Author: The Fortune Leaders

By redefining power, precision, and purpose, women leaders are not just participating in the future of business they are architecting it. Among them stands Kelly Bagla, Esq., a woman whose story reflects the global, entrepreneurial, and values-driven leadership that will define the next era.

The Rise of a New Kind of Business Leadership

As the global economy enters 2026, leadership is being reshaped by forces far larger than technology alone. Cross-border commerce, founder-led enterprises, and values-based decision-making are redefining what it means to build enduring businesses. At the center of this shift are women leaders who blend expertise with empathy, strategy with service, and ambition with integrity.

One such leader is Kelly Bagla, an internationally acclaimed corporate and securities attorney and award-winning entrepreneur. Her work at the intersection of law, entrepreneurship, and global expansion offers a compelling blueprint for how women are shaping the future of business decisively and on their own terms.

A Global Vision Forged Early

Kelly Bagla’s story begins far from Silicon Valley boardrooms. Raised in Birmingham, England, she dreamed early of building a life and career in the United States. At just 15 years old, she moved to San Francisco an act of courage and conviction that would foreshadow her professional life.

That early leap cultivated more than resilience; it instilled a global mindset. Moving between the United Kingdom and the United States for her education, Kelly gained an acute understanding of how law, culture, and commerce intersect across borders. Graduating at the top of her class, she earned multiple law and business degrees, including a Master’s degree in law laying the academic foundation for a career defined by both rigor and relevance.

From Global Law to Entrepreneurial Insight

Kelly began her legal career at Baker McKenzie, the world’s largest international law firm. There, she advised domestic and multinational clients on corporate transactions, compliance, and strategic structuring. The experience refined her technical expertise and exposed her to the realities of global business at scale.

But it also revealed a gap. Traditional legal services were designed for large corporations, not for founders navigating early-stage growth, cross-border expansion, or high-stakes decisions without in-house legal teams. Entrepreneurs, Kelly observed, were being asked to operate within systems that did not speak their language or address their realities.

Redefining Legal Access for Entrepreneurs

In 2009, Kelly founded Bagla Law Firm, APC with a clear and disruptive vision: make high-level corporate legal strategy accessible, transparent, and actionable for entrepreneurs.

Now celebrating more than two decades in practice, her firm is known for flat-fee structures, practical advisory frameworks, and a focus on long-term asset protection rather than short-term compliance alone. Her work spans entity formation, securities law, mergers and acquisitions, and international market entry supporting founders and investors worldwide seeking clarity and confidence in U.S. commerce.

In an era where founders are global by default, Kelly’s approach reflects the future of professional services: strategic, client-centric, and globally fluent.

The Entrepreneur’s Attorney

Kelly is not only an award-winning attorney; she is also a celebrated founder and CEO of multiple successful businesses. This dual perspective makes her the consummate Entrepreneur’s Attorney.

She understands the psychology of founders because she is one. She knows the risks, the pace, and the pressure. As she often says, “It takes an entrepreneur to understand an entrepreneur.” That insight allows her to design legal strategies that align with how businesses grow not how theory suggests they should.

This rare blend of legal authority and entrepreneurial empathy has made her a leading advisor to domestic clients as well as foreign-based companies entering the U.S. market.  Her global recognition includes the 2025 Lawyer International Legal 100 Award.

Information as Power

For Kelly, influence is not measured only by clients served, but by knowledge shared. She is a passionate advocate for legal education, believing that informed founders build stronger, more resilient businesses.

Her online Do-It-Yourself legal platform, Go Legal Yourself!® empowers entrepreneurs with the tools and documents they need to protect and grow their businesses independently. She has authored six books, including the New York Times bestselling Go Legal Yourself!®, now in its second edition, which distills complex legal concepts into practical, founder-friendly frameworks.

Her influence extends into media as well. The award-winning Biz Queen® Podcast ranks among the top 20 business law podcasts and broadcasts in 26 countries. Through it, Kelly amplifies conversations around entrepreneurship, leadership, and legal empowerment.

