Spring 2025
#1: Most fears never materialize
I’ve learned not to waste energy on pre-worrying. Facing challenges as they arise is more productive and less stressful.
#2: Relationships are everything
Networking has been the most valuable asset in my career, opening doors, fostering collaboration and offering support.
#3: Well-being fuels success
Prioritizing my mental and physical health allows me to show up fully for others. Self-care isn't optional — it's foundational.
The most influential person in my life is my husband, Aaron, a fellow Purdue graduate. He challenges and supports me in ways that bring out the best version of myself. Together, we’ve built both a family and a business, and this year we celebrate our 30th anniversary. He remains my greatest partner and closest friend.
The second is my cousin Jennifer, who has always felt more like a sister. She is the closest connection I have to my late mother, offering unconditional love, acceptance, and a deep sense of belonging. She sees me through rose-colored glasses, always lifting me up with her belief in me and knowing just how to make me laugh. Her presence has been both grounding and inspiring.
After building and selling a successful tech company with my husband and partially retiring early, at age 50, I set out to see if I could build something entirely on my own. That goal came to life with Belle Eve Financial, which has grown beyond what I imagined over the past few years. Now, my focus has shifted. This year, my biggest achievement is personal: embracing a hygge-inspired lifestyle. I'm intentionally downsizing, shortening my to-do list, and creating space to be more present — less stuff, more memories.
#1: Don’t wait
Those ideas you have, those things you want to do — do them today. Life’s too short for regrets, and waiting for everything to line up perfectly to take that leap is unwise. You may end up waiting forever or never take the leap at all. Entrepreneurship was that for me. I kept thinking I would find the perfect leadership role in an organization that would provide me with deeper insights. It never did. Yes, the road was tough, but I enjoyed every minute of taking that entrepreneurial leap.
#2: Naysayers
There will always be naysayers, and some will have legitimately unique insight that you should consider. Unless you are extremely lucky, you won’t have a line-up of cheerleaders, and that’s okay. Learn from it all; let it shape your approach if you find it valuable, and pursue your big dreams nonetheless.
#3: Failure is not an option
Never give in to complacency or accept the startup language that failure is an acceptable outcome. Failure is not an option; mistakes are. Mistakes can happen, and you can course-correct, but never accept failure. It may occur, and that’s part of life — some things work, some don’t. If you are comfortable with failure, you will likely settle for mediocre effort with minimal gain. Work hard, and if you fail, fail hard. Remember, there is another side to that coin where you also get to win big. Work your way back to a place where success is just around the corner.
Parents
I have entrepreneurship in my DNA, but it wasn’t always the case. Both my parents came from very humble beginnings but built an empire together throughout my childhood, of which I was a fortunate recipient, along with my sibling. We witnessed firsthand what it means to be an entrepreneur — the highs and the lows, as well as the long, tireless days and nights filled with hope for a turnaround. This uncompromising view of giving it your all to build success has shaped who I am and how I approach any task or venture. No half measures — full throttle ahead! That’s the influence of Mrs. Asha and Mr. Chalakkal Kutty, my parents, my mentors and my inspiration.
Richard Branson
I guess my influences are very similar in nature. I also admire what has been built by an entrepreneur, not once, but numerous times over, in industries crowded with giants. Although I have not had the pleasure of meeting Branson, I am an ardent fan of him, as someone who took on music, pop, aviation, hospitality, etc., when he was in extremely crowded spaces. He managed to carve out his own space to become the success he was. Building from the ground up and creating something from nothing appeals to me. The hard work, tenacity, and chutzpah alone to do all of this, and to do it many times over when he had nothing to his name, that's admirable. No one would dare take on the challenges he faced at a time when the media was not what it is now, where access to consumers is relatively easy today. I draw parallels between his path and that of my parents; the influence in my mind is similar. No compromises, just investments of blood, sweat and tears to build one success after another.
If I had to pick only one, it would be the continued growth of my new health-tech startup, HealthEMe, beyond the six countries it is already in. It was incubated in my ad agency WeUsThem, and, in its infancy — it’s just about a year and a half old — it is already revenue positive and serving clients across the globe for chronic illnesses that need to be managed. With partnerships sought after by Fortune 500 firms that were not solicited, we have had a great run, and I am looking to finish off 2025 with another bumper year for HealthEMe, delivering quality care globally, whether in chronic disease management or across all levels of care.
#1: Failure isn’t fatal
Failure isn’t fatal. I’ve realized that even a significant failure in business doesn’t mean the end of the road. Once I internalized that my life and identity weren’t tied to success or failure in a single venture, I found the freedom to take smarter risks and pursue meaningful work without fear.
