Name: Leslie Gill
What is your title? What do you do at Rung?
My title is President & CEO of Rung for Women. Technically, I’m responsible for the organization’s entire operation: the external brand, internal expectations, and the entire ecosystem. In reality, I do a little bit of everything. Whatever the team needs, I’m there. It’s “all the things,” and I truly love it.
What do you like most about working at Rung?
The people. Our people. I am so grateful to spend my days with genuinely good humans. Of course, I love our mission, but the mission doesn’t happen without the people behind it. They are absolutely my favorite part of working at Rung.
What has been your favorite project to work on?
Rung has really unlocked my creativity. Even though I’m responsible for the business side, this place inspires me to dream big. Ideas like Drag Me to Brunch or our new Career Resiliency product started as sparks and became real because Rung allows space for innovation. I even keep a folder labeled “Big Ideas.” One of the reasons I said yes to this job nearly ten years ago was the chance to build something more than a Band-Aid solution — and seeing those big ideas come to life has been a blessing.
Who are your personal sheroes, women you look up to?
There are lots of women I admire….my mother, Stepmother, and grandmothers top the list.
How have you grown since working at Rung?
2024 stretched me in ways I could have never imagined. If there was ever a moment I might have walked away, it would have been that year. But instead, it strengthened my personal value system and taught me the power of resilience. There will always be bumps in the road; what matters is how you recover.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I love to travel. Seeing new places refuels me, whether it’s a big trip or just a solo drive for a change of scenery. That shift in perspective keeps my creativity flowing. I also love being outside, live music, and working out. I’m working on just being consistent and doing something active every day.
What book, podcast, artist, or playlist are you currently into?
I always have books stacked up and a long Audible list, but lately I haven’t been reading or listening much. Honestly, quiet has become my serenity. I spend so much time “peopling” that when I’m alone, I prefer silence. No music in the car, no TV at home. I’m not a podcast person right now. If I am listening to something, it’s usually live music. I recently went to the St. Louis Symphony’s Tina Turner performance, which was incredible. I’m still figuring out my concert list for the spring, but New Edition might make the cut.