Matt Ley isn’t just a consultant—he’s a builder, a thinker, and most importantly, a person who believes that work should be fulfilling. As the co-founder of Inflection Point Nexus (IPN) Consulting and author of Manage Your Gaps: Reclaiming the Awesomeness of Management, Matt helps organizations navigate moments of change, optimizing their efforts so they can create more impact with less energy. He calls this Fulfillment ROI—the idea that true success happens when the value we create exceeds the energy we invest.

But Matt’s journey to this philosophy wasn’t a straight line. He’s worked across tech startups, nonprofits, heavy manufacturing, and consulting, always driven by a deep curiosity and a desire to help people move through pivotal moments in their careers and businesses. His experiences—both wins and failures—have shaped the way he leads and the way he helps others lead.

Lessons from Failure: The Power of Alignment

Matt’s perspective on leadership and business growth is rooted in real-life lessons. In a previous venture, he brought in three friends to help scale a business. At first, things looked promising—they had clear conversations and defined their roles. But there was one critical gap: they never aligned their expectations or ownership.

Without a shared vision, everything funneled back to Matt. Instead of multiplying their impact, they struggled to move forward. When they lost their main client, the business unraveled. It was a tough experience, but one that taught him invaluable lessons—about setting clear expectations, aligning ownership, and building a structure that supports real collaboration.

Now, with IPN, he’s applied those lessons intentionally, ensuring that partnerships are built on mutual strengths and a shared vision. And he’s bringing that same clarity to the organizations he works with as they answer the question of whether they are looking for partners or leaders.

The Magic of Collaboration

For Matt, collaboration is the key to sustainable success. No one can do everything alone—and they shouldn’t have to. True impact happens when people understand where they thrive and where they need support. When the right partnerships form, something incredible happens: 1 + 1 = 3.

That’s the kind of math that fuels great businesses. It’s not just about individual contributions but about how teams work together to create something greater than the sum of their parts. This belief shapes how Matt and his team guide organizations through change, ensuring that leaders, teams, and structures are set up for long-term success.

Redefining Work-Life Balance

Matt doesn’t buy into the traditional idea of work-life balance. Instead, he operates from two core principles:

1. There are no costs, only investments. Every decision—where we put our time, energy, and attention—is an investment. The key is to invest wisely.
2. Fulfillment equals sustainability. When we align our energy with meaningful value creation, we build careers and lives that are not just successful but sustainable.

This perspective has shaped both his professional and personal life. With three children and a thriving business, Matt doesn’t see work and life as competing forces. Instead, he focuses on making deliberate choices that lead to greater satisfaction, impact, and fulfillment.

Driving Change at Inflection Points

Matt’s work is centered around inflection points—those moments when the old rules no longer apply, and the stakes feel high. These are the moments that define careers and businesses.

Organizations often struggle when they hit these transitions because change is uncomfortable. What worked in the past doesn’t always work moving forward, and without a clear strategy, teams can get stuck. That’s where Matt and IPN come in.

By blending organizational health with operational excellence, they help businesses:

• Understand shifting dynamics
• Manage the emotional impact of change
• Optimize energy investment
• Foster alignment and efficiency

It’s not just about reacting to change but making deliberate, strategic moves toward lasting success.

The Bigger Picture: Building a More Connected World

Beyond business, Matt has a broader mission: helping people reclaim wonder in the way they see and engage with the world. He believes that too many conversations are driven by division, suspicion, and fear. His work—whether in business, leadership, or community impact—is rooted in fostering curiosity, understanding, and connection.

At the core of it all is a simple truth: when we invest our energy into meaningful work and relationships, we don’t just succeed—we thrive.

And that’s what Matt Ley is all about.

For a deeper dive into Matt’s leadership philosophy and practical strategies, check out a sample of his book, Manage Your Gaps: Reclaiming the Awesomeness of Management at https://www.manageyourgaps.com 

Connect with Matt Ley

• IPN: https://www.ipnadvisors.com
• Manage Your Gaps: https://www.manageyourgaps.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattley/

Glenda Benevides has always known that music was her calling. From a young age, she felt a natural pull toward singing—something her parents wholeheartedly supported. With a voice that blends the raw emotion of Janis Joplin, the depth of Bessie Smith, and the soulfulness of Heart, Glenda’s music is more than just a performance—it’s an experience.

As an award-winning, GRAMMY®-nominated singer-songwriter and Recording Academy voting member, Glenda has spent years captivating audiences across the globe. But for her, music is not just about the melodies or the applause—it’s about impact. It’s about telling stories, inspiring others, and creating a ripple effect of positivity.

Now, as part of the 2025 Women Leading the Way Changemaker Interview Series, celebrating Women’s History Month, Glenda Benevides takes center stage—not just as a musician, but as a storyteller and changemaker.

A Journey of Self-Discovery Through Music

Glenda’s career has been a journey of learning, growth, and self-discovery. Touring the world taught her a vital lesson: longevity in music isn’t just about talent—it’s about depth. She realized that to sustain her passion, she needed to create music that was deeply moving and personally fulfilling. It wasn’t just about entertaining—it was about connecting.

Her approach to music has always been from the inside out. She believes that true transformation doesn’t come from fixing external circumstances—it comes from within. Through patience, forgiveness, and self-reflection, she has cultivated a career that is not only successful but also meaningful.

