Becoming a Mom of 4, Running for Office, and Growing a Business with Annie Harala

In this powerful episode of Heart & Soul, we're sitting down with Annie Harala, co-founder of Story North Productions, elected official, and mother of four, to talk about what it really looks like to lead with courage, vulnerability, and deep community care.From her time in AmeriCorps and public health to being the first female chair of the St. Louis County Board in 20 years, Annie shares her story of showing up, saying yes, and building a life that reflects her values. She’s also a passionate advocate for women in politics and offers insight into balancing entrepreneurship, local leadership, and motherhood without losing yourself along the way.Whether you’re dreaming of running for office, launching a business, or simply trying to stay grounded through life’s big shifts—this one is for you.🔑 What You’ll Learn:How Annie built a career rooted in community and serviceThe realities (and myths) of women in politicsHer story of going from 0 to 4 kids in 90 days—while launching a businessHow to run for local office (and why it matters more than ever)Advice for women entrepreneurs with political aspirationsThe importance of therapy, support systems, and saying yes to help⏱️ Episode Chapters0:00 – Meet Annie Harala5:28 – Early Career: AmeriCorps, Public Health & Community Connection13:03 – Why Annie Ran for School Board19:09 – From School Board to County Leadership26:04 – Building Story North Productions28:46 – Motherhood, Loss & Becoming a Family of Six35:44 – Women in Politics: Advice, Barriers, and Calling44:00 – Entrepreneurship + Elected Office: Making It Work 📞 Connect with AnnieWebsite: Story North Productions Instagram: @annieharala Contact: Via DM or email (linked on her site)💡 Get InvolvedWant to run for office or support someone who is?Check out Vote Run Lead for training and resources, or attend a local school board or city council meeting in your area to get a feel for the work being done behind the scenes.-----All Heart & Soul's Details:Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.heartandsoulmastermind.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the mastermind program:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.heartandsoulmastermind.com/heartsoul⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Say hi to Mariah on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@mariahmckechnieSay hi to Monique on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@moniqueforcierLeave a review on the Apple Podcast app and the Spotify app: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️