a boss sitting in an office and having a team meeting with employees

Leadership

Leadership Archives

Leadership | SUCCESS | What Achievers Read

<p>Visionary leadership is a leadership style that focuses on forward-thinking and future growth. Visionary leaders tend to inspire others through traits like courage, adaptability, strong communication skills, high emotional intelligence, a commitment to lifelong learning, and more. They are also likely to innovate and lead teams toward pathways of growth and success. With effort, anyone can learn to develop visionary leadership skills and empower teams.&nbsp;</p>



<p>When you think of a profound leader, someone who has led an organization through good times and bad times, what kind of qualities do you imagine them having? Persistence? <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/the-5-pillars-of-authentic-leadership/">Authenticity</a>? Critical thinking?&nbsp;</p>



<p>When we think of successful leaders, we tend to think of someone with the ability to help others accomplish a shared vision. Though we might not know the term, we’re thinking of a visionary leader—someone who can <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/8-new-rules-of-innovative-leadership/">innovate</a> with the future in mind.</p>



<p>Visionary leadership isn’t just a nice-sounding buzzword, either. It’s a staple of successful organizational guidance, especially in times of change. With technology continuing to progress, this type of leadership style is more important than ever. A visionary leader can help an organization stay true to its goals without getting caught up in shiny-object syndrome.</p>



<p>In this article, we’ll discuss what a visionary leadership style looks like and the key qualities visionary leaders have. We’ll also provide some examples of what visionary leadership looks like in practice.&nbsp;</p>



<div style="height:25px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div>



<p><em><strong>Your Next Step:</strong> <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/founders-master-ai-skills-fast/">How Busy Founders Master AI Skills Fast</a></em></p>







<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-visionary-leadership">What Is Visionary Leadership?</h2>



<p>Put simply, visionary leadership is the act of an authority figure inspiring others toward a common goal via innovation, collaboration, and clear communication.</p>



<p>The term was first coined by psychologist Daniel Goleman in 2002 as part of his six styles of leadership framework. Goleman defines visionary leadership succinctly in an <a href="https://content.leadershipacademy.nhs.uk/aspce3/files/Leadership_that_gets_results_goleman.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HBR article</a> on leadership as “the ability to take charge and inspire with a compelling vision.”</p>



<p>Notice that Goleman’s definition of visionary leadership does not include the leader making their staff follow their ideas. The very nature of the goals and visions they create for their organization is compelling. This means that staff can’t help but feel pulled towards them. A key marker of a visionary leader is someone who can create or “cast” an inspiring vision. But, what exactly is a vision in the context of business leadership?</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-a-leadership-vision-nbsp">What Is a Leadership Vision?&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Vision is a word that we use a lot in the business world, sometimes without entirely understanding its meaning. In the context of leading others, a vision is a dream, direction, or goal for a company or organization. It’s the key driver for company culture, the why behind top-level decisions and ultimately what makes working for a company worth it.&nbsp;</p>



<p>An example of a leadership vision for a cleaning company might be “helping families love the spaces they live in.” Notice that a vision doesn’t include details as to the “how” of a business, only the key idea that inspires the business to continue.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A critical component of being a visionary and inspirational leader is having a compelling vision. But there are other important qualities most visionary leaders have, too. Let’s move on to what those are.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-top-qualities-of-a-visionary-leader">Top Qualities of a Visionary Leader</h2>



<p>Here’s an outline of the most <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/15-traits-of-excellent-leaders/">impactful traits</a> visionary leaders demonstrate and share regardless of the industry they work in. Do you recognize any of them in yourself?&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strong-communication-skills">Strong Communication Skills</h3>



<p>Powerful visionary leaders know how to invite others to share in their vision. They are strong communicators that can convey their desires, goals and dreams clearly to others. <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/communication-skills/">Strong communication</a> goes hand-in-hand with inspiring others toward a shared outcome.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-high-emotional-intelligence-eq">High Emotional Intelligence (EQ)</h3>



<p>Visionary leaders usually have a high <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/why-is-emotional-intelligence-important/">emotional intelligence</a>, or EQ. This trait allows them to be aware of their own emotions and those of others. A critical trait, it allows insight into which actions they can take to better motivate those around them.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Importantly, high EQ allows visionary leaders to lead with empathy. For example, they empathetically notice when team members might need more guidance and connection. Leaders can then organically create tight trust bonds with staff. Building trust, in turn, helps team members desire to stay on board with the company vision—even if things might not be going to plan.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ability-to-inspire-and-motivate-others">Ability to Inspire and Motivate Others</h3>



<p>Being goal-oriented people, visionary leaders often have an uncanny knack for inspiring and motivating those around them toward a shared goal or idea. They also understand how to connect specific team members’ strengths to furthering the company vision. Successful visionary leaders know that their goals can’t be accomplished alone, nor is it worth it to try.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adaptable-and-open-to-change">Adaptable and Open to Change</h3>



