Business RadioX ®

Me? A Mentor??

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Gwinnett Studio
Gwinnett Studio
Me? A Mentor??
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Rochelle Christie-Spann and Stephanie Wolfe

On this week’s episode, Stephanie discusses leadership and mentorship with her mentee of the past year, Rochelle Christie-Spann.

Stephanie Wolfe is a business owner and board-certified Health and Wellness Coach. Her life motto is “Live Long and Strong with Passion and Purpose. Help others to do the same!”

Join Stephanie each week for education, inspiration, and a weekly challenge to achieve personal and business wellness. Develop your own personal Wellness Vision. Discover Stephanie’s proprietary CLEAN Concepts and how they have been vastly improving personal and professional business wellness.

Episodes of “Work Well with Stephanie Wolfe” will be devoted to Stephanie’s Wellness Wheel and will include topics of Fitness, Nutrition, Work-Life Balance, Faith, Core Values, Marriage, Family, Friendships, Career, Goal Setting, Wellness Vision Casting, Endorphin Boosting and Stress Busting, and so much more. You may think you know what you need to know, but what if you don’t?

Subscribe now to “Work Well with Stephanie Wolfe” to start your wellness journey with your board-certified health and wellness coach.

About Stephanie Wolfe

Stephanie Wolfe received her Health Coach Certification in 2014 and went on to receive her Master Certification in 2016, both from the Dr. Sears Wellness Institute, founded by world-renowned physician and author, Dr. William Sears. The Institute is a leader in science-based health and wellness education that focuses on a whole health experience including a strong nutritional foundation.

Stephanie continued her education and training to become a National Board Certified Health and Wellness coach in 2017. This training allows Stephanie to work with clients individually through a step-by-step process using advanced coaching methods, offering them full access to resources and tools to support them throughout the entire coaching process. Board Certification is the foundation of her success using coaching methods such as motivational interviewing and appreciative inquiry to assess the stages of change and provide each client with individual attention as they gain momentum towards their health and wellness goals.

Presented by

Mentor and Mentee Pt. 2

by

Inspiring Women PodCast with Betty Collins
Inspiring Women PodCast with Betty Collins
Mentor and Mentee Pt. 2
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MentorandMenteePt2

Mentor and Mentee Pt. 2 (Inspiring Women, Episode 45)

In this episode of Inspiring Women, Merry Korn and Sheryl Marrero continue the story of their mentor-mentee relationship, which began through the Women’s Small Business Accelerator.

The host of Inspiring Women is Betty Collins and the show is presented by Brady Ware & Company.

Betty’s Show Notes

In our previous episode, Merry Korn and Sheryl Marrero talked about their journey as a mentor and a mentee.

Merry is the owner of Pearl Interactive Network, Inc., and Sheryl is the President of SavKon Construction.

Sheryl, as the mentee, was in really, really bad shape as a business owner and reached out and said, I need a mentor. And she met Merry Korn, who’s a very successful businesswoman. She has used common sense practices, good advisors, all that kind of stuff. But Merry was not in Sheryl’s industry. Merry was a little intimidated by it, but she became a great mentor because business is business.

The key thing about their relationship that made it successful from the beginning, there was a connection. They had a great connection to the point that Sheryl, who didn’t know Merry, could be transparent, be open, and then she could actually listen and as she says, “be obedient” to and accountable to what Merry was telling her. Those were key elements of a good mentor relationship.

They also didn’t put a timetable on the relationship. They are still going strong. It’s not just about getting together. It’s not just getting coffee together. It’s just not talking. It’s about developing success. And in the case of Sheryl and Merry, Sheryl really became a completely different person as a business owner and a person. And Merry really loved the mentor role and was energized by being there with her. And there will probably be, I would say, business friends and lifetime friends.

This is why Sheryl thinks the mentoring was so impactful.

It was impactful because it actually pushed me to believe in myself. It was like it unleashed my potential that I didn’t even recognize.

We find out what Sheryl was hoping in the beginning that the mentoring would accomplish.

In the beginning, I was just hoping to break even because I was in a different mindset at the time. So initially I was thinking, if I can just break even, I’ll walk away and be done with business. But after being in the program, that changed it. I mean, it just changed everything and it just ended up being so much more.

And what did Merry want the mentoring relationship to accomplish?

One of the things I always said to Sheryl is, Sheryl, whatever happens between us, I know you’re going to be successful. And my big ask is to pay it forward. Her success as a minority woman business owner is she’s literally one in a million. It’s that rare. So my big ask of Sheryl is to pass it forward.

This is THE podcast that advances women toward economic, social, and political achievement. Hosted by Betty Collins, CPA, and Director at Brady Ware and Company. Betty also serves as the Committee Chair for Empowering Women, and Director of the Brady Ware Women Initiative. Each episode is presented by Brady Ware and Company, committed to empowering women to go their distance in the workplace and at home.

For more information, go to the Resources page at Brady Ware and Company.

Remember to follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts.  And forward our podcast along to other Inspiring Women in your life.

TRANSCRIPT

[00:00:00] Betty
Has anyone ever inspired you to change your life that made you more fulfilled? Well, as a leader in your business and in your community, what are those questions that you ask yourself on a daily basis? It’s these questions that we explore on inspiring women. I am your host, Betty Collins, and I’m a certified public accountant, a business owner and a community leader who partners with others who want to achieve remarkable results for themselves and their organizations. I am here to help inspire you to a positive step forward for a better life. So today we’re in part two of a podcast on mentoring, whether you’re the mentor or the mentee. And in our previous episode, which you should listen to, by the way, Merry Korn and Sheryl Marrero talked about their journey as mentor and mentee. And Sheryl was the mentee and she was in really, really bad shape as a business owner and reached out and said, I need a mentor. And she met Merry Korn, who’s a very successful businesswoman, who has used common sense practices, good advisors, all that kind of stuff. And she was not in her industry. She was a little intimidated by it, but she became a great mentor because business is business. The key things about their relationship that made it successful was this from the beginning, there was a connection. They had a great connection to the point that Sheryl, who didn’t know Merry, could be transparent, be open, and then she could actually listen and as she says, be obedient in and accountable to what Merry was telling her. Those were key elements of a good mentor relationship. They also didn’t put a timetable on the relationship. They are still going along as this has played out.
Other successful things about mentoring is that you see progress. In some manner.

[00:02:08] Betty
It’s not just getting together. It’s not just coffee. It’s just not talking. You’re seeing success. And in the case of Sheryl and Merry, Sheryl really became a completely different person as a business owner and a person. And Merry really loved and was energized by being there with her. And there will probably be, I would say, business friends and lifetime, lifetime friends the way the way they are. What generally doesn’t work well, though, in mentoring is if there is no connection from the beginning, if there is even a bit of tension or. You just can’t really let your guard down. You know, that’s not the mentor for your life. You know, that’s not going to get you through it if you start off anyways with that relationship and nothing progresses and everything they try to mentor you on is going against the entire grain of what you wanted to get out of this. You’ve got the wrong mentor, so knowing how to be a mentor and identifying things in your mentee are really important from the beginning. The connection is really important. In the case of Merry and Sheryl, there was Sheryl who had a lot of hard work to do, was willing to be the student. That’s the key. And and then in the whole mentoring episode that we have, everyone needs to play the role. Whether you’re the mentee or the mentor throughout your entire business career, people around you need you and you need them. So we’re going to talk a little bit more today about Sheryl, the mentee, and Merry, the mentor. Let’s take a shift and go and talk about the mentoring piece. I’m going to talk to Sheryl a little bit first and then we’ll talk with Merry. But why do you think the mentoring was so impactful, this program?

[00:04:11] Cheryl
I think it was impactful because it actually pushed me to believe in myself. I had different abilities. I didn’t know that I had because I almost gave up. But the mentoring program, it was impactful because. It was like it unleashed. Like. I guess my some of my potential that I didn’t even recognize. And and just seeing small wins at the time, I think that was the the key that I needed to keep going.

[00:04:55] Betty
Those milestones are awesome. When you can and you see it, then you’re like, okay, what’s the next milestone? Instead of I’ve got this big cloud, it’s like, I’m on my next milestone, right? What were you hoping in the beginning that that the mentoring would accomplish?

[00:05:11] Cheryl
In the beginning, I was just hoping to break even because I was in a different mindset at the time. So initially I was thinking, if I can just break even, I’ll walk away and be done with business. But after being in the program, that changed it. I mean, it just changed everything and it just ended up being so much more. I just got more involved with Get Well Planned. I was able to push myself, become more confident, like Merry said, and then it all just came together for me as we continued on the program.

[00:05:55] Betty
Well, how long did it take you to see impact? I mean I mean, how long were you in in the journey? I mean, it’s been a couple of years now, but when was that first impact that you saw?

[00:06:06] Cheryl
I believe the first impact, I would say, was the first six months I recognized that I was headed in the right direction, even though, you know, six months just wasn’t enough to help me get to where I am today. Because at that point, that’s when I went back to the SBA and I had asked them if they would be willing for me to continue like six month program and extend it six months within six month increments. So I recognized a difference within the first six months, but it just ended up being two years.

[00:06:47] Betty
And probably now you just want to be together. That’s all good. But you know, you had results. Obviously a paying down a lot of debt, but what other results did you see that that we haven’t kind of talked about?

