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Inspiring Conversations with Leslie Cole of Aurelia Inc.

Today we’d like to introduce you to Leslie Cole.

Hi Leslie , so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey has been about transforming barriers into bridges, driven by a commitment to empowering individuals to achieve their full potential. Initially, I worked as a program director, where I focused on designing pathways out of challenging circumstances and into sustainable growth. This passion led me to establish Aurelia Inc., a consulting and workforce development firm.

Aurelia Inc. allows me to provide services like grant writing, project management, and curriculum development, helping organizations create scalable, community-centered programs. My focus is on creating systems that foster purpose and bring people together, particularly with a heart for single mothers and justice-impacted individuals.

One significant turning point was when I had to leave my job to care for my parents during the COVID-19 pandemic. This necessity allowed me to fully dedicate myself to and direct my business, which, during that time, experienced substantial growth.

Key milestones in my journey include starting my business in 2020 and achieving major contract wins by 2024. Currently, I’m focused on expanding Aurelia’s presence in Colorado, building a strong team to further our mission.

Throughout my career, resilience has been crucial, both as a business owner and personally. Even in the face of major challenges, like launching my business immediately after my house was struck by lightning, I’ve learned the importance of showing up and supporting others. This blend of purpose, resilience, and strategic development defines my path and the work I do today.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, the road has not been entirely smooth. Like any entrepreneur, and particularly as a single mother and glammother, resilience has been essential.

One of the most significant challenges I faced was when my house was struck by lightning just two days before a business launch. This left me homeless, but I was still committed to launching the business, supporting my team, and honoring my commitments. It was incredibly difficult to manage my crisis while also needing to be present and effective for my business and the people who depended on me.

Another challenge involved pivoting in my career to ensure a program’s growth and impact. This required a lot of strategic thinking, collaboration with my team, and the ability to adapt quickly to changing needs and circumstances.

Overall, the journey has demanded a lot of resilience, the ability to pivot, and a strong commitment to my purpose in the face of adversity.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Aurelia Inc. is a consulting and workforce development firm dedicated to transforming barriers into pathways to success. We specialize in providing services that empower organizations to create impactful, sustainable programs.

What we do:

We offer a range of services, including grant writing, project management, curriculum development, and automation strategy.

Our focus is on designing and implementing programs that address critical community needs and drive positive change.

What we specialize in / What we are known for:

We are known for our expertise in developing programs that support individuals in overcoming obstacles and achieving personal growth and economic stability.

Our work is particularly focused on serving single mothers and justice-impacted individuals.

What sets us apart:

Our approach is distinguished by a deep sense of empathy and understanding, rooted in lived experience.

We prioritize creating systems that foster purpose, bring people together, and avoid “placing people in a strict box”.

We are committed to delivering practical, results-oriented solutions that are tailored to the specific needs of our clients and their communities.

What we are most proud of brand-wise:

We are most proud of the tangible impact we have on people’s lives and the positive change we facilitate within communities.

We take pride in our ability to help organizations secure funding, build capacity, and scale their programs effectively.

What we want your readers to know about our brand, offerings, services, etc.:

Aurelia Inc. is driven by a core belief that everyone deserves access to their next chapter.

We are committed to providing services with clarity, compassion, and a focus on achieving measurable outcomes.

Whether it’s developing a workforce training program, securing grant funding, or streamlining operations, we partner with our clients to build a brighter future.

How do you define success?
I define success by the positive and sustainable impact I have on individuals and communities. It’s about transforming obstacles into opportunities and empowering people to create meaningful change in their lives. For me, success isn’t just about achieving business goals; it’s about:

Facilitating Growth: Helping individuals, particularly single mothers and those impacted by the justice system, to overcome barriers and achieve their full potential.

Building Sustainable Systems: Creating programs and solutions that are scalable and have a lasting effect on communities.

Driving Positive Change: Seeing tangible improvements in the lives of the people and organizations I serve.

Ultimately, success is measured by the degree to which I can help write someone’s ‘next chapter’ and contribute to a more equitable and prosperous society.

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