Emily Hartstone, whose journey is as inspiring as it is transformative. From the pinnacle of international horse riding dreams to navigating the intricate world of business, Emily’s story is one of resilience, courage, and unwavering commitment to making a difference. Her entrepreneurial journey began with a twist of fate. Diagnosed with leukemia and forced to shift her focus from Olympic dreams to medical challenges, Emily found herself planning a 3,000-person convention in Las Vegas with no prior event planning experience. This leap of faith ignited her entrepreneurial spirit, leading her through ranks in a Fortune 500 fitness franchise and a nonprofit management company. We at CIO Global, are proud to introduce Emily Hartstone as one of the Promising Women Entrepreneurs to Watch in 2024.
Now, as the Founder & CEO of from The Hart Management, LLC, Emily leads with dedication, commitment, and a passion to make a difference. Despite daily health battles, her entrepreneurial spirit thrives, creating a legacy of transformative triumph.
From The Hart Management, LLC (FTHM) is a comprehensive association, business, and event management company offering expert services in strategic planning, marketing, and more. The dedicated team seamlessly integrates with nonprofit organizations, managing day-to-day operations from accounting to publications, membership management, education, and legislation. Specializing in event management and production, FTHM crafts unforgettable experiences for conferences, trade shows, festivals, and sporting events. With an in-house marketing and graphic design team, the company is unwavering in its commitment to transforming clients’ dreams into reality.
Emily prefers not to be labeled solely as a “woman entrepreneur” but acknowledges the persistent challenges she faces daily. Despite efforts to break free from categorizations, gender biases and double standards prevail in society. Emily remains optimistic about a future where such biases and divisions no longer exist in the business world, eagerly anticipating a time when gender is not a factor in assessing abilities and opportunities. Emily believes that it’s the idea that fails, not the individual. Setbacks offer invaluable lessons that surpass those gleaned from success. Resilience, a lesson learned from horseback riding, is applied to business – no matter how many times knocked down, Emily brushes herself off and forges ahead with unwavering determination.
“Emily’s leadership journey embodies the essence of purpose, resilience, and a people-centric approach. Her commitment to making a positive impact in both the industry and the community sets a remarkable example for aspiring entrepreneurs and leaders alike.”
Rather than focusing on ‘short-term’ and ‘long-term’ goals, Emily centers her mindset on the immediate impact her ventures can make and the lasting legacy she’s poised to leave behind. HartCenteredLife™, a pivotal component of future endeavors, holds the potential to endure indefinitely. Emily aspires to leverage this platform to effect significant change, touching countless lives and leaving a lasting and profound impact. In leading her business, Emily embraces a servant leadership style, where the well-being of her team takes precedence. Describing her team as her family, Emily fosters an environment of inclusivity, valuing every team member’s unique perspectives and talents. She believes in supporting their growth and development, recognizing that their success is intricately linked to the overall success of the business.
Emily exemplifies leadership through integrity, empathy, and a commitment to ethical decision-making. Her philosophy revolves around putting people before profit, understanding that true success is achieved by creating meaningful impact and cultivating genuine connections with clients, employees, and the community. Emily envisions her business as a catalyst for positive change. Whether collaborating with nonprofits to strengthen their impact or launching initiatives like HartCenteredLife, her goal is to make a meaningful difference. Despite the challenges posed by health battles, Emily remains unwavering in her commitment to supporting change-driven companies and fostering positive outcomes.
Driven by a higher calling, Emily aspires to leave behind a legacy defined by boundless passion and unwavering purpose. Her story inspires others to embrace the transformative power of purpose-driven action and, in turn, contribute to creating a better world. Emily’s adaptability in the face of a dynamic business environment is rooted in a relentless pursuit of self-improvement. Engaging in online courses has become a cornerstone of her commitment to continuous growth. Despite health challenges, Emily seamlessly integrates education into her daily routine, leveraging the accessibility and flexibility of modern learning resources. Her dedication to accumulating knowledge reflects not only personal ambition but also a strategic approach to keeping her business agile in the face of change.
For Emily, building and maintaining a strong team is not about adhering to strict strategies but about embodying servant leadership principles. She views her team as an extension of her family, fostering genuine friendships that extend beyond the office. The hierarchical approach feels unnatural to Emily; instead, she sees her colleagues not just as employees but as integral parts of her family. Spending weekends together and forming personal connections contribute to a supportive and cohesive team, creating an environment where everyone thrives.
Emily Hartstone, in the midst of her ongoing battle with leukemia and other medical challenges, reveals the unique challenges of managing work-life balance as an entrepreneur. Juggling treatments alongside career demands requires constant adaptation. Yet, driven by a profound love for her work, Emily rises each day with purpose, finding the greatest reward in making a tangible difference in people’s lives. To maintain balance, Emily has established daily rituals that serve as anchors in her busy schedule. Practices like the Silva Method and daily meditation ground her, starting each morning with a 15-minute meditation session. Journaling and reflection are integral components, allowing her to prioritize self-care and mental well-being. Emily’s adorable puppy, Twyla, a registered service dog, provides a joyful and much-needed reset during walks, helping her shift mindset and recharge throughout the day.
Acknowledging the role of technology in modern business, Emily shares her perspective on AI-driven resources like ChatGPT. While these tools serve as excellent starting points during writer’s block, Emily emphasizes the importance of personally crafted letters, as AI tools may lack the authenticity found in personalized communication. However, she recognizes the potential of these tools when used for refining copy, followed by personalized tailoring. In terms of project management, Emily highlights the indispensable role of platforms like ClickUp. With seamless integration with Slack, Zoom, Google Workspace, and more, ClickUp plays a pivotal role in managing remote teams. Emily’s strategic use of technology reflects a balance between efficiency and maintaining the human touch in business operations.
“In Emily Hartstone’s world, challenges are seen as opportunities, and setbacks are viewed as stepping stones toward greatness. Her journey is a testament to the transformative power of embracing challenges and finding balance amidst life’s complexities.”
Advice to Aspiring Women Entrepreneurs: Embrace Your Potential
Drawing from her own journey, Emily offers heartfelt advice to aspiring women entrepreneurs. She encourages them to have faith in their abilities and trust in their potential. Emily emphasizes the importance of leading by example and embodying the essence of servant leadership. Prioritizing people before profit, she believes, will ultimately lead to greater rewards. Additionally, Emily advocates for standing strong as a woman and pushing for change, rejecting gender separation and paving the way for future generations of women entrepreneurs.
In Emily Hartstone’s extraordinary narrative, the themes of resilience, purpose, and a genuine dedication to connections shine through. Her journey stands as a testament to the transformative power inherent in embracing challenges and navigating life’s complexities to find balance. Emily’s leadership embodies the essence of purpose, resilience, and a people-centric approach, setting a remarkable example for aspiring entrepreneurs and leaders alike. In her world, challenges are seen as opportunities, and setbacks are viewed as stepping stones toward greatness. We encourage you to follow Emily’s journey as she persistently transforms dreams into reality, leaving an impact with each venture she undertakes.