Defining Success on Her Own Terms

For Glenda, success is not a destination or an accolade—it’s a state of being. It’s about doing what she loves, following her passion, and staying true to her values. The moment she acknowledges that she is living her purpose, she is already successful.

During difficult times, she reminds herself that nothing is permanent. She takes a deep breath, embraces gratitude, and focuses on the support of those who believe in her. Staying aligned with her purpose is what keeps her moving forward, no matter the challenges.

Leadership Through Clarity and Alignment

As a leader, Glenda believes in clear alignment. Whether she’s working with musicians, producers, or collaborators, she ensures that everyone is on the same page. When people understand the vision, they can give their full creative energy without hesitation. This approach fosters an environment where creativity thrives, and the best work comes to life.

Giving Back Through Music and Action

Glenda’s commitment to making a difference extends beyond music. Through her business, she donates a portion of her sales to One Tree Planted, an organization dedicated to reforestation efforts. She sees this as a reflection of a bigger truth: nothing exists in isolation. The well-being of the planet is interconnected with our own.

Her motto—Music. Unity. Action.—is a call to wake up, get involved, and recognize that we all have a role to play. Whether through music, activism, or everyday choices, we have the power to create change.

Expanding Her Impact

Currently, Glenda is working on multiple projects that align with her vision of empowerment and connection. She is designing a retreat in Dover, UK, focused on clarity, courage, confidence, and community—elements she believes are essential for personal growth. She is also continuing to tour and collaborate with fellow musicians, including the talented Fred O’Neil from Scotland and her longtime music partner Gene Williams in California.

Each of these projects is a reflection of Glenda’s deep commitment to inspiring others. She listens to her community, creates what they need, and uses her insights to craft music and experiences that move people to action.

Glenda Benevides: A Legacy of Inspiration

Glenda Benevides is more than just a musician—she is a storyteller, a leader, and a force for change. Through her music, books, and activism, she reminds us that success is not about reaching a final goal—it’s about being true to yourself every step of the way.

Her journey is proof that when you align with your passion, embrace your unique gifts, and take action, you can create an impact that lasts far beyond the stage.

For more about Glenda’s work, music, and upcoming projects, visit glendabenevides.com.

Dr. Katherine Hayes is a woman of many talents—an author, podcaster, editor, speaker, and even a volunteer art teacher for Light for the Future school in Guatemala. But beyond the titles, she is a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother whose journey into the publishing industry is as inspiring as the stories she writes. Chasing the dream of becoming a full-time writer, she embraced the challenges that came with stepping into a new chapter of life.

For many years, Katherine worked in education, serving as both a teacher and a school principal. But life has a way of redirecting us when we least expect it. After experiencing a near-death illness, she made a bold decision—to chase her lifelong dream of writing, editing, and speaking for a living. It wasn’t an easy transition. “The challenges I faced pursuing a new career were a learning curve,” she shares. “I also faced a lot of rejection and closed doors. It was tempting to return to what I’d always done.”

Yet, Katherine pressed forward. She didn’t let setbacks define her journey. Today, she is the author of two books, a contributor and compilation editor for two additional works, and an active voice in the literary world through her devotionals, thrillers, and podcasts. Her mission? To encourage, entertain, educate, and inspire readers while broadening their horizons.

The Power of Influence and Faith

Katherine credits her parents as her first and most influential mentors. “They taught me to love and appreciate literature and the art of writing,” she says. But as she navigated her writing career, she also found invaluable guidance from mentors like Cecil Murphey and Edwina Perkins, who helped shape her craft.

Faith has been her anchor through it all. “My faith in God helps me to keep motivated even during the hardest valleys and most difficult challenges,” she says. That faith carried her through the struggles of balancing family life and writing, especially when her husband was deployed, and her children were in school and college.

One defining moment in her career came during a particularly chaotic season. She was working on her first thriller while juggling family responsibilities. Despite her packed schedule, she submitted work to her mentor, Cecil Murphey, even while traveling to her daughter’s track meet. His response changed her perspective: “He said he was proud of me for acting like a writer. He said writers always write no matter what.” That moment solidified her commitment—she wasn’t just someone who wanted to write. She was a writer.

Lessons Learned and the Road Ahead

If there’s one thing Katherine wishes she had known earlier, it’s the importance of building an author platform. “I wish someone had advised me to start working on my platform much earlier than I did,” she admits. But she remains grateful for the guidance she has received along the way, helping her refine her brand and establish herself in the publishing world.

Her tagline, “Dressing in God’s love through the spoken and written word,” isn’t just a phrase—it’s the foundation of her work. Whether she’s writing devotionals, tackling controversial topics, or crafting thrilling narratives, she approaches each project with an attitude of respect and a commitment to truth.

Looking ahead, Katherine has ambitious plans. She is determined to complete the remaining five books in her series, expand her podcast network, and see her thrillers turned into films. Given her track record of resilience and dedication, there’s little doubt she will accomplish these goals.

Chasing the Dream: A Story Worth Telling

Katherine’s journey is one of courage, persistence, and faith. She stepped away from a secure career to pursue an uncertain path, faced rejection, and kept going despite the obstacles. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and trusting the process—even when the road gets tough.

For anyone struggling to chase their own dreams, Katherine’s message is clear: don’t give up. The learning curve, the closed doors, and the moments of doubt are all part of the journey. Keep going, keep believing, and most importantly—keep writing your story.

To connect with Dr. Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes and follow her journey, visit www.drkatherinehayes.com or find her on Instagram at @AuthorDrKatherine.