CEO MONTHLY / JANUARY 2026 19 time, they found no need for explaining, justifying, or fear – only encountering compassion, celebration, and equality. Following its introduction, Wes and Michael’s policy was shared across the North of England and discussed at senior midwifery strategy meetings. Eventually, it contributed to national guidance, and, in 2018, the pair were invited to help shape Gov.UK guidance for healthcare professionals on inclusive surrogacy care. Soon enough, Michael and Wes had successfully created a positive pathway out of what had been a deeply painful period of their journey. Today, Michael and Wes serve as Co-Founders and Co-CEOs of My Surrogacy Journey, taking a role that is both strategic and truly personal. The pair oversee the overall direction of the organisation, keeping its operations entirely aligned with their mission to set the global standard for surrogacy and modern family building, ensuring the process is genuinely supportive for everyone involved. This comprises setting the vision, shaping long-term strategy, and making sure their values are embedded in every aspect of the organisation. On a practical level, their responsibilities span leadership of the senior team, governance, and compliance; establishing and maintaining external partnerships; brand and community advocacy; and constant innovation in improving the surrogacy journey for intended parents and surrogates alike. Alongside this, the CEOs are particularly hands-on when it comes to listening – whether to their members, team, or their wider community – because meaningful progress can only stem from understanding real, lived experiences. “Our guiding philosophy is simple but non-negotiable: people-first, always,” Wes stated. “We believe that if we do the right thing ethically and humanly, even when it is harder or slower, long-term success will follow. A mantra that underpins our daily work is ‘lead with integrity, build with empathy, and never lose sight of why this matters.’ We started this journey because we wanted to create something better than what existed, and that sense of responsibility continues to guide every decision we make.” Making the transition from Directors to CEOs was not without its challenges, requiring the pair to embrace new strategic mindsets, develop advanced leadership skills, and adapt to overseeing a rapidly growing international organisation. On a personal level, Michael and Wes have grown as individuals – learning to delegate, trust their expanding team, and stay true to their mission even as the business scales – but have found ongoing professional development and a willingness to learn the keys to overcoming these obstacles. This is prioritised across the MSJ team, with the recognition that the team’s growth directly impacts the quality of care it provides. Michael and Wes regularly invest in training, with an emphasis on supporting different learning styles and ongoing progression. “As CoCEOs, we play an active role in maintaining this culture,” Michael added. “Culture isn’t something you set once and walk away from; it’s shaped daily through behaviour, communication, and decisionmaking. We also lead by example, holding ourselves to the same standard we expect of our team.” This progressive approach has enabled MSJ to reach new heights of success, and the organisation has no intention of slowing its momentum. The launch of its Mexico City office and pathway has generated unprecedented global interest, a strategic pivot that has enabled the team to enhance its products, services, and global standards, to fuel accelerated growth. In April 2026, MSJ’s Mexico City office will relocate to a state-of-the-art Global HQ in Polanco, featuring an obstetric monitoring suite, pregnancy yoga studios, prenatal education, and a Wellbeing and Nutrition Hub – a first for the sector. Michael and Wes were also recently named on The Diversity Power List 2025, a prestigious recognition honouring the UK’s most influential leaders in inclusion, diversity, and equity. Their company is on track to become the global leader in surrogacy journeys by the end of 2026, based on the number of families supported annually. The organisation’s full-time headcount grew from ten in 2024 to 95 by the end of 2025, with a target of over 100 global team members by April 2026. Revenue has doubled year-onyear since 2021, with forecasts of $8 million USD for the 2025/26 financial year and a target exceeding $20 million USD for 2026/27. This remarkable growth will, of course, be steered by the expert hands of Michael and Wes Johnson-Ellis, as they continue to prove their welldeserved status as the Most Influential CEOs 2026 for Global Surrogacy Services. Contact: Michael and Wes Johnson-Ellis EA: Grace Broome-Phillips [email protected] Company: My Surrogacy Journey Web Address: www. mysurrogacyjourney.com
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