Her portfolio also includes Pitbulls ‘n Pearls®, a 360-degree coaching platform for business owners further reinforcing her commitment to equipping founders at every stage of their journey.

A Public Voice for Entrepreneurship

Kelly’s authority and clarity have made her a sought-after media commentator, television personality, and public speaker. She has served as a judge on the Emmy Award winning show Everyday Edisons® and currently appears as a judge on The Blox! ® now in its 20th season.

These platforms allow her to shape not only businesses, but also the broader cultural narrative around entrepreneurship highlighting resilience, innovation, and ethical leadership.

Standing Out by Design

Kelly entered the legal profession at a time when it was overwhelmingly homogeneous: just 3% minorities, 1% women, and even fewer immigrants. As an immigrant woman of color, the odds were statistically against her on every front.

She refused to accept them

From the moment she arrived in the United States, Kelly embraced being “the red dress in a sea of black suits.” She built a career defined not by conformity, but by excellence, integrity, and fearless individuality. Her success has helped pave the way for others, contributing to a profession where women now represent 41% of U.S. attorneys.

Her philosophy is simple and unapologetic: Why blend in when you were born to stand out?

A Legacy-Driven Leader

At the core of Kelly Bagla’s leadership is legacy. Her guiding principles were shaped by her parents: her father, a successful entrepreneur inspired by Sikh values of courage and protection, and her mother, a fierce advocate for self-worth and service.

From them, Kelly inherited the ethos that defines her life’s work: to be a fearless warrior with a heart to help others.

As she looks to the future, Kelly plans to continue expanding her enterprises and global influence, advising entrepreneurs and investors as they build durable, principled businesses. Every challenge, she believes, is an opportunity to honor the values that shaped her.

The Future Is Being Written Now

Women leaders like Kelly Bagla are not waiting for permission to shape the future of business. They are building it across borders, across industries, and across generations.

As 2026 and beyond unfolds, their leadership offers a powerful reminder: the future belongs to those bold enough to stand out, wise enough to empower others, and principled enough to lead with purpose.

Zimkhita Buwa is the Chief Executive Officer of Intellinexus, a South African data advisory company focused on turning complex data into actionable insights that drive measurable business outcomes. With over 20 years of experience in innovation and digital transformation, her career spans roles across analytics, automation, and enterprise technology. She began her professional journey as an SAP Business Intelligence Analyst at an African-based energy group and went on to hold senior leadership positions, including Chief Operating Officer at a well-known software development company and Head of Intelligent Business Applications Core Practice at a global systems integrator and hybrid IT managed services provider. Prior to joining Intellinexus, she also served as CEO of a technology business operating in a digital-first, automation-led environment.

Zimkhita is widely recognised for her leadership style, which emphasises collaboration, innovation, and the empowerment of women and youth in the technology sector. She is a strong advocate for using data to enable informed decision-making and sustainable growth and has served as a non-executive director on the board of Rogerwilco, an award-winning digital marketing agency. Her accolades include the MTN Outstanding Women in ICT Award, the ICT category win at the 2017 Rising Star Awards, and a nomination in the Global Hero category at the Digital Female Awards in Germany. She holds an Honours degree in Information Systems from Universiti Teknologi Petronas in Malaysia and a Leadership Development certification from IE Business School in Spain. Through her industry involvement and community initiatives, Zimkhita is regarded as a trailblazer and servant leader committed to driving excellence, inclusion, and meaningful impact.

Here are the key highlights from the interview:

Can you share your leadership journey and the defining moments that inspired you to build and lead Intellinexus as a purpose-driven organisation?

My leadership journey spans more than twenty years in innovation and digital transformation, beginning as an SAP Business Intelligence Analyst at an African-based energy group and progressing through senior executive roles in software development, systems integration, and digital transformation. Over time, I have led teams across complex environments, including serving as COO and later as CEO in technology-driven organisations.

A defining moment came in 2013 when I was selected as a TechWomen Emerging Leader by the U.S. Department of State, exposing me to global perspectives on innovation and mentorship. This, combined with winning the MTN Outstanding Women in ICT Award in 2016, reinforced my commitment to empowering women in tech and fostering inclusive ecosystems.

