ABOUT THIS EPISODE
The Parts Nobody Sees: Women, Leadership & Building Something That Lasts
Leadership is often celebrated for the milestones everyone can see, successful businesses, career growth, awards, and influence. But behind every achievement is a story filled with difficult decisions, quiet sacrifices, self-doubt, resilience, and countless moments that never make it onto social media.
In this episode of Just Make It Pretty, Sarah sits down with Mollie Elkman, CEO of Group Two Advertising and founder of the She Built Foundation, for one of the most honest conversations we've had on the podcast.
Together, they explore what leadership actually feels like behind the scenes. From the pressure of business ownership and the loneliness that can come with leading others to the emotional labor women often carry in both their careers and personal lives, this conversation moves beyond the surface-level discussion of women in construction and into something much more universal.
Mollie shares her journey into the homebuilding industry, what inspired her to create the She Built Foundation, and how some of the hardest seasons of her life ultimately shaped both her leadership and her purpose. Sarah and Mollie also discuss being underestimated, finding confidence, creating cultures where women can thrive, balancing ambition with authenticity, and why the strongest leaders are often the ones willing to be vulnerable.
Whether you're building a business, leading a team, raising a family, or simply navigating your own next chapter, this episode is a reminder that leadership isn't about appearing fearless. It's about continuing to show up, even when no one sees the weight you're carrying.
In This Episode:
- Mollie's journey into the homebuilding industry and leading Group Two Advertising
- The unseen emotional realities of business ownership and leadership
- Why leadership can feel lonely—even when you're surrounded by people
- Navigating confidence, visibility, and being underestimated
- Building resilience through difficult personal and professional seasons
- The story behind the She Built Foundation and why it became deeply personal
- Creating workplace cultures where women can build both careers and families
- Lessons learned from two decades of entrepreneurship
- What today's leaders can do to better support the next generation of women in the industry
Connect with Mollie Elkman:
Group Two Advertising LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/group-two-advertising/
She Built Foundation: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shebuiltfoundation/
Mollie Elkman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mollieelkman/
