So many people think success is they’ve made it to the C-suite.
The C-suite is not the only success that is out there in your career in business, so I want to talk about that in this episode.
What might be a better definition of success? How about this (not mine, but well worth sharing) – “Put your heart, your mind, your intellect, and your soul, even into every small act.”
That is a secret of success. Anything that you do in life, give it 110 percent.
My idea of success has changed a lot over 55+ years. Success depends upon the season you’re in. Your 20’s are different than your 30’s, and different than your 40’s, and different than your 50’s. Every season has been different for me (and will be for you), so success looked different in every season (and will be for you).
I enjoyed my career more, I think, because I wasn’t always shooting for being number one.
Being number one is not for the weak. It’s a tough place to be. I still had success because I had a different impact, and influence, and most importantly, I enjoyed and seized the moments in my life outside of the corporate four walls.
USC is where he attended. He talks about his success, of course, with all humor involved. He talks more about his 16-year marriage, his boys, his charity. He talks very passionately about the USC family, but he really talks about his journey getting there.
He doesn’t start out by saying, “I was on Saturday Night Live.” He doesn’t talk about, “I’ve made all these movies.” He’s just happy with other things besides being the number one, and all the different things that come along with that.
We can’t all be in the C-suite.
Many of us, first of all, are not meant to be there; we’re not leaders. The good news is you can enjoy success outside of the C-suite.
By the way, top leaders need followers. We can learn from them, and probably we have similar characteristics.
How do we learn from those in the C-suite?
Ask yourself “What does a C-suite person do? What is their success?”
They prioritize. Because when you are number one, you cannot do everything. We can do that (prioritize) in any situation. They get to the point. They drill it down. They make a decision. They go forward. They probably ask a lot more questions. They get a lot of good advice from all around them.
Decisions have impact, so those in the C-suite have to make good ones, because there’s a lot of people relying on them. Trust is at the core of everything with a successful C-suite person. If you don’t have that team and support, you can’t do it.
We all have different career goals to achieve success. There’s nothing right or wrong, and success is measured differently by all of us.
Unfortunately, we tend to obsess over our goals and our career. Most of us do. All the career goals and the success you have, whether you’re in the C-suite, or you’re just going to occur in your own world. All of those goals are valid. So, no matter where you are, focus on yours, and stick to yours, and not to others.
Here are some definitions of success that you should not ignore.
Success is always doing your best.
Success is learning that you sometimes have to say no and really being careful when you say yes.
Success is learning.
Success is understanding you cannot keep what you don’t give away.
Success is overcoming fear.
Success is being loved and loving back.
Success is standing your ground when you believe in something.
Success is not giving up.
Success is never letting a disability hold you back and understand that you control your destiny.
Success goes way beyond the C-suite.
Ultimately, you define success, and you enjoy it. Have a good journey, and don’t be consumed in the destination, especially to the C-suite.
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.
“Our doubts are traitors and make us lose the good we oft might win by fearing to attempt” – William Shakespeare
Self-doubt is fed by your inner voice and, of course, is self-inflicted.
This podcast is very personal, which is probably why it took me a while to write it.
If there’s one struggle that I have had in life, it is probably self-doubt. The continual questioning that ends up paralyzing me, which results in me doing nothing and not going forward.
The first step is to tackle the inner voice that is feeding and fueling your self-doubt. You’re the key to controlling that. Here are a few things that I came up with that have worked for me.
Stay strong and be resilient even in the tough days, in your rough times. Handle criticism and the negative people who lash out at you in a more understanding and level-headed way.
Stop dragging yourself down by always comparing yourself to other people and their lives. Oh, yes, the comparison game.
Become more assertive by simply saying no. We don’t do that well, do we, ladies? Say no to things that are going to add to your self-doubt, or take away confidence, or take from you moving forward.
Replace perfectionism with healthier and happier habits.
Talk back to your own inner critic. Have a two-way conversation now in your head. Talking back is okay, because sometimes you got to shut it down.
Find your most important dream and set your goals.
Work hard. Play hard. And your success should be celebrated. You deserve it, because you earned it. It’s okay.
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.
It’s your identity expressing itself. It’s your personality, and it’s your individual message to the world.
