We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Leah Lepillez-shockley. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Leah below.

Leah, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

The biggest risk I’ve ever taken was betting on myself. In 2015, frustrated with the status quo in corporate America, I took a leap into entrepreneurship by starting my own marketing and PR agency.

The backstory begins with years of working in corporate environments where I felt like just another number. I was disillusioned by poor leadership, toxic culture, and a singular focus on the bottom line at the expense of purpose and mission. This frustration became the catalyst for change.

The risk wasn’t just about leaving a stable job; it was about challenging the very norms of business that I had grown to resent. I wanted to create something different—a company that prioritized meaningful work, fostered a positive culture, and valued its people, whether they were employees, contractors, or clients.

Starting the agency was a journey into the unknown. I had to learn as I went, embracing the concept of ‘failing forward.’ Each misstep and challenge became a lesson, shaping both the business and my own growth as an entrepreneur.

The risk I took wasn’t just about financial success. It was about creating a model for better business practices, demonstrating that a company could be profitable while also being purpose-driven and people-centric. I wanted to prove that work could be more than just a paycheck—it could be a place where individuals find meaning and build something worthwhile for themselves.

As the agency grew, so did the impact. We began attracting like-minded clients and team members who shared our vision. The risk paid off not just in business success, but in the creation of a community that valued purpose as much as profit.

Looking back, taking this risk was about more than just starting a business. It was about having the courage to follow a less-traveled path, to live with purpose, and to create the change I wanted to see in the business world. This journey has reinforced my belief that the greatest risks we can take are the ones we take on ourselves—to become who we are meant to be and to make a meaningful difference in the world around us.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Leah Lepillez-Shockley [I go by L.M. Lepley] the founder of, both, SCA Systems and Shocklee Creative Agency. My journey into the tech industry was an unexpected one since I was rooted inside digital marketing, however, it blossomed with a passion for empowering businesses through innovative solutions. After years in corporate America inside various industries, I recognized a gap in how companies were adapting to culture, leadership and rapidly evolving technologies, particularly AI.

SCA Systems was born out of this realization. We’re a tech consultancy that specializes in implementing AI solutions to help businesses operate more efficiently and innovatively. Our services include monthly membership packages with all-in-one operating systems, technical support, and AI strategies. We also offer a unique “digital curator” package for content creation through Shocklee Creative Agency for established brands.

What sets us apart is our holistic approach. We’re not just tech implementers; we’re strategic partners. We combine technical expertise with empathetic guidance, ensuring our clients navigate the digital landscape while aligning with their values and goals.

We solve several key problems for our clients:

– Time management: Our solutions streamline operations, saving valuable time.
– Operational efficiency: We help businesses run leaner and more effectively.
– Innovation barriers: We break down obstacles to adopting cutting-edge technologies.
– Digital presence: Our content creation services ensure consistent online impact.

I’m most proud of the company culture we’ve built. We prioritize integrity, respect, social impact, and diversity. We’re committed to paving the way for women in technology and driving positive social change through our work.

For potential clients and followers, I want them to know that partnering with SCA Systems means more than just getting tech solutions. It’s about joining a mission to revolutionize business operations in an AI-driven world while making a positive impact on our industry and community. We’re here to build long-lasting, trusting relationships based on shared values and a commitment to excellence.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I have an entire podcast episode about this, which can be found here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6Pg3vtYAgwxkhWiCn8fPNS?si=46d0b644ebaf426a

One of the most significant pivots in my career was my decision to return to marketing after pursuing a path as a purpose coach. This pivot was particularly challenging because it felt like I was going backwards, abandoning a direction that I and others had invested heavily in, both financially and emotionally.

As a purpose coach, I thought I had found my calling. My wife had invested over $10,000 in my coaching education, and I believed this was where my professional future lay. However, I began experiencing persistent, vivid dreams and a sense of redirection from what I can only describe as ‘a higher power’. These experiences consistently pointed me back towards marketing.

The decision to pivot back to marketing, specifically with Shocklee Creative Agency, was fraught with internal conflict. I felt guilt for seemingly wasting my wife’s investment, shame for changing course, and a sense of abandonment of my previous goals. Rebranding myself in the eyes of my community and followers was equally challenging. I couldn’t fully articulate why I needed to make this change, only that I felt compelled to do so.

It wasn’t until about a year after making this pivot that I began to understand the reasons behind it. I realized that as humans, we often have multiple purposes that manifest at different points in our lives. Our path isn’t always linear or clearly defined. In my case, I came to understand that I was being led back to marketing because I was meant to be on the cutting edge of innovation, helping mission-driven businesses progress in the most efficient and balanced way possible.

Since making this pivot, numerous doors have opened, confirming that this was the right direction for me at this time. I’ve been able to combine my passion for purpose-driven work with my marketing skills, creating a unique blend that allows me to make a significant impact.

This experience taught me that purpose isn’t always about dramatic changes or completely new directions. Sometimes, it’s about bringing a new perspective or set of skills to a familiar field. It also reinforced the importance of listening to our intuition, even when it seems to contradict our logical plans.

Importantly, this pivot doesn’t mean I’ve abandoned my coaching skills or that part of my journey. I believe there may come a time when I’ll integrate coaching into my work again. For now, I’m focused on using my marketing expertise to support and elevate businesses that are making a positive difference in the world.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

My approach to managing teams and maintaining high morale is deeply rooted in my personal experiences and subsequent studies. Having faced challenges in corporate environments that lacked strong leadership and positive culture, I became passionate about creating workplaces where people truly thrive.

My advice for managing teams effectively includes:

1. Prioritize authentic communication: Foster an environment where team members feel safe to express their ideas, concerns, and feedback without fear of judgment.
2. Embrace diversity and inclusion: My studies in DE&I have shown that diverse teams are more innovative and effective. Actively work to create an inclusive environment that values different perspectives and experiences.
3. Understand generational differences: Having studied generational dynamics in the workforce, I’ve learned the importance of recognizing and adapting to the unique values and work styles of different generations. This knowledge helps in tailoring management approaches and creating a harmonious multi-generational workplace.
4. Cultivate a purpose-driven culture: People are more engaged when they understand how their work contributes to a larger mission. Clearly communicate your company’s purpose and how each role contributes to it.
5. Provide growth opportunities: Invest in your team’s professional development. This not only improves skills but also shows that you value their long-term success.
6. Recognize and appreciate efforts: Regularly acknowledge good work and effort. This can be through formal recognition programs or simple, genuine words of appreciation.
7. Promote work-life balance: Respect personal time and encourage a healthy work-life balance. This has become increasingly important, especially in the wake of recent global changes.
8. Foster collaboration: Create opportunities for team bonding and collaborative projects. This builds stronger relationships and a sense of community within the team.
9. Be adaptable: The business world is constantly evolving, particularly with technological advancements like AI. Stay open to new ideas and be willing to adapt your management style as needed.
10. Lead by example: Embody the values and work ethic you want to see in your team. Your actions set the tone for the entire organization.

Maintaining high morale isn’t about quick fixes or superficial perks. It’s about creating a genuine culture of respect, growth, and purpose. This approach not only leads to happier employees but also drives better business results.

In my journey from corporate frustration to entrepreneurship, I’ve learned that good company culture isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential for long-term success. By focusing on these principles, we can create workplaces where people feel valued, motivated, and eager to contribute their best work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://shockleecreativeagency.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scasystems/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100095061117731
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leah-lepillez-shockley-ab691a37/

Image Credits

Tiana Brown, Colorado Springs