[00:06:59] Cheryl
Okay. So some of the other things I think that was very helpful for me, paying down the debt was one of them. That was the biggest issue that I had, but also just starting from scratch. I didn’t have what I would consider a good foundation for my business. I mean, although I had QuickBooks, but we were doing it internally. And I learned, just like you mentioned earlier, Betty, like having the right professionals in your corner. So we had QuickBooks, but we were doing it internally. And so there was no one internally who. Who would be considered an expert. So that’s when I met Kathy, who’s a professional in QuickBooks. So I ended up surrounding myself with professional people who could help me with the foundation of my business. And by doing that, it seemed like it had a ripple effect. So now I have bigger lines with better interest rates. Now my banker, if they ask for anything, I can provide it with a click of a button for certain reports. And now I’m getting notified by my banker saying, Hey, we got this good promotion for business owners. Here you go. So it was just one thing after another. So I’m in a very good place, credit wise, for the business. I’m also what most people say bankable. I’m bankable, but I’m just very careful. Yes. Linda Boyle. So I’m Linda Boyle. And. It’s just been good. I mean, those are some of the things I can think of off the top, you know, having a CPA, you know, as a resource. He works well with Cathy and, you know, just the team together know, they just help me with certain expenses and and a smarter way of spending for the business and things like that. So it’s help all the way around and it’s like it came back full circle, you know, from the financial piece of it.

[00:09:19] Betty
Well, when I hear you talk about being the mentee, I really I really kind of summarize it in this way. It sounds like being in in this I’m going to call it not a program, but a journey of these last couple of years. It’s redefined you as a businesswoman. And I think that’s just key for other people to hear, because now you can be a different business woman going forward as you get to keep seizing the opportunities and the dream of that because you have a lot of passion about it. So I’m going to switch over to the mentor, which of course, is is Merry. And, you know, first of all, how were you guys matched? You did talk a little bit about that and you talk a little bit about I didn’t know anything about construction, but talk a little bit more about so other people who think they can’t be a mentor because they don’t know construction, how can that work? How can you be matched with someone?

[00:10:19] Merry
Sheryl, could you take a stab at that first? Because I don’t know quite how they decided we should be together, but what is your perception?

[00:10:32] Cheryl
I think my perception of it, I know initially it was probably thought I would end up being matched with the other construction person there, but I believe they took the time to review my story, you know, where I was. And I believe and no one said this, but this is just my belief. I believe they knew that I needed support. You know how to start a business from scratch pretty much, and to get on a financially healthy plan. And I believe they probably looked at Merry’s background or what she had done with her business. She I’m pretty confident that she had to grow it to get to where she is today. And so I think she had the proper skills and characteristics to know the basics of a business, just maybe not the specialty. Right. And I think I had the specialty when it came to the construction, but I was missing everything she had, although it wasn’t with construction, but I was missing everything that she had from a business standpoint on how to make it successful. And like she said, I had the number like the revenue coming in the top line, but the bottom line just wasn’t there. And I think she probably has a special skill on how to make it work for your bottom line to be profitable.
Probably more than she knows. And I think that’s probably why they agreed to allow us to. Well.

[00:12:19] Betty
I think when we’re word we’re talking to the audience about becoming a mentor, don’t get wrapped up in. I can only mentor this industry. Right. Because what techniques really did you kind of use, Merry, in helping her? It was just business, common sense. But I mean, what did you you know, what were some of those things that you saw and maybe advised the audience on? Don’t be intimidated by industry. Help help your peer, help your other woman.

[00:12:48] Merry
So I feel like the collaboration we had, I had the success of it. I attribute to Sheryl’s. And I said this at that dinner you were at Betty, she has resilience because there are so many people who dream of having businesses and then they stumble and they fall and they don’t pick themselves up again. So a big part of it was Sheryl’s dream was so visual and so visceral, so it was starting with her passion. And I knew she wanted it so much. So the student was so open. So the first place we started was numbers, numbers, numbers. What are we going to do to pay back your debt? What are we going to do to build this business? And how are we going to more intelligently pick business that has both bottom and top line viable revenues? And by the way, to Sheryl’s credit, she did all this fixing and wellness plan. Well, she was working full time, and I thought that was just remarkable.

[00:14:07] Betty
So really, the technique you saw, the resilience you saw the characteristics and you took your common sense and applied it right. And so the mentor mentee relationship works when those things are there, right? Because if she didn’t have the resilience and it would have been the same conversation over and over then, right? It would have been. I’m kind of done mentoring because you’re but I like your whole thing that the student the teacher will come when the student is ready. Is that how you what do you feel, though, as the mentor that you learned from Sheryl? Because you’re very successful. You’ve been there, you’ve done that, you’ve had your rollercoaster ride. You’re probably still going to have some. What did you learn from her?

[00:14:51] Merry
So Bernie Brown has written all these books on being vulnerable.

[00:14:55] Betty
Yeah.

[00:14:55] Merry
And a lot of people have a very hard time being vulnerable, but it’s actually a gift because if you’re honest with someone else about, I need help, can you support me? And Sheryl was so is that honesty? I don’t know about you. Sure, but I just liked you. And I felt myself caring about you. And that I think that in any relationship, whether it be therapist and patient or doctor and patient, mentor and mentee, you have to have that rapport and you have to have that trust and relationship. And if you have that, anything can happen.

[00:15:34] Betty
Yeah. So as the mentor, I think you’ve gotten out of this just as much in some ways as Sheryl, because you talk about her so passionately. What’s the biggest change you’ve seen in Sheryl since you guys started the journey together?

[00:15:52] Merry
The biggest was, I mean, I wish I could describe for you that luncheon we met at a luncheon some someplace downtown. It was some venue. And I just saw this very frail, scared, timid, very soft spoken, unsure woman. And you can see in front of you, Betty, I mean, I don’t know if you’re podcast, I don’t know if you could send this visual to podcasters, but she’s just like blossoming into this beautiful, confident woman who can’t be broken because she’s grown so much faith and strength.

[00:16:36] Betty
It’s huge. I mean, what I want, what I want women to take from this today is that this relationship can work in your own life. And if you’re at and it doesn’t matter what stage you are, because I mean, I’ve done this since I was since 1988, done this a long time. I’m 58 years old and I still look for the mentor. But I also know that I have a responsibility to be the mentor and not just be the mentee. Right. What I want to end today with Sheryl is tell the audience, be the mentee, you know, but tell them what what you’re. Let me I’m going to start that over. So I want to end today is Sheryl you’re the mentee and and Merry, you’re the mentor. Give that audience that last tidbit on being the mentee and being the mentor, and don’t be afraid of being both. So, Sheryl, that’s a I’ll put you up first. Sorry for the pressure.

[00:17:45] Cheryl
Okay. So I would say as the mentee. The key would be obedience. Just obedience and. There’s a reason you’re learning or there’s a reason you’re going through the journey, and you should apply that to help someone who or another entrepreneur or someone else who has not made it to the point where you are when it’s time for you to be the mentor. So there was a couple of things I would advise people at their mentee just be obedient and also take notes from your mentor. Because I know for me, just from watching Merry and my experience with Merry as my mentor, I cannot wait to be someone else’s mentor. I love that.

[00:18:43] Betty
Nice Merry Corn, the mentor. What would be the thoughts you would want to leave with the audience today?

[00:18:53] Merry
Well, one of the things I always said to Sheryl is, Sheryl, whatever happens between us, I know you’re going to be successful. And my big ask is pay it forward. Because what Sheryl hasn’t shared is that when we had that dinner at the Women’s Small Business, I did research to try to understand how many black women are in construction and the number is so small, I couldn’t find the number anywhere. But the granular statistics I did is even in male owned construction businesses very close to the average male construction company, was it 50% of the top line revenues of Sheryl’s numbers? So her success as a minority woman business owner is she’s literally one in a million. It’s that rare. So my big ask of Sheryl is pass it forward. And then on another SBA project, we hired a group of graduate students to share with us what do women need for success? And they need mentors. They need mentors because it’s lonely. And as far as women have come in business, yeah, they’ve come real far, but oh my God, they have a much further way to go for the listeners. Find a mentor. And if you don’t need a mentor, become a mentor, right? And as a mentor, always start with where your mentee is. Begin with where they are, not where you think they should be.

[00:20:45] Betty
Very, very good. Ladies, I always love to go through this and I improvise, as, you know, with my questions and my where we navigated today. But because you’re both so passionate and you’ve been on this, it was just a great information for the audience and to encourage other women. But I’m going to leave with this because I really think people who who are thinking about mentoring or being a mentee or both or whatever. Women in business. Women who lead. Be kind to yourself regardless. And we need to do that more. And that that’s just so part of this journey and time. I know for me, I have informal mentoring relationships, formal relationships. And we as women need to be giving back and doing. We’ve just experienced a really tough time period that has affected women greatly, whether it’s about day care issues, having to leave workforce, all of it industries you’re in. So get out there and help your peer, help that other woman. And there’s so many ways to do it. I can’t help but plug the SBA Women’s Small Business Accelerator out of Columbus, Ohio. Phenomenal organization to be a part of. And these these ladies have been totally effective by that. So thank you again for your time today. I know you’re very busy and but my audience, I know, appreciates that you were with us today. So thank you. Inspiring Women has been presented by Brady and Company. As your career advancements continue, your financial opportunities will continue to grow. Be prepared. Visit Brady Care.com to find out more about the accounting services that can assist you to that next level. All this, plus more about the podcast can be found in the show notes for this episode. Thank you so much for tuning in. Feel free to share this show or give us a review. Remember, inspiration is powerful. Whose life will you be changing?

