🚀 Exciting news alert! 🚀 I'm thrilled to announce the launch of my fourth brand! Yes, you heard that right!
I often get asked, "How do you do it all?" First of all, do men get asked that? Marc Cuban has his fingers in countless businesses, and I don't think people ask him that... (and yes, I know I am not Marc Cuban). That being said, I do think it's a valid question, and here's my response, I don't. I am busy no question about that, I'm a visionary CEO, creative, an ideas person, and I love to build things—that will never stop (trust me, I have tried). I can fill pages in one day with creative and strategic thoughts that run through my head. Also, I have an ADHD diagnosis (not surprising), and many of the world's most famous entrepreneurs do too (I am not kidding, look it up). Back to the question at hand, but really, how am I doing it (or not)?
First off, what am I up to? It all started with WOMENdontDOthat back in 2018, a podcast and blog empowering women to redefine their boundaries and unleash their potential. Then came Beacon North Strategies, a boutique public affairs consultancy to achieve your advocacy & government relations outcomes. I started part-time in 2020 and dove full-time in spring 2023. This year, I introduced the NextGen Conference (with my Partner Natasha Hope Morano, President, NHM Connect), an annual national professional development conference for people in public affairs. And over the past few weeks, I unveiled Beacon North Mentorship Academy: Expert-Led Professional Development Courses Tailored for You.
Now, back to the question I get asked… "How do you do it all?" Well... I don't, let me share my secret sauce:
Growing Team: I'm not flying solo anymore. I've built an incredible team that's helping me turn visions into reality.
Hiring Experts: With more capital, I've brought on branding and marketing experts who've been instrumental in leveling up and launching new brands.
Cheer Squad: Surrounding myself with a supportive network of friends and family has been key. They celebrate my wins, lift me up during lows, and keep me going when I'm unsure.
Balancing Act: I've worked hard to create a manageable balance across my businesses. While it's a challenge, I've limited my personal client load at Beacon North Strategies to focus on launching new ventures, and serving the clients I do serve well.
Say yes: Say yes to new STRATEGIC opportunities and things that align with your values (quality time with my family being one of mine) and NO to the things that don't. You'll need to make choices, and to grow bigger, be bold, and do new things, saying yes and no a lot is essential.
External support: I use services to help make my day-to-day life easier, sometimes I use a cleaning service or things like Hello Fresh.
Indeed, I undertake a significant workload (I would be lying if I said I often don't work a lot or very hard), and while I no longer shoulder it alone, I wouldn't have it any other way. It's ingrained in my nature; I thrive on creation, finding deep fulfillment in my endeavors. Providing for my family through my passion brings me immense joy, even amidst the challenges (and there are many).
I hope sharing how I have added help and support to my entrepreneurship journey, will help you on your work and life journey. And as you embark on your own journey, remember that should you choose to leave up that it's not a destination but a continuous journey. You must get help, you must believe in yourself, stay resilient in the face of challenges, and celebrate every step forward, no matter how small. Keep moving forward with determination and an open mind. Together, we can empower each other to reach new heights and achieve our greatest potential.
If you want to stay informed about what I am up to and the latest at Beacon North Strategies, you can join the newsletter: https://www.beaconnorthstrategies.com/contact
Want more on this topic? Check out Episode 155 of the WOMENdontDOthat podcast, Balancing Career Motherhood and Leadership with Jennifer Stewart.
Find WOMENdontDOthat wherever you listen to podcasts.
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