Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in career development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Willena Long, Founder of Career Boss Academy, located in Tampa, FL, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

My business is Career Boss Academy, where we provide executive leadership coaching and development services to businesses and organizations. Our customers are leaders at all levels, from entry-level managers to C-suite executives, across various industries. We help them improve their leadership skills and achieve their goals, resulting in a positive impact on the bottom line for their respective companies.

Tell us about yourself

I got started working on my business, Career Boss Academy, because of my own struggles as a leader in the corporate world. I have over 10 years of experience in various industries, from finance to healthcare, and have seen firsthand how difficult it can be to navigate the challenges of leadership. My passion for leadership development came from my desire to help others avoid the same mistakes I made and to help them become the best leaders they can be.

What motivates me each day to do what I do is seeing the positive impact that my coaching and consulting services have on the lives of my clients. Knowing that I am making a difference in the lives of others and helping them achieve their goals is incredibly rewarding. I also love the constant learning and growth that comes with being a coach and working with clients from different industries and backgrounds. I'm passionate about sharing my knowledge and experience with others, and I believe that everyone has the potential to be a great leader. I am motivated to help them to unlock their full potential, and I feel fulfilled when I see them grow and succeed in their roles.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

As a business owner, one of my biggest accomplishments has been building a successful and reputable coaching and consulting business, Career Boss Academy. I have been able to attract a diverse range of clients across different industries. I have a proven track record of helping them improve their leadership skills and achieve their goals. Another accomplishment I am proud of is establishing myself as a thought leader in the field of leadership development. I have been invited to speak at various conferences and have been featured in various business publications. I have built a strong brand and reputation and have been able to build a successful business based on my expertise and experience.

Additionally, I am proud of the positive impact that my coaching and consulting services have had on my clients and their respective companies. I have had the pleasure of working with some amazing leaders who have achieved significant improvements in their performance, and I have been able to play a part in their professional growth. Overall, I am proud of the impact I have made and the positive change I have brought to my client's lives.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

One of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner is the constant need to adapt and evolve. The business world is constantly changing, and businesses need to be able to adapt and stay ahead of the curve to be successful. As a business owner, I need to constantly learn and update my knowledge and skills and stay on top of the latest trends and innovations in my field. This requires significant time and effort, but it's essential to ensure that my business stays relevant and competitive.

Another challenge with being a business owner is the pressure to perform. Running a business can be stressful, and there are always deadlines, targets, and expectations to meet. As the owner, I am ultimately responsible for my business's success, which can be a heavy burden at times. It can be hard to switch off and take a break, and it's easy to fall into the trap of working all the time.

Managing the finances of the business is also a difficult task, as there is always a need to balance expenses and revenue and make tough decisions to ensure the business remains profitable. It can be hard to predict the future and make decisions accordingly, especially in the current economic climate. This can be a source of stress and uncertainty.

Lastly, as a business owner, it is hard to delegate and trust others to take on responsibilities and make decisions. As the founder and leader, I have a deep understanding of my business and its goals. It can be hard to let go of certain responsibilities and trust others to make decisions that will affect the business.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Have a clear vision and strategy: Before starting a business, it is important to have a clear vision and strategy for what you want to achieve and how you plan to achieve it. This will help you stay focused and motivated and guide your decision-making as you grow and scale your business.
  2. Embrace technology and innovation: Today's business world is constantly changing and evolving, and it's important to stay up-to-date with the latest technology and trends. Embracing technology and innovation can help you streamline your operations, increase efficiency and improve customer experiences.
  3. Build a strong team: Starting and running a business can be a challenging and lonely experience, so it's important to surround yourself with a strong team. This can include employees, partners, and advisors who can provide valuable skills and support. A strong team will help you manage the day-to-day operations and provide you with the support you need to navigate the challenges and take your business to the next level.
  4. Be flexible and adaptable: The business environment is constantly changing, and it's important to be flexible and adaptable to changing circumstances. Be open to new ideas and be willing to change direction if necessary. This will help you stay relevant and competitive in today's business world.
  5. Stay focused on customer satisfaction: At the end of the day, the success of your business depends on customer satisfaction. Listen to your customers, understand their needs, and work to exceed their expectations. This will help you build a loyal customer base and will be a key driver of your business's growth.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.careerbossacademy.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/willena.faison.92
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coach_willena/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/coachwillena
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/CoachWillena/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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