Automated transcription by Sonix www.sonix.ai

Mentor and Mentee Pt. 1

by

Mentor-Mentee-Inspiring-Women
Inspiring Women PodCast with Betty Collins
Mentor and Mentee Pt. 1
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Mentor-Mentee-Inspiring-Women

Mentor and Mentee Pt. 1 (Inspiring Women, Episode 44)

In this episode of Inspiring Women, Merry Korn and Sheryl Marrero share the story of how they came together in a mentor-mentee relationship through the Women’s Small Business Accelerator. The host of Inspiring Women is Betty Collins and the show is presented by Brady Ware & Company.

Betty’s Show Notes

I have two women who completely inspired me at an event that I attended for the Women’s Small Business Accelerator. The WSBA has a gala every fall, and Brady Ware & Company is a big supporter of that organization.

Merry Korn and Sheryl Marrero told their story of how they came together. They started out together as mentor-mentee through a six-month program with the WSBA. As women business owners, we need to be inspired by other women business owners. So I really want them to tell a little bit about their journey together. And then we’re going to talk about mentoring, being a mentor or a mentee.

Merry is the owner of Pearl Interactive Network, Inc., and Sheryl is the President of SavKon Construction.

We cover a lot of ground in this episode, including how and why Sheryl needed the mentor relationship that Merry had to offer to help her with her business debt.

I was in a large deficit and so I was referred to the Mentor Match program through the WSBA. I ended up at the table with Merry. And although her business was totally different from mine, I instantly felt trust in her. And that was one of the things I had hoped for and prayed for, for a mentor who I could trust.

Find out what made the difference in turning her business around, and more detail about Merry’s Wellness Checkup Plan.

This is THE podcast that advances women toward economic, social, and political achievement. Hosted by Betty Collins, CPA, and Director at Brady Ware and Company. Betty also serves as the Committee Chair for Empowering Women, and Director of the Brady Ware Women Initiative. Each episode is presented by Brady Ware and Company, committed to empowering women to go their distance in the workplace and at home.

For more information, go to the Resources page at Brady Ware and Company.

Remember to follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts.  And forward our podcast along to other Inspiring Women in your life.

TRANSCRIPT

[00:00:00] Betty
So today on inspiring women. I have two women who completely inspired me at an event that I attended for the Women’s Small Business Accelerator. They have a gala every fall, and we’re a big supporter of that organization. I’ll refer to it as the SBA, and these two ladies told their story and how they came together. And it’s Merry Korn and Sheryl Marrero. And they just were so awesome that I said, I’ve got to have this out to women, business owners and women so they can, you know, take their journey if they’re in the same path that these two have been on and utilize the experience of it and come together. So, you know, they started out together as mentor mentee, which is like this six month program with the SBA. Well, that’s a couple of years ago, I think. So they’ve really had a great time with it and really have just done some amazing things. And as women business owners, we need to be inspired by other women business owners. And so I really want them to to tell a little bit about their journey together. And then we’re going to talk about mentoring, being a mentor or a mentee. So first, Merry, I’m going to just start with you. Just a real quick introduction of who you are. I look at you as the Merry Corn in Columbus, Ohio, but maybe just tell us two or 3 minutes at the most of who you are and your company. It can be 30 seconds as well, but go ahead.

[00:01:34] Merry
Yeah. So I am a clinical social worker by background and I love business and our company is a women owned federal contracting call center. We’re a social impact firm in that we always give hiring priority to disabled veterans, veterans, military spouses, people with disabilities, and people living in geographically challenged areas at the number of employees. We have changes by the day, but it’s anywhere from 700 to 1200 employees we have in 27 states.

[00:02:15] Betty
Wow. I would just wrap up that with she’s a mover and shaker. She gets it done and she really is just an inspiration to women in the Columbus, Ohio and beyond area. So thank you again for being here, Merry and Sheryl, if you could just give your 32nd to three minute commercial on who you are and what you do.

[00:02:39] Sheryl
Okay. So my name is Sheryl Marrero, and I am a business owner of a company known as Self Construction. The company has been around since 2010. And what we do, we do renovations for residential and commercial real estate, and it’s always been a passion of mine, although my background was in information technology. But real estate is just been a passion of mine. So that’s what we do, definitely.

[00:03:09] Betty
When when Sheryl told her background of growing up and it’s a great story. So if you’re inspired, maybe you should have a conversation with her and coffee over zoom but she she really loved real estate and construction when she was what six or seven years old wanting to fix her house. So it’s a great story, great background. I wish we had all the time for it, but but these two ladies got together and a lot of times we we go to mentors or find mentors. Sometimes we have them. We don’t even realize it. But because Sheryl really needed some help and she sought that out. And so I want Merry and Sheryl to kind of just share quickly that time that day you met and what you had to face, what you were facing. Sheryl, we’ll start with you. Kind of like I went, sought out a mentor, got connected to Merry. Where were you at that moment in time as a business owner and a person?

[00:04:06] Sheryl
So at that moment in time, I was actually at what I would consider one of my lowest points as an entrepreneur. I was actually thinking that I was going to have to close my doors, things. They just weren’t going as planned or as I had hoped for. I was in a large deficit and so I was referred to the Mentor Match program through the SBA. And initially, what was strange, I initially was at a table with another woman entrepreneur who was in construction, but after we traded tables, I ended up at the table with Merry Korn. And although her business was totally different from mine, I instantly felt trust with her. And that was one of the things I had hoped for and prayed for, for a mentor who I could trust. And just to help me turn my business around to a point where I wanted it to just break even and possibly walk away. But it ended up being so much more than that after we connected and she agreed to be my mentor.

[00:05:23] Betty
Merry, do you remember the day when you heard the story of Sheryl and how you just thought, oh, my gosh. Take us back to that start.

[00:05:33] Merry
I thought, I don’t know anything about construction. She’s not she doesn’t want me because I just I know government contracts, which, by the way, Sheryl knows government contracts. But I was intimidated because I felt incompetent. And I am I don’t know government. I don’t know construction. But I know business.

[00:06:00] Betty
Right? Right. And did you ever see you know, when you heard where she was, did you think, could we get through this challenge? Because you’re a business owner, right?

[00:06:12] Merry
Yeah. Business owners need so much support. It is so hard. And it’s lonely. And it is so lonely. But I was sitting with Melissa. Inger. Is it Ingersoll?

[00:06:27] Betty
Yeah.

[00:06:28] Merry
She was the president of KeyBank. And sure, both of us heard your story, and both of us came to the same conclusion of You just need to get well planned. Because, you know, Sheryl, very few people get beyond 90,000 a year in revenue and you were three, almost three quarters of a million. You came too far to turn away.

[00:07:02] Betty
Right. Right. Well, and so the starting point was a lot of debt lay offs. All of I mean, it was just one big bundle of mess, which, you know, every entrepreneur goes through it. I don’t care who you are. It’s not an easy path. But let’s do one thing. That’s that was the starting moment we met each other. Now, where are you right now, Sheryl? Where are you today?

[00:07:27] Sheryl
Today I am profitable. The deficit is very manageable and I’m in business. My doors are open. And, you know, the biggest thing is I’m out of debt and I’m very happy because I’m doing what I love to do as an entrepreneur, you know, just being passionate about real estate. I feel like I’m back at it. I’m taking it slower and it’s it feels really good. So I’m in a very good place today.

[00:08:01] Merry
By the way.

[00:08:02] Betty
Go ahead, Merry.

[00:08:03] Merry
I’ve just seen Cheryl go through this. She’s not the same person today. When I met Sheryl, she was broken and timid and uncertain. And all I knew is that she had this great heart for the work she did. And Sheryl, I look at you and no one would know you were the same person, because there’s this level of strength and confidence and joy as you’re working on screen with her.

[00:08:37] Betty
She’s she is all confident. She’s all smiles.

[00:08:40] Merry
And so different. Right. So different.

[00:08:43] Betty
Well, that was what I loved about the connection at that gala when you guys were talking about this journey. And I wanted to go back to that starting day of despair, overwhelmed. How am I ever going to do this to There is victory, it’s still work, it’s still a journey. You’re always on a journey as an entrepreneur, right till you sell and you have the check in your hand. But that success is due to a lot of hard work in between that starting day to now. Which which. Merry, what was the time frame of that? Is it about two, two and a half years?

[00:09:18] Merry
Yeah. Nobody told me it was only supposed to be six months.

[00:09:23] Betty
Well, in trying to get rid of that kind of debt, you could never have that. What? The debt that you were in, Cheryl, you could have never done that in six months. It was a process in time, right?

[00:09:33] Merry
It still is a process. Sure.

