Conversations with Leslie Jespersen

Today we’d like to introduce you to Leslie Jespersen

Hi Leslie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was born for the spotlight—literally. As a child actor and performer, I was always on stage, always creating, always performing. The oldest and only girl in my family, I was a natural-born leader, the one everyone looked to for direction. But life had other plans.

I got pregnant young, got married, and settled into the white picket fence life, thinking I was doing what I was supposed to do. But deep down, I felt like I had lost myself. Then life hit hard. A natural disaster took everything we had. I became a single mom when I found out my husband had been having affairs. Staring at the wreckage – both literally and metaphorically, realizing that I had a choice: I could either let life happen to me, or I could take control and rebuild something better.

At the time, I was working a corporate entry level job (with a college degree!), stuck in a cubicle while my soul was screaming for something bigger. I knew I was meant for more than sending emails and making money for other people. So, I took a leap and started my own social media agency. That was my first taste of entrepreneurship—the first time I saw what was possible when I bet on myself.

From there, my journey evolved. I began using my past to teach others through coaching. I branched out into event production and cultivating communities. And every time I leveled up, I helped other women do the same.

Today, I run Leveled Up Events, producing transformative experiences for powerhouse women, and working with powerhouse brands like abc/Disney, and New York Fashion Week. I co-founded Brunch with Babes™, a nationwide mastermind and networking community that’s redefining how female founders connect.

I built my brand by being unapologetically me—and I teach other women how to do the same. Because when you stop dimming your light, you don’t just change your life—you change your legacy.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
**Has it been a smooth road? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?**

Absolutely not. And honestly, I don’t think a smooth road ever leads to anything extraordinary.

My journey has been filled with major plot twists—the kind that could break you if you let them. I lost my home in a natural disaster, only to find out my husband had been cheating on me for years. In a matter of weeks, I went from thinking I had built a stable life to starting over as a single mom with nothing but the determination to create something better for myself and my kids.

Then came the next challenge: building a business from the ground up *by myself*. Being a solopreneur was overwhelming—wearing all the hats, making all the decisions, trying to do everything while also navigating single motherhood. I constantly felt pulled between my responsibilities and my wanderlust, this deep desire for freedom and adventure. There were times I questioned if I could really have both.

And just when I thought I had found my rhythm, the pandemic hit. My entire events business came to a screeching halt. I started questioning everything—should I pivot? Should I quit? Should I just go back to working for someone else? I actually *did* try it. I took a job, thinking maybe stability was the answer. It lasted four weeks. I was *miserable*. Every fiber of my being screamed, *This is not where you belong.*

So I went all in on myself again. I rebuilt. I adapted. And every challenge, every detour, every “WTF do I do now?” moment became part of my story. The hard times forced me to step up, to own my power, and to create something that wasn’t just about making money—it was about impact. And that’s why I do what I do today. Because if I can rebuild from rock bottom, so can the women I work with. And I’ll make damn sure they do.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I create experiences—ones that transform, inspire, and make people feel something. Whether it’s through live events, community building, or coaching women into their power, everything I do is designed to help people step into their fullest, most unapologetic selves.

I specialize in event production, audience activation, and community-driven experiences. I run Leveled Up Events, where I help powerhouse brands and entrepreneurs bring their visions to life in a way that’s immersive, impactful, and unforgettable. I co-founded Brunch with Babes™, a nationwide mastermind and networking community that’s redefining how female founders connect—because I was tired of the transactional, surface-level networking events that left women feeling unseen.

What I’m most proud of? The ripple effect of my work. The women who step into my spaces leave changed—whether they found the confidence to own their voice on stage, landed a life-changing collaboration, or finally saw themselves as the leader they were always meant to be. I’ve built a brand that doesn’t just talk about empowerment—it embodies it.

What sets me apart? The energy. I don’t do boring. I don’t do “sit and listen” events where people leave with a notebook full of ideas but no action plan. I create high-touch, immersive, soul-shaking experiences that get people moving, feeling, and transforming in real-time. I’m also known for my bold, no-BS, intuitive strategy—I don’t just teach, I see people. I can cut through the fluff and pull out exactly what someone needs to hear or do to level up.

At the core of it all, I’ve built my brand by being unapologetically me—and I teach other women how to do the same. Because when you stop trying to fit in, that’s when you truly start to stand out.

What are your plans for the future?
**What are your plans for the future? What are you looking forward to or planning for—any big changes?**

The next chapter of my journey is all about *going bigger* while becoming *more rooted*. I’ve spent years traveling, building communities in different places, and expanding my reach, but now I’m focused on **pouring into my home base** and creating deeper impact right where I am.

I’m stepping further into **keynote speaking**—taking bigger stages, growing my audience, and sharing my message with even more women who are ready to step into their power. Speaking is my zone of genius, and I know it’s the most powerful way to create transformation.

I’m also in the process of **opening a community space and coffeehouse**, a place designed for real, in-person connection—where business owners, creatives, and dreamers can come together, collaborate, and grow. This has been a long-time vision of mine, and I’m so excited to bring it to life.

And of course, I’m planning **Leveled Up Live 2025 in Nashville**—my biggest, boldest event yet. This event isn’t just a conference; it’s a full-body, heart-racing, life-changing experience for women who are ready to stop playing small and step fully into their next level.

So, the future? It’s all about **scaling, grounding, and creating even more spaces where women can be seen, heard, and celebrated**. And honestly—I can’t wait.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thelesliejespersenexperience.com
• Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/thelesliejespersenexperience
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/lesliejill
• Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@leslie_jespersen