Today we’d like to introduce you to Ally Stone.
Hi Ally, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
When I was just 22, I became an entrepreneur, almost by chance. My husband and I decided to take a leap and buy into a restaurant franchise in Western Canada—one that, unknown to us, was poised for explosive growth. Over the next 15 years, we grew from that single location to 17 units, while the franchise itself expanded to 98 locations. I didn’t have an MBA, but I got a real-life education in business—an MBA from the school of hard knocks, where every challenge and triumph taught me more than any classroom could have.
In those years, I found a profound sense of purpose and alignment in my work. I poured my heart into developing a company culture that prioritized connection and respect, and I loved every minute of it. I genuinely believed that this was my forever career. But in 2018, life took an unexpected turn when my husband suffered a brain injury after running a marathon in Tokyo. In that single moment, everything shifted. We were thrust into a new reality, and I found myself reevaluating my values and questioning who I was outside of the restaurant business.
That period demanded deep inner work to understand what this new chapter of life was asking of me. I realized that my passion had evolved; it was time to create something new. I left the restaurant industry and founded The Inspired Leader, an executive coaching company focused on empowering female leaders. I started facilitating workshops and coaching sessions, not only to build leaders but to inspire them to find purpose and connection in their work.
Over the last four years, my vision has expanded beyond coaching. Today, The Inspired Leader organizes large-scale women’s leadership and wellness conferences, and I’ve created a community for women entrepreneurs through business masterminds. I am honored to be a sought-after keynote speaker across Western Canada, sharing insights on leadership and personal growth.
My journey is a testament to resilience and reinvention. Sometimes, life’s most challenging moments propel us toward our true path, showing us a side of ourselves we didn’t know existed. This new chapter is one where I’m not just an entrepreneur, but a guide and a champion for others—helping women embrace their strength, ignite their passion, and step into their own inspired leadership.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Learning to lead a team, and eventually a large-scale organization, came with plenty of bumps and bruises. I went through a lot of trial and error and often worked to the point of exhaustion—maybe even burnout at times. I had to struggle to find a path that felt aligned for me, especially in those early days when I felt I was constantly pushing uphill.
But looking back, I think the challenges are part of what made the journey so interesting. When challenges present themselves, whether in our careers or personal lives, they create depth in our experiences. Those obstacles became opportunities to grow, and they added layers to my journey that I wouldn’t trade for anything. They taught me resilience, patience, and adaptability—traits that have shaped me into the leader I am today.
We’ve been impressed with The Inspired Leader, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At The Inspired Leader, I’m passionate about empowering leaders, especially women, to unlock their full potential and lead with purpose, authenticity, and confidence. What started as a focus on executive coaching has evolved into something so much more. Today, I offer large-scale women’s leadership and wellness conferences, mastermind groups, workshops, and keynote speaking engagements. Each offering is designed to support and inspire leaders on both a personal and professional level.
My mission is to bring humanity back to leadership. I believe that real, impactful leadership comes from being genuine, connected, and compassionate. While I specialize in executive coaching and leadership development, what truly sets The Inspired Leader apart is our focus on the whole person. I don’t just address business skills; I help my clients cultivate emotional intelligence, resilience, and self-awareness—qualities I’ve found essential for meaningful, lasting success.
What I’m most proud of is the community we’ve built. Through The Inspired Leader and the Inspired Offerings, I’ve been able to bring together women who are not only ambitious but also deeply committed to making a positive impact. It’s a beautiful thing to witness leaders who genuinely care about the well-being of those they lead and who prioritize connection and growth, both for themselves and others.
For those of you who are new to The Inspired Leader, I want you to know that I’m here to help you find a path that feels aligned, purposeful, and fulfilling. I offer one-on-one executive coaching, interactive workshops for teams, and mastermind groups where leaders can connect and learn from one another. I create spaces where women feel empowered to break through barriers, align with their highest potential, and lead with confidence and heart.
If you’re looking for a transformative experience—one that will help you redefine what leadership means and reignite your passion for your work and life—I invite you to join me. Together, we’re building a movement of inspired, impactful leaders who are changing the world.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Something surprising that most people don’t know about me is that, despite the leadership work I do today, I actually used to be quite shy and reserved. Growing up, I never imagined myself as someone who would stand on a stage speaking to hundreds of people or leading large-scale events. I preferred working behind the scenes, quietly supporting others. But over the years, through the challenges and growth I experienced, I discovered that I had a voice and a message that could genuinely make a difference.
Another surprising aspect is that my career in leadership wasn’t something I intentionally set out to build—it evolved naturally as I navigated different opportunities and challenges in life. When I first started as a restaurant franchisee, I had no idea that I’d end up founding The Inspired Leader and dedicating myself to empowering women in such a profound way. It was through a series of life-changing experiences, including my husband’s brain injury, that I found my true calling in coaching and leadership development. Those experiences not only deepened my empathy but also ignited a passion within me to help others lead with compassion and purpose.
Also, while most people know me for my business acumen, few realize that I’m a certified meditation teacher and a HeartMath Resilience Mentor. I’ve found these practices to be powerful tools for managing stress, staying grounded, and maintaining a sense of inner peace. It’s my belief that true leadership isn’t just about business strategy—it’s about nurturing the mind, body, and spirit.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.theinspiredleader.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allystone__/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ally-stone-4010a560/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAj2973t-OsS0dkgqut1l1Q