Our Founders
Get To Know The Women Behind 1000 Women Owned

Co-Founder
Dr. Egypt Sherrod
CEO of Indigo Road Family of Companies
TV Host/Executive Producer
Egypt Sherrod is a true powerhouse, whose multifaceted career spans real estate, design, entrepreneurship, and media. As a renowned real estate broker, designer, author, life coach, and serial entrepreneur, Egypt has carved out a dynamic space in each of these industries. She is perhaps best known as the host and executive producer of HGTV's top-rated show “Married to Real Estate”, which drew over 19 million viewers in its debut season. Now in its fourth season, the show continues to rank among HGTV’s top five programs and is set to broadcast in more than 82 countries, by this February. Egypt’s television presence also includes hit shows like “Flipping Virgins” and the long-running “Property Virgins”, where her expertise continues to captivate audiences.
Since her twenties, Egypt has been at the forefront of wealth education and real estate, becoming a trusted authority in these fields. Today, she is the Founder & CEO of the Indigo Road family of companies, which encompasses Indigo Road Realty, a leading residential brokerage; Indigo Road Design Group, offering premier design services; and Indigo Road Home Furnishings, her signature home decor line.
Egypt's accolades are a testament to her influence and impact. Recently awarded an honorary doctorate in humane letters from Still man College, she has also received multiple industry honors, including nominations for the NAACP Image Award and Critics' Choice Award. Egypt's remarkable achievements have earned her the honor of ringing the bell at the New York Stock Exchange, a Proclamation from the City of Atlanta declaring August 23rd as “Egypt Sherrod Appreciation Day” for her philanthropic contributions, and recognition by the 100 Black Women organization as a trailblazer in real estate. Most notably, Inman News named her the “Global Influencer of the Year.”
Yet, despite her many professional accomplishments, Egypt considers motherhood her most significant achievement. As a mother to three beautiful daughters—Harper, Kendall, and Simone, she balances her career with a true commitment to her family. Egypt and her husband, Mike Jackson, have been happily married for 14 years and have created a popular podcast, “The Marriage & Money Podcast with Egypt & Mike”, where they share insights on business, relationships, faith and family. Together, the dynamic duo both maintain their efforts to build a personal and professional legacy that continues to inspire everyone they encounter.

Co-Founder
Elizabeth Oates
Managing Partner Global Leader Group
Business Coach
Elizabeth Oates is an innovative thought trailblazer, multipreneur, 3-time best-selling co-author and experienced global market-place leader of teams across multiple international regions and business sectors.
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She spent the first 20 years of her career within financial services where she drove business outcomes by building teams across diverse functions including: customer design thinking, CRM & analytics, sales management, incentives, and digital transformation. Having served in several Global executive roles at one of the world's largest financial institutions, she left the corporate arena in 2020 to co-found Global Leader Group, now one of the world's fastest growing consultancy firms.
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Elizabeth’s expertise in women in leadership, strategic networking and scaling business has helped fuel the evolution of her own enterprises, while her unique and highly engaging coaching style consistently inspires the many leaders she has mentored. She believes success is rooted in the values of generosity, excellence, empowerment, authenticity, and integrity.