[00:09:35] Speaker1
Sure. So what I want to talk about and I and I loved this and I’ve done this a long time and I read every book. And I you know, I’m out there with hearing speakers and such, but I never heard the wellness checkup or plan. You always hear you need a business plan. Well, she already had a business. She already had a plan that went amuck. It was now we just need to fix, you know, we need to to to get wellness in business. And I thought that was a great I liked the way that flowed for sure when you guys talked about it. And the plan, of course, was attached to accountability and some mentoring, because obviously Mary took the time to go. I’m going to mentor, I’m going to tell you facts, I’m going to give you direction. And I kind of expect you to do it right. So what I’d love to hear from is just some highlight, Sheryl, from you of why why you have this success in the wellness program. What did you do? What were the things that made the difference for the turnaround? Because women need to hear that they’re listening right now that are where you are.
What were some key things that turned it around for you? And then, Mary, I want you to kind of add to what she’s saying.

[00:10:52] Speaker3
Okay. So for me, I’m the type of person I’ve always been like a hard worker and I’ve always held myself accountable and responsible for things maybe too much versus the average person, I would say. So for me, I was very hard on myself because I couldn’t figure out like, how did I get to that point so fast? And so the first thing I think was key for me was just to surrender. Like I surrendered everything and I put my trust into my mentors guidance. I had to trust her 100%. And although some of the advice that was given or even some of the tasks in the beginning, it seemed kind of foreign to me because it wasn’t the way I was used to operating, but I had to have that trust and I trusted her from day one, and that’s why I thought she would be the best mentor for me. I never had any doubt that if I, you know, open up any financial statements or just anything to her, that I could just really trust her. So giving complete trust to your mentor, although you may not understand the task, but you just go and do it and with trust.

[00:12:15] Speaker3
The second thing I would say for me, it was, you know, I learned this from Mary. Like, don’t be so hard on myself. I was really hard on myself. I had beaten myself up in addition to the deficit that I was facing. So she taught me during the journey, like just something personal, like be kind to yourself and I’ll never forget the words when she told me that. And so once I started looking at myself differently, as, you know, there’s no way you could have known. You know, I wasn’t ever exposed to certain types of resources and things like that. I started to just give myself a break because that’s what I would have done for someone else. So you just have to do it for yourself as well. So I would say trust a trusted mentor, you know, just surrender to it and hold yourself accountable to the task that they give you. You know, you may not understand it, but it’ll all work out.

[00:13:19] Speaker1
Well, it sounds like you had to be pretty transparent with Mary, and that’s a hard thing. Everyone’s like, Oh no, I’m smiling today and I have a perfect Facebook life. You had to be really open and say, Here’s where I’m at. How was that for me?

[00:13:38] Speaker3
I thought it was going to be hard because part of my story was part of my deficit had come. You know, it it turned out because I ended up having employees and people who are very close to me who I couldn’t trust. So I didn’t know how I was going to go about trusting a total stranger. But because I felt like Mary was just God sent, I surrendered and I trusted her. So it was very easy from day one.
Like I said, that was the first thing about her, is why I wanted her to be my mentor, because I felt like an instant trust with her. But it was easy. I was very transparent with her. It was easy for me to just open up everything from my business to my personal life, just everything. And so she was able to just give me the proper coaching and advising that was needed to get me in a better place.

[00:14:42] Speaker1
I hope my audience hears that because that’s so key. So key that you could be trusted. You can trust someone, you can be open and then go, okay, I’m going to surrender this and I’m going to listen. I mean, perfect. So, Mary, tell me about the things in the wellness thing. Like you probably challenged her with things that she wasn’t used to doing, but kind of go back to that time where you were helping her through things to get out of the position she was in.

[00:15:11] Speaker2
So there is an old adage when the student is ready, the teacher comes. And so step number one is Cheryl attained heights in business that she has the God given talent for. But there’s a big difference between top line and bottom line revenue. Yes. And so a big first step is we’ve got to get your finances into account. And we introduced her to a financial advisor who was I think the. Is it okay to mention names?

[00:15:50] Speaker3
Oh, absolutely.

[00:15:52] Speaker2
They weren’t like, Yeah, she was perfect because Cathy is very pro women in business. And I remember I saw Cathy and I said, I really think you could help her. And she did. And Cheryl, you could go into detail about what she did. But so many people get so enamored with the business. And they and Betty, you know this, when it comes to finances, it’s like, oh, it’s a deer in headlights. But the other thing that Sheryl and I worked on is a go, no go. So even though contracts sound really good and wonderful, they could put you under if you don’t have a very thoughtful process. And which contracts are you going to take on and which are you not? So step number one is pay down the debt. And Sheryl has the fortitude of having a really good full time job. So plan number one is pay down the debt. Plan number two was go, no go. Plan A, number three, a really good, solid financial advisors who got deep into the weeds but sure went through a whole lot of heartache with her family and health. And I felt like almost 50% of my being there is just the heartache, just being there and saying, this is a horrible thing that’s going on with the health of all these people you love and the losses you’ve had. But you can do this and you can go on. Don’t give up. Sheryl at least that’s my perception is, well, the financials were incredibly important. It was the belief, the support behind you saying this feels insurmountable, but you’re going to get through it. And sometimes in all of our lives, terrible things happen. But to let you know, sometimes you can’t be there for people who are dying and that you love. And sometimes your personal life has to take precedence because you can’t do it all right. All the time.

[00:18:09] Speaker1
Right. Well. And hopefully, you know, women that are listening to this podcast can take away that there’s there’s plans there steps, but there’s emotions. All of it needs to be dealt with. All of it need. It’s a whole package. And I love the fact that you said you can’t do it all. And women don’t get that. I mean, especially women. I always say you can have it all. You just can’t do it. All right. And those are two different things. So I just wanted to kind of get that background before we dive into being mentors and being the mentor and being the mentee so that they kind of would get an idea of the journey that you guys have gone on together. And I can’t emphasize enough, and probably it’s because I am a professional that I always go, You’re as good as your professionals, but it’s true. And there’s many professionals you have to have in your life when you when you run a business. I mean, some of them are different for other things. But the banker and not the bank, the banker, you know, the financial advisor that understands.

[00:19:17] Speaker2
The accounting, the bookkeeping.

[00:19:20] Speaker1
Right. And you have to understand that, you know, earning money like she had to go back to a job for a while because you’ve got to pay bills. And so it was this whole big balance, which I that’s why I just wanted you guys to encourage people today. There’s ways out. It might not be what you think it is at first, but man, where you are today, Cheryl, you have a lot more options because you chose to do those things that you maybe didn’t want to do. So let’s just take this one step further. Can you guys I mean, because. You were in a pretty, pretty bad place. And I’d love for you to give perspective of the debt you had and that that big, big, big cloud over you so people can understand that you can get out of anything if you put together the things we just talked about.

[00:20:06] Speaker3
So for me, I had well over $200,000 in debt. Like, I was upside down with the business and. Initially I didn’t know how I would be able to pay it off because at the time, you know, I was under with my business. I couldn’t see a way out. And I think. One of the most impactful things from having a mentor. I’m not going to say that it diminished my fear, but it when I was open with Mary about it, I was very I mean, she listened. She understood that I didn’t have a clue how to get rid of that amount of debt that was strictly just from the business. But. She always had words of encouragement as if it was nothing. That’s how I interpreted it. So she was like, Oh, that’s nothing. You can do this. And so. I would walk away or, you know, thinking maybe I’m thinking this is bigger than what it actually is. And so I could take a step back and take a breather and go through the world plan. And then I just started to tackle the debt we mean some of the tasks were to get refinanced and, you know, take out loans and different things of that nature, you know, lower interest rates and just start plugging away at paying it down, you know, as efficiently as possible.

[00:21:50] Speaker3
And just to hear someone else say that, you know, it can be done. When I didn’t have a clue how to get it done. It just, I guess more so confirms that you really have to trust them. You have to trust their advice and trust what they tell you. And it also. Boosted my confidence because as I started to pay things down, then it was like, I can do this. She’s right, I can’t do this. And then the tasks just seemed easier and easier. I mean, they were a lot of tasks, but I was able to accomplish them and, and just it was just one step at a time until I was able to pay it down. And just to give you a perspective like today, I think I’m like closer to $41,000 in debt at this point, but it’s very, very manageable.

[00:22:53] Speaker1
Well, I appreciate Mary and Sheryl sharing so beautifully and being very open and honest with the audience. But this is this is a great time to kind of recap, because we’re going to have part two where we really talk about what it is to be a mentor and what it is to be a mentee and what works and what doesn’t. So make sure you tune in for part two of this podcast. Inspiring Women has been presented by Brady and Company. As your career advancements continue, your financial opportunities will continue to grow. Be prepared. Visit Brady where to find out more about the accounting services that can assist you to that next level. All this, plus more about the podcast can be found in the show notes for this episode. Thank you so much for tuning in. Feel free to share this show or give us a review. Remember, inspiration is powerful. Whose life will you be changing?

Automated transcription by Sonix www.sonix.ai

GWBC Radio: Shonnie Alridge with Trinity First Realty Services

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Trinity-First-Realty-Feature
GWBC Radio
GWBC Radio: Shonnie Alridge with Trinity First Realty Services
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Shonnie-Alridge-Trinity-First-RealtyEnthusiastic, approachable, and professional are some of the words that best describe Atlanta native Shonnie Alridge. With a background in Sociology, Shonnie has a proven record as a top-notch Sales Professional in the Atlanta area for the past 18 years.

Shonnie grew up in College Park, Georgia, and maintains a strong connection with the community through Real Estate sales and community outreach. As the owner of Trinity First Realty Services Inc. (TFRS), she has also opened a Georgia approved real estate school, Trinity First Realty School. The school is approved for a 3 hour continuing education (CE) course.