#2: Seek firsthand insight
Seek firsthand insight. I’ve learned not to rely on secondhand information or speculation. The most valuable decisions I’ve made have been based on direct observation and genuine conversations. Cutting through the noise and going straight to the source makes all the difference in clarity.
#3: Gratitude is a game-changer
Gratitude changes everything. No matter how challenging the day, I’ve found that ending it with a moment of gratitude resets my perspective. It grounds and recharges me, setting the tone for a more focused, positive tomorrow.
My mother is the compass that keeps me grounded. Her unwavering belief in doing the right thing — even when no one is watching — shaped my values and professional integrity. In every decision, I try to live up to the standard of ethics she instilled in me.
From my father, I learned the power of honoring our roots. He often spoke about the strength and peace that come from remembering where we come from. That sense of continuity and respect for the past has given me emotional resilience and a long-term view of success.
This year, I’ve started investing more time and energy into supporting the next generation of leaders. Whether through mentoring, speaking engagements or just offering guidance over coffee, it’s been deeply fulfilling to help others navigate their own paths — and I’m committed to continuing that work.
#1: Money
Good money can be made in bad markets.
#2: Have a plan B
Always have a Plan B option.
#3: Love your work
If you really enjoy the work that you're doing, it doesn't feel like work.
Dr. Cornell A. Bell, former professor at Purdue University and director of the Cornell A. Bell Business Opportunity Program, convinced me to go to Purdue University for an undergraduate business degree when I was originally headed to another university. He served as a mentor and challenged me while I was in college, and he continued to follow and encourage me through the early phase of my investment career.
Marc J. Walfish, co-founder and managing director of Merit Capital Partners, was a regional vice president for Prudential Capital Corporation during the 1980s and gave me an opportunity early in my career — three years out of business school — to make leveraged buyout investments on my own, which began a very successful investment career for me. He took an early chance on me that paid off, and he was a good mentor during my time with Prudential Capital Corporation.
Make a platform investment in 2025 in the midst of a turbulent environment.
Many of life's lessons become clearer over time as new experiences shape our future decisions.
#1: Learn or earn
“At every job, you should either learn or earn. Either is fine. Both is best. But if it's neither, quit.” — Garry Tan, CEO of Y Combinator. I found this quote years into my career after I had already come to a similar realization. Early in my career, I realized I needed more than just an easy job or a limited perspective, so I actively sought opportunities that offered both learning and earning. Learning should never stop. Earning is not always a paycheck — it can be autonomy, flexibility and uninterrupted personal time.
#2: A good plan
“A good plan executed today is better than a perfect plan executed later.” — General George S. Patton. It’s true in business and life. Starting is hard. Execution is hard. Winning is hard. The one thing that definitely doesn't work? Trying to execute and win when you haven't even started because you're overthinking the plan.
#3: Give back
Find the time to get involved with Purdue and give back to the current students. It's a reason to get back to campus regularly to catch up with old friends and an opportunity to meet new ones. I met a new friend, Mary Slater, former Daniels School Alumni Board president, this way. The current students are engaging and talented to the point where I wonder if I'd be accepted to the Daniels School now.
Jim Jacobs, co-founder and CCO of Green Mountain — the technology company, not the coffee — and Spencer Kieboom, my business partner on Pollen and another venture we'll launch this summer, are my two most influential people
I met Jim years ago when he was starting Green Mountain. Jim is both a professional and personal mentor, having built a successful business and an amazing family with his wife, Liz. From Jim, I learned the importance of sales and building ethical, commercial relationships that drive customer trust and long-term partnerships.
Spencer had a different path to becoming an entrepreneur. He played baseball at Clemson and left to work his way up through the Washington Nationals organization, where he was part of the team that won the 2019 World Series, so he has a ring. He had to undergo career-ending surgery, but he still had the competitive drive, so he founded Pollen, where I joined him shortly after. Spencer's transition from professional athlete to entrepreneur taught me about resilience and the power of a competitive mindset. I introduced Jim and Spencer, who developed a relationship of their own centered around their love of Porsches, which is something I know nothing about. They are two of the most personable and positive people I know.
I recently joined the Advisory Council for the Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy, which is an honor given their ambitious purpose of navigating the intersection of technology and international relations. Learning from and working with Keith Krach, Carter Krach, Marc Carlson, Matt Vuckov and others is a high-priority goal for this year.
#1: Challenge the status quo
You’ll learn a lot of lessons along your journey. Some of them are easier than others; some will really sting, especially in that moment. Some lessons will only become apparent years down the road when you recognize what you learned from the challenges years before.
Challenging the status quo to create something new can be hard, and it can make others very uncomfortable. People will criticize and judge what they don’t understand and can’t imagine. It can and will be lonely at times, but there are others out there who are pushing the boundaries too. Find them. They can play a big role in staying resilient through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. They’ll inspire and encourage you when you’re struggling, just as you’ll motivate them — even if you don’t realize it.
