Elena Yearly is the Founder of EMY Consulting, a women-owned firm with a global footprint focused on helping organizations identify risk, improve operations, and grow sustainably. With over a decade of entrepreneurial experience, Elena stepped away from conventional corporate roles that limited her multidisciplinary expertise and chose to build a path where she could create meaningful impact across industries. Humans of Fuzia is proud to share her journey with our 5M+ community as she continues to champion collaboration, mentorship, and leadership among women — reminding us that progress thrives when we support one another and work alongside our allies.
What inspired you to begin your entrepreneurial journey?
About 12 years ago, I realized that traditional corporate environments were placing me into very defined roles. I had experience across industries like banking and healthcare, but I was often encouraged to focus on one narrow path. Even though I was being recognized and winning awards, I felt like I was leaving something on the table. I wanted to help organizations identify blind spots in their risk management and operations in a way that would genuinely help them grow. Starting my own firm allowed me to do exactly that — not just locally in the U.S., but internationally as well.
What challenges did you face while establishing yourself, especially in terms of marketing?
One of the biggest realizations when you work for yourself is that clients don’t automatically come to you. You have to clearly communicate who you are, what you do, and how you differentiate yourself. There are many consultants and coaches out there, so it’s essential to articulate your personal and organizational value proposition in a way that resonates with your audience.
For a smaller operation, time becomes a real challenge. You have to be intentional about your niche, your messaging, and how everything — from your content to your outreach — aligns with your broader goals. We’ve had to revisit our positioning to make sure that our story is consistent across everything we share, whether it’s a book, a newsletter, or a video. That harmony in messaging makes a significant difference.
What are your thoughts on women in leadership today?
Women are making incredible strides, and we should acknowledge that progress. However, I believe there’s still a huge opportunity for us to collaborate more — not only with one another but also with the men who support our journeys. Many of my mentors have been men, and I owe a great deal to their guidance.
I mentor women who are starting businesses and often encourage them to network, serve on boards, and learn from others who’ve successfully stepped into leadership roles. Women supporting women can open doors, especially in spaces like corporate boards where representation still needs improvement. Collaboration is key to building stronger leadership pathways.
Are you a solopreneur or do you have a team supporting you?
When I first started 12 years ago, it was just me. But over time, I’ve built a network of incredibly talented individuals across generations. I bring in interns, apprentices, and subject matter experts who contribute on a project basis.
I learn a tremendous amount from younger generations — their perspectives help me stay current and think differently. Whether it’s analyzing our branding or bringing new digital marketing ideas to the table, these collaborations allow me to build a more effective team and deliver better results. I truly believe I cannot do this alone.
What is your idea of success, professionally and personally?
Failure is success. I always tell people not to be afraid to fail. When something doesn’t go as planned, it’s an opportunity to learn and try again. To me, success is about continuing to explore — much like a child who’s curious about the world and keeps asking “why.”
What I view as unsuccessful is not trying at all. When you push beyond your comfort zone and take chances, you never know what might evolve into your next big opportunity.
“What I view as not being successful is when you don’t try — because growth begins the moment you step beyond your comfort zone.”
Connect with Elena Yearly:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenayearly/
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