In addition, Shonnie shares her market expertise by periodically instructing homebuyer courses for NID companies. Prior to joining TFRS, Shonnie was a student at the State University of West Georgia. There she studied and developed an interest in human social behavior especially the study of the origins, organization, institutions, and development of human society.

Her Bachelor of Science Degree in Sociology has afforded her the skills to learn the needs of each of her clients and the ability to be a highly efficient listener. This has proven to be the sole reason that creates such a perfect match for her client’s specific goals.

Connect with Shonnie on LinkedIn and follow TFRS on Facebook and Instagram.

Show Transcript

Intro: [00:00:04] Broadcasting live from the Business RadioX studios in Atlanta, Georgia, it’s time for GWBC Radio’s Open for Business. Now, here’s your host.

Lee Kantor: [00:00:18] Lee Kantor here another episode of GWBC Open for Business. And this is going to be a good one. Today, I have with me Shonnie Alridge. And she is with Trinity First Realty. Welcome.

Shonnie Alridge: [00:00:31] Thank you. I’m glad to be here. Thanks for having me.

Lee Kantor: [00:00:34] Well, before we get too far into things, tell us about Trinity First Realty. How are you serving folks?

Shonnie Alridge: [00:00:41] Yes. Well, we are a real estate brokerage firm here in Atlanta, Georgia. And so, we supply our clients with expertise in real estate. So, whether our client is wanting to sell real estate, purchase real estate, or perhaps find some office space, some retail space for their business, we are their go-to for that.

Lee Kantor: [00:01:04] So, you do both residential and commercial?

Shonnie Alridge: [00:01:07] Yes.

Lee Kantor: [00:01:09] And do you have a specialty? Do you work with like new homebuyers or people who relocate? Like what is your profile of a typical client for you?

Shonnie Alridge: [00:01:19] Well, actually, our typical client is an array of consumers. We don’t have a specific area. We have clients who have an interest in purchasing new construction or purchasing real estate as a piece of investment property. And so, we are just able to service them all. Just a different array of people, we’re able to service them.

Lee Kantor: [00:01:46] Now, how do you get into the real estate business?

Shonnie Alridge: [00:01:50] Well, funny story. My mother actually was a real estate agent in the ’80s and ’90s. And so, I was actually her assistant and didn’t really realize it at all. And when I was in college, she encouraged me to become a licensee. I did that. And I’ve been practicing real estate ever since I was a licensee back in 2002.

Lee Kantor: [00:02:16] And then, as part of your business, you also help other people get into the real estate business, right?

Shonnie Alridge: [00:02:23] Yeah, absolutely. So, we actually have an office. We have agents in our office, and they’re here working hard. And so, we make sure that we are able to provide them with training. And if they have any questions about moving through their contract, their transaction, we’re here to help them. So, yeah, it’s been a great one for us, and we’ve done well. We’ve done very well with assisting people to reach their goals, their real estate goals.

Lee Kantor: [00:02:57] Now, how has this pandemic impacted your business?

Shonnie Alridge: [00:03:02] This pandemic, it’s really unfortunate. It truly is. And it impacted us right away. However, there are some standards of business that we’ve been practicing anyhow as far as just making sure our clients are able to view homes. Usually, our out-of-state clients, we are doing virtual tours. So, what we’re doing now is is doing virtual tours for everybody. And if a client is concerned about listing their how right now in this pandemic climate, we just make sure that people who are entering the home have on a mask, have worn gloves, shoe covers, and that everyone understand what we’re doing. We’re trying to protect the health of everyone else. And we’re also trying to reach their goal of selling their home or purchasing now.

Lee Kantor: [00:03:50] So, you’ve been kind of practicing some of these safety measures just in the past in a different way. You just had to make some small adjustments to do it for this. That’s funny.

Shonnie Alridge: [00:04:02] Yeah, exactly. So, I remember hearing on the news when the pandemic has finally. It was on the news and everyone was like, “Oh, we can’t find an N9 mask,” and I thought to myself, “Oh, my gosh. I already had them.” So, certain things, I already had. I already has two covers. I already had gloves. And so, we just make sure we just pass along to our clients and our agents, and make sure that they use it when they’re out in the field.

Lee Kantor: [00:04:27] Now, do you have any advice for the listeners out there running a business that in order to be safe, things that you’ve learned that make your clients feel more comfortable and safe?

Shonnie Alridge: [00:04:38] Yes. I would say, first of all, let them know that you care. Let them know you care and you understand that they have a concern. And then express to them what you’re doing to help them to feel more comfortable. Express to them that you are steadfast on supplying gloves if they don’t have it. They don’t have a mask, you have one for them. Let them know that you’re there for them. And I think a lot of times, people will feel more comfortable just hearing it. They still want to reach their goals. We just don’t want to be hurt in the process. So, I just say show that you care, express that you care, and that’s the beginning part of it right there.

Lee Kantor: [00:05:20] So, now, can you talk about the GWBC? How has that organization helped you through this crisis?

Shonnie Alridge: [00:05:28] It’s a great organization. I’m so happy to be a part of it. And as soon as the pandemic hit, we began receiving e-mail and notifications of, “Hey, how are you doing? What can we do to help?” And I mean, it’s just like one big family. I would encourage anybody who’s listening to gather some more information about the organization and see where you can become a part of it. But it’s great to be able to know that you’re not the only one feeling the way you’re feeling. At some point, you may feel a little sad and down, and you’re wondering, “Am I the only business owner that has been impacted by this and feeling this type of way?” And with GWBC, you’re receiving e-mails, you’re receiving a phone call, people reaching out, asking, “Are you okay? What do you need?” And that means so much just right now.

Lee Kantor: [00:06:24] Now, in your business, you’re a woman-owned business, and you decide to get involved with GWBC. What would you tell other female-owned business owners about the importance of getting involved in an organization like that?

Shonnie Alridge: [00:06:40] Well, I think for female business owners that you have to understand, if you want to expand your book of business, it’s important to be involved with an organization. And it’s also equally important to have a specific socioeconomic set aside that you identify with. So, whether it’s women-owned, or Veteran-owned, or what have you, it’s important to have those things, to be considered to be a serious business out here, serious about handling their business. And so, I would encourage any women, any women on business to seriously consider becoming certified. Do it now. Especially right now, while we had time on our hands, a little bit more time on our hands, go ahead and do it now, become involved, and you’ll see that when you are checking off boxes on applications for more business, you’ll see where they’re going to ask you about your socioeconomic status, and you can check off certified women-owned business.

Lee Kantor: [00:07:40] Now, has there been any silver linings of going through this? Are there anything that you’ve kind of stumbled upon now during this crisis that you might be able to take with you when the crisis is over?

Shonnie Alridge: [00:07:52] Yeah. I would say yes, actually. I love when I’m faced with the challenge, actually, and I can get through a challenge because it showed me what I’m made of. And so, I would say even going through this, I had a moment where I was just a little bit stuck, but I decided to push through anyhow every day, and I decided to make decisions based on my business and not feel like I was stagnated. So, I just really learned, once again, what I’m made of, that I’m strong, I’m resilient, and the people around me are the same.

Lee Kantor: [00:08:30] Now, how did you keep your team motivated and keep their morale high during this challenging times?

Shonnie Alridge: [00:08:37] Well, it was pretty tough, but we had to get on top of it. So, what we did was our agents, we have office fees in our office, so what we did was we waived the fees for three months to just soften the blow for them. And so, that really helped as well. And so, we just make sure that I encourage everyone to read, do some research, listen to a webinar, and then share with me what they learned, so we can bounce off each other with positive information, informative news on how we can continue to do business, how we can continue to educate our clients and just keep them busy. It is good to be busy. For me, I’m happier when I’m productive. Most of our agents are the same way. So, we just try to stay productive and report to each other on a daily basis.

Lee Kantor: [00:09:32] Well, congratulations on your success and great job hanging in there.

Shonnie Alridge: [00:09:37] Thank you.

Lee Kantor: [00:09:37] And it is challenging times, but I find that business owners are pretty resourceful folks, and they always find a way.

Shonnie Alridge: [00:09:46] That’s right.

Lee Kantor: [00:09:48] Now-

Shonnie Alridge: [00:09:48] That is exactly right.

Lee Kantor: [00:09:49] If there’s somebody who wants to learn more about your organization or wants to talk to you about purchasing or selling property, is there a website?

Shonnie Alridge: [00:10:00] Oh, yes, absolutely. If there’s anyone who’s out there who wants to learn more about Trinity First Realty Services, you can visit our website at trinityfirstrealtyinc. And the First is spelled out. So, trinityfirstrealtyinc.com.

Lee Kantor: [00:10:16] Good stuff. Well, thank you so much for sharing your story today.

Shonnie Alridge: [00:10:21] Thank you so much for allowing me to. I really enjoyed it.

Lee Kantor: [00:10:24] All right. This is Lee Kantor. We will see you all next time on GWBC Open for Business.

About Your Host

Roz-Lewis-GWBCRoz Lewis is President & CEO – Greater Women’s Business Council (GWBC®), a regional partner organization of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) and a member of the WBENC Board of Directors.

Previous career roles at Delta Air Lines included Flight Attendant, In-Flight Supervisor and Program Manager, Corporate Supplier Diversity.

