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 was recently named a 2020 Champion of Wellness by VeryWell.

Julie Smolyansky | Entrepreneur Leadership

Expertise: Leadership, Health & Wellness, Social Advocacy

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.

Authority: A Trailblazer in the Health and Wellness Industry

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.

Trustworthiness: Reliable Advocate for Health, Business, and Social Good

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’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 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.

Why Event Planners Should Book Julie Smolyansky

Inspiring Leadership: Julie Smolyansky brings an incredible story of resilience, entrepreneurship, and leadership that resonates with diverse audiences. As a CEO who took charge of a major company at a young age and grew it into a market leader, her insights into business leadership, innovation, and health make her an inspiring choice for conferences and corporate events. Her presentations are rooted in her real-life experience, offering actionable advice on how to lead with vision and purpose.

Health and Wellness Expertise: With the rise in interest in health, nutrition, and wellness, Julie’s expertise in probiotics and gut health makes her a valuable speaker for events focused on corporate wellness, healthcare trends, and sustainable business practices. She can break down complex scientific concepts in ways that are engaging, accessible, and immediately applicable to both personal well-being and business success.

Social Advocacy and Empowerment: Julie Smolyansky is a powerful voice for women’s empowerment, mental health awareness, and social justice. Event planners seeking a speaker who can address both business growth and social impact will find in Julie a leader who seamlessly integrates purpose with profit. Her advocacy work around sexual violence prevention and gender equality adds depth and inspiration to her keynotes, making her a versatile and impactful speaker for various types of audiences.

Julie Smolyansky has produced several documentaries, including “The Homestretch,” “Honor Diaries,” “The Hunting Ground” and most recently, “On the Record.”

In 2013 Julie Smolyansky co‐founded a non‐profit, Test400k, an organization dedicated to advocating ending the backlog of 400,000 untested rape kits in the United States. She released her first book, The Kefir Cookbook: An Ancient Healing Superfood for Modern Life, Recipes from My Family Table and Around the World in March of 2018. Currently she lives in Chicago and is the mother of two girls.

Summary and Conclusion

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.

Event planners looking for a speaker who can motivate audiences, provide expert insights into leadership and wellness, and leave a lasting impact will find Julie Smolyansky an ideal choice. Whether for a corporate event, wellness seminar, or leadership conference, her dynamic presentations are sure to captivate and inspire.

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