We are thrilled to introduce our latest Meaningful Conversations podcast episode, featuring the inspiring Julie Bliss Mullen — Founder and Advisor of Aclarity, the PFAS Management Company committed to destroying “forever chemicals” forever.

Julie’s journey began as a PhD candidate at UMass Amherst, where she invented Aclarity’s core technology. Since then, she has been celebrated as a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, a Lemelson-MIT Award recipient, and Innovator of the Year by NEWIN/NEWEA.
But beyond the accolades, Julie’s most cherished role is being a mom to her three children — a role that brings even deeper meaning and purpose to her work.

In this heartful conversation, Julie shares what it means to lead with trust, to nurture rather than just fix, and to stay connected to a mission larger than herself. Her insights remind us that leadership and healing are deeply interconnected — and that real change often begins with small, intentional victories.

Water as a Living Force

Julie speaks beautifully about the energy that lives within water — an energy that can revitalize, calm, and reconnect us to our essence.
She challenges the notion that “clean” water is enough. Instead, she invites us to think about water that is not only clean but alive and thriving.
In Julie’s words, curing water is curing people — an idea that echoes throughout her work at Aclarity.

Leading with Courage and Discernment

As a CEO, Julie has learned the art of allowing gaps — understanding that in the fast-paced world of a start-up, not every imperfection must be solved immediately.
She trusts her instincts, redefines priorities based on clear milestones, and listens deeply to customer needs instead of rushing to preconceived solutions.
Building a culture where every voice is heard has been key to her leadership, ensuring that collective wisdom guides the company forward.

Small Victories, Big Impact

The journey in water treatment — especially tackling PFAS — is filled with immense challenges. But Julie celebrates the small wins, the steady progress, and the moments where quality and quantity find harmony.
Victory, for her, isn’t a finish line — it’s a mindset.

Women Leading the Future of Water

Julie notes with pride that many leaders in the PFAS and water treatment space are women.
Nurturing, healing, and long-term thinking are at the core of this work, and it’s no coincidence that women are leading the way in these sectors that directly impact health and the environment.

A New Way of Working

Having children has deepened Julie’s sense of purpose and shaped the culture at Aclarity.
With a flexible work environment, her team shows that it’s possible to create positive impact, achieve professional success, and nurture personal fulfillment — all at once.
Julie’s leadership points toward a future where work is not about sacrifice but about integration, balance, and meaning.

If you are ready to be inspired by a conversation that blends science, leadership, courage, and heart, this episode is one you won't want to miss.

🎧 Listen to Julie’s Episode

Thank you for being part of the Meaningful Conversations community. Together, we are dreaming — and building — a future filled with hope, healing, and possibility.