A CEO, a lover, a mother — I’m a blend of business and pleasure, always seeking the balance between the two.

Talent: @leanneelliottyoung

Photography: @romaniglesias

Tell us about the object you've brought.

It’s a really important piece of my world — a rock from my mother’s farm. She passed away, and I dug it up with my hands from her land.

What does this object mean to you, and what does it symbolize in your personal or professional journey?

It’s black, so it’s for protection. In my role as CEO of an innovation-led company, I’m constantly selling our vision of the future. That requires people to believe in me, and that takes resilience and conviction. When I’m feeling low or vulnerable, yet still at the center stage of everyone’s questions, I need something to remind me to stay grounded and strong — to put out all the fires. This rock is my anchor.

Same with my personal life, I summon this protection and guidance for how I build my family. Using the wisdom of my mother.

Could you share an anecdote related to it?

It reminds me to be strong but stay grounded — a reminder that while I need to take risks, be invincible high, my roots need to stay firmly planted. to achieve what i need to.

Do you think this object represents any aspect of your identity that people don’t always perceive at first glance?

Everyone sees me as strong, but not always as the sensitive grounded mother. This piece is a silent testament to that inner strength I have, based on loss.

What defines you beyond your profession?

I’m sensitive, empathetic, and a ridiculous at times. My friends know me as someone who brings humour and spontaneity to situations.

But honestly, I bring that side of myself into my business too — it’s a necessity in breaking down biases and ideals set by patriarchal norms. I’m a fun, loud, demanding CEO who isn’t afraid to bring my full self to the table.

How would you describe your creative essence, and what elements do you consider essential in your creative process?

Time, breath, and letting go of ego. Mistakes are the only true way to grow — both as a creator and as a business leader or innovator. To be a CEO you need to be creative with your vision.

Where does your greatest source of inspiration in life and work come from?

Seeing my child experience the world — it sounds like a cliché, but it’s true. Children are raw, vulnerable, and unfiltered, and they remind us of how much we block out as we age and conform to societies structures. Their curiosity and strength are both divine and magical.

How do you handle moments when creativity seems to take a break?

I take a breath and do something wild and unexpected: jump over a wall, dive into a garden, go play bowls with the retired generations, or maybe hit the sauna or go to bed early. A massive change in routine gives my brain the fresh stimulation it needs. To be honest, I often get that from dancing!

What has been the most significant challenge you’ve faced in your professional life, and how did you overcome it?

Balancing work and life with a child as a woman when you become  another. I sacrificed my maternity leave for the growth of my company, and that’s something no amount of money can buy back. It’s the biggest regret of my life — paying someone else to spend time with my child while I worked. That’s a loss I’ll always carry with me.

Navigating when your first baby, your business, is impacted by your new baby, the one you carry and give birth to.

Was there a moment in your journey when you felt like you truly found yourself professionally? What was that process like?

It wasn’t a single moment — it’s been a journey of resilience. I’ve faced so many challenges, “death of the metaverse.” Pushing beyond the patriarchal  structures of the world we are in, the bullish and derogatory VC environments, my fear of public speaking,

But I’ve realized I have a superpower:  I have a great love of problems the ability to see them early, and  solving them quickly, I thrive in that arena, but I’ve learned to protect that energy and focus it on the macro, not the micro.

As CEO you can not be involved in every fire.

Also foresight, being within the innovations space, your realize you see things first as they bubble up, the rest of the  industry is miles away, we have now channeled how to build business models within that area, the pivot point, something with is difficult to sell. A future that hasn’t been built?

Do you believe in coincidences?

I’m deeply spiritual. I believe we write our own path, and I’m connected to the universe. I don’t mind failing — I thrive on solving problems and love the process of failure, as I’m always building my path and listening to the universe,  I think coincidences are that, your path punching you in the face.

From all the knowledge you've gained over the years, what would you say is the most useful skill you’ve learned or applied?

Breathing, being in your body, moving it and finding a routine that doesn’t bore you. Burnout is real, and it’s so important to have a work-life balance. Breath, love, laugh, and see your friends. Your work colleagues are important, but your friends ground you.

What advice would you give to your past self when you were just starting in this industry?

Do exactly what you did! You nailed it, mama!

What role does failure play in your creative and professional process?

Failure is my revision towards the ultimate truth. I thrive off it.

How have the people around you influenced your professional and personal journey? 

I have so many phenomenal women mentors, from 100 women of Davos, Dr. Amino Emuwa and Vera Futorjanski to my mother, my hardworking sister, and my SOTSC coven; Saranne especially They’ve shaped me in ways I can’t even put into words. Being an ally for lucia and her missions. Plus my ever faithful, grounding rock, my partner tom, who never stops believing or loving me.

What excites you most about the future of your career, and how do you hope to impact others in the industry?

The innovations we are leading at IoDF — pushing the boundaries and redefining how technology can be a democratic tool for change. I’m driven by the potential to shape a more inclusive and sustainable industry. Later I plan to build a fund that supports individuals from minority groups to get funding for innovation led projects, future facing always.