Under her leadership, the company has expanded distribution throughout the United States, Mexico, the UK, and Ireland, as well as portions of Central and South America and the Caribbean.

Named to Fortune Business ‘40 under 40,’ Fortune’s 55 Most Influential Women on Twitter, as one of the Best Instagrammers of the 40 Under 40 list, and Julie Smolyansky was recently named a 2020 Champion of Wellness by VeryWell.

Julie Smolyansky

Julie Smolyansky is the CEO and President of Lifeway Foods, a global leader in the production of kefir and probiotic-rich foods. With a Bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Illinois at Chicago and extensive experience in the health food industry, Julie’s leadership has turned Lifeway into a multi-million-dollar publicly traded company. Having taken over at just 27, she became the youngest female CEO of a publicly traded company in the U.S., driving innovation in health and wellness for over two decades. Julie’s expertise in gut health and probiotics has not only transformed Lifeway’s market positioning but also made her a trusted thought leader in the wellness space.

Julie is known for her forward-thinking leadership and ability to translate health trends into actionable, sustainable business strategies. Under her guidance, Lifeway Foods has introduced various new products, expanded its market presence, and led educational campaigns about the benefits of probiotics and gut health. She is regularly invited to speak on topics related to health and wellness, business leadership, and social advocacy, and her insights have been featured in major publications like Forbes, Inc., and The New York Times.

Julie Smolyansky’s authority stems from her extensive industry experience, transformative leadership at Lifeway, and her impactful advocacy work. As a business leader, she has steered Lifeway through significant expansions, growing the brand into a household name and revolutionizing the conversation around gut health. Julie’s leadership has been recognized through numerous accolades, including being named one of Crain’s Chicago Business’ “40 Under 40,” and Lifeway was named one of Fortune’s Fastest Growing Companies.

Beyond her business acumen, Julie’s influence extends to social causes, making her a well-rounded authority. She co-founded Test400K, an initiative addressing the national backlog of untested rape kits, reflecting her commitment to social justice. She is a TEDx speaker and an active voice in discussions on women’s empowerment, mental health, and corporate social responsibility, solidifying her authority as a speaker who can engage audiences across various fields. Her role as a leading advocate for health and gender equality underscores her status as a trusted thought leader.

Julie Smolyansky’s trustworthiness is evidenced by her consistent dedication to improving both individual lives and larger communities. As the CEO of Lifeway Foods, she has demonstrated unwavering commitment to health and wellness, emphasizing transparency, quality, and sustainability in Lifeway’s products. Her leadership extends beyond profits, focusing on the health and well-being of her consumers, as well as the company’s corporate responsibility. Lifeway’s customer-centric approach, coupled with Julie Smolyansky’s passion for advancing the wellness industry, has earned the brand a loyal following, solidifying her reputation as a trusted leader.

Her advocacy for social issues, particularly related to women’s empowerment and mental health, is equally rooted in a sincere desire to drive positive change. Julie Smolyansky is known for her integrity and her dedication to creating platforms for those who are often silenced or overlooked. Whether championing the rights of sexual assault survivors through Test400K or advocating for accessible healthcare, Julie has built trust among diverse communities as someone who leads with compassion, authenticity, and action.

Julie Smolyansky is an inspiring leader, health expert, and social advocate who has made a significant impact in both the corporate world and beyond. As the CEO of Lifeway Foods, she has turned a family business into a global leader in the probiotic and wellness industry, while also using her platform to drive conversations around women’s empowerment, mental health, and social justice. Her ability to blend business success with advocacy work makes her a highly sought-after keynote speaker who delivers both inspiration and practical insights.

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