Most Influential Women Leaders to Follow in 2026 | Tammi Pickle & Sherri Murphy

IN - FOCUS

Nina Hudnik: Turning Property Decisions into

Personalized Strategy

IN - FOCUS

Court Eldridge: Writing the Body as Thesis, Not Spectacle

Tammi Pickle Sherri Murphy

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MESSAGE

THE EDITOR from

Fordecades,leadershipfollowedanarrowscript.Loud conidence.Constantavailability.Powermeasuredbyhow muchspaceonecouldtakeupinaroom.Womenwere oftentoldtoadapttothatmoldorstayonthesidelines.

Thatscriptisquietlybeingrewritten.

Acrossindustries,womenfoundersandleadersare buildingbusinessesthatvalueclarityoverchaos,resilience overrigidity,andlong-termimpactovershort-term applause.Theyarescalingcompanieswhileredeining whatambitionlookslikewhenitispairedwithempathy, discipline,andpurpose.

Thisshiftmatters.Notbecausewomenlead“differently”in awaythatneedsjustiication,butbecauseleadershipitself isevolving.Today’sbusinessesdemandemotional intelligence,adaptability,andtheabilitytonavigate uncertainty.Traitsoncedismissedassoftarenowessential.

Womenleadersarealsochanginghowsuccessismeasured. Proitstillmatters.Growthstillmatters.Butsodoes culture.Sodoessustainability.Sodoesbuildingsomething thatlastsbeyondthefounder’stitle.

AtExeleon,weseethistransformationupclose.Women entrepreneursarenotaskingforpermissionanymore.They arebuildingsystems,settingstandards,andopeningdoors forotherswithoutwaitingforvalidation.

Thisisnotatrend.Itisarecalibration.

Thefutureofleadershipisnotaboutittingintoold deinitions.Itisaboutexpandingthem.Andwomenare leadingthatchange,onedecision,onebusiness,andone boldvisionatatime.

Dyl Yeung

Hands-On Heart

Onthe surface, Elite Connections is a matchmaking agency for elite singles. But behind the carefully vetted introductions, background checks, and curated matches lies something far more powerful: a motherdaughter legacy built on trust, transformation, and genuine connection.

For Tammi Pickle, CEO and secondgeneration matchmaker, love is both the business and the calling. It's something she grew up watching unfold across conference rooms and kitchen tables — because for Tammi, matchmaking is more than a profession. It's family.

A Family Affair Rooted in Love

Thirty-oneyearsago,Sherri Murphymetherhusbandthrough aLosAngelesmatchmaker.The experiencedidn'tjustchangeher life—itinspiredhertostarta companythatcouldhelpothers indthatsamespark.Afew monthslater,sheopenedtheirst EliteConnectionsofice.

Today,undertheleadershipof TammiandSherri,Elite Connectionshasgrownfromthat oneoficeintoanationalnetwork with13locationsandclients aroundtheworld.Butevenasthe businesshasexpanded,itscore valueshavestayedthesame.

“We'restillafamily-owned company,andthatkeepsus grounded,”Tammisays. “Everythingwedoispersonal.We takethetimetoreallygettoknow people,becausethat'stheonly waytomakemeaningful connections.”

Runningamatchmakingbusiness withyourmommightsound unconventional,butforTammi,it hasbeenasourceofstrengthand inspiration.“Iwatchedherbuild thisfromthegroundup.Isawthe passion,thelatenights,thebelief inwhatshewasdoing.Itgaveme asenseofpurposeearlyon.”

Tammijoinedthebusinesswitha backgroundinpsychologyandan interestincounseling.Shequickly foundthatmatchmakingallowed hertocombineboth.“I'vealways wantedtohelppeople,andthis wastheperfectwaytodothat,” shesays.“Helpingsomeoneind love—that'slife-changing.”

A Modern Approach to an Age-Old Desire

Matchmaking has existed for centuries, but the methods have changed dramatically — and Elite Connections has evolved right along with them. What once involved mailing out physical profiles now involves a team of professionals, digital systems, and global reach.

But some things haven't changed. “At the end of the day, what people want is real connection,” Tammi says. “That's never gone out of style.”

At Elite Connections, every client goes through a detailed, hands-on process. They're interviewed, background-checked, and guided through every step of their dating journey. The team oers coaching, support, and an attentive ear. No swiping. No guesswork. Just real people helping other people find something lasting.

“Our process is designed to take the pressure o and bring the joy back into dating,” Tammi explains. “We do the legwork so our clients can focus on what matters: being present and open to love.”

Professional Matchmaking

Dating in the Age of Apps

Withdatingappsdominatingthelandscape,youmightassumethat traditionalmatchmakingwouldbecomeobsolete.Buttheoppositeis happening.

“Appshavemadeitmorenormaltoseekhelpinyourlovelife,” Tammisays.“Mostpeopletrythem,butmanygetfrustrated.They spendmonthsorevenyearsswipingwithnorealprogress.”

That'swhereEliteConnectionsstepsin,offeringahigh-touch alternativetotheoftenimpersonalworldofonlinedating.

“Peoplecometouswhenthey'rereadytostopwastingtime.They wantsomeonetotaketheirsearchseriously.That'swhatwedo.”

Tammibelievesthatappshavecontributedtoacultureof disposabilityinrelationshipsandshe'snotalone.“Socialmediaand datingappshavetrainedpeopletothinktheycanalwaysind someonebetterjustbyscrolling,”shesays.“Butrealrelationships don'tworklikethat.Theyrequireinvestment,patience,and presence.”

The Psychology of Compatibility

Withherbackgroundinpsychology,Tammiapproaches matchmakingwithanuancedunderstandingofhumanbehavior.She knowsthatsuccessfulmatchesaren'tjustaboutsurface-leveltraits. They'reaboutvalues,timing,andemotionalreadiness.

Ofcourse,noteveryclientshowsupwitharealisticpictureofwhat they'relookingfor.“Weseepeoplewithlonglistsofmust-haves,” Tammiadmits.“Butpartofourjobishelpingthemopenup. Sometimesthepersonwho'sperfectforyoudoesn'tlookexactlylike thechecklistinyourhead.”