What has consistently shaped my approach is seeing how data, when used responsibly, strategically and with intent, can fundamentally change how organisations operate and more importantly shape societies progress.

When I joined Intellinexus as CEO in April 2024, it felt like a natural evolution. I was drawn to the company’s purpose-driven ethos, aligned values, and shared belief with the founder, Jacques du Preez that data is not only a commercial asset, but a catalyst for broader impact. Purpose, for me, is about enabling better decisions, building strong data cultures, and creating environments where people and organisations can truly thrive.

What inspired me to lead this organization is its alignment with my vision of the “Data-Domino Effect”—where data strategies create cascading positive impacts, from enhanced decision-making to societal progress in areas like financial inclusion, healthcare, and education.

What core problem does Intellinexus aim to solve for businesses today, and how does your approach differ from traditional consulting or advisory models?

Many organisations have access to vast amounts of data but struggle to turn it into insight they can tangibly use. The core problem we help solve is translating data into meaningful, actionable intelligence that supports confident decision-making at every level of the organisation.

What sets our approach apart is that we are fundamentally business-led. Rather than offering generic advice, we work as strategic data leaders, bringing together innovation, deep expertise, and access to the right talent to support real outcomes.

The focus is on building internal client capability, embedding strong governance, and creating a culture where data informs everyday decisions. The goal isn’t a short-lived win, but long-term value and independence. Our proven track record with regional and global clients demonstrates how we build resilient, long-term partnerships over transactional engagements.

As CEO, which leadership values and principles guide your decision-making and shape the culture of Intellinexus?

Human connection, trust, and authentic communication sit at the heart of our leadership approach. As a leadership team, we believe strong relationships enable better collaboration, empowered teams, and more sustainable outcomes for both employees and clients.

At Intellinexus, this means actively listening, asking difficult questions, and applying what we learn. Leadership is not about having all the answers, but about creating an environment where people feel heard, respected, and empowered to contribute. Integrity, accountability, and continuous learning are essential to maintaining a culture that supports both performance and purpose.

What major trends or disruptions do you see reshaping your industry, and how is Intellinexus strategically preparing to stay ahead of these changes?

The rapid evolution of cloud technologies, data platforms, and artificial intelligence is reshaping how organisations compete and operate. However, technology adoption without strong leadership commitment, governance, and data culture often leads to missed opportunities.

The data and AI industry is being reshaped by several major trends and disruptions, including the rapid advancement of generative AI and machine learning, heightened focus on data privacy and ethical AI (driven by regulations like GDPR and POPIA), the rise of edge computing for real-time analytics, and the integration of AI with sustainability initiatives to address global challenges. In Africa, we’re also seeing skills gaps and infrastructure hurdles, but these are offset by explosive growth in digital transformation and modernisation.

Intellinexus is preparing for these changes by investing in talent sourcing to bridge skills gaps, offering specialised professionals for digital projects and focusing on responsible use of data, ethical AI implementations and leadership enablement. We help organisations understand not only what is possible, but what is practical and sustainable. By strengthening foundations and encouraging collaboration across teams and partners, we enable businesses to move faster without increasing risk.

What have been some of the most challenging moments in your leadership journey, and how have they contributed to your personal and professional growth?

Leadership transitions are inherently disruptive, both for teams and for clients. Stepping into the CEO role at Intellinexus reinforced the importance of stability, alignment, and continuity during periods of change.

Throughout my leadership journey, I’ve faced several challenging moments that have profoundly shaped my growth. One significant hurdle was managing the complexities of digital transformation during my time at a system integrator, where implementing intelligent business applications across diverse MEA regions required overcoming cultural, regulatory, and infrastructural barriers. This tested my resilience but taught me the importance of adaptive leadership and stakeholder alignment, ultimately strengthening my ability to drive cross-border collaborations.

Another pivotal challenge came during my tenure as CEO during the global pandemic, when supply chain disruptions and remote work shifts demanded rapid pivots to cloud-based solutions. Balancing team well-being with business continuity was tough, but it reinforced the value of empathy and agile decision-making.