During her career she has received numerous awards and accolades. Most notable: Atlanta Business Chronicle’s 2018 Diversity & Inclusion award; 2017 inducted into the WBE Hall of Fame by the American Institute of Diversity and Commerce and 2010 – Women Out Front Award from Georgia Tech University.

She has written and been featured in articles on GWBC® and supplier diversity for Forbes Magazine SE, Minority Business Enterprise, The Atlanta Tribune, WE- USA, Minorities and Women in Business magazines. Her quotes are published in The Girls Guide to Building a Million Dollar Business book by Susan Wilson Solovic and Guide Coaching by Ellen M. Dotts, Monique A. Honaman and Stacy L. Sollenberger. Recently, she appeared on Atlanta Business Chronicle’s BIZ on 11Alive, WXIA to talk about the importance of mentoring for women.

In 2010, Lewis was invited to the White House for Council on Women and Girls Entrepreneur Conference for the announcement of the Small Business Administration (SBA) new Women Owned Small Business Rule approved by Congress. In 2014, she was invited to the White House to participate in sessions on small business priorities and the Affordable Care Act.

Roz Lewis received her BS degree from Florida International University, Miami, FL and has the following training/certifications: Certified Purchasing Managers (CPM); Certified Professional in Supplier Diversity (CPSD), Institute for Supply Management (ISM)of Supplier Diversity and Procurement: Diversity Leadership Academy of Atlanta (DLAA), Negotiations, Supply Management Strategies and Analytical Purchasing.

Connect with Roz on LinkedIn.

About GWBC

The Greater Women’s Business Council (GWBC®) is at the forefront of redefining women business enterprises (WBEs). An increasing focus on supplier diversity means major corporations are viewing our WBEs as innovative, flexible and competitive solutions. The number of women-owned businesses is rising to reflect an increasingly diverse consumer base of women making a majority of buying decision for herself, her family and her business. GWBC-Logo

GWBC® has partnered with dozens of major companies who are committed to providing a sustainable foundation through our guiding principles to bring education, training and the standardization of national certification to women businesses in Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina

 

Exploring Women in STEM E1

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Exploring Women in STEM E1
Phoenix Business Radio
Exploring Women in STEM E1
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Exploring Women in STEM E1

Exploring Women in STEM E1

Exploring Women in STEM E1

SciTech Institute was established as a nonprofit organization as a conduit for collaboration among STEM industry, academia, civic, and non-profit organizations to align assets and resources to motivate individuals to pursue STEM-related educational and career paths. Together, we will build a world-class community of diverse STEM-literate workers and knowledgeable, engaged citizens. 

Jake-Lounsbury-on-Phoenix-Business-RadioXJacob Lounsbury graduated from Western Michigan University in December of 2000 with quadruple minors Elementary Education, Math, General Science, and Language Arts. In January he started teaching full time for the Saginaw Public School District. In the District Jacob was responsible for Seventh and eighth Grade Science Education at North Middle School. Jacob Was also involved in the Schools Basketball Program and Track Program, coaching the School’s Girls Basketball Team and coaching the School’s track team.

Jacob was also a member of the Michigan National Guard, serving as a Cavalry Scout. Jacob spent nearly 10 years in service, including 5 years active time. The active time in the Guard included a combat deployment to Kandahar province, Afghanistan. In Afghanistan Jacob was a Gunner, Truck Commander, Squad Leader, Biometrics Security Specialist, and Key Leader Engagement Team Lead.

Upon returning home from Afghanistan Jacob returned to the classroom. Teaching in Bridgeport Michigan, Jacob taught 8th grade Science and Writing, as well as was the advisor of the Schools Student Council, Girls Track and Basketball Coach, Team Achieve Committee Chair and Karaoke Club Advisor. Through active involvement in the school’s STEM engagement plan, Jacob became part of the CSO community as an Advisor, then moved to a team member, first going to Kuwait for their initial Leadership Training Institute, then moved to working of the guides as part of the Global Implementation Team.

Jake is now the Director of Global Partnerships for Chief Science Officers International. In this role, Jake serves as a “Jake of all Trades” working on government and corporate partnerships, implementation and logistics of new and continuing programs, the Middle East Liaison team lead, diplomatic advisor and much more. You will still find Jake in the front of the programs many cabinets both nationally and internationally leading training with both the students and advisors alike.

Connect with Jake on Instagram.

Viasat Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT) is a global communications company that believes everyone and everything in the world can be connected. Tempe, AZ hosts Viasat’s Space and Commercial Networks division and a satellite manufacturing facility, which is designing and building the most powerful satellite broadband constellation to-date.

Sarah-Shepis-on-Phoenix-Business-RadioXSarah Shepis graduated from the University of Arizona in 2017 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Materials Science and Engineering. For the past two years she has worked at Viasat Inc. as a materials/mechanical hybrid engineer. Her work focuses on optimizing the design of commercial, military and space technologies used to connect the world.

In addition to her fervor for technological advancement, Sarah feels passionately about making STEM opportunities more accessible to women and all youth. Sarah is an avid outreach volunteer and mentor of the CSO of the year, CSO Shalae!

To find balance in the life of an engineer, Sarah enjoys the great outdoors, being a Viasat photo ambassador and unofficial yoga teacher for other engineers.

Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn and follow Viasat Inc. on Twitter.

Katy-Reno-on-Phoenix-Business-RadioXKaty Reno, Community Outreach Manager, SciTech Institute.

 

 

 

Shalae-Clemens-on-Phoenix-Business-RadioXChief Science Officer (CSO) Shalae Clemens is a member of the International Leadership Council and the current CSO of the Year.

She is a freshman at McClintock High School and a 3rd year CSO.

Shalae has a passion for STEM and is using her leadership skills to prepare the STEM workforce of tomorrow.

Connect with Shalae on Instagram.

About Our Sponsor

SciTech Institute™ was established as the Arizona Technology Council Foundation as the conduit for collaboration among STEM industry, academia, civic, and non-profit organizations in Arizona. Now, rebranded and named the SciTech Institute™ the goal centers around aligning assets and resources to motivate individuals to pursue STEM-related educational and career paths or find a passion while engaged in community events during the SciTech Festival. SciTech-Institute-LOGO-COLOR1

The Chief Science Officer program highlights the 6th-12th graders that have been selected as leaders in their schools and communities to receive training to build a world-class community of diverse STEM-literate workers and knowledgeable, engaged citizens. Science For All allows for tax credit donations to provide engaging experiences for students while RAIN (Rural Activation Innovation Network) focuses on resources for the rural areas of Arizona.

As a STEM Learning Ecosystem, SciTech Institute™ focuses on collaboration and connecting individuals with opportunities! STEM Professionals are encouraged to engage with the future workforce by serving as a mentor, leadership coach, panelist, keynote and session trainer during a variety of conferences hosted or sponsored by SciTech Institute™ and The Arizona Technology Council.

Teachers and Administrators are invited to connect with the resources available while activating a large network of STEM champions for student projects, judges at events, volunteers, exhibitors and more. SciTech Festival Event Coordinators are supported during the planning and execution of community STEM events around the state by the SciTech STREET Team Members and the growing network of volunteers. The possibilities are endless! SciTech Institute™ looks forward to connecting with you today. Visit SciTechInstitute.org today for more information.

Follow SciTech Institute on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About Your STEM Unplugged Host

Kelly-Greene-on-Phoenix-Business-RadioXAfter graduating from Bolivar-Richburg High School in rural western New York and joining the United States Army, Kelly Greene learned quickly to adapt to her surroundings to be successful. She attended Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio and played shortstop on the Tiger softball team while earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education.

After graduating from Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training, she traveled the world with the military. While stationed in Misawa, Japan, Kelly fell in love with learning about cultures around the world. Even as a deployed Soldier during Operation Iraqi Freedom for two tours, she found opportunities to connect with the local children to form the Victory Base Council Girl Scouts with her fellow servicemen.

In 2013, she was deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and traveled the country by air and had the opportunity to utilize the most advanced technologies available to the tactical HUMINT operations in theater. Upon return from combat, she retired with 21 years of service and began teaching 6th grade Math.

After being selected as a Westside Impact Teacher of the Year and having her Fiesta Bowl Charities Wish Granted for a morning news studio, she was asked to begin a new class on campus – 7th grade STEM! Using her enthusiastic nature and combined with her strong classroom management she was able to design curriculum based on the Engineering Design Process to have her 7th graders complete a new project every 2 weeks!

She is excited to serve as the Director of Student Success for the rapidly expanding Chief Science Officers Program. Her goal is to push students just a bit outside of their comfort zone so they can see for themselves the power of their own ideas.

Inspiring Women, Episode 2: Confidence, Insecurity, and Arrogance

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Inspiring Women PodCast with Betty Collins
Inspiring Women PodCast with Betty Collins
Inspiring Women, Episode 2: Confidence, Insecurity, and Arrogance
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Betty’s Show Notes

What is confidence? How would your life improve if you were more self-confident? What can you do to boost your confidence? In Brady Ware’s latest podcast episode, learn the characteristics of a confident woman and how you can apply the self-confidence formula to your life.

In this episode I cover:

  • What is confidence?
  • How would your life improve if you were more self-confident?
  • What can you do to boost your confidence?

