Who is Ellie Shefi? What is your backstory?
I’m a survivor. I’ve eaten out of trash cans. I’ve lived under a fake name. I’ve defied multiple medical death sentences for over 20 years. But I’m not my scars. I’m a force for good. I’m also a human rights attorney, bestselling author, business strategist, publisher, and speaker. My purpose is clear: I help others use their voices, own their stories, and build lives they love.
Tell us about founding MTC Consultancy, your publishing house, and your nonprofit. How do you manage such an expansive portfolio?
Each endeavor grew from a deep desire to serve. MTC Consultancy is where I strategize with businesses and governments. My publishing house is an all-women team amplifying women’s voices, protecting their IP, guiding their message, and ensuring impact. My nonprofit is focused on access, access to education, entrepreneurship, and empowerment.
How do I manage it? With systems, boundaries, and clear alignment to purpose. Also, sticky notes, lots of them! My life runs on intention and micro-decisions made with clarity.
How do you define success?
Success is internal. It’s not the trophies or the titles, it’s walking down the hall unassisted after being told you never would. It’s being present. It’s peace. It’s living your values, daily. For me, success means being in alignment; physically, mentally, spiritually.
What does “playing big” mean to you, personally and professionally?
It means showing up as the fullest, most authentic version of yourself even when your voice shakes. It’s about using your gifts unapologetically to serve others. Playing big doesn’t require a global stage. It requires integrity, courage, and intentional action.
As a leader and founder, how important is playing big to achieving success?
Essential. Playing big means claiming your space in the world. When you shrink, you rob others of the opportunity to be served by your unique brilliance. Real success doesn’t come from conformity, it comes from boldly owning your magic and offering it.
You received the Women Changing the World Award, presented by Sarah, Duchess of York. What did that recognition mean to you?
It was incredibly humbling. Being recognized alongside powerhouse women who are making tangible impact globally is affirming. But more than that, it amplified the mission. It validated the work we’ve been doing in silence and helped shine a light on voices that need to be heard.
You’ve been honored as a global thought leader, attorney, changemaker, and strategist. What thread connects all these identities?
Service. Every role I play exists to create transformation whether that’s helping someone rewrite their story, reshape their company, or reclaim their rights. I believe in legacy work, using my voice and platforms to create ripples of change.
Do awards validate or amplify your mission?
They amplify. Recognition helps expand reach and credibility, which opens doors for the people and causes I serve. But I don’t work for awards, I work for impact.
What was your biggest takeaway from the community of changemakers at the Women Changing the World Awards?
That we are better together. Being in a room of women from all walks of life, all driving change in their own lane, was powerful. It reminded me of the power of collaboration and that the ripple effect is real.
What inspires you to do what you do?
People. Potential. Possibility. I’ve seen first hand how one empowered person can shift a family, a community, a nation. That lights me up.
You emphasize knowing who we are and what we are. Why is that important?
Because clarity is power. When you know who you are, you stop looking for validation. You lead with intention. You become unshakable.
Was there a defining moment you chose to no longer play small?
Yes. After surviving abuse, illness, and homelessness, I realized I had nothing left to lose—but everything to give. That shift turned survival into service. I committed to using my pain as purpose.
You’ve advised governments and served on leadership councils. How do you stay grounded?
By remembering my “why.” I start each day with prayer and reflection. I focus on what I can control; my thoughts, language, focus, and physiology. Integrity is my compass.
What are some challenges you’ve faced as a woman leader, and how did you overcome them?
Being underestimated. Being told I’m “too much.” Facing resistance for being direct or assertive. I overcame it by staying anchored in self-worth. I don’t shrink. I educate. I empower. I keep showing up.
How do you help women authors step into the spotlight?
We create a sacred container. We protect their voice and vision. We guide them in owning their story, not as a wound but as wisdom. By the end, they stand taller, speak louder, and step forward with confidence.
What legacy are you most committed to building?
One of activation. I want to be the spark that ignites other sparks. My legacy is in the women who find their voice, share their story, build businesses, and break cycles. That’s the real ripple effect.
What needs to happen to bring about real change for women?
Representation, education, and access. We need women in every room leading, shaping policy, rewriting narratives. We need to teach girls early that their voice matters and their worth is non-negotiable.
How can women create systemic change while staying true to their values?
By mastering the inner game. Ground yourslf in clarity. Know your non-negotiables. Lead with grace and power. Surround yourself with a sisterhood that holds you accountable to your highest self.
What message would you give to women and girls who feel their voices don’t matter?
Your voice matters because you matter. Even if it shakes, speak. Even if it’s whispered, say it. Your story is someone’s survival guide. Don’t wait to feel ready just begin.
What ripple effects of your work have surprised you?
The quiet messages from women around the world; telling me a book, a podcast, or a talk that shifted something inside them. That’s everything. You never know who’s listening, healing, or rising because you showed up.
Have you ever failed? How did you get back up?
Yes, countless times. I call it “education tax.” I learn, I pivot, I apply. Failure doesn’t define me; how I respond does. That’s the power of resilience.
If you could speak to your 15-year-old self, what would you say?
You are not too much. You are exactly the right amount. Keep dreaming. Keep daring. The world needs what only you can give.
Where do we see Ellie Shefi in 5–10 years? Do you have a life mantra?
Continuing to build. More books. More voices amplified. More global impact. My mantra? Control the controllables. Be the miracle in motion.
Leave us with a challenge that will help women play big.
Take one bold action today. Just one. Speak the truth. Launch the idea. Set the boundary. Playing big starts small but starts now.
Where can people find you?
Website: https://www.ellieshefi.com/
Instagram: @ellieshefi
LinkedIn: Ellie Shefi
Watch the full interview here
