In our latest episode of the “Meet Our Sheroes” series, we had the honor of conversing with an extraordinary individual whose narrative epitomizes resilience, ambition, and entrepreneurial spirit. Throughout our discussion, her journey unfolded as a testament to the power of perseverance and determination in the face of challenges.
Dr. Alka, the founder of Global Women Power, extended a warm welcome to the guest, inviting them to “Meet Our Sheroes” platform She expressed her thrill at the guest’s presence on the show, noting that she consistently felt honored and inspired by such meetings. Reflecting on the uncertainty of the future, Dr. Alka acknowledged the process of evolving roles and reconnecting with authentic selves. She requested the guest to share their journey from their starting point to their current position and future aspirations, including any valuable lessons they had learned along the way.
Leahanne Hobson, the founder of Alinea Partners, shared her journey from humble beginnings in the United States to establishing a successful consultancy firm in Vienna, Austria. Transitioning from scooping ice cream to high-tech PR, Leahanne faced challenges but embraced them wholeheartedly. After exploring Vienna, she became deeply involved in consulting projects, including significant events like the World Congress for Women in Beijing, which broadened her perspective. Hailing from the United States, our shero embarked on her path by scooping ice cream at local parlors. Little did she know then that this would be just the beginning of an extraordinary adventure. Transitioning into the male-dominated field of high-tech PR, she faced numerous challenges but embraced them wholeheartedly.
After immersing herself in the startup world for five years, our shero found herself at a crossroads when the company underwent a change in ownership. Rather than settling for the status quo, she chose to embrace change and embark on a new adventure. Thus, the decision to explore Vienna, Austria, presented itself, and she seized the opportunity with both hands.Vienna, as it turned out, would become not just a destination, but a home for nearly three decades. Embracing the vibrant international community, our shero dived into various consulting projects, including collaborating with a UN division and participating in significant events like the fourth World Congress for Women in Beijing. The chance to hear influential figures such as Hillary Clinton and Princesses from Jordan left an indelible mark on her perspective.
Her journey took another turn when she was recruited by IBM, where she honed her skills in marketing for Central and Eastern Europe before delving into emerging markets across the continent and beyond. Later, a transition to Lucent Technologies marked a shift into the telecommunications sector, where she navigated the complexities of channels, distribution, and partner programs. Yet, despite her successes in the corporate world, our shero realized that something was missing. The constant travel and relentless pace of corporate life began to take a toll, prompting her to make a pivotal decision. Stepping away from the corporate sphere, she founded her own company, Alinea Partners, with Vienna as its base.
Alinea Partners, she explained, is not just a consultancy firm—it’s a testament to her vision of empowering women and fostering international collaboration. Specializing in go-to-market services tailored for the high technology and telecommunications market, Alinea Partners offers a range of services from assessments to sales training, all with a focus on quality and innovation. Further in the interview, Dr. Alka mentioned that whenever someone talks about their success story, she believes that the bigger the success, the bigger the barriers overcome. She expressed that this was the most challenging experience in Leahanne’s journey, acknowledging the difficulties of giving up but noting that it ultimately turned out to be the best decision.
Leahanne responded, stating that she recognized the challenge from the beginning when she left a startup company she felt comfortable and senior in. She mentioned the uncertainty of wanting to do something different without knowing what it was. She emphasized the underestimated challenge of building a life around a workplace persona and title, particularly in industries like high tech and telecommunications. Leahanne reflected on her own experience of leaving corporate life and needing to generate business under her own name without the support of a big brand. She discussed the need to redefine herself and her company, noting that many people face similar challenges in retirement or career transitions. Dr. Alka mentioned that whenever anyone discusses their success story, she believes that overcoming significant barriers is essential for reaching one’s current position. She indicated that facing and overcoming challenges is what has led Leahanne to where she is today.
Dr. Alka expressed that this journey has likely involved some of the most challenging experiences, such as moments of giving up, which ultimately turned out to be beneficial. This sentiment resonates deeply with the ethos of our NGO, Global Women Power, where we believe that resilience in the face of adversity is key to achieving success. At Global Women Power, we strive to empower women to navigate challenges, embrace setbacks, and emerge stronger, echoing the transformative journey exemplified by Leahanne.