I believe that there is power in that feminine voice, and it’s missing in too many conversations. From the business environment – your office, the marketplace, the boardroom, to politics, and in our homes. If we are there, it’s so crucial that the voice is heard.
In this episode, I hope to help you to move forward in owning your voice, and claiming that power.
Of course, if it’s only for the greater good.
You first have to recognize you probably have something valuable to say. You have to be strategic, though, about what you say and when you say it. Don’t speak for the sake of speaking. Be sure that you speak thoughtfully, in an engaging manner, when you want to be heard.
Words really matter.
People’s perception and how they’ve heard you is your of choice of words. Speaking isn’t just saying what you want. Speaking isn’t just having your voice. Words matter to make things happen.
You must be willing to speak up when something goes against what has a deep value for you. Silence in those moments really talks about your character. And be prepared for possible backlash when you do. Criticism comes with being a leader, regardless of your gender. The labels, and the name-calling have very little to do with you, personally. It’s really about how uncomfortable you’re making some people. Don’t take it personally, and just move on.
When you’re finding your voice, it’s one step at a time. Slow and steady.
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.
It’s everywhere; books, coaches, seminars on the why, the what, the who, and the how.
It’s really, in my mind, almost overkill. But the sad truth is, with all of that help, we are desperately looking for leadership that is authentic.
In our society, in politics, to corporate America, to education systems, within our homes, within professional organizations, authentic leadership is really tough to find.
Authentic leadership works on the principle that leaders can prove their legitimacy, their credibility, by nurturing sincere relationships with whomever they’re leading. Notice I did not say “I am the leader, follow me!” It isn’t about the title. It really is nurturing sincere relationships.
How do you do that?
An authentic leader encourages their followers to be more open. They appreciate their support in the success of the organization. When you want to be an authentic leader, it’s pretty tough. It’s a pretty high standard, and it takes a while to do.
This is something you have to be pretty intentional about. If you are a true authentic leader, you’ll have certain characteristics. You probably can’t have all 10 that I’ve come up with, but you’ve got to have some of these, or you’ve got to be working on them.
Self-awareness
Integrity
Vision
Focus On Long-term Results
Listening Skills
Speaking Carefully
Transparency
Consistency
Drawing On Experience
Sharing Success With Your Team
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.
Networking is about knowing more people. Something amazing happens when you network and connection happens. That is the moment of success because….connecting is about knowing people more.
What is your goal when you network? When you make connections?
Most connected people are often the most successful. Statistics support that statement. When you invest in your relationships — professional and personal — it can pay you back in dividends throughout the course of your career. The key word was “Investment”. That means you are going to give or put forth effort and resources FIRST, then ROI.
Who is the goal for you in networking and connections?
The what determines the who. Most importantly – figure out who matters. Sometimes you have to network with many to find the few solid connections. Think about the relationships you have right now that started with a person you met one year ago, five years ago, 20 years ago. How you network to make true connections is key.
Frank Agin, the President and Owner of AmSpirit, is just simply the best at networking and connecting. I have learned so much from him over the past 19 plus years. The number one thing I learned? Networking is more about connecting and engagement than to “know” everyone or be known. I am so thankful to have him as a guest on this podcast.
Are you networking, or are you connecting. There is a difference—make sure you know.
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.
With a successful 10-year career with an established furniture company under her belt, Darla King left her position with an offer to partner in a new start up company. One year later, the partnership had yet to materialize and Darla knew a decision needed to be made. Seeing opportunity in her circumstance, Darla and her husband formed King Business Interiors in November 1998. I was fortunate to have Darla in studio to get her story about growing the business, as a family-owned business, and for our purposes, a woman-owned business. In this episode we cover a lot ground, including:
What Darla has learned from being a family-owned business
What the biggest challenges are as being a family-owned business
What the biggest challenges (and dare we say, advantages) are as a woman-owned business
The importance of registering as a woman-owned business
Why women need to help women
What challenges and mistakes she made along the way
Why giving back is so important, and how King Business Interiors does it right
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.
As the title states, I am talking about a financial guide for women. It’s mind boggling that women today take financial planning and put it in a drawer; maybe a closet; under the rug. You would be amazed. It’s not something that they really are at the helm of.
Why is that?