These moments have deepened my appreciation for clear, transparent communication and shared leadership. Growth often comes from listening carefully, acknowledging uncertainty, and making deliberate choices that balance immediate pressures with a longer-term vision.

What does success look like for Intellinexus over the next few years, and what impact do you hope the organisation will have on clients and the wider business ecosystem?

Success for Intellinexus is measured by impact rather than scale alone. We aim to help organisations build strong data strategies that drive productivity, innovation, and new revenue opportunities, while also contributing to social progress across sectors such as healthcare, education, and financial inclusion.

I hope Intellinexus continues to play a role in shaping Africa’s data capability, supporting leaders to think bigger, move faster, and collaborate more effectively. When data cultures are strong, organisations become more transparent, more agile, and better equipped to serve their communities. Ultimately, success for us is about leaving a legacy of empowered organisations and communities thriving in a data-centric world.

What advice would you offer to aspiring entrepreneurs and leaders who want to build future-ready organisations with purpose and impact?

My advice is to adopt a “think bigger, be bolder, move faster” mindset. Don’t shy away from ambitious visions, especially in tech and data. Be clear about your purpose and ensure it is reflected in how you lead, how you make decisions, and how you treat people. Invest in building strong cultures, not just strong products.  For me, it’s also been about leveraging data for societal good, which has guided every decision at Intellinexus.

Seek mentorship and networks, like I did through TechWomen and the African SAP User Group, to gain diverse perspectives and support. Foster inclusivity; diversity in teams drives creativity and resilience. Be agile in the face of disruptions, pivot quickly, but always with integrity and transparency.

Leaders must also be willing to think boldly, collaborate openly, and commit to continuous learning. Technology will continue to evolve, but organisations that succeed are those that prioritise people, trust, and responsible use of data to create meaningful, lasting impact. With passion and perseverance, you can build organisations that not only succeed but transform lives. Africa’s tech landscape is ripe for it, so seize the opportunity!

As a founder and CEO, what inspired you to build MisMacK, and how has your personal journey as a woman entrepreneur shaped the company’s vision and values?

MisMacK was born in the basement of my home in Canoe, British Columbia. It started with a simple belief that makeup does not define you, it is merely a tool. I saw a gap in the industry between high performance and clean formulation, and I refused to accept that women had to compromise one for the other.

As a woman entrepreneur, my journey has been anything but linear. I have navigated financial strain, store closures, grief after losing my father, and the pressure of proving myself in rooms that were not built for women like me. That journey shaped MisMacK into a brand rooted in resilience, education, and community. We are not here to follow trends. We are here to build category defining products that perform at the highest level while staying true to our values.

MisMacK stands for grit, integrity, and ownership. Every product is made in Canada, formulated with female chemists, and designed to work hard for the person wearing it. That is a direct reflection of my own story.

What challenges have you faced as a woman leader in building and scaling your business, and how did you turn those challenges into opportunities for growth?

One of the greatest challenges has been being underestimated. As a woman in clean cosmetics entering the world of professional sports, I was often seen as too niche or too early. Instead of shrinking, I leaned in.

When we created Canada’s first toxic free Eye Black and stepped into stadiums, we were not invited. We showed up anyway. That decision led to partnerships with professional teams and the creation of Sports Colour Cosmetics™, a new category we proudly trademarked.

Financial pressure has also been real. Scaling a product based business in Canada requires bold decisions. I have learned to build while uncomfortable, to raise capital strategically, and to protect our intellectual property fiercely. Every obstacle forced clarity. Every setback sharpened our positioning.

Growth did not happen because it was easy. It happened because we refused to quit.

How do you define your leadership style, and in what ways do you believe women leaders bring empathy, resilience, and purpose into business leadership?

My leadership style is direct, values driven, and deeply human. I expect excellence, but I also believe in building people, not just revenue.

