ABOUT US

Austley is a communications-first marketing consultancy and coaching studio helping startups, small businesses, and lean teams grow through clarity, confidence, and compelling storytelling.

We know what it’s like to wear a dozen hats and still need your brand to stand out. That’s why we put communication at the center of everything—because great marketing isn’t just about making a big splash, it’s about saying the right thing to the right people, in the right way.

From brand messaging and content strategy to PR, digital marketing, and thought leadership, we offer practical, smart solutions that make an impact—without draining your time or budget.

And if you're wondering how AI fits into all of this—we make it simple. We don’t just hand you tools and hope for the best. We show you how to use them in ways that actually move the needle. Whether it’s saving time, improving content, or helping a lean team do more with less, we help you connect the dots between strategy, storytelling, and smart technology.

Who We Work With

We’re built for:

• Startups figuring it out as they go
• Small businesses ready to level up
• Lean teams doing the work of five people
• Consultants and solopreneurs looking to grow smarter
• Businesses ready to embrace AI
  

What We Do

• We help you shape your message, share it widely, and make it matter—through strategy, PR, content, and campaigns that drive results.
• Coaching programs for entrepreneurs and marketing and comms pros
• AI support that’s actually useful (and human-friendly)
• Custom playbooks to help you move faster with less guesswork

Why Choose Us

We don’t believe in bloated proposals or fluff-filled business jargon. We believe in partnership, plain and simple. We listen. We adapt. We help you turn ideas into action, and action into impact.

You don’t need a huge team to market like one. You just need the right support. That’s where we come in.

Leah M. Dergachev is the visionary founder of Austley. With a passion for helping businesses of all sizes and budgets succeed, Leah has created a versatile solution that supports growth and advancement across various industries.

As a storyteller and strategist, Leah believes in the power of words to transform businesses. Her approach intertwines compelling storytelling with data-driven insights, crafting narratives that connect brands with their audiences on a deeper level. This philosophy has been instrumental in Austley's success, delivering messages that not only reach target audiences but truly speak to them.

Leah's extensive experience includes developing and implementing robust communications plans, managing strategic PR activities, serving as a trusted advisor to organizations, and connecting day-to-day products and solutions with the greater purpose of driving industry innovation.

As a woman and minority-owned business leader, Leah is especially committed to helping other women and underrepresented founders thrive. That passion extends to her role as a business and AI coach, where she empowers marketing and communications consultants to scale their service offerings, streamline workflows, and grow sustainable, six-figure businesses. She also partners with in-house teams—guiding them on how to bring AI into their organizations in a way that enhances productivity, sparks creativity, and aligns with their strategic goals. Leah teaches professionals how to “hire” AI as a strategic teammate—automating content, refining messaging, and driving revenue without increasing headcount or sacrificing quality.

Recognizing that every client's needs are unique, Leah built Austley with flexibility in mind. She offers multiple collaboration models that deliver top-tier expertise—without requiring a full-time commitment. Clients receive customized, cost-efficient support that integrates seamlessly into their operations.

Leah holds a Bachelor's degree in communications media from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, a Master's degree in public relations and marketing from the University of Denver, and an MBA from Louisiana State University. She Is a two-time recipient of international Gold AVA Digital Awards, past President of the Public Relations Society of America's National Capital Chapter (PRSA NCC), and recipient of PRNEWS' 2024 Top Women Entrepreneurs.

Throug, Leah continues to bridge the gap between products and people—using creativity and analytics to inform strategy, measure outcomes, and ensure that every message cuts through the noise and truly matters.