Interview with Dr. Madeline Ann Lewis

 INTERVIEW WITH DR. MADELINE ANN LEWIS

1. Tell us about your business—what do you do and who do you do it for?
I am the President/CEO of the Executive Women’s Success Institute (EXWSI), a leadership
development and executive coaching organization. I help aspiring women leaders, established
executive women, and veteran women position themselves for executive leadership and
sustained success. Through coaching, training, speaking, and transformational programs, I equip
women with the mindset, strategy, and confidence to rise into rooms where decisions are made
and own their seat once they get there.

2. What inspired you to ditch the 9–5 or traditional path and go all in as an entrepreneur?
After decades of leadership in the military, federal government, and corporate environments, I
realized my impact was too confined. I didn’t want to influence just one organization; I wanted
to influence generations of women leaders. Entrepreneurship gave me the platform, flexibility,
and reach to serve women at scale. I don’t feel I “ditched” the traditional path, I believe
leveraged it.

3. What was the hardest BS you had to overcome to get real momentum in your online biz?
I had to overcome being overwhelmed by technology, especially now with the explosion of AI
tools. There’s always another platform, another funnel, another “must-have” system. At one
point, I was consuming more information than I was executing. I had to cut through the noise,
simplify, and focus on revenue-producing activities instead of shiny objects.

4. Was there a moment when you almost gave up?
Absolutely, because of early revenue struggles. Passion does not automatically equal profit. In
the beginning, I was pouring into the business without consistent financial return. That can shake
anyone’s confidence. You start questioning whether you made the right decision.

5. What pulled you through?
Clarity of purpose. I knew I was called to this work. I also reminded myself that I had navigated
far greater challenges in my military and federal career. Entrepreneurship requires the same
discipline, resilience, and strategic thinking. So I adjusted the strategy, not the vision.

6. How do you stay focused when things get noisy, messy, or uncertain in your business?
I go back to mission and metrics. What is the mission? Who am I serving? What are the numbers
telling me? Noise comes from comparison and distraction. Focus comes from alignment and
data. I always make sure to protect my time, my energy, and my mental space.

7. What’s the most game-changing lesson you've learned since starting your business?
I have learned that visibility is non-negotiable. You can be brilliant, credentialed, and
experienced but if no one knows you exist, it doesn’t matter. You must show up consistently and
position yourself as the authority you already are.

8. What’s the best piece of “real talk” advice you’ve ever gotten (or would give)?

I would say…no one is coming to rescue “your” dream. If you want it, build it. Invest in
yourself. Stop waiting for permission. Stop underpricing your value. Success responds to bold
action.

9. What are you most proud of achieving in your business so far?
I am proud of creating platforms that amplify women’s voices and leadership through my
Success 4 Women Radio/TV Show platform, my books, my coaching programs, and the
countless women who have been promoted, elevated, or empowered because they decided to rise
and also put their trust in me. Impact is my proudest metric.

10. What’s one book you recommend for anyone serious about growth, business, or
mindset?
Of course that would be my book, “Show Up to Rise Up: Explore the Transformative Power of a
Successful Mindset.” I wrote it because I saw too many talented women shrinking in spaces
where they were fully qualified to lead. The core message is this: you cannot rise if you refuse to
show up fully. Success begins internally with mindset, self-belief, and intentional positioning.
When you change how you see yourself, you change how the world sees you.

11. Do you have any daily habits, rituals, or routines that help you stay grounded +
effective?
I start my day with worship, reflection, and intention setting. I review my goals, prioritize
revenue-producing activities, and protect deep work time. I also believe in physical movement
(which includes my daily 8 am workout) and quiet thinking space. My theory is leaders need
mental clarity before they need more tactics.

12. What role has social media played in your business success—and how do you use it
strategically?
Social media has been a visibility amplifier. I use it to educate, inspire, and position not just post.
I’m intentional about messaging that reinforces leadership authority, highlights client wins, and
shares thought leadership. It’s not about going viral; it’s about being relevant to the right
audience.

13. What’s a common mistake entrepreneurs make on social that drives you nuts?
Posting without strategy. Random inspiration without clear positioning. If your content doesn’t
connect to your expertise or your offer, it’s noise. Social media should build authority and trust
not confusion.

14. What business tool, platform, or system could you not live without—and why?
A streamlined Customer Relations Management (CRM) and email marketing system. Your list is
your asset. Social platforms change algorithms. Your email list is relationship equity and revenue
stability.

15. What’s one truth you wish every entrepreneur knew from day one?
They should know that entrepreneurship is personal development disguised as business building.
Your mindset, confidence, resilience, and discipline will always determine your revenue more
than any tactic.

16. What’s coming up next for you and your business?
I’m launching the Show Up to Rise Up 100 Million Women Membership, a global movement
focused on empowering women to lead boldly and unapologetically. I’m also launching The
Deline Lifestyle Membership, an opportunity for women to access luxury travel, build a business,
earn extra income financial, and be a part of an elite community. They will have a chance to live,
build, and create wealth while experiencing the world.

17. Anything we should watch for?
Expansion of global partnerships, elevated executive leadership programs, and continued
amplification of women’s leadership voices through media and strategic collaborations.
18. What has real success taught you about yourself or the online space?
Success taught me that I am more resilient and visionary than I realized. The online space,
however, rewards consistency over hype. Sustainable success is built on credibility, clarity, and
community…not trends.

19. What are some fun facts about you—we want to know the real you beyond the brand!
Fun fact? I’m a cowgirl at heart. When I’m not coaching women into executive leadership, you’ll
probably find me watching or adding to my collection of old black-and-white westerns like The
Rifleman, Gunsmoke, Wells Fargo, and Tombstone Territory. There’s just something about those
classic showdowns, strong moral codes, and no-nonsense sheriffs that speaks to me.
I love the strategic simplicity of good versus evil. The stakes are clear. Character matters.
Integrity wins. And at the end of the day, the good guys always ride off into the sunset victorious.
Honestly, leadership isn’t that different. You stand for something, you hold your ground, and you
handle your business.

Boots optional… but confidence required.

20. Where can readers connect with you, follow your work, or hire you?
Email: info@exwsi.com 
I am on all the social media sites.
Visit my website at www.exwsi.com  and download my FREE 3-part video series: “3 Things
Every Woman Should Do to Position Herself for Executive Leadership.”

Watch the Tedx Talk Here