Thisiswherehergentlecoachingcomesin.“Ialwaysencourage peopletokeepanopenmind.Thatdoesn'tmeansettling.Itmeans allowingspaceforsomethingevenbetterthanwhatyouimagined.”

Forthosefeelingdisillusionedbymoderndating,Tammioffersclear, compassionateadvice:“Takeabreak.resetandthencomebackwith fresheyes.Lovetendstoshowupwhenyou'renotchasingittoo hard.”

More Than a Match

EliteConnectionshasgarneredattentionfrommediaoutletsand televisionsegmentsforitsstandoutserviceandlongevityinthe datingindustry.WhenTammispeakspubliclyaboutrelationships

anddating,shedoesn'tsugarcoat thingsrathershealwaysleaves peoplewithhope.

“Mygoalistoremindpeoplethat loveisstillpossible,”shesays.“It mightnothappenovernight,butif you'rewillingtodotheworkand trusttheprocess,itcanabsolutely happen.”

Andherworkdoesn'tendwhena matchismade.TheteamatElite Connectionsstaysinvolved, helpingclientsnavigateirstdates, relationshipjitters,andeverything inbetween.

“We'reheretosupportpeople throughtheentirejourney,”Tammi says.“It'snotjustaboutmaking introductions.It'sabouthelping lovegrow.”

A Life Beyond the Business

Outsidetheofice,Tammiisa proudmomoftwoboys,ages11 and14.Herlifeisfullofbaseball games,familytime,andtheday-todayjoysofraisingkids.

“Theyaremygreatestjoy,”she says.“Beingamomiswhatkeeps megrounded.It'salsomademe evenmorepassionateabout helpingpeopleindstrong,healthy relationships.BecauseIwantto raiseboyswhounderstandthe valueofloveandconnection.”

Balancingmotherhoodand entrepreneurshipisn'talwayseasy, butTammisaysit'sworthit.“My sonsgettoseewhatitlooksliketo workhard,followyourpassion, andhelppeople.Thatmeans everythingtome.”

What's Next for Elite Connections

Afterthreedecadesinthe business,TammiandtheElite Connectionsteamarefarfrom slowingdown.Thefutureisfullof freshideasandnewofferings—all designedtobringmorepeopleinto thefoldofmeaningful relationships.

“We'reexpandingwithmore ofices,andwe'relaunchinga podcast,adatingapp,andevena relationshipadvicebook,”Tammi reveals.“It'sallaboutcontinuingto growwhilestayingtruetowhat hasalwaysmadeusdifferent:our hands-on,personaltouch.”

Atitscore,themissionremains unchanged:helppeopleindlove, withintentionandcare.

The Legacy of Connection

ForTammiPickle,matchmaking isn'taboutformulasorfastixes. It'saboutpeople.It'saboutthe momentsthatmatter.Andit's aboutcarryingforwardalegacyof connectionthatstartedwithher motherandcontinuestotouch livesaroundtheworld.

“We'renotjustintroducing people,”shesays.“We'rehelping thembelieveinloveagain.And that'saprettyincrediblethingto bepartof.”

Elite Matchmakers Who Know the True ‘Matching

Matchmakers Know True Art of ‘Matching’

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Nina Hudnik

Turning Property Decisions into Personalized Strategy

Hudnikdidn'tenterreal estatetofollowatrend. Herpathwasshapedbyanearly fascinationwithhowpeoplemake majorlifedecisions,notjust inancially,butemotionally.While pursuingherMaster'sinBusiness StudiesatGeaCollege,shebeganto seepropertynotjustasa transaction,butasarelectionof long-termthinking,values,and relationships.

Yearslater,thatsamemindsetled hertoco-found Roni Nepremičnine alongsideherhusband,Rok.Their goalwasclearfromthestart:offer thekindofgrounded,client-irst guidancetheyrarelysawinthe market.Withadeeprespectfor structure,responsibility,andclear communication,Ninahasbuilta reputationforhelpingclientsfeel

notjustinformed,butsecure;atrait increasinglyrareinhigh-stakes propertytransactions.

Inthisinterview,NinaHudnikopens upaboutwhatshapedhercareer, howvaluesfromherupbringingstill guideherwork,andwhybeing licensedisonlythebeginningof beingtrulyprofessionalinreal estate.

What sparked your initial interest in real estate and business during your studies or early career?

Myinterestinrealestategrew naturallyfromabroadercuriosity abouthowpeoplemakelong-term decisions.Duringmystudiesand earlyprofessionalyears,Iwasdrawn tobusinessmodelsthatcombine numberswithrealhumanimpact.

Realestatestoodoutbecauseit sitsexactlyatthatintersection. Everytransactionisbotha inancialdecisionandadeeply personalone.Thatduality fascinatedmeearlyonandstill doestoday.

How did earning your Master's Degree in Business Studies (MBS) at Gea College prepare you for entrepreneurship in the property sector?

TheMBSprogramatGeaCollege gavemeastructured understandingof entrepreneurship,inance, strategy,andleadership.More importantly,ittaughtmehowto thinkinsystems.Realestateisnot justaboutsellingproperties;itis aboutriskassessment,long-term planning,legalstructure,and marketpsychology.Mystudies helpedmedevelopadisciplined, analyticalmindsetthatlater becameessentialwhenbuildinga companyinahighlyregulatedand trust-basedindustry.

Before launching Roni Nepremičnine, what experiences shaped your understanding of client needs in property transactions?

Beforefoundingthecompany,I workedcloselywithclientsin differentbusinessenvironments andobservedarecurringissue: peopleoftenfeltunheard,rushed, orpoorlyadvisedwhenmaking

importantdecisions.Inreal estate,thisproblemisampliied becausethestakesaresohigh. Theseexperiencesshapedmy beliefthatclientsdon'tneed pressureorsalestactics.They needclarity,patience, transparency,andsomeonewho cantranslatecomplexinformation intoconidentdecisions.

