We had the good fortune of connecting with L.M. Lepley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi L.M., how do you think about risk?
Risk has been the currency of every level-up in my life. I’ve learned—sometimes the hard way—that you can’t expand without putting something on the line. And more often than not, risk’s best friend shows up right beside it: failure. They’re a package deal. You can try to dodge them, but if you want a full, meaningful life, you’ll bump into both sooner or later.

I like to say I’ve failed more times than I can count. I’ve missed the mark, overshot the timeline, and ended up in places I never planned on. And yet? I wouldn’t trade a single misstep. Every so-called failure carried its own education—skills I couldn’t have learned otherwise, people I never would’ve met, opportunities I couldn’t have scripted.

My mindset around risk is simple: it’s not about gambling recklessly, it’s about having the guts to play the game knowing you might lose a hand or two. The truth is, my biggest growth hasn’t come from what went right, but from what went wrong—and then deciding to get back up and keep going anyway. That’s where the magic is.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I’m the founder of SCA Systems, where we build AI-powered business operating systems that help entrepreneurs work smarter, not harder. We combine automation, branding, and strategy into plug-and-play solutions so business owners can reclaim their time, scale sustainably, and actually enjoy what they’ve built.

What sets us apart is how deeply we partner with our clients—we don’t just hand over tech and wish them luck. We design systems that feel intuitive, reflect their brand, and become a living extension of their team. I’m most proud of the transformations we’ve sparked: clients who were once overwhelmed now have businesses that run smoothly while they focus on their zone of genius.

Getting here was anything but easy. Like most entrepreneurs, I’ve failed more times than I can count—missed goals, scrapped ideas, started over more than once. But every challenge became a training ground for resilience, clarity, and creative problem-solving.

The biggest lessons? Trust your adaptability. Lead with integrity. And know that the messy middle is where you’re forged.

If the world takes one thing from my story, it’s this: you can blend heart and high tech. You can build a business that supports your life instead of consuming it. And you can do it without sacrificing your values, your creativity, or your sanity.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
A perfect week here blends adventure and indulgence: margaritas on Crystal Park Cantina’s back patio, hiking Cheyenne Mountain and Red Rock State Park, and a train ride up Pikes Peak. Evenings mean prohibition-style cocktails at Bar33, wine and tapas at Wheel and Vine, bold flavors at 503W, Shuga’s eclectic charm, and Atmosphere Gastro Pub’s elevated comfort. Colorado Springs at its finest.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The HERizon board and leadership team and our entire community/membership.

My shoutout goes to the incredible board, leadership team, and members of HERizon. This community is proof of what happens when driven, visionary women come together—lifting each other higher, sharing resources, and celebrating every win as if it were our own. Their support, brilliance, and camaraderie have been both fuel and compass on my journey.

Website: https://shockleecreativeagency.com/main_page

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scasystems/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leah-lepillez-shockley-ab691a37/

Image Credits
I’ve personally created all of these graphics with the help of Canva

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