthat translateintobuildingateam.

Ÿ Intoday'sworldoftechnology,it isnotrequiredtohirefull-time teammembers.Youcandelegate outtopart-time,piecemeal teammembersonanasneeded basis.Plus,wouldn'titbemore funtoworkonthethingsyou lovealldayinplaceofspending mostofyourtimedoingthings youdonotenjoyandnot producingincome?

Ÿ Self-Care – Whenyouworkfor someoneyouknowwhatdays oﬀyouhaveandcanplanfamily time,exercise,andyourtime. Whenyouownyourbusiness,it beneitsyoutosettheseupin yourcalendarjustasyouwould setanappointmentwithan importantclient.Ifyouknewan importantclientwascomingin townyouwouldmakesurethat timewassetasideforhimor her.Youwanttodothesame withyourtime.

Ÿ Lookatyourmonthinadvance andcarveouttimeforthethings thatareimportanttoyou.When aclientasksifyoucanmeet duringoneofthosetimes,the easythingtodowouldbeto cancel.Whatifinsteadyoulet theclientknowyouhadan appointmentwithanotherclient duringthattime.Itisnot necessarytotelltheclientyou aremeetingyourfriendfor coﬀeeorgoingtothegym.Itis commonthatyouwillhave otherclientappointments, right?

Ÿ Ifvacationisimportanttoyou, blockoﬀvacationtimeinyour calendarmonthsinadvanceand knowitissetinstone.Ifyou don'tputasidetimeforyou, thenitwillnothappen. Remember,self-carewillhelp yourbusinessbemore successfulbecauseyouwillnot experienceburnout.

Ÿ Mentor – Educationand learningisoneofmyfavorite things.Why?BecauseIamvery awarethatIdonotknow everything.Ifthereisaplacein yourbusinessthatyouare lackingexpertiseorguidance,it isoutthereforyou.

Ÿ Reachouttoagroupintownor connectonlinewithlikeminded businesspeople,isthere someoneyoulookuptointhe businessthatyoucanlearn from?Classesyoucantaketo increasetheexpertiseyoucan oﬀeryourclients?Whatabout hiringabusinessmentor? Accountability,support, expertise,andguidanceareall thingsthatwillincreaseyour businessproitsandtakeyouto thenextlevel.Makesureto alwaysincorporatesometypeof supportand/oreducationto continuetoprogressinyour business.

Assomeonethathashadhersetof businessesrunningsuccessfullyfor over27yearsandhas3kids,Ican sharewithyouthatthesesteps haveabsolutelymadeadiﬀerence inmylife,mymentalandphysical health,andtherebythesuccessof mybusinesses.

Startbyincorporatingoneofthese stepsandbeconsistentandyouwill alreadybeabletoseeahuge diﬀerence.

ABOUT THE ENTREPRENEUR:

GalitVentura-Rozenisaglobally recognizedpublicspeaker, commercialrealestatebroker, author,andentrepreneurwithover 25yearsofexperience.Sheisthe Co-founderofEverydayWoman,a companythatmakessurewomen entrepreneursarevisibleand known.ShealsoownsCommercial Professionals,shehassoldover $700millioninLasVegas commercialproperty.Galitisalsoa mindset,communication, leadership,andbusinessexpert whospeaksateventsworldwide.

AN INTERVIEW WITH CASSIE PETREY

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

Transformationinmostcircumstancesisaveryslow process.Atleastslowerthanmostofuswouldlike. Showingupeverydayandactivelycaringaboutyour companyandthepeopleitaﬀectsis90%ofthebattle. Ifyoudedicatetimeconsistently,there'snowayyou canavoidtransformation.It'sgoingtohappenaslong asyougiveitpatienceandtime.

Talk to us about your growing up years. What is your earliest memory as a leader that you can remember?

Co-Founder

Crowd Surf

Oneofmyearliestmemoriesofbeingaleaderisbeing the“director”ofthetheatrical“plays”mycousinsandI wouldputonforourfamily.Ialwayshadideason whichplayweshoulddo,whoshouldbeinwhatroles, andIwouldalwaysmakesureeveryoneshowedupto watchtheperformance!Iwasprobably5-7yearsold duringmy“playdirector”phase.

What has been the journey like for Cassie Petrey, from your childhood fascination for Backstreet Boys to running a leading marketing and music management irm?

Thejourneyhasbeenslowandsteady.Itdoesn'tfeel surrealbecausetheprocesstogetherehasbeenreally consistentlypaced.IthasallseemedtohappenasI'm readyforit.It'sfuntothinkaboutwhoIwaswhenI was12yearsold,andIknowthatpersonwouldbeso

excitedabouttheirfuture.Ialways believedinmyself,though.

ThishasalwaysfeltlikewhatI'm supposedtobedoing.Iseethe futuretoo,andthere'sstillalot moretoaccomplish.Idon'tfeel nervousaboutit.IknowI'monthe rightpathandshowingupevery daydoingmybest.

Looking at this journey, what would you do diﬀerently if you were to start again?

Iwouldtrytobetterunderstand thattherewillbebigmomentsyou needtomissinyourcareerin ordertobethereforyourfamily, andthat'sokay.Inthemoment,you maythinkitwillhurtyourcareer, butitwon't.Moreopportunities willalwayscomeinthefuture.

Whenmygrandmotherwas passing,therewasanimportant meetingthatweek.Shetoldmeto gotothemeetinginsteadof comingbacktoseeher.IwishI hadn'ttakenheradvice.Iknowshe waslookingoutforme,andI admirethatunconditionalloveas shewasrootingforme.However,I regrettakingheradviceatthat moment.

Talk to us about the impact of social media for artists new and old. How do you leverage these powerful platforms to help them reach a wider audience?

Socialmediaisanincredibletool. Wehavetoconstantlyremind ourselvesthatit'satool,and nothingmorethanthat.Iliketo helpmyartistsindwhattheir goalsareoutsideofsocialmedia andconstructaplantousesocial mediatohelpaccomplishthose goals.

Looking ahead, what is your vision for Crowd Surf? What are you most excited about?

TheoverallgoalforCrowdSurfis simple.Iwantustokeepevolving tohelpartistsasmuchaspossible andI'mexcitedforwhatthatwill looklike!Ididn'tknowwhatsocial mediawouldbecome25yearsago, andIdon'tknowwhatour companywilllooklike25yearsin thefuture.Intermsofgoalsforthe nextcoupleofyears,wewantto signafewmoreartiststomanage andplanonlaunchingarecord label.Separatefromthecompany, I'malsoworkingonwritingabook andI'mprettyexcitedaboutthatas well.