What motivated you and your husband Rok to start the company together — was there a speciic moment or market observation?

Therewasn'tonedramatic moment,butratheraclear realizationovertime.Wesawa gapbetweenhowrealestatewas beingsoldandhowclients actuallywantedtobeguided.Rok andIsharesimilarvaluesaround workethic,responsibility,and long-termthinking.Startingthe companytogetherfeltnatural becausewetrustedeachother andcomplementedeachother's strengths.Themotivationwas simple:tobuildairmwe ourselveswouldwanttobe clientsof.

Looking back, what personal qualities or values from your background have been most important in your real estate career?

Consistencyandresponsibility. Frommyfamilyandupbringing,I learnedthatreputationisbuilt

slowlyandlostquickly.Growing upinSloveniaalsoinstilleda strongsenseofpragmatismand respectforhardwork.Inreal estate,wheretrustiseverything, thesevaluesarenotoptional. Theyshapehowweadviseclients, howwenegotiate,andhowwe thinklongtermratherthan chasingshort-termwins.

How did obtaining your real estate agent license change your perspective on the profession?

Obtainingthelicensedeepened myrespectfortheprofession.It highlightedhowmuchlegal knowledge,ethicalresponsibility, andprecisionthejobactually requires.Italsoreinforcedmy beliefthatprofessionalismisnot justaformalrequirementbuta dailypractice.Alicensedagentis notmerelyamediatorbetween buyerandseller,butaguardianof process,legality,andclient security.Thatperspective continuestoguidehowwe structureourworkandourteam today.

MINDSET

The Pygmalion Effect in Leadership

Your expectations physically reshape your team's brain chemistry. When leaders hold high expectations, team members' neural pathways literally strengthen for complex problem-solving. Neuroscience research shows that positive expectations trigger dopamine release, enhancing learning and performance by up to 30%.

KEY METRIC

INSTANT TAKEAWAY

Audit your expectations. What you believe about your team becomes their ceiling.

STRATEGY

"When a measure becomes a target, it ceases to be a good measure." Wells Fargo's account-opening quotas led to 3.5 million fake accounts. The Soviet nail factory optimized for weight produced useless giant nails. Your KPIs might be destroying exactly what you're trying to build.

KEY METRIC

Goodhart's Law: When Metrics Backfire INNOVATION

INSTANT TAKEAWAY

Measure outcomes, not activities. Ask: 'Can this metric be gamed?’

The Einstellung Effect: Expertise as Blindness

Chess grandmasters often miss simple solutions that beginners spot immediately. Why? Their expertise creates mental grooves so deep they can't see alternative paths. Kodak invented the digital camera in 1975 but their photography expertise blinded them to its potential. They filed for bankruptcy in 2012.

INSTANT TAKEAWAY

KEY METRIC

Deliberately seek naive perspectives. Your expertise might be your biggest liability.

PSYCHOLOGY

The Zeigarnik Effect: Unfinished Tasks

Your brain obsesses over incomplete tasks. Waiters remember complex orders perfectly—until the check is paid. Then, instant amnesia. Strategically leaving tasks 'open' maintains team engagement and creative tension. But too many open loops drain cognitive capacity by up to 40%, destroying focus.

KEY METRIC

INSTANT TAKEAWAY

Use open loops strategically for engagement, but close them ruthlessly to restore focus.

Second-Order Thinking: Consequences of Consequences

First-order: Cutting prices increases sales. Second-order: Competitors match, profit margins collapse, brand value deteriorates, customer expectations reset permanently. Amazon thinks 3-5 moves ahead. Most leaders stop at move one. The best decision-makers ask: 'And then what? And then what?’

KEY METRIC

INSTANT TAKEAWAY

Map three levels deep before major decisions. The secondorder effects matter more.

The Bullwhip Effect: Small Ripples, Giant Waves

A 5% increase in retail demand can trigger a 40% swing in manufacturer production. Why? Each supply chain layer adds their own 'safety buffer,' amplifying the signal. During COVID, toilet paper demand increased 20%—panic buying made it look like 700%. Understanding this saves millions in inventory costs.

INSTANT TAKEAWAY

KEY METRIC

Look for amplification in your systems. Small inputs creating massive outputs signal broken feedback loops.

BaggaAashi

At BuildingFlyingFemmewith Grit,Grace,andGenuineness

just21,AashiBaggaturneda lackofmentorshipinherown modelingjourneyintothedriving forcebehindoneofIndia'smost distinctgroomingplatforms— Flying Femme.Herriseasa supermodel,actor,andsingerwas notjustapersonaltriumphbutthe foundationforanewkindofagency: onethatvaluesinclusionover perfection,mentorshipovermoney, andconidenceoverconformity.

FlyingFemmeisn'tbuiltontheglitz oftraditionalpageantry;it'sshaped byrealstories,realstruggle,anda beliefthatsuccessbeginswithselfawareness.Alongsideherco-founder Rudra,Aashihasnurtureda communitythatchallengesindustry normsandredeineswhatitmeans towin.

Inthisexclusiveinterview,Aashi relectsontheearlygrind,hervalues asamentor,andthemissionbehind FlyingFemme'sgrowinglegacy.

What year did you oficially found Flying Femme, and what were the very irst steps?

FlyingFemmewasoficiallyfounded in2022.Theveryirststepwasselfbelief;therewasnohugeinvestment orgrandsetup.Westartedwitha verysmallarrangementfromNoida, drivenpurelybypassionand purpose.

Fromthebeginning,ourfocuswas neverlimitedtorampwalktraining. FlyingFemmewasbuiltaround overallpersonalitydevelopment, one-on-oneguidance,andgenuine mentorship.

Whenitcomestobuildingthe team,Itrulybelievewearethe team.FlyingFemmestartedwith meandRudra.Hehasbeenmy strongestpillar;loyal,consistent, andstandingbesidemesincemy strugglingdays.Igivehimfull creditforbeingmybackboneand mywholesometeam.

