Faces of women-led businesses: Jennifer Slay + Melissa Maloney

Jennifer Slay and Melissa Maloney, founders of AWL Partners, share their unique perspective on what it takes to build and sustain a successful venture

London Inc. is proud to present its inaugural look at some of the city’s leading female owned and/or operated businesses and the faces that run them. Twenty-four women who are shaping industries, redefining entrepreneurship and inspiring generations of women to come, share the challenges they’ve overcome, what they attribute their success to and what it takes to build and scale a brand.

Jennifer Slay + Melissa Maloney
Co-founders
AWL Partners
877-786-7190 • awlpartners.com

Click here to view this story in magazine format

Well-known Londoners Jennifer Slay and Melissa Maloney founded their entrepreneurial partnership in 2019. Beginning with All Women L.E.A.D. and expanding to AWL Partners, the organization provides a myriad of services to support women and their allies in their leadership journeys — everything from counselling and coaching to workshops, training sessions and events.

“Our entrepreneurial journey together began with a desire to help women grow through emotional intelligence and gain equal access to economic ­opportunity,” the partners explain. “We focus on breaking barriers, creating space and empowering women to step into their full potential.”

And as an emotional intelligence training company, Slay and Maloney practice what they preach. Trust, honesty and accountability are at the core of their culture. “We stay committed to diversity, ensuring opportunities for others whenever possible. A strong, values-driven culture isn’t just important for success — it’s the foundation of everything we do.” To aspiring entrepreneurs, they offer this advice: don’t wait.

Story Continues Below

 

“Too often, women hesitate, wanting everything to be perfect before taking the leap. The truth is, you’ll never have all the answers — but you don’t need to. Trust in the process, take the first step and figure things out as you go. Growth happens in the doing, not in the waiting. Just start.”