North Dakota Beginnings
Raised in Bismarck, North Dakota, Anne Mahlum’s early life gave few clues that she would one day become a nationally celebrated entrepreneur and thought leader. But it’s that underdog beginning that fuels Anne’s unshakable belief that we all have the power to rewrite our stories, no matter where we start.
With degrees in Political Science, Public Relations, and Political Communication, Anne started her career in the nonprofit sector before launching a movement that would change lives across the country.
Back on My Feet
In 2007, during her morning runs past a Philadelphia homeless shelter, Anne had an idea others called “crazy.” What if running could be more than exercise? What if it could be a catalyst for change, confidence, and community?
Within months, Anne turned that vision into Back on My Feet, a national nonprofit that uses running as a tool to help individuals experiencing homelessness regain confidence and access employment and housing.
Under Anne’s leadership, the organization expanded to 14 cities, developed an $8M annual budget, and helped thousands reclaim their lives. For her work, she was named a CNN Hero, featured on ABC World News as Person of the Week, and recognized as one of the Top 40 Under 40 by multiple media outlets.
Building [solidcore]
In 2013, Anne took a leap into the fitness world with the launch of [solidcore], a high-intensity Pilates-inspired workout that quickly became one of the fastest-growing boutique fitness brands in the U.S. She opened the first location with $175,000 in savings and went on to raise more than $200M in private equity funding.
By 2023, [solidcore] had grown to more than 120 locations, 2,000+ employees, and hundreds of thousands of clients, including Michelle Obama. Anne sold the company in April 2023 and, true to her values, shared millions of the proceeds with her team.
Beyond the Exit
Now with a net worth of over $100M, Anne spends her time investing in startups, advising CEOs, writing her upcoming book, and speaking to audiences who are ready to challenge the status quo. She also devotes energy to causes close to her heart, including criminal justice reform and addiction recovery.
A fierce advocate for personal accountability and bold action, Anne inspires people to stop waiting for permission and start living intentionally. Her story is not just about success; it’s about choosing to be the architect of your own life.
Speaking Topics:
Outsmart the Odds
In her most requested keynote, “Outsmart the Odds,” Anne inspires audiences to reshape their self-perception and take charge of their lives, regardless of their current circumstances. From her humble beginnings in North Dakota, Anne shares her journey to becoming a two-time founder, CEO, and influential thought leader. With humor and charm, she imparts digestible lessons on belief systems, fear, choice, betting on yourself, letting go, and unapologetically pursuing more. Anne’s authenticity and vulnerability guide the audience towards self-discovery, leaving them with a resounding “yes, I can” sentiment. A genuine and empowering speaker, Anne is an ideal choice for events aiming to inspire and uplift.
How to Start, Build and Scale Your Company
Anne Mahlum, a highly successful entrepreneur and CEO, shares her journey in the keynote, “How to Start, Build, and Scale Your Company.” In 2007, she founded Back on My Feet, a running club for a homeless shelter in Philadelphia, witnessing transformative changes in individuals through sport, community, and hard work. Anne successfully raised funds, expanded programming, and scaled the organization to a $6.5M budget in 14 cities within 6.5 years.
Later, she founded [solidcore], growing it to 100 locations and two thousand employees in 9.5 years before a $90M exit in April 2023. With extensive experience as a founder, CEO, and leader, Anne is well-positioned to speak on startup life, leadership, scaling, organizational sustainability, branding, community engagement, hiring, fundraising, and the art of successfully selling a company.