As a young entrepreneur in a competitive fashion space, what were the biggest hurdles in the early days?

Thebiggestchallengewas standingoutinanindustry alreadydominatedbywell-known andestablishedagencies. Credibilitydoesn'tcome overnight,especiallywhenyou're youngandstartingwithlimited resources.

Intheinitialphase,fundingwasa majorhurdle,whichiswhywe startedtheagencyfromhome. Whathelpedussurviveandgrow waspassion,dedication,honesty, andrelentlesshardwork.

Istayedtruetomyvaluesandmy agencyandthatgenuineness eventuallyhelpedFlyingFemme createitsownidentityina saturatedmarket.

How did your experience as a supermodel shape Flying Femme?

Mypersonaljourneyasa supermodelshapedFlyingFemme deeply.Ineverreceivedtheright guidanceinmyearlycareer.Iwas

oftenmisguided,lackedproper mentorship,andsawhowmany agenciesfocusedonlyonmoney ratherthanstudentgrowth.

Thatexperiencehitmehardand itbecamemybiggestmotivation.

AtFlyingFemme,Icarryonecore principleeveryday:right mentorshipandhonestguidance. Wedon'tselldreams;weshape them.Thatiswhattrulymakes FlyingFemmestandapartinthe industry.

Flying Femme emphasizes inclusivity and body positivity — what inspired that mission?

Istronglybelievethatdreamsare foreveryone,anddreamsarenot deinedbybodytype.Success beginswithbeliefandcourage, notmeasurements.

Ourmissioncomesfromthe understandingthatsuccess doesn'tonlymeanwinninga crownorbecomingamodel. Successcanalsomeanbeing conident,well-groomed,selfaware,andpreparedforany profession.

AtFlyingFemme,webelieve anyonecansucceed,intheirown wayandthatbeliefdrives everythingwedo.

Can you share a moment when you almost gave up and what kept you going?

Honestly,Inevergaveup.There

weremomentsofdemotivation, yesmanyofthem.Butquitting wasneveranoption.

Whatkeepsmegoingisseeingmy studentswintitles,grow,and becomestars.Everyyear,when someonerisesfromFlyingFemme andcreatestheirownsuccess story,itpushesmetoworkeven harderandgiveevenmoretomy students.

How do you balance being a model, actor, singer, and agency founder?

Thishasbeenthetoughestpartof mylife.Balancingmultipleroles whilerunninganagencyis extremelychallenging.

ButIbelieveIwasborntobea modelsoIbecameone.Ibecame anactorbyproducingmyown songs.Whennoonesangforme,I sangmyownsongsandbecamea singer.

RunningFlyingFemmeismytop priority.SometimesI'mastylist formystudents,sometimesa designer,sometimesamentorfor themandformyself.

Ilovecreatingthingsonmyown. FlyingFemmeisnotjustan agency,itisanextensionofwhoI am.

RedefiningFitness

Linda Raviele's Mission as a MOVE Coach

Linda

Ravieleisredeining whatitmeanstobea itnessprofessional.Whilethe industryoftenemphasizesaesthetics, sculptedbodiesandstrikingposes, Linda'sworkasacertiieditness professionalandMOVEcoachwiththe GoodLifeKidsFoundationfocuseson inclusivity,empowerment,andjoy.

ThroughherroleintheMOVE program,whichprovidesaccessible itnessforyouthwithautismand intellectualdisabilities,andher advocacyonsocialmedia,Lindais challengingstereotypesandshowing thatitnessisforeveryone.Her journeyisapowerfulcalltoactionfor itnessprofessionalstoembracea broader,moreinclusivevisionof movement.

A Passion for Inclusive Fitness

Linda'spathtobecomingaMOVE coachbeganwithabeliefthat everyonedeservestofeelseenand empoweredthroughmovement.For

her,itnessismorethanphysical,it's aboutbuildingconidence,fostering connection,andsparkingjoy.The MOVEprogram'smissiontoprovide inclusiveitnessexperiencesforyouth withdisabilitiesresonateddeeplywith her.“Itfeltliketheperfectrole,”Linda says,notinghowitalignswithher passionandpurpose.

IntheMOVEprogram,participants challengetheideathatexercisemust lookacertainwaytobemeaningful. “Thesekidsshowupandprovethat movementitselfispowerful,”Linda explains.Whetherit'sasmallstepora boldleap,theirprogresshasreshaped herviewofitness.AsaMOVEcoach, shecreatesspaceswhereparticipants feelsupportedandcapable,amessage shebelievestheitnessindustryneeds toadopt.

A Transformative Journey

OneofLinda'smostrewarding experienceswasworkingwitha teenagegirlintheMOVEprogram.

Fitness Professional & MOVE Coach

The GoodLife Kids Foundation

Initiallyhesitantanddisengaged, thegirlrequiredsigniicant encouragementtoparticipate. Lindatailoredactivitiestoher energyandpersonality,using music-basedexercisesandsimple strengthroutinestomake movementfun.“Webuiltarhythm together,”Lindarecalls.Overtime, thegirlbecamemoreengaged, interactingwithpeersand embracingthemovements.

Inaremarkablemilestone,she beganco-coachingalongsideLinda, leadingsessionswithconidence.

“Now,shestandsnexttomeevery week,guidingothers,”Lindashares. Thistransformationwasn'tjust physical—itwasaboutgaining independence,pride,andasenseof belonging.Thegirl'sjourney embodiestheMOVEprogram's essence:meetingeachchildwhere theyareandhelpingthemrealize theirpotential.

Advocating for Inclusivity

Lindaseesherplatformasaitness professionalasanopportunityto shiftthenarrativearounditness. “It'snotjustabouthowyou look—it'saboutwhatyourbody cando,”shesays.Throughsocial media,sheadvocatesforinclusive training,particularlyforkidswith disabilities,highlightingthatitness looksdifferentforeveryone.By sharingMOVEstoriesand accessibleworkouttips,she challengesstereotypesandinspires inclusivity.