<p>Knowing when to alter the course of their vision is a trait successful visionary leaders share. They’re adaptable when the situation calls for it and are always ready to hear new ideas.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-term-strategic-thinking">Long-term Strategic Thinking</h3>



<p>While visionary leaders tend to be open to change, they are resolute in their ability to stay undeterred from their long-term goals. Even if they go through setbacks, these leaders know how to take them in stride and stay focused on the big picture.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-courageous-nbsp">Courageous&nbsp;</h3>



<p>The best visionary leaders are bold. Indeed, creating a vision for how a company is to operate for its potential lifespan is no small feat. These leaders would rather fail trying to accomplish their goals than not try at all.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-committed-to-continuous-learning">Committed to Continuous Learning</h3>



<p>Continuing to improve themselves through continuous learning is a necessity for visionary leaders. They have an insatiable drive to keep their knowledge, skills, and social impact up-to-date. This means that their vision remains relevant and evolves as they do. If a visionary leader isn’t continually learning, their vision stands at risk of becoming obsolete over time.&nbsp;</p>



<p><em>Related:</em> <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/15-quotes-to-inspire-you-to-never-stop-learning/">Get inspired with powerful “never stop learning” quotes.</a></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-examples-of-visionary-leaders-nbsp">Examples of Visionary Leaders&nbsp;</h2>



<p>We’ve looked at what visionary leadership is and the characteristics of a visionary leader. Now let’s see examples of what visionary leadership really looks like in the workplace.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-steve-jobs">Steve Jobs</h3>



<p>Steve Jobs and his partner Steve Wozniak started the ground-breaking technology brand Apple in the 1970s, which led to the creation of the iPhone, iPod, iPad, and personal computer—some of the most celebrated technological achievements of the 20th century. Jobs was well-known for his “think outside the box” mentality, and his ability to come up with profound ideas cemented his place in history as a visionary leader.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sheryl-sandberg">Sheryl Sandberg</h3>



<p>Sheryl Sandberg shifted the tides for women in leadership by becoming the first woman in history to join Facebook’s board of directors and by acting as Meta’s COO until 2022. Although Sandberg made great strides in her technology career, her visionary leadership traits—such as emotional intelligence and ability to inspire others—were put on display with the publication of her bestselling book “Lean In: Women, Work and the Will to Lead.” Sandberg had a vision for inspiring women to new career heights.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-develop-visionary-leadership-traits">How to Develop Visionary Leadership Traits</h2>



<p>Knowing what visionary leadership entails and knowing how to inspire others to work towards a shared purpose are two distinct actions. Now that we’ve discussed what visionary leadership is and what it looks like in practice, here are some tips on how you can develop visionary leadership traits.&nbsp;</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Know your organization’s mission/vision/purpose. </strong>Becoming someone who inspires others has no effect if you don’t have a direction. If you don’t know your organization’s mission and/or vision statement, familiarize yourself with it. If one doesn’t exist, create one.&nbsp;</li>



<li><strong>Develop empathy. </strong>Guiding others implicitly requires knowing where they are and how they are feeling. Becoming more empathetic can feel like a challenge at first, but taking simple steps, such as learning to actively listen, can go a long way.&nbsp;</li>



<li><strong>Cultivate a growth mindset. </strong>Visionary leaders aren’t held back by setbacks or failures. Instead, they turn their attention to what lies ahead. You can have the same <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/what-is-a-growth-mindset/">growth mindset</a> by simply changing your beliefs about failure. Rather than seeing failure as an endpoint, view it as a learning opportunity.&nbsp;</li>



<li><strong>Learn to communicate well. </strong>You can only lead people so far if you can’t communicate&nbsp;your vision properly. Take time to improve your communication skills by making small improvements in your everyday discussions. Taking more time to listen than to speak, writing down notes on important ideas to show you respect others’ opinions, and simply double-checking emails before you hit send are all ways to improve your communication ability.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>



<p><em>Related:</em> <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-disc-assessments-help-teams-thrive/">Discover how DISC assessments can help your team thrive.</a>&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-final-thoughts-on-visionary-leadership">Final Thoughts on Visionary Leadership</h2>



<p><a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/co-ceo-model-shared-leadership/">Visionary leadership</a> is a type of leadership that points outside of the leader, to a greater purpose or idea that all members of an organization can latch onto. That’s why it’s so effective: it’s a leadership style that isn’t all about the leader. Leaders are focused on future growth and goals and lean towards collaboration and communication to get there.</p>



<p>That said, cultivating leadership traits in a world that prioritizes fast improvements can feel overwhelming. If you need more resources, explore a wealth of personal development insights from legendary leader Jim Rohn on <a href="https://www.jimrohn.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">his website</a>. Kick off your leadership development journey with a free e-book.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Or, if you’re ready to get started towards fresh goals as a visionary leader, check out our powerful ebook, <a href="https://offer.success.com/ebook/goal-setting/"><em>Setting Goals for Success</em></a> to gain valuable practical insights.</p>



<p class="has-small-font-size"><strong><em>Photo courtesy of PeopleImages/Shutterstock</em></strong></p>

Brett Surbey

Visionary leadership can help teams see their potential. Gain insights to become a visionary leader and empower your team.