Women leaders often bring emotional intelligence into decision making. We can hold vision and vulnerability at the same time. That combination is powerful. Empathy allows you to build brands that truly serve people. Resilience allows you to keep going when others would step back. Purpose ensures you are building something that matters.

At MisMacK, our vibe attracts our team. We foster a culture where creativity, accountability, and support coexist. We celebrate wins loudly and face hard conversations head on. That balance is intentional.

How does MisMacK support, inspire, or empower women, whether through its products, culture, or community impact?

We support women through performance and education. Our products are multi use, high performance, and designed to work on real skin at every age. We focus on timeless looks that enhance rather than mask.

Beyond products, we offer free pampering sessions that are rooted in education, not pressure. We teach women how to use what they have, how to feel confident in everyday makeup, and how to see themselves differently.

Through initiatives like our partnership with KidSport Canada and our expansion into sports, we are also showing young girls that they belong in arenas, on fields, and in boardrooms. Sports Colour Cosmetics™ is about owning your presence wherever you show up.

How has MisMacK evolved since its inception, and what key strategies or values have guided the company’s growth and positioning in today’s competitive market?

We evolved from a small town clean cosmetics brand into a national company pioneering a new category.

In the early days, we focused on retail stores and community building. As we grew, we invested in intellectual property, trademarks, and strategic partnerships. Appearing on Dragons’ Den expanded national awareness. Partnering with professional sports teams expanded our reach into new markets.

The values have never changed. Performance first. Clean formulation. Canadian made. Community rooted.

Strategically, we diversified revenue streams through direct to consumer, wholesale, and sports partnerships. We protected our trademarks aggressively. We positioned ourselves not as another clean beauty brand, but as the creators of Sports Colour Cosmetics™. Clarity in positioning has been everything.

In today’s evolving business landscape, what does success mean to you personally and professionally, and how has that definition changed over time?

Success used to mean survival. It meant paying payroll, keeping the lights on, and proving I could build something from nothing.

Today, success means scale with impact. It means creating generational opportunity, building a company strong enough to acquire or be acquired, and proving that a Canadian founded, women led brand can lead globally.

Personally, success also means alignment. Being sober. Being present with my son. Building a life that feels expansive, not reactive. The numbers matter, but so does peace.

Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, what is your vision for MisMacK’s future, and how do you see the company creating long term impact for its customers, industry, and community?

By 2026 and beyond, MisMacK will be recognized as the global leader in Sports Colour Cosmetics™.

We are expanding nationally through retail partnerships, strengthening our presence in professional sports, and scaling GamePlay and the Grit Kit into household names. Our goal is to be in every arena, every team bag, and every athlete’s locker.

Long term impact means redefining what performance cosmetics can look like. It means creating pathways for young athletes to express themselves safely. It means continuing to donate back to communities through partnerships like KidSport Canada.

We are building for acquisition, but we are also building for legacy.

Kelly Augspurger, Co-Founder of Steadfast Insurance, LLC, is redefining the future of care planning through purpose-driven leadership and compassionate innovation. Guided by faith, experience, and a deep commitment to family well-being, she has transformed personal moments into a powerful mission of service. Her journey reflects a rare blend of empathy, expertise, and entrepreneurial vision. Through education, technology, and human connection, she is reshaping how families prepare for life’s most critical moments. Kelly’s story is not just about insurance it’s about legacy, protection, and peace of mind.

Here are the key highlights from the interview:

What inspired you to co-found Steadfast Insurance, LLC, and what gap in the insurance market were you determined to address from the start?

Steadfast Insurance was born from both a clear gap we saw in how families were being served and the desire to own a business. My husband, Adam, and I co-founded Steadfast in 2019 with a shared vision to help families protect what matters most, not just financially, but relationally and emotionally as well.

Early in my career, a conversation with a mentor changed everything. She had questions about long-term care insurance, and while I didn’t yet have the answers, the conversation stirred memories of all four of my grandparents needing extended care without insurance or a plan. Our family carried that burden – physically, emotionally, and financially. I was a caregiver myself, and I saw firsthand how overwhelming it can be when families are forced to make decisions in crisis.