Beyondsocialmedia,Lindabrings thisenergytoitnessspaces, encouragingotherstouse movementtoconnectandinspire. “Progressispersonal,”she

emphasizes,advocatingfor everybodytobecelebrated.Her goalistobuildcommunitieswhere itnessfosterssupportand empowerment,notjustselfimprovement.

The Power of Play

TheMOVEprogram'ssuccessliesin makingitnessfun,notpressured. Lindaandherteamtiemovement tojoyandimagination,blending traditionalstrengthandcardiowith creative,game-basedactivities. Structureddancebreaksinevery classboostcoordinationandselfexpression,whilegameslike obstaclecoursesor“animalwalks,” wherekidsmimictheirfavorite animals,targetdifferentmuscles andsparkcreativity.

Theseactivitiesaretailoredtoeach group'sabilities,ensuringeveryone canparticipate.Forexample,Linda usescueslike“pretendtositina chair”forsquatsorstep-outs insteadofjumpingjackstokeep

movementaccessible.“It'sabout keepingthingslightandinclusive,” shesays,fosteringasenseof accomplishmentandbelonging.

Expertise in Adaptive Fitness

Withabackgroundinexercise scienceandadaptivemovement, Lindameetskidswheretheyare physically.“Notwochildrenmove thesameway,especiallywith disabilities,”shenotes.Hertraining enableshertomodifyexercises safely,usingcues,assistive equipment,andspottingtechniques topreventstrain.Shealsoadaptsin real-time,recognizingwhenachild needsrestoradifferentapproach.

Collaborationwithcaregiversiskey. “Theyknowtheirchildbest,”Linda says,usingtheirinsightstotailor sessions.Thisteamworkmakesthe MOVEprogrameffective,helping participantsbuildphysicalskills, independence,andconidencethat extendbeyondthegym.

Conidence Beyond the Image

Initnessmodeling,conidenceis oftenasingleimage–apowerful poseoramomentofstrength.But forLinda,trueconidencecomes frompersonalvictories:executinga newmovement,participatingafter hesitation,orpickingupaweight withpride.“Thesemoments redeinestrength,”shesays.Asa MOVEcoach,she'slearnedthat conidenceisaboutcapability,not appearance.

Lindauseshervisibilitytopromote inclusivity,challengestereotypes, andshowcasemovement's importanceforall.Heradvocacy encouragesotherstoseeitnessas awaytoconnectandinspire, fosteringcommunitieswhere everyonefeelsstrongandseen.

A Call to Action

Linda'smessagetoitness professionalsisclear:thinkbigger. “Weoftenoverlookthosewith intellectualdisabilities,butthey deservemovement'srewardstoo,” shesays.BecomingaMOVEcoachis ameaningfulpath,leveragingskills likebreakingdownmovementand celebratingprogresstotransform lives.“Thesekidshavegivenme morethanIcouldevergivethem,” Lindarelects,highlightingthe personalandprofessionalgrowth thisroleoffers.

Sheinvitesitnessprofessionalsto exploreinclusiveprogramslike MOVE,pursueadaptiveitness certiications,orconnectwith organizationsliketheGoodLifeKids Foundation.Together,theycan redeineitnessasaspacewhere everybodyiscelebrated.

Court

Writing the Body as Thesis, Not Spectacle

avisualculturethatoften rushestoconsumethebody beforeunderstandingit,Court Eldridge'sworkaskstheviewerto slowdown,reconsider,andread morecarefully.

Workingattheintersectionofaerial performance,ineartphotography, andconceptualinquiry,Eldridge challengesthewaybodies, particularlywomen'sbodies,are interpreted,categorized,and assignedmeaningwithinsystemsof powerandvisibility.

Ratherthanpositioningaerialismas spectacleorendurancealone, Eldridgereframesitasaformof authorship.Movementbecomes language.Suspensionbecomes syntax.Thebodybecomesarecord.

SupportedbytheCanadaCouncilfor theArts,theirworkcarriesarigor moreoftenassociatedwithacademic researchthanperformanceimagery, insistingthatstrengthand

vulnerability,restraintandagency, cancoexistwithoutcollapsinginto confession.

InthisconversationwithExeleon Magazine,CourtEldridgeunpacks thephilosophybehindwhattheycall the“aerialessay,”theethicsof vulnerability,theresponsibilitythat comeswithinstitutionalrecognition, andtheimportanceofbuildingwork thatresistseasyconsumption.What emergesisapracticerootednotin provocationforitsownsake,butin precision,structure,andarefusalto letthegazedictatemeaning.

What inspired you to merge aerial performance with ine art photography and themes like exposure and restraint?

I'mdevelopingwhatIcalltheaerial essay,aformthattreatsaerial practiceaswriting.Choreography becomesauthorship,silksbecome syntax,andthebodyfunctionsasa siteofrecordratherthanspectacle.

Whatisoftenreadasexposureor restraintisactuallythebodyunder formalpressure:suspension,load, gravity,control.

Costume,whetherlingerieor customattire,issurfacelanguage, notintimacy;itfunctions semiotically,noterotically.Iuseit deliberately,thewayawriteruses toneorapainterusespigment,to testhowquicklytheviewerassigns

meaning.Theworkisn'taskingto beconsumed;it'saskingtobe read.

How do you approach vulnerability as both a personal and artistic tool in your creations?

Idon'ttreatvulnerabilityas confession.Inmywork, vulnerabilityisdesigned,it'sa

structuralconditionratherthanan emotionaldisclosure.Strengthand fragilityaren'topposites;they coexistinmomentsofeffort,strain, suspension.Bybuildingimages thatareformallypreciseand ethicallycontrolled,Icreatespace wheretensioncanexistwithout collapsingintoautobiography.The distanceisintentional;itisthe conditionthatmakesthework ethical.Itallowstheworktohold

meaningwithoutrequiringthe artisttoperformexposurefor legitimacy.

As an artist supported by the Canada Council for the Arts, how has receiving institutional recognition inluenced your ability to push boundaries in performance and visual storytelling?

