Emily Hartstone, the Founder and CEO of From The Hart Management, LLC, has made it her mission to empower individuals and organizations to thrive. As an entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and podcaster, Emily’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and leadership. Through her journey, she has discovered the importance of aligning personal values with professional success, creating meaningful change along the way. At EliteX, we are proud to have Emily Hartstone as part of the edition: Transformational Businesswomen: Making A Difference,2024.
Emily Hartstone | Founder and CEO | From The Hart Management, LLC
Emily’s path toward entrepreneurship began with her love for horses. As a competitive equestrian, she developed discipline, perseverance, and a strong work ethic at an early age. However, life threw her an unexpected challenge when she was diagnosed with leukemia and Graves’ disease, forcing her to step away from the sport she loved. While these health challenges ended her equestrian career, they also opened the door to a new chapter. Emily sought a new path and discovered event planning almost by accident. She accepted a role as an assistant to a convention manager organizing a 3,000-person event in Las Vegas, despite having no prior experience. It was in the fast-paced world of event planning that Emily realized her passion for turning visions into reality. Her journey continued as she rose to become an Events Manager for a Fortune 500 fitness franchise. Working alongside an entrepreneurial CEO, she learned the value of innovative thinking and business acumen. This experience sparked her desire to lead with a purpose, and she eventually transitioned to the nonprofit sector. Here, she combined her professional skills with her passion for community impact, organizing charity events and large-scale conferences.
“When you lead with authenticity and passion, you’ll inspire others and create a lasting impact in your industry.”
Despite her accomplishments, Emily still felt unfulfilled. Recognizing the need to build something of her own, she founded From The Hart Management, LLC, a purpose-driven consulting firm. Her mission: to empower organizations to succeed while staying aligned with their core values. Emily’s motivation to pursue a career in event management and business consulting came from life’s unexpected challenges. After her equestrian career ended, she sought a profession where she could channel her energy into meaningful work. Event planning gave her that opportunity. “I thrived in environments where I could help people bring their dreams to life,” Emily shares. Her time in the nonprofit sector deepened her sense of purpose, showing her how business and social impact could intersect. Founding her own company allowed her to merge strategy and heart, helping clients grow while making a difference. Through From The Hart Management, she focuses on creating sustainable growth driven by people-centered leadership.
Emily understands that balancing work and personal life is a challenge for leaders. She manages this balance through intentional time management, setting boundaries, and practicing mindfulness. Techniques such as the Silva Method of meditation help her remain centered, allowing her to manage stress effectively. Beyond her work, Emily is passionate about family and personal interests, including being a “pup-mom” and a dedicated sports fan. Her team at From The Hart Management plays a crucial role in maintaining balance. By building a trusted team and delegating responsibilities, Emily ensures that both her business and personal life receive the attention they need. She believes that balance isn’t static but a dynamic process. “It’s about constant adjustments,” she says, “making sure I’m nurturing both my business and myself.”
Emily’s journey as a female leader hasn’t been without obstacles. In male-dominated industries, she faced skepticism and had to work harder to prove her capabilities. Leadership roles brought additional challenges, with societal expectations often encouraging women to take a backseat. However, Emily stayed true to her values and focused on building a strong track record of success. She emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive mentors and advocates—both men and women—who offer guidance and encouragement. One of Emily’s biggest takeaways has been to embrace her authentic leadership style. “I lead with empathy, authenticity, and a people-first mindset,” she explains. This approach has allowed her to break stereotypes and build a business where leadership reflects care and collaboration. The decision to start her own business marked a turning point in Emily’s career. While her previous roles provided valuable experience, she felt something was missing. Taking the leap to establish From The Hart Management was both daunting and liberating.
“Resilience is key—an idea may fail, but a person doesn’t. Embrace failures as learning experiences and maintain a positive mindset.”
Emily describes the decision as the most empowering moment of her life. Building her own company gave her the freedom to create a culture aligned with her values, helping organizations succeed through a purpose-driven approach. “That leap of faith helped me grow personally and professionally,” Emily says. “It’s shaped who I am today.” At From The Hart Management, fostering diversity and inclusion is not just a policy—it’s a fundamental value. Emily believes in building a workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. The company actively seeks diverse talent and creates an environment that encourages open dialogue and collaboration. Emily emphasizes empathy, fairness, and transparency in her leadership. Her team is encouraged to share ideas freely, ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard. Beyond internal practices, the company is committed to giving back through charitable initiatives, further aligning its mission with community impact.
According to Emily, several skills are essential for women aiming to succeed in today’s business world. Confidence tops the list—believing in oneself and speaking up are crucial for seizing opportunities. Networking and relationship-building are equally important, as they open doors and provide invaluable support. Emily also highlights adaptability as a key skill. “The business world is constantly changing,” she notes, “and staying open to new trends and technologies ensures relevance.” Emotional intelligence, or the ability to understand and manage emotions, is another vital trait that fosters positive leadership and effective teamwork. Staying updated on industry trends and enhancing skills is a priority for Emily. She regularly reads articles and follows industry leaders on platforms like LinkedIn to stay informed. Conferences, workshops, and webinars provide additional opportunities for learning and networking.
Emily also values mentorship, both as a mentor and a mentee. “These relationships keep me grounded and offer fresh perspectives,” she shares. Continuous learning helps her adapt to evolving business landscapes and ensures she stays at the forefront of her industry. Emily’s leadership style revolves around servant leadership—a philosophy that emphasizes serving others first. She believes in actively listening to her team’s ideas and fostering a culture of open communication. Regular feedback sessions and team check-ins promote collaboration and innovation. By recognizing individual contributions and offering growth opportunities, Emily empowers her team to excel. Her servant leadership approach not only strengthens internal dynamics but also drives the company’s success. “When people feel supported, they’re more motivated to contribute,” she explains. For aspiring women entrepreneurs and business leaders, Emily’s advice is clear: embrace your unique voice and vision. She encourages women to take risks, build strong support networks, and invest in continuous learning.
“Effective leadership is rooted in serving others, understanding their needs, and valuing the individuals within my team.”
“Resilience is key,” she adds. “The entrepreneurial journey is filled with challenges, but failure is just part of the process. Learn from setbacks and stay true to your purpose.” Emily believes that authenticity and passion are the keys to inspiring others and creating lasting impact. In today’s fast-changing business environment, Emily’s decision-making approach combines agility with strategy. Staying informed about trends allows her to make quick yet thoughtful decisions. She values collaboration, involving her team in brainstorming sessions to ensure diverse perspectives are considered. Emily embraces flexibility, viewing unexpected outcomes as opportunities to learn and grow. This mindset of resilience enables her to pivot when necessary and continue moving forward. One of Emily’s most exciting current projects is HartCenteredLife, an online platform dedicated to personal and professional growth. Inspired by her own journey, the platform focuses on purpose, empowerment, and community connection.
Through HartCenteredLife, Emily aims to help individuals lead more fulfilling lives by embracing authenticity and well-being. This initiative reflects her commitment to making a positive impact beyond business, embodying the values she holds dear. Emily Hartstone’s story is one of courage, perseverance, and purpose. Through From The Hart Management and her many initiatives, she continues to empower others to thrive. As a leader who combines strategy with heart, Emily exemplifies the power of authenticity and impact-driven leadership.
“Balance isn’t a fixed state—it’s something I constantly adjust based on my personal and professional needs, always ensuring that I’m nurturing both my business and myself.”