Today we’d like to introduce you to Misha Bleymaier-Farrish.
Misha, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My story has been defined by pivots, many of them unexpected, with each one an opportunity to pause, reimagine, and relaunch with greater clarity. I have learned to see every pivot, even the unwelcome ones, as a chance to learn and to view life through a lens that is half full rather than half empty.
Over the last 20 years, I have built a career leading innovation and transformation within operations and technology across multiple industries. I have built and led teams from the ground up, guided organizations through complex digital transformations, and helped disrupt an entire insurance sector as head of technology. Through it all, I have learned that true progress comes from pairing operational excellence with vision and never losing the courage to challenge the status quo. Dreaming big has fueled my approach to leadership, strategy, and problem-solving, allowing me to imagine what is possible while building the structures to make it a reality.
My life motto and guiding mindset has always been GSD, “Get sh*t done” with intentionality and impact. The GSD Factor Life empowers individuals to activate six attributes that unlock transformation: being Confident, Inquisitive, Imaginative, Present, Resilient, and Influential. We offer tools and resources to meet you where you are, including books, podcasts, and workshops. Through GSD Factor Consulting, my team and I partner with organizations to identify, innovate, and implement meaningful change across people, process, and technology. And now with GSD Factor Publishing, we are helping authors on their self-publishing journey because it is important for the world to read their words and experience their stories.
Nashville is a city fueled by creativity, collaboration, and bold ideas, the same energy that drives everything I do. Beyond business, mentorship has become one of the most rewarding parts of my journey. Whether it is working with emerging founders, career professionals, or young leaders, I believe in helping others discover their voice, own their story, and take purposeful action toward their goals.
Whether I am in the boardroom, behind a microphone, or sitting across from someone mapping out their next big idea, my mission remains the same: to help others get sh*t done with purpose and excellence. Nashville has been home for the last three decades and has given me a community of dreamers and doers who embody that same spirit, and I am honored to build, grow, and GSD alongside them.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has definitely not been a smooth road, and honestly, I am grateful for that. I have come to believe that the pivots are where the real growth happens. Some pivots were welcome and strategic; others were painful and unplanned. But each one offered an opportunity to pause, reflect, and learn—sometimes what to do, and many times what not to do.
One of my first major pivots came early in life when I was on track to become a professional dancer. After being diagnosed with a serious illness, my focus shifted from ballet to simply learning how to live again. That experience changed how I viewed challenge and resilience. It taught me how to find strength in uncertainty and how to pivot with purpose, lessons that would later guide my entire career.
When I entered the corporate world, I carried that same mindset with me. Early in my career, I experienced moments where I felt underestimated or unseen, particularly as a woman in technology and insurance, two industries that have historically been male-dominated. I learned how to navigate those environments with both confidence and empathy, understanding when to lead, when to listen, and when to challenge the status quo. Those experiences taught me that resilience is not about pushing through everything alone—it is about having the humility to learn, adapt, and grow stronger each time.
Through it all, I have kept coming back to the same mindset: progress, not perfection. Life and business will always present moments that test our patience, plans, and purpose. The key is to keep showing up, stay curious, and use every experience as a chance to GSD—get sh*t done—with clarity and intention.
As you know, we’re big fans of GSD Factor. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
The GSD Factor is both a brand and a mindset centered on one core philosophy: to “Get sh*t done” with intentionality and impact. Over the years, it has evolved into a multifaceted organization with three main pillars: GSD Factor Consulting, GSD Factor Publishing, and The GSD Factor Life Series, each designed to help individuals and organizations ignite transformation from the inside out.
Through GSD Factor Consulting, my team and I work with businesses to identify, innovate, and implement meaningful change across people, process, and technology. We help clients reimagine what’s possible by pairing operational excellence with visionary leadership, ensuring that innovation is not just an idea but a measurable outcome.
With GSD Factor Publishing, we are helping authors bring their stories to life through self-publishing. We guide them through every step of the process, from concept to completion, because it is important for the world to read their words and experience their stories. Watching others step into their voice and share their message is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do.
And through The GSD Factor Life Series, which includes four books for ages 5–99, a podcast, and workshops, we empower people to activate six key attributes that unlock personal and professional growth: being Confident, Inquisitive, Imaginative, Present, Resilient, and Influential. These resources meet people where they are, offering tools for real, sustainable change.
What sets The GSD Factor apart is that we don’t just talk about getting sh*t done; we live it. Everything we do is built on intentionality, collaboration, and a deep belief in progress over perfection. I am most proud of how our brand continues to expand beyond me—it has become a community of doers, dreamers, and difference-makers who are showing up every day with purpose.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I love connecting with people and organizations who are ready to dream big, take action, and get sh*t done with purpose. There are several ways to collaborate or work with The GSD Factor depending on where you are in your journey.
If you’re seeking inspiration or tools for personal and professional growth, The GSD Factor Life Series offers books, workshops, and our podcast that meet you right where you are. You can find The GSD Factor and our full series of books for ages 5–99 on Amazon https://a.co/d/8O2nBoJ or at gsdfactor.com.
Through GSD Factor Consulting, my team and I partner with organizations to identify, innovate, and implement meaningful change across people, process, and technology. If you’re an author or aspiring to write GSD Factor Publishing can help you bring your story to life through self-publishing.
Above all, The GSD Factor is about community. We love connecting with fellow doers, dreamers, and difference-makers who want to create impact. You can reach me directly at [email protected] or schedule an intro meeting at intro.co/MishaBleymaier-Farrish.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://gsdfactor.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mishableymaierfarrish/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@gsdfactor
- Other: https://gsdfactor.com/merch/
