Who We Are:
We are a team of certified coaches and educators, entrepreneurs, published writers, and beyond.
Together we’ve supported thousands of young people across the globe. Our personal and professional networks span far and wide, and we are excited to welcome in the next generation of storytellers!
Our Why:
Reality is shaped by the stories we tell, and teens deserve the freedom to write their own stories—literally and figuratively.
SOALS was created to foster authentic expression and healthy dialogue. It is our mission to equip young people with skills to thrive creatively, personally, and professionally in a world where their voices matter, and a growing “passion economy,” where creators can meaningfully generate their own path to financial stability.
MEET THE TEAM.
Josh Gershon is an educator and entrepreneur with a passion for storytelling, mentorship, and human development.
He has founded and facilitated experiential learning programs across the world, was the Director of a Montessori middle & high school, and spent the last ~three years as a publishing coach — helping over five hundred individuals self-publish their first book.
A writer himself, Josh is working on a collection of essays set to be published in 2025.
Lindsey Otto is a Seattle-based writer, designer, and marketing specialist whose work cuts to the core of personal and shared experiences through meaningful storytelling.
She writes the Substack newsletter Let it Simmer, which explores the intersection of food and identity. When she’s not interviewing locals about their relationship with food, you can find her hiking, practicing Mandarin, or perfecting her oi muchim recipe.
Royce Liao is a senior at Babson College, studying business.
He has a strong passion for entrepreneurship, growth, and startups. He has helped build and scale companies and is the co-founder and co-president of Babson’s first Taiwanese Student Association. Outside of school, he enjoys playing basketball, fencing, and snowboarding.