Adrienne Garland – 54

About me

Adrienne Garland is deeply committed to advancing leadership and entrepreneurship for women worldwide. She has an extensive business and educational background, holding an MBA in Marketing from NYU Stern School of Business, and spanning successful leadership roles at Cablevision, PR Newswire, and PricewaterhouseCoopers. 

Adrienne’s true passion is to advance women entrepreneurs, leading her to found She Leads Media – a multi-faceted ecosystem fueling female founders through podcasts, conferences, book publishing, and a membership community. Through carefully curated events, expert digital content, and a vibrant community, She Leads Media offers a unique blend of education, inspiration, and connection. Her She Leads LIVE Conference, now celebrating its 10th anniversary, is New York City’s premier women’s entrepreneurship conference. Adrienne is driven to educate women entrepreneurs, amplify their voices, foster a supportive community for women growing their businesses and their impact, and promote a more equitable business landscape.

Recognized for her ability to spot emerging trends and cultivate talent, she is building a movement that reshapes the entrepreneurial landscape, inviting women to lead rather than merely participate in the business world.

Adrienne is likewise committed to educating future business leaders. In her role as adjunct professor at NYU Tisch Center for Hospitality and Rice University Jones School of Business, she equips the next generation of entrepreneurs to thrive. 

Beyond her professional pursuits, Adrienne is committed to friendships, health and mental wellness, enjoying meditation, yoga, and outdoor sports. She lives on Long Island with her husband and is proud of her two wonderful sons.

What do you do and why do you do it?

For over a decade, I’ve led She Leads Media, igniting the incredible power that exists within women leaders and entrepreneurs to claim their rightful media visibility and influence. Through our dynamic conferences in LA and NY, plus our online communities, we bring amazing women together to share strategies for building their media platforms – whether that’s writing books, launching podcasts, or creating compelling video content.

As a professor of entrepreneurship and global business advisor who’s guided startups across the Americas, I bring real-world perspective to this vital work, which has never been more important as we’re seeing attempts to push back against women’s advancement in business and leadership. I’m deeply committed to creating these spaces, both in-person and virtual, where women can connect, collaborate, and amplify each other’s voices, because I’ve seen firsthand over these past 10+ years that when women step fully into their natural authority and expertise, they create unstoppable ripples of change that benefit everyone.

What changed for you after age 50?

I care much less about people pleasing but care more about making an impact. I’m also super committed to my health. Turning 50 and the pandemic happened at the same time so it’s been strange.

What would you tell the 20 or 30-year-old YOU?

Do more, speak up more, don’t take shit from anyone. Keeping your head down and being a good girl won’t get you what everyone said it would. You’re much more intelligent and driven than you know.

What do you think you’ll tell yourself in retrospect at the end of your life?

That I was an amazing mom that raised incredible human beings who are kind, considerate and deep thinkers. I pursued professional success, sought knowledge every single day, made great friends, had loads of fun and satisfied my soul through yoga, meditation and art. I traveled extensively and did everything I could to show those whom I loved that I loved them deeply and fiercely. I plan to not regret anything.

What impact do you think increased visibility can have on your business?

Increased visibility helps businesses attract clients without having to do any hard selling which can feel really skeevy.

Who or what inspires you and why?

Hawaii inspires me because I want to live there one day and lead a life of creativity in synch with nature. I just feel like it’s my place, waiting for me.

Something else I’d like to share

I think it’s important to pay attention to mature women – we have wisdom and can manage multiple tasks … and the phrase I use a lot …. Stay Connected & Be Remembered!