The self-confidence formula for women:

  • Take responsibility for yourself.
  • Begin to experiment with life.
  • Develop an action plan and implement it.
  • Stick with it.
  • Act “as if.”
  • Find a mentor.

Handouts for this podcast:

“Inspiring Women” Podcast Series

“Inspiring Women” is THE podcast that advances women toward economic, social and political achievement. The show is hosted by Betty Collins, CPA, and presented by Brady Ware and Company. Brady Ware is committed to empowering women to go their distance in the workplace and at home. Past episodes of “Inspiring Women” can be found here.

Show Transcript

Betty Collins: [00:00:03] Confidence is silent. Insecurities are very loud. And arrogance is just completely ignored. And I want to talk about those things today.

Betty Collins: [00:00:18] So I’m watching this YouTube video of Aretha Franklin. And I was blown away. I watched it over and over. And of course she comes out, everyone knows the name for the most part right. And she’s singing “You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman.” And not only is she just singing it, she’s singing this for the President of the United States, Barack Obama and his wife Michelle Obama. And they’re sitting with Carole King who actually wrote the song. And she first comes out and she’s on stage. It’s a full crowd. And she starts singing. She’s playing her own music. So she’s just sitting there, playing and singing like it’s the most natural thing. Meanwhile they show her President wiping a tear from his eye. And they show Carole King totally, totally into the fact that here is this woman singing this song, the way she is, Aretha Franklin. Doesn’t seem fazed at all. She’s just doing what she does.

Betty Collins: [00:01:28] And then about halfway through the song she decides to get up. Someone takes over the piano. She’s now no longer kind of hiding behind her piano. Maybe it’s easier to sing there. I don’t know, I’m not an entertainer. And she comes out to the middle of the stage and she kicks it up. So she takes a natural talent and totally makes it completely unique for her. And not only that, about probably two thirds of the way into the song, everyone’s on their feet, including the President of the United States, and she throws off her big fur. And she pulls that microphone out, she raises her arms like there’s no tomorrow, and she belts it out as if she’s 20 years old.

Betty Collins: [00:02:16] And of course the crowd is on their feet with her. And I watched it over and over. What came to me was you would never know if she was confident or not in what she was doing. She came out like it was the most natural thing. I mean I couldn’t imagine performing for the President of the United States in the first place, let alone meet him. And she’s doing this like it’s an everyday thing. But if you really read her story and you go back through her life, that was not always there. But that night the confidence was just natural and amazing.

Betty Collins: [00:03:01] Confidence is really hard. And so today when I want to cover is what is confidence? What are the qualities of a confident person? And how can you be confident? Because I know for me, I can start a day out at 7 a.m. and I can be insecure. And by 9 arrogant, and by 2, confident, maybe. And by the end of the day and secure again. So I go to all three of those. But obviously we don’t want to hang around with insecure people. And we don’t want to hang around with arrogant people. We’d rather be with real confident type individuals in our lives. Professionally and personally. So when I talk about confidence you have to know what it is. And for me the definition is easy because it’s just the quality of being certain of your abilities. I mean you are certain of who you are. You’re certain of what you can do. And you trust and you have a firm belief in that. And then you you go with it.

Betty Collins: [00:04:01] Arrogance is the quality of being very superior. Your overbearing. Nobody wants to be around them.

Betty Collins: [00:04:11] But insecurity, to me, is just as bad as arrogance. And women tend to be more insecure. Men tend to be more arrogant. And neither is good.

Betty Collins: [00:04:23] So how do you get to that quality of being confident. And you’re not always going to be confident. You’re just going to have those times. But you have to admit your flaw and you have to say no. And sometimes you have to listen and not conform. You’ve got to be open for help and you’ve got to own your own feelings, and guilt isn’t your friend. And you’ve got to support others. And when you start putting that whole mix together, you’re probably going to become a confident person. It’s not easy and it doesn’t happen overnight. Aretha Franklin didn’t get on stage her first time and sing for the President and have people on their feet emotionally engaged with her. And I’m sure that took a lifetime to do.

Betty Collins: [00:05:15] Without confidence you’re going to be really mired down in unfulfilled desire in your life. You’re going to be full of excuses more than you are why you are who you are. And you’re going to be paralyzed by fear. It’s something I deal with all the time. And that takes away from being confident. What’s really funny about women today is we’re turning the corner in so many ways. And so we need to start acting like that and start taking more risk and stop the grumbling and apologizing because the results are starting to really happen. And there is now research and statistical evidence that confidence is more important than your ability. I’m in an industry as a CPA where technical ability is really valued. Has to be. The confidence is now showing is just as important if not more.

Betty Collins: [00:06:16] And here are the things that are happening for women. So more of us are getting college and graduate degrees. We’re running some of the largest countries in the world, not just the United States. There are now 17 female Heads Of States in the world. 105 seats in Congress are held by women which, is nineteen point six percent. Twenty five percent of board members are now women. And those companies tend to be more profitable when the when women are on their boards. This is the best one. We control 80 percent of U.S. consumer spending. 26 percent of women in the U.S. do not work. They can have the lifestyle of raising their children and being home and it’s ok. Mothers are now the primary or sole earners for 40 percent of households. We comprise over 50 percent of the workforce. And now 30 percent of businesses owned by women are being started by women. And three out of ten women serve their country or government in some capacity. Those are major, major statistics and they’re happening because of confidence and hard work and drive. But it’s a huge factor in the development of things that are happening for women in the things I’m talking about. But it’s also confidence that affects your relationships, your family life, where you volunteer, maybe where you go to church. How you are confident in those roles.

Betty Collins: [00:07:54] There are a lot of myths about confidence. We think we can be more confident. Women believe that if we work harder our talent will shine through. So we just don’t ask questions, we just accept our circumstances. And we just work harder. And then we assume that we’re better at having conversations in our head than with people. And what that does, again, it takes from the confidence factor. On top of all that, we focus on perfection. And perfection is not confidence, it’s just paralyzing to you. And I hate to tell you, but we kind of overthink a lot of things. So all of that leads up to we care too much about then what others think. And we believe it’s easier for everyone else around us, it’s easier for them. Those are myths that take away from confidence.

Betty Collins: [00:08:49] And so what I want to ask you is this. Are you a perfectionist? Are you hesitant? Do you micromanage every aspect of your life? Do you disengage because doing work and leveraging your skills is harder? Are you afraid to fail? And are you blessed with very uncooperative people in your life? You’ve got to answer those things because when you answer those, those are the things that drain your confidence. So you have to look at what risk are you willing to take to change those. And you can’t change them all overnight. But those are really, really important questions. In fact I have handouts for you today that tell you are you confident or are you not. And so start looking at those and be honest.

Betty Collins: [00:09:41] Why the confidence issue for women? I just went through, pretty hard stuff, all the myths. I just talked about which we have a great hand out for you on that. But let me give you examples of women who are confident and women who are not.

Betty Collins: [00:09:58] Women who are confident talk about dreams. Your plans, your aspirations. What you want to be. Where you want to go. Visions. And women who are not confident, they just talk about other women. It’s evidence and it’s statistically proven. You need to think about that.

Betty Collins: [00:10:17] Here’s another one. Confident people. They are the trendsetters. Confident people follow the trendsetters. Not everyone needs to be a trendsetter. But I mean those are those are characteristics of that you’re pretty confident if you can you can set the trend instead of follow it.

Betty Collins: [00:10:37] Confident women don’t try to please everyone. In fact their motto is “Confidence is not that they will like me, Confidence is I’ll be fine if they don’t.” So when you’re consumed in “I got to please everyone around me,” or “Hey, I’m not going to try to please you because I’m trying to do the right thing.” So those are things that show you that you’re confident and that’s how you know you’re not.

Betty Collins: [00:11:10] So what is the self confidence formula for women? As a CPA, we do everything with formulas, so here we go. Step 1. Take responsibility for yourself. The path towards your confidence is the one that you travel, not everyone else. It’s your journey.

Betty Collins: [00:11:29] Step 2. You’ve got to start experimenting with some things in your life. I did this when I was 38 years old. There were just things I wanted to do that I talked about doing but didn’t. One of them was I wanted to read the New York Times from cover to cover. Why? I don’t know. But it was one of those things that was so refreshing because I found my little place where nobody could be. And I read The New York Times. And once I finally got over “I don’t need to probably read the New York Times,” but it was kind of one of those things where I said “I’m going to do this. I want to try. I want to see what it was about.” It was very interesting. When I got bored with that, I went on to something else. Try new things.

Betty Collins: [00:12:13] You got to develop an action plan and then you implement it. I know for myself I read a book, Start With Why by Simon Sinek. And I always did the “How” and the “What.” We all do. Or the when the “How” and the “What” is easier, but you got to know the why. And for the longest time my “Why” was “I’m going to help you with your business. I’m going to do your accounting. I’m going to get your taxes done.”

Betty Collins: [00:12:43] Then I said no. I’m going to have a completely different action plan for my clients. In fact, I’m going to make sure that you’re successful so that as the employer, your employees are successful. And those employees are households that are the infrastructure of a community. So it took a whole new turn how I advised, and energized, my client, versus just doing your taxes. Because that’s just a given everyone has to do them. So I developed a whole new action plan on my “Why” and started doing that “Why” in thinking about that “Why” for everything. It was excellent.