Institutionalvalidationdidn'tgive mepermissiontopushboundaries; itclariiedmyresponsibilitytodo sowithrigor.Beingsupportedby theCanadaCouncilfortheArts sharpenedmyfocusonintention, ethics,andprecision.Itreinforced thatboundary-pushingonly mattersiftheworkcanwithstand scrutiny:conceptually,technically, andcontextually.Therecognition didn'tsoftenthework;it demandedtheworkbestructurally soundanddefensible,notjust visuallystriking.

What core ideas or questions are you most interested in exploring or challenging through your art right now?

I'minterestedinhowbodiesare readasevidence,particularlyhow women'sbodiesaresortedas credible,disposable,ordecorative withininstitutionalsystemsof looking.Captionslike“THISISN'T LINGERIE.THISISATHESIS.” functionasrefusals.Theyinsist thattheimagebeengaged intellectually,notpassively.Right now,myworkisaskingwhogetsto authormeaning,whogetstobe believed,andhowformitselfcan resisterasure.Theaerialessay existstobuildarecordthatdoesn't relyoneaseorexplanation.

How does aerial discipline inluence your approach to collaboration and risk?

Aerialpracticetrainsyouto respectconsequence.That disciplinecarriesdirectlyinto collaborationandimagemaking. I'mcarefulaboutwhereriskis placedandwhobearsit,physically, emotionally,andethically.Consent,

safety,andclarityarenonnegotiable.Conceptualriskisn't aboutcollapseorspectacle;it's aboutbuildingworkthatholds tensionwithoutexploitingit.Risk withoutrigorischaos.Riskwith structurebecomesmeaning.

Who or what have been the biggest inluences on your visual language and performance style?

Myinluencescomeasmuchfrom literature,feministtheory,and institutionallanguageasfrom visualart.I'mdrawntoworkthat isformallyrestrainedbut conceptuallycharged,where what'swithheldcarriesasmuch weightaswhat'sshown.Cinematic andpainterlyreferencesmatter, butsodoarchives,reports,and margins.I'minterestedinbuilding avisualgrammarthatcanhold contradiction,pressure,and ambiguitywithoutlatteningthem.

What advice would you give emerging artists navigating the gaze and power dynamics?

Don'tconfusevisibilityforagency. Thegazewillexistwhetheryou inviteitornot;thequestionis whetheryouletitauthorthework. Buildaframeworkstrongenough toholdattentionwithoutbeing distortedbyit.Authenticityisn't aboutrevealingeverything,it's aboutdeciding,deliberately,what isstructuralandwhatisprivate, andneverallowingthosetobe confused.

Dr. Dr. Susanne Bahn Seeing Risk Before It Strikes

SusanneBahniswidely recognizedasaglobal authorityonworkplacehazard perceptionandriskblindnessinhighriskenvironments.Withabackground insafetyconsultancyandacademic researchatEdithCowanUniversity, shehasspentdecadesstudyingwhy accidentshappenandhowtheycanbe preventedthroughbetterawareness, training,andbehaviorchange.

AstheFounderofTapintoSafety,Dr. Bahnhastranslatedresearchinto practical,scalablesolutionsthathelp organizationsmovebeyond compliancetowardgenuinesafety culturetransformation.

InthisinterviewwithExeleon Magazine,sheshareswhatledherinto thisield,thegapssheobservedin traditionalsafetytraining,andthe impactshehopestocontinuemaking inworkplacesworldwide.

You are widely regarded as a global authority on workplace hazard

perception. What initially drew you to studying hazard awareness and risk blindness in high-risk work environments?

Myinterestcamemainlyoutof frustrationatseeingregular workplaceaccidentsthatcouldhave beenavoidedifworkersweretaught tolookup,lookdown,andlookaround beforetheycompletedatask.There wasalsoanobviouscomplacencyof“it won'thappentome,”particularly amongyoungworkerswhothinkthey are“bulletproof”andolderworkers who“havealwaysdoneitthisway.”I wantedtocomeupwithsome solutionsandstrategiesthat organizationscouldeasilyadoptto improvehazardawarenessskills.

BeforefoundingTapintoSafety,you spentyearsinsafetyconsultancyand researchatEdithCowanUniversity. Howdidtheseexperiencesshapeyour understandingofthegapsthatexisted intraditionalsafetytraining?

Founder, Tap into Safety

Beinginvolvedwithorganizations anddiscussingissueswithsafety managersconirmedtheneedto tackleriskblindnessattheworker level.There'snothinglikehearing fromsupervisorsandsafety managersabouttheirfrustrations, aswellasfromtheworkers themselves,aboutthedisconnect betweenwhatiswritteninsafe operatingproceduresandtheway workisactuallydone.

Tap into Safety was created in direct response to industry needs. Can you share the key insights or pain points you heard from companies that inspired you to build the TIS Training Platform?

Organizationsarealwayslooking forwaystoimprovetheirsafety performanceandreduceinjuries. Astheygrowandexpandtooperate acrosssitesthatareawayfrom headofice,managingtheirpeople becomesfarmoredificult.This showsupquiteprominentlywhen theyneedtodelivertraining.When westartedTIS,manyorganizations werestilltryingtodothisfaceto faceusingPowerPoint presentations.

Researchshowsthataftertheirst sevenminutesofanytraining,the mindstartstodriftandpeople thinkaboutotherthings.Therefore, ifyouwanttogetacriticalmessage across,youneedtodoitvery quickly.

Assoonasyouhavemultiplesites deliveringtraining,theissue becomesensuringaconsistent message.Thisdoesn'thappenwhen yourelyontrainerswhoarelikely tobedifferentpeople.

Trainingdeliveryalsoneedstosuit thelearner.Youngpeopleare constantlywatchingvideosandno longeracceptPowerPointor traditionalclassroomsettings. Theirattentionspanislimited,and theyexpectmore.

Tap into Safety also offers mental health training using a microlearning format. Why was it important for you to integrate mental health alongside hazard awareness and safety training?