#2 To effect change, stay committed
“Never underestimate the power of a small group of committed people to change the world. In fact, it is the only thing that ever has.” — Margaret Mead.
As an entrepreneur, you have the potential to change the world. Surround yourself with people who will challenge you to make better decisions and expand your thinking, like seasoned entrepreneurs and business leaders. But be willing to make decisions, even when it’s hard, unpopular or different from what people think you should do. Trust your gut and be sure that the decision will lead to a world you want to be part of.
#3 Be curious
As Robert Frost says, “Two roads diverged, and I took the one less traveled by.” Be continuously curious and willing to face challenges — you’ll broaden your perspectives and grow in ways you never imagined. It’ll result in you, as an entrepreneur and business leader, becoming “T-shaped" with depth in some areas, plus the ability to continue to learn, grow and apply your expertise across a number of opportunities. You’ll see things differently, ask a different set of questions, and identify problems that need to be solved. You never know; one of those problems may be the basis for your next venture, especially if other people have the same problem and don’t realize it yet.
At a pivotal moment in my collegiate career, I turned to one of my mentors — Jeff Slater, a former executive at large multinational companies and entrepreneur — and shared the struggle and frustration I was facing. He challenged me by holding up the mirror and showing me the natural tendencies, skills and capabilities that I had exhibited for years, but didn’t realize that I possessed. He asked me questions and led me to some powerful “ah-ha” moments.
As the conversation evolved, he helped me see that I had always been doing “business” and “entrepreneurship” things even when I didn’t realize what they were. We discussed obstacles and challenges that I thought I’d encounter in the next phase, but he didn’t solve them for me — that was for me to do. He did give me a really powerful statement that has empowered me ever since: “It’s not about ‘No.’ It’s about how you get to ‘Yes’ to be where you want to be.” That statement has helped reframe countless challenges as opportunities. It also showed me the power of mentoring and paying it forward — something I committed to continuing throughout my career and life.
My second person is Coach Mike. After failing to make the cut for a soccer team, Coach Mike sat me down and let me know I hadn’t made the team. Then he told me, “You always have a choice. You get to choose what you do now and how you respond.” He was helping me see that I wouldn’t always succeed, but what happened next was entirely up to me. All of us can choose to stay committed to the vision or goal, we can modify it (in a big or little way to pivot), or we can just say, “I’m done” and walk away. But we have a choice. I went back to the drawing board, with his help, and created a training plan to be ready to make the team next time.
I learned that I have a choice every time: to react, to respond, to prepare, to show up, to keep going, to have an impact and to leave a legacy.
Professionally, I’m aiming to receive the next set of patents for my latest venture and to scale the business as our products are placed in several large accounts. Additionally, I’m looking forward to wrapping up my term as the Daniels School Alumni Board president, where I’ve had the honor of learning and growing from many of the other amazing Daniels School alumni like Shawn Taylor, Christian Piller, Liz Forman, Cara Putnam, Darren Henry, Bob Lazard, Craig Gunkel and so many more while leading the board. I know they’ll all play varying roles as I start to look at what’s next, both with staying involved at Purdue and beyond.
#1: It's about the people
It's all about people. The people in your life and on your teams are the most important assets you will ever have. Choose wisely, and if you make a mistake in business, it is best to fire quickly. One person can make a big difference. They can be a destroyer or a multiplier.
#2: Play the long game
Play the long game. If you are lucky, you will have a long and fulfilling career. This means there will be swings and roundabouts and shoots and ladders. Roll with it, but do not give up on your goals. Keep focused on the long term and know that every experience, good or bad, informs you.
#3: Your mental mindset
It's all about you. What I mean by that is life is a mental game. You can decide you have lost without walking out the door and trying, or you can assume that you have great capabilities and, no matter what happens, you will rise to the occasion. Further, only you can decide to listen to the naysayers or listen to yourself and those you trust. This is your life and your choices.
Arnold Cooper, a Purdue professor, ignited my passion for being an entrepreneur. His class taught me the beauty of case work while introducing me to the power of collaboration. His enthusiasm for entrepreneurship was contagious.
As a woman, I have always sought out females who inspired me. When I was young, it was Gloria Steinem and Jane Goodall, both trailblazers for women. Early in my career, Ann Winblad also inspired me. She was one of the first female venture capitalists and had been an entrepreneur. Her depth of knowledge, wisdom, integrity, curiosity and values shine to this day. She still inspires me.
I have two goals this year. First, sell my startup, Ahara. It needs a bigger platform to thrive. Second, lay the foundation for spending most of my time helping other entrepreneurs.
Check out Julie’s new book: Time to Get Real: How I Built a Billion-Dollar Business That Rocked the Fashion Industry