Betty Collins: [00:13:21] You’ve got to stick with something. Self-confidence. It doesn’t come because you tried one thing. You took one pill. That’s what we generally like to do. Or we read one book. It’s a continual evolvement in development.

Betty Collins: [00:13:35] You always act “As if.” “As if” I’m putting in quotes. So “If” you put off action until you have confidence, you’ll never do it. “If” you take action, do it within a semblance of outward confidence. Sometimes, the inward true confidence will follow. My mother always told us “False cheer is better than real crabbiness.” And I always used that. Sometimes you just have to get out there and you just have to act like it’s all okay. Even though it isn’t. I wouldn’t hide from all those things but there are times that confidence will get you there. And once you’re out there going “OK everything’s good. Get your smiles on.” That was our Sunday morning. Every week. It’s church time kids. All six of us got in the van. Put your smiles on we’re, going to church. We did all getting ready with one bathroom.

Betty Collins: [00:14:22] And then you have to find a mentor if you want confidence. Because you need somebody’s outside perspective telling you when you went to the arrogant side or now you’re back at the insecure side. You’ve got to have that person in your life that comes in and says here’s what you do. So those are kind of the formulas and again we’ll give you these handouts on our website that will refer to at the end of this podcast. These are things that are just easy reading, easy simple stuff. Take away one or two of them and start it.

Betty Collins: [00:14:50] But there are things you can do to boost your confidence. As women, it’s very important. One is dress nicely, groom yourself. That sounds really simple but I will tell you the last time I spoke at the Brady Ware’s Women’s Conference, I decided to engage [00:15:04] Sue Kantor. Sophisticated Styling is her company. [00:15:08] I thought I just want to look great that day. And she just was fabulous. I showed up to the store and in there she has all of these outfits for me to try on. And it came down to three of them and she says well what do you think. And I mean people were just awesome. I had the shoes, the jewelry ,the clothes, the makeup. Here’s what you need to do. And I just felt great. She goes “Which one do you want?” I said, “Oh no, I’m taking it all. Pack it up.” And I bought every bit of it. And you know I went to the conference that day and, this is kind of embarrassing even to say, but I ended up wearing all three outfits throughout the day. It was just fun and it was a fun thing for the day. And I felt confident just doing it and it was just fun. So those things can really get you.

Betty Collins: [00:15:58] I have a whole list of things that can boost your confidence. Stand taller. Speak slower. Be prepared. Sometimes just decide you’re going to be kind and generous all day. You’ll be amazed at what that can do because you’ll forget the “stuff” in your life. Focus on solutions. Smiling is easier than frowning. Sometimes you got to just clear your desk and clean it. There are all kinds of ways to do it. But I can tell you people who are confident will get on the stage, perform for a President, not hide behind a piano, and sing like she’s 20. And you can do that. It just takes time. It takes development. But it’s rewarding at the end of the day.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Peter Hildebrandt with SCORE, Sandra Font with Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs, and Jorge Valentin-Stone with the U.S. Small Business Administration – Georgia District Office

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Gwinnett Studio
Gwinnett Studio
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Peter Hildebrandt with SCORE, Sandra Font with Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs, and Jorge Valentin-Stone with the U.S. Small Business Administration - Georgia District Office
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Peter Hildebrandt, Sandra Font, Jorge Valentin-Stone

Peter Hildebrandt/SCORE

SCORE is a national nonprofit association dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow and achieve their goals through education and mentorship. They have been doing so for over fifty years. Because their work is supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and thanks to their network of 10,000 volunteers, they are able to deliver our services at no charge or at very low cost.

They provide:
Volunteer MENTORS who share their expertise across 62 industries
Free, confidential business MENTORING in person, via email or by video
Free business TOOLS, templates and tips
Inexpensive or free business WORKSHOPS (locally) and webinars (online 24/7)

Sandra Font/Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs

Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs (ACE) is a non-profit organization that provides loans and business development resources to help its borrowers create and grow sustainable businesses which generate jobs.

The ACE Women’s Business Center (ACE WBC) is the educational arm of ACE. With a mission to empower women, minorities, and low-to-moderate income entrepreneurs through financial education and training, the WBC provides a full range of services for women at all stages of business planning, implementation, and growth.
Our services include: Long-term classes, workshops, seminars, webinars, one-on-one consultations and connections to resources.

Jorge Valentin-Stone/U.S. Small Business Administration – Georgia District Office

The U.S. SBA was created by the Small Business Act of 1953. Their mission is targeted to ‘for-profit’ small business concerns -pre and start-up or existing- to provide them with the technical assets/partners of the SBA and the training needed to launch and grow their businesses. By partners they refer to SCORE, UGA Small Business Development Centers (17 offices in GA) and our two Women’s Business Centers in Georgia; The Edge Connection in Kennesaw, GA., and the ACE WBC in Norcross, Georgia. With these partner assets the SBA strives to promote and help expand small businesses in Georgia, and the nation as a whole.

 

 

Celebrity Chef Zipora and Mentor Wes Zimmerman

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Phoenix Business Radio
Phoenix Business Radio
Celebrity Chef Zipora and Mentor Wes Zimmerman
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CELEBRITY CHEF ZIPORA AND MENTOR WES ZIMMERMAN

Chef Zipora Einav has enjoyed a distinguished career as a private celebrity chef, traveling the world and preparing exquisite, flavorful meals for some of Hollywood’s most notable celebrities, studio executives and elite athletes – Mariah Carey, Pierce Brosnan, Bob & Dolores Hope, Jack Nicholson, Donovan McNabb, among others. Her first book, Recipe for a Delicious Life, will be released January 2018 along with an original techno-classical music CD, Music for a Delicious Life, arranged by movie & television composer, Neil Argo.

Chef Zipora Enterprise, Comfort Food in Harmony with Your Health, is dedicated to empowering people to eat well and embrace a healthy lifestyle through its food and music products, books and edutainment programs.

https://chefzipora.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/zipora-einav-80a7248/
https://twitter.com/ChefZipora
https://www.facebook.com/celebritychefzipora/
https://www.instagram.com/chefziporallc/
 

 

The Happiness Foundation is an extension of Wes Zimmerman; Speaker, Pastor, Mentor, Counselor, whose mission has been and is, to help others know happiness through achieving their goals.

He has done this under many different trade names, as an individual entrepreneur with independent associates, in partnership with women and men sharing the same goal and for thirty years within a C Corporation. When markets, and society have changed,  he has adopted a different organizational form to fit these changes.

Wes was guided to develop tools, methodologies, insights, that make it easier to achieve, working with others.  Some of these came to him in the night, others were worked out with other gifted, guided, souls.  These tools work in current society and did in the past because, we humans have had the same needs, aspirations, yearnings for at least 30,000 years.

Humans have not changed, only the words we use to express our needs, aspirations, yearnings have.

Legally these  tools, methodologies, insights, are the Intellectual Property (IP) of Wes. He intends to give rights to all of this IP, to The Happiness Foundation. He will do this when a person or team takes responsibility, to breathe life into and run the Foundation.

Through it they will put the IP in the hands of others, who want to help others and realize income from doing so.  The Foundation policies and rules of operation have been written.

weszim.7one@gmail.com
7one.com
ReconfigureYourLife.com

Pensacola Business Radio: Spotlight Episode-Jerry Shannon/Pensacola Opera, Chris Prefontaine-Smart Real Estate Coach

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Jerry Shannon/Pensacola Opera

The Pensacola Opera is pleased to launch our new corporate partnership program for our 35th Anniversary Season. Pensacola Opera produces an informative, full color, and 80+ pages program book that is distributed to our patrons at each performance throughout the season— offering an ideal vehicle to reach our sophisticated audience. Share your message with an audience of over 6,000 members from the greater Pensacola area and beyond. The community finds Pensacola Opera’s mainstage productions an exceptional entertainment experience rivaling those of larger markets. By purchasing your advertisement and supporting Pensacola Opera, your company receives brand awareness and loyal patronage from our audience. We invite your firm to join  us to increase your visibility while you realize your philanthropic goals.

Why Pensacola Opera?

  • Increase your recognition in our community
  • Showcase to your employees and clients that you support local arts & culture
  • Receive unique recognition and Opera related entertainment benefits

Each year, our mission is to enrich the culture of Northwest Florida and without sponsorships from corporations and individuals like you, this would not be possible. Donations and sponsorships help sustain our organization and benefit the community which we serve. Additionally, if you reserve your space by July 31st you will receive an early bird discount rate on your advertisement.

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Chris Prefontaine has had multiple careers within the real estate industry over more than 25 years. During the 1990s, he built more than a hundred single-family homes. From 1994-2000, he owned a Realty Executives franchise in Massachusetts, before selling his real estate brokerage to Coldwell Banker. In the past, Chris, his wife, Kim, and their business partners have converted numerous multifamily homes into condominiums, and converted single family ranch homes into colonials in growth neighborhoods. Chris has a passion for continuous education and helping others grow to their full potential. He has coached more than 30,000 people throughout the United States and Canada since the year 2000. The family business in Newport, Rhode Island, buys four to ten properties per month, mostly via lease-purchases and owner financing, and has engineered more than 75-million dollars of real estate transactions. The company also coaches and helps negotiate deals with Joint-Venture Partners around the country. Chris’s achieved Best Selling Author with his book Real Estate on Your Terms – Create Continuous Cash Flow Now, Without Using Your Cash or Credit.

 

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