That moment became my “aha.” I realized there were solutions, but they weren’t being explained well, early enough, or with compassion. The gap wasn’t just insurance products; it was education, advocacy, and planning. Steadfast was created to change that – to help families prepare intentionally, preserve dignity, and protect their options long before care is needed.

As a co-founder, how has your leadership philosophy evolved, and what core values guide your decision-making today?

My leadership philosophy has become simpler and stronger over time. Early on, I believed leadership meant having all the answers. Today, I know it means asking better questions, listening well, and staying teachable.

My faith plays a central role in how I lead and make decisions. I strive to operate with integrity, humility, and service – always asking whether a recommendation or decision truly serves the client and their family. Progress matters more to me than comparison, and long-term impact matters more than short-term wins.

I’ve learned that leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room. It’s about consistency, trust, and stewardship of relationships, opportunities, and responsibilities. That mindset shapes how I serve clients, collaborate with advisors, and build a business rooted in purpose rather than pressure.

How does Steadfast Insurance differentiate itself in delivering trust, transparency, and long-term value to clients?

At Steadfast, we lead with education, not sales. Extended care planning is emotional, unfamiliar, and often misunderstood. Our role is to help clients understand why planning matters and how to plan.

We take time to listen deeply: to a client’s health history, family dynamics, values, and concerns. Every recommendation is personalized. We explain options clearly, outline trade-offs honestly, and never rush decisions. Transparency builds trust and trust is the foundation of long-term value.

What truly differentiates us is our commitment to walking alongside clients, not just at application time, but throughout the planning journey. Our goal is confidence, clarity, and peace of mind, not simply a policy.

In an industry often seen as traditional, how is Steadfast embracing innovation, technology, or new service models to stay competitive?

Innovation at Steadfast isn’t about chasing trends, it’s about improving real experiences for real people. We’ve embraced technology in ways that enhance accessibility, privacy, and efficiency without sacrificing human connection.

From secure online health prescreening and virtual consultations to digital applications and educational content across multiple platforms, we’ve built systems that meet clients where they are. Technology allows us to serve families nationwide while maintaining a highly personal, relationship-driven approach.

We also innovate through education — podcasts, videos, guides, and advisor training because informed clients make better decisions. For us, innovation means clarity, not complexity.

What have been some of the most significant challenges in scaling the business, and how did you overcome them?

Building a referral-driven business requires patience, trust, and a long-term mindset. Many of our clients come through financial advisors and other professionals, and those relationships take time to cultivate. Early on, progress felt slow, and there were moments of self-doubt.

What helped me push through was perspective. My husband often reminded me that meaningful growth doesn’t happen overnight. Staying anchored to purpose and trusting the process allowed me to remain steadfast during challenging seasons.

Faith, consistency, and relationship-building have been key. Over time, those investments compounded into momentum and meaningful partnerships.

How do you see the insurance landscape evolving over the next few years, and what role will Steadfast play in shaping that future?

The insurance industry is evolving rapidly, particularly in long-term care. We’re seeing more flexible product designs, hybrid solutions, worksite offerings, and improved underwriting processes driven by data and technology.

At the same time, rising care costs and caregiving shortages make proactive planning more important than ever. Education will continue to be the biggest differentiator.

Steadfast will play a role by staying at the intersection of innovation and empathy by helping families navigate change with clarity, while advocating for thoughtful, proactive care planning. Our focus will remain on preparing people before crisis, not reacting after it.

What advice would you offer to aspiring entrepreneurs in the financial services space, and what legacy do you hope to build through Steadfast Insurance?

Stay faithful to the purpose. Surround yourself with mentors who challenge and encourage you. Focus on progress over perfection, and don’t measure your success against someone else’s timeline.

Lead with integrity, humility, and service. Be generous with your knowledge. Build relationships before transactions and remember that long-term impact is built one thoughtful decision at a time.

As for legacy, I hope Steadfast is remembered for helping families feel prepared, cared for, and confident, even in life’s hardest seasons. If people look back and say they felt educated, respected, and supported, then that’s a legacy worth building.