When Melissa Jun Rowley, entrepreneur, BBC News correspondent, decided that Hollywood journalism was not a career for her, she decided to change her path from entertainment to tech; showcasing entrepreneurs and those who did “tech for good”. On this episode, Melissa shares her journey from almost having to file for bankruptcy to working with Peter Gabriel, her experiences with groundbreaking entrepreneurs from across the globe, and how technology can be used for positive social impact. She also shares her insights on how organizations can incorporate purpose and impact without it becoming a distraction, flipping the script on social impact, as well as her experiences with diversity in tech. This episode kicks off Ellevate’s Inclusive Workplaces Program. Learn more about the launch of our new program here!
When More magazine came to an end in February 2016, Lesley Jane Seymour, CEO of CoveyClub.com, had a second act in mind - one that was completely different than what she went into. After her old readers reached out to her, Seymour put her consumer-centric self forward and started CoveyClub.com, a platform for lifelong learners. On this episode, Leslie talks about being an entrepreneur compared to the corporate world, how she reinvented herself after the publishing world, and importance of having a lifelong network. She also shares the keys to a backpocket reinvention plan, having your second act ready, and why “longlooking” doesn’t work anymore.
After her 18-year banking career, Cate Luzio, Founder and CEO of Luminary, saw that it was time to pivot and shortly after, started her own collaboration hub for women. On this episode, Cate joins us to share the highs and lows of starting a business, how she came up with the idea for Luminary, and the emotional difficulties and loneliness of starting a business. She also shares some of her tips for entrepreneurs such as the importance of building a great team, rethinking work-life balance, and how her team only has one meeting a week.
In a small town in Texas, Gloria Feldt, NY Times best-selling author and founder of Take the Lead, applied to work for Planned Parenthood, after writing a paper about them. Rising up to become the President of Planned Parenthood, Gloria talks about her learnings as a single mother and as the President inside a highly-disputed organization. Gloria offers her tips on the place of innovation and creation of meaning through organizational leadership, as well as what she is currently doing to give women an equal shot in the world through Take the Lead. She also shares her experiences in creating Planned Parenthood’s new mission, values, and its 25-year vision as a part of reshaping the organization.