There'saglobalrecognitionthata person'spsychologicalhealth directlyaffectstheirfocusand attention.Whenyourmindisnot onwhatyou'redoing,youaremore pronetoaccidents.

Beyond compliance, many organizations are now looking to transform their safety culture. How does the TIS Platform help them move from “checking boxes” to truly changing behavior?

There'salwaysaneedfor straightforwardcompliance trainingsuchasonboardingand induction.However,ifyoudothat right,youcanensurethenew workerunderstandstheir obligationsandhasinformationon whatcanhurtthemandothersthey areworkingwith.

Onceapersonissettledintotheir role,thereisaneedtoensurethey areregularlyremindedabout hazardsintheorganization's workingenvironmentbecause humansgrowcomplacent.Asyou mightknow,ittakesseventimes beforenewinformationis committedtomemory.Thekeyisto

mixitupandprovidedifferent typesoftrainingtoreinforcethe samemessage.Repetitionchanges behavior,anditshowsthatthe organizationiscommittedtosafety andthatitispartoftheirculture, thewaythingsaredonearound here.

Looking ahead, what emerging risks or challenges do you believe organizations will need to focus on to keep workers safe and well?

Tobehonest,Idon'tthinkitwillbe verydifferentgoingforward. Humanbrainsneedrepetitionto embedsafepractices.Generally, literacylevelsandattentionspans aredropping,somessagesneedto bedeliveredsimplyandquickly.

Finally, what motivates you today as both a researcher and CEO, and what impact do you hope Tap into Safety will continue to create in workplaces around the world?

Iliketoseeinjuryratesdropping, andIgetprettyangrywhenIhear aboutaworkplacefatality.Iknow thatwhatweofferthroughTIS helpsorganizationsprovideone importantpieceofthepuzzlein keepingtheirworkerssafe.The impactIhopewecontinuetocreate isimprovedsafepracticeanda reductioninworkplaceinjuries.

How Women Can Thrive in the Male-Dominated World of Science

By Dr. Mona S. Jhaveri, Founder & Executive Director

Music Beats Cancer

Its’commontohearthatthe worldofscience,bothin businessandacademia, ismale-dominated— andit'strue.Inthearea ofscientiicresearch,womenare outnumberedtwotoonebymen. ThestatisticsforwomeninSTEM careersaresimilarlyunbalanced, withmenholding65percentof positions.Toaddtotheimbalance,I haveobservedthroughoutmylong careerinsciencethatmentypically holdleadershippositionsinthese areas.

Sadly,becausesciencehas historicallybeenamale-dominated sector,ithasledmanywomento believetheycannotsucceedor makeadifferenceintheieldwhen thatissimplynottrue.This narrativeisnotonlymisleadingbut alsodangerousbecauseofits potentialtorobtheieldofthe valuablecontributionswomenare morethancapableofmaking.

Itistimeforthatnarrativeto change.

MY JOURNEY IN THE WORLD OF SCIENCE

Idecidedtomajorinbiologyin collegebecauseIenjoyedthe scienceclassesIhadinhighschool, butmyjoyturnedtofrustrationasI foughtmywaythroughmy undergraduatesciencecourses.The classesIhadtocompletewere brutal.Insomecases,Ihadto retakethemafterfailingtheirst time.

Itwasn'tuntilImadeittograduate schoolandenteredmydoctoral programthatIbeganenjoyingmy studyofscienceagain.Iattribute thistothefactthatIwasallowedto workhands-on,sidebysidewith otherstudentsinalaboratory examiningcellularandmolecular mechanisms.Atthatpoint, everythingIhadbeenlearning

suddenlycameintofocus.My learninghadgivenmeenough buildingblockstogetcreativewith thecomplexitiesofthebiological sciences.

Graduateschoolwasalsowhenit becameapparenttomethatscience wasamale-dominatedsector. Lookingback,mostofmyteachers, mentors,departmentheads,and institutedirectorsweremen.Afew womenheldprofessorships,but manyofthemwereonlyableto securepositionsbecausetheir husbandswerebeingrecruited.It becamecleartomethatthepath forwardforacareerinsciencewas setupformentosucceed,not women.

ENTERING THE FIELD OF BIOTECH ENGINEERING

Completingandreceivingmy doctorateinBiochemistrywasa considerableaccomplishment,butI

wasstillintheearlystagesofmy journeytowardestablishinga careerinscience.Thosewho receiveaPh.D.mustenduremany moreyearsofpostdoctoraltraining beforetheyaretakenseriouslyin thescientiicarena.Tomovemy careerforward,Itrainedasa postdoctoralfellowattheNational CancerInstitute(NCI)whereIhad theuniqueopportunitytobe namedaninventorofanovelDNA compoundfortreatingcancer.

Althoughtheinitialyearsworking attheNCIwereexciting,the experienceturnedintoan existentialcrisiswhenmymentor —anestablishedscientiicigurein hisield—abruptlydecidedtoshut downhislabandleavehisjob.His decisionleftmewithoutaplaceto work,forcingmetostartmy trainingalloveragaininanother lab.

Thatpointinmyjourneyallowed metoexperiencethecruelworldof scienceirsthand.Thekeyplayers inthedecision-makingprocess, whowerebothmenandwomen, showednointerestinhelpingme salvagemyscientiiccareer.Iwas onlyofferedatemporaryspaceto inishandpublishtherestofmy workalone.Inaddition,Ilearned thatthepatentapplicationsto protectourinventionweretobe discontinuednowthatthelabwas defunct.

Theexperienceleftmecrushed. However,italsomotivatedmeto stepoutonmyownasabiotech entrepreneur,eventuallylaunching FoligoTherapeuticstocontinuethe developmentofourdiscoveryatthe NCI.

Takingthatstepwaschallengingto

saytheleast,aslaunchingabiotech companyasawomanscientistwas aforeignthingtodo.Fortunately,I foundmywayintoawomen's entrepreneurshipclasstohelp teachmetheropes.Iwasableto writegrantsandwinbusinessplan competitionstostayaloat,allwhile alsoindingmywayasanewmom.