Leahanne responded, acknowledging the challenging nature of her journey. She recounted leaving a startup company where she held a comfortable and senior position, expressing uncertainty about her desire to pursue something different without a clear idea of what that might be. Leahanne noted her willingness to step back, take a breath, and explore different opportunities, which ultimately led her to her current position. She discussed the underestimated challenge of building a life around a workplace persona and title, particularly in industries like high tech and telecommunications. Reflecting on leaving corporate life and having to generate business under her own name without the support of a big brand, Leahanne emphasized the need to redefine herself and her company. She also discussed the challenges faced by individuals transitioning into retirement, who may struggle with the sudden loss of a defined work identity and structured routine. Leahanne highlighted the importance of choosing to rebuild and redefine oneself or pursuing alternative activities in retirement based on personal goals and preferences.
Dr. Alka Chopra Madan mentioned that when anyone talks about their success story, she believes that overcoming significant barriers is essential. She expressed that every moment counts in living through one’s journey. Dr. Alka noted Leahanne’s international exposure and moving from one country to another, considering it an interesting aspect of her story. She asked Leahanne to share a bit about what prompted her or if it was her desire to do so.
Leahanne responded, explaining that it was not her initial intention but rather a result of trial and error. She recounted the decision to move to Vienna with her partner, despite having never been there before and not speaking the language. She highlighted the supportive international community in Vienna, which facilitated her integration and acceptance. However, she acknowledged that for ten years, she lived somewhat superficially within the community, primarily using English. When she started her own company, she realized the importance of learning the language and faced challenges in communication and adapting to a new culture. Leahanne discussed the impact of language skills on expression and connecting with others, emphasizing the diverse perspective gained from speaking multiple languages fluently.
Dr. Alka remarked that expression is key to connecting with others, which Leahanne agreed with, acknowledging her own challenges with language and accent. Leahanne commented on the undervaluing of language skills and encouraged people to recognize the value of speaking fluently in multiple languages. Dr. Alka inquired about the motivation behind Leahanne’s journey, whether it was self-motivation, mentors, books, or philosophy. Leahanne explained that she is a reader but not necessarily of business or networking books. She prefers diverse networking groups and has had more male mentors, appreciating their support and genuine intention. She mentioned her motto, “she who lives soars,” and the mentors she had during her career whom she still consults for feedback. Leahanne also highlighted her use of LinkedIn for networking and driving business, emphasizing the personal aspect that often accompanies business relationships.
Dr. Alka asked Leahanne how she maintained her routine and what motivated her personally. Leahanne shared a memory from her youth, mentioning that she was a dancer and had injured her knee. She started weight training to strengthen her upper legs and got hooked on it since then. She emphasized the importance of weight training, especially for women as they age, to maintain bone density, balance, and stability. Leahanne expressed that being healthy allows her to enjoy a better quality of life with her grandchildren. She acknowledged that while she self-motivates, having a trainer like Laura makes her workouts tougher but more effective.
Dr. Alka then asked Leahanne for a message, whether general or gender-specific, for women. Leahanne emphasized the importance of diversity, openness to change, and genuine kindness in navigating various issues, whether gender-related or cultural. She stressed the need for open-mindedness and kindness to set things on the right path. She expressed appreciation for the genuine conversation format, contrasting it with more marketing-focused podcasts she has experienced. Leahanne agreed, finding the format refreshing and genuine.
In this insightful piece, Global Women Power reflects on a compelling dialogue between Dr. Alka Chopra Madan and Leahanne, shedding light on the journey of resilience, adaptation, and personal growth. Through the lens of Global Women Power, the conversation becomes a testament to the organization’s mission of empowering women worldwide. Dr. Alka’s thoughtful questions guide Leahanne to delve into her experiences, offering a narrative rich in lessons and inspiration. As an NGO committed to uplifting women, Global Women Power finds resonance in Leahanne’s story of navigating challenges and embracing change with determination.
However, this summary only scratches the surface of the profound insights and wisdom shared during our conversation. To fully immerse yourself in the enriching dialogue between Dr. Alka Chopra Madan and Leahanne, we encourage you to tune in to the complete interview available on our YouTube channel. There, you’ll uncover the depth of their exchange and glean invaluable lessons from their inspiring exchange.Leahanne’s openness and vulnerability underscore the importance of creating spaces where women can share their stories authentically. Her journey serves as a beacon of hope, reminding us of the transformative power of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity. Moreover, the dialogue touches upon broader themes of diversity, kindness, and interconnectedness, aligning closely with Global Women Power’s values. Leahanne’s emphasis on empathy and understanding resonates deeply with the organization’s commitment to fostering a supportive global community.
As Global Women Power reflects on this dialogue, it celebrates the inherent strength and resilience of women everywhere. Through storytelling and dialogue, the organization continues to amplify voices, inspire change, and empower women to realize their full potential. We are reminded of the power of storytelling to illuminate the human experience and foster connection.
