Hello, I’m Mary Harvey Gurley

My life has been a journey of navigating through triumphs and challenges. From the early days of being a book-loving girl in Munford, Tennessee, to forging a path in the male-dominated world of C-suite communications, my story is about resilience and reinvention.

After graduating from the University of Missouri School of Journalism, I embarked on a career that took me around the world with a Fortune 100 company. But my personal life was also eventful. I became a widow at 42 and faced a severe health scare, both of which profoundly affected me. Later, struggles with addiction led me to a path of sobriety and self-discovery.

At 60, losing my job was more than a career challenge; it was an identity crisis. But I turned this setback into an opportunity. I delved into my passions for cooking, photography, gardening, and writing, finding new avenues to express myself.

Now, I focus on empowering women in their later years to see aging not as a number but as a mindset. I advocate for a vibrant approach to this life stage through my writing, speaking, and content creation. We have the power to redefine our lives, no matter our age.

My experiences have taught me that every challenge is an opportunity to reshape our stories. I’ve faced and overcome many obstacles, finding new paths each time.

I’m Mary Harvey Gurley, sharing my journey in the hope that it inspires at least one person. To all women who have faced life’s challenges and come out stronger, let’s continue to write our stories with courage and optimism. It’s never too late to reinvent yourself and live life fully.

If my experiences speak to you, I invite you to join this journey of embracing life at every stage. Let’s discover and celebrate our passions together.

Photo by Randy Fite

Fun Facts About Me

I’d rather be

photographing birds

Listening to

old-time rock and roll

grateful for

all the gifts in my life

Favorite place

My next destination

my weekends

Anywhere outside

best snuggle buddies

My 14-year-old Westie, Maizy

“Embrace each day with passion and purpose. Let’s live by counting the days and making every day vibrant and meaningful.  My passions are photography, art, gardening, and cooking. What are yours?”

Mary harvey gurley

Maizy Gurley,
CEO, Emeritus of Gurley Media