EXPERIENCING THE 'VALLEY OF DEATH'

OurgoalatFoligoTherapeuticswas todevelopandcommercializea DNA-basedtherapeuticcompound asapotentialtreatmentforovarian cancer.Theventureinitially attractedfundingfromvarious state-runventureprogramsand businessplancompetitions,butit soonenteredwhatisknowninthe biotechindustryasthe“valleyof death.”

Essentially,thevalleyofdeathisa fundingbottleneckthatsqueezes lifeoutofcash-starvedstartups.It oftenoccurswhencompaniesseek tomovefromfederally-fundedor state-fundedresearchto commercializingtheirdiscoveries.

Myexperiencewiththevalleyof deathwasmademoredificult becauseIwasawoman.Recent statisticsshowthatwomenfoundedstartupsfacecrushing oddswhenraisingfunds,withless than2percentofventurecapital goingtowomen-foundedstartups. WhenIwaslookingforfunding yearsago,therewasevenless support.

ThefactthatIwasalsoanewmom atthetimemadeitevenmore dificulttopropelmycompany throughthevalleyofdeath. Carryingoutthedutiesofbotha

momandabusinessleader requiredjugglinganoverwhelming numberofresponsibilities. Ultimately,theaddedobstacles provedtoomuchtoovercomeand Foligosuccumbedtoafunding droughtinthevalleyofdeath.

MyexperiencewithFoligoledmeto understandIcouldplayan importantroleinthebiotechspace bybreakingthefundingbottleneck andsavingotherentrepreneurs fromthevalleyofdeath.Thatwas whenIlaunchedMusicBeats Cancer,anonproitorganization thatseekstoincreasethenumber ofcancer-ightingtechnologiesin theproductdevelopmentpipeline somoresolutionsmakeittothose inneed.

Ialreadyknewthelikelihoodof gettingventurecapitalasawoman inthebiotechindustrywas incrediblysmall,andthefactthat boththeacademicandbiotech industriesweremale-dominated contributedtothechallenge—but therewasmore.Theentirecontext offormingacareerpathinscience ismale-centeredandunwelcoming towomenwhoaspiretocontribute. Fromconductingresearchto launchingastartuptoraising funding,everystepinvolves componentsthatleavewomen facingconsiderable,often insurmountabledisadvantages.

REWRITING THE NARRATIVE FOR WOMEN IN SCIENCE

Itwasobvioustomewomen broughtskillstotheworldof sciencethatmen,forthemostpart, lacked.Forexample,whileboth menandwomenwerecommonly engagingwhentalkingabout science,Isawhowmuchmore

creativewomenwerewiththeir approachwhereasmentendedto bemoretechnical.

Scientiicconceptscanbedificult tocommunicate,butwomenhave aninterestingandengagingwayof makingdificultconceptsfunand understandable.It'sagiftthey bringtoscience.

Additionally,Ifoundmyjourney withmotherhoodtobeacrucial experienceinpreparingmetobea leader.Itprovidedanopportunity todevelopanenormouscapacity forcaringforothersaswellasa mentalitythatseessettingothers upforsuccessasapartofyour success.Ofcourse,manymenare verycaringasleaders,butthe “maternalinstinct”mothers possesshelpsthemfurtherdevelop compassion,patience,andother softskillscriticaltosuccessin scienceandbeyond.

Whenwomenseehowtheseskills cangivethemanadvantage,they adoptanempoweringnarrativefor theircareers.Theystarttoseethat

powerandthecapabilitytosucceed lowfromadifferentsourcethan theyhavebeenledtobelieve.

Womendon'tneedtobecomemore likementocontributeandadvance. Rather,theyneedtobringthe uniqueskillsthatmentypically don'tprovide.

THE EMERGENCE OF NEW OPPORTUNITIES

Theworldofsciencehas experiencedsigniicantchange sinceIbeganmyjourney,with somedevelopmentsmakingit easierforwomentoadvance.For example,becausemorewomen havepushedthroughboundaries, leveragingtheiruniqueskillsto obtainleadershippositions,those enteringtheieldhavemore mentorstolearnfrom.

Ialsoseewomenbecomingmore willingtosharetheirinluencewith others.Yearsago,womeninscience wereprotectiveoftheirsuccess becausetheyknewopportunities foradvancementwerelimitedand competitioncouldbeierce.

Today,however,youwillindmore womeninleadershippositionswho arewillingtomakeintroductions foryou,andyoushouldtake advantageofthoseintroductions. Anyonewillingtoopendoorsand shepherdyouthroughthemisan invaluableally.

Whiletherearestillbarriersto overcome,thelandscapeis changingforwomeninscience.For example,considerthatthecurrent DirectoroftheNationalInstitutes ofHealthisawoman.It'sshocking inagoodway.

Forwomenenteringtheieldof science,it'stimetoembraceanew narrativeinwhichyourunique skillsgiveyouanadvantage.When youwalkintotheroom,takethat attitudewithyou.Forthosewho arealreadythere,it'stimeto leverageyourpositionand inluencetoopendoorsforothers tomaketheworldabetterplaceby makingtheircontributionto science.Whentheywin,weallwin.

About the Author

Dr.MonaS.JhaveriistheFounder,Executive Director,andChairmanoftheBoardatMusic BeatsCancer.Shelaunchedthenonproitto addressthegrowinggapinfunding— sometimesknownasthe“ValleyofDeath”— thatconstrainsthetranslationofcancer researchdiscoveriesintoclinical applications.PriortolaunchingMusicBeats Cancer,Dr.JhaverifoundedFoligo

Therapeutics,Inc.,in2005todevelopand commercializeaDNA-basedtherapeutic compoundasapotentialtreatmentfor ovariancancer.WhileFoligowasableto initiallyattractfundingfromvariousstaterunventureprogramsandbusinessplan competitions,thecompanyultimately succumbedtotheValleyofDeath.