We’re dominating in so many ways. We’re educating ourselves further than men. We are definitely dominating marketplace, where we’re starting more businesses. We’re providing for our families – sometimes, THE provider. We’re becoming a lot more influential in top leadership positions, such as CEOs. According to statistics from UBS, a financial planning firm. 85 percent of women today manage the expenses of their household, whether they’re married or single. It’s just the woman takes that on. Only 23 percent take the lead when it comes to long-term financial planning.
What should you do?
First, you’ve got to manage your own money. If you have a confidence issue with money, or you hate money, or you don’t want to face it, or you just don’t want to deal with it, then picture your life over the next five, 10, and 15 years without money and a plan. What is it going to look like? What are you going to look like when you don’t have the ability to work, or you’re staring at retirement?
It’s a long journey – maybe as long as 40 years. Life is too short, and it’s meant to be enjoyed. Chances are, you will have to work, so make it worth all the time and effort that you do. You can either live in control of your financial path, or you can be controlled by it. I would suggest choose wisely and determine how you are going to chart your course to some financial freedom where you can enjoy life on your terms.
Joining me on this podcast as well is Helen Colon, with Capstone Wealth Advisors. I met Helen through NAWBO Columbus, which is the National Association of Women Business Owners. She has an amazing career and background, and her passion, along with her New York sass, are what sets her apart.
As Helen states:
“Financial planning is a relationship with the client. I take great pride in developing a team effect around my clients, as you know. I bring in the CPA for the tax strategies. I bring in the estate attorney for legacy planning, multi-generational planning. Those women that come to me realize that they find value in being- they feel safe. They feel they have their team around them so they can go on and do what they need to do.
She continues:
“Financial planning doesn’t just involve investments. We look at risk protection, long-term care. I work with a CPA, with tax strategies, things of that nature. I had a client come to me, as you know, several years ago that wanted help with financial planning. Her fear was that she was going to live in her daughter’s basement if she didn’t plan properly. Well, I can tell you, as of today, that will never happen.”
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.
This episode is about taking your business to the next level. For part of the podcast, I’m going to interview Catherine Lang-Cline. She’s President and Co-Creator of Portfolio Creative, and she has a great story. She’s done an amazing job growing her business. It looks easy from the outside, but she’s been through everything and more that you are going through right now growing your business.
What are the barriers that most women feel are there to getting to that next level? A lot of times you are this original, and you have an idea and you’re different and you’re passionate and you might want to do things. We cover how Catherine overcame these barriers in this podcast.
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.
Brady Ware and Company has taken great strides to incorporate a meaningful women’s initiative into our corporate culture. And we did this with not only from inside the company, but also by partnering with strong organizations within our city, like the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), and the Women’s Small Business Accelerator (WSBA).
In this episode, I outline how Brady Ware has accomplished our successful women’s initiative, and how you can, as well, in your company. As for local partners our local partners, I interview Mary McCarthy, Co-founder and Executive Director of WSBA, and Christy Farnbauch, Executive Director at NAWBO.
NAWBO Columbus, in collaboration with, the Women’s Small Business Accelerator (WSBA) and Brady Ware & Company, offers this annual conference to provide a day of inspirational learning and meaningful conversations that celebrate women’s leadership.
Hosting close to 300 attendees, educational breakout sessions and an inspiring keynote presentation.
Join us June 28, 2019
For speaker information and to register for full day conference or awards/lunch tickets visit; https://www.columbuswomensleadership.com
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.
Brady Ware and Company has taken great strides to incorporate a meaningful women’s initiative into our corporate culture. And we did this with not only from inside the company, but also by partnering with strong organizations within our city, like The National Association of Women Business Owners. I interview Christy Farnbauch, Executive Director at NAWBO. Here is a short preview of the episode that you will have in your podcast player Monday 6/10/19.
Women’s Leadership Conference
NAWBO Columbus, in collaboration with, the Women’s Small Business Accelerator (WSBA) and Brady Ware & Company, offers this annual conference to provide a day of inspirational learning and meaningful conversations that celebrate women’s leadership.
Hosting close to 300 attendees, educational breakout sessions and an inspiring keynote presentation.
Join us June 28, 2019
For speaker information and to register for full day conference or awards/lunch tickets visit; https://www.columbuswomensleadership.com
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.