A visionary leader is the ideal leader type for helping teams see their potential. Gain insights to become a visionary leader and empower your team.

Visionary Leadership at a Glance | SUCCESS

Visionary Leadership Explained: Key Traits of a Visionary Leader

Comment

https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Visionary-Leadership-PeopleImages-Shutterstock.jpg

Home

SUCCESS

https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/success_opengraph_image.png

https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/65e59d2686b8932465c276271d613e34ab8e925d10b2165e79fff5ffa569eb98?s=96&d=mm&r=g

Natalia Finnis-Smart

team members sitting at an office table and smiling during a team meeting

Business &amp; Branding

Business &amp; Branding Archives

Stay ahead in business: strategies and insights for success

<p>When you think of upgrading your team’s abilities, what comes to mind first? Assigning them more educational courses to study? Maybe increasing feedback to improve their project performance? Far too often, business leaders think of upgrading their corporate ecosystem with <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/hard-skills-vs-soft-skills/">hard skills</a>—those that are quantifiable—instead of soft skills, such as empathy or active listening.&nbsp;</p>



<p>But focusing too much on hard skills may be the wrong approach. As we’ll see below, <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/leadership-soft-skills/">soft skills</a> are one of the key markers of a team’s success. Some research suggests that as AI usage continues to become more ubiquitous across industries, soft skills will become more in demand. If you’re wondering how to level up soft skills for yourself and your employees, you’ve found the right resource. We’ll cover the importance of soft skills in the workplace, the type of soft skills to cultivate and how to get employees on board.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-business-case-for-soft-skills">The Business Case for Soft Skills</h2>



<p>Businesses, especially large publicly traded ones, have an eye on increasing the bottom line. They want to increase the number of measurable, quantifiable goals that ultimately contribute to profitability. But soft skills can contribute to that effort, too.</p>



<p>A <a href="https://mitsloan.mit.edu/ideas-made-to-matter/soft-skills-training-brings-substantial-returns-investment" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> facilitated by MIT Sloan, Boston College and the University of Michigan found that a 12-month soft skills training program delivered a whopping 250% return on investment for a garment manufacturing business. Even though the employees completed repetitive, manual tasks for long shifts, honing their soft skills allowed them to become more productive, complete more complex tasks quicker and attend work more often.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Providing soft skill training pays dividends, but what soft skills should you focus on in the first place?&nbsp;</p>







<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-top-soft-skills-for-business-success-today">Top Soft Skills for Business Success Today</h2>



<p>Deciding on which soft skills to focus on in your business partially depends on the context and current staff issues you face. That said, these are some of the <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/soft-skills-examples/">most important soft skills for business success</a> to cultivate.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-communication">Communication</h3>



<p>Whether through writing, speaking or one-on-one meetings, knowing how to express an idea clearly and thoughtfully improves team functions. Team members who can communicate at a high level can describe what issues executive leadership needs to pay attention to or offer clear advice when inquiring with clients, for example.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adaptability-nbsp">Adaptability&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Learning to allow the best-laid plans to change is a soft skill that can’t be overstated. Flexibility—or adaptability—propertly cultivated in employees can allow them to pivot strategically to new plans when an idea fails to work.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-emotional-intelligence">Emotional Intelligence</h3>



<p>Also known as EQ, emotional intelligence is the ability to sense others’ emotions and understand and manage our own. Being able to rein in your emotions or help a co-worker express frustration about a project can bring employees to heightened levels of trust that hard skills can’t achieve.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-soft-skills-are-essential-in-2025">Why Soft Skills Are Essential in 2025</h2>



<p>As counterintuitive as it may sound, the rise of AI, hybrid work and continuous automation is creating a greater need for human relationships in the workplace. Research is beginning to show that businesses are starting to value soft skills as technology advances.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In a <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/23294906231208166" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">survey</a> of nearly 700 business owners, researchers found that many of them relied on generative AI to research and generate ideas. However, the same business owners also reported that “character-based traits such as integrity and soft skills will become more important.”&nbsp;</p>



<p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmynewson/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jimmy Newson</a> works with small businesses as a consultant and founder of <a href="https://movingforwardsmallbusiness.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Moving Forward Small Business</a>, a community-based membership company that provides resources to small businesses so they can grow and achieve their goals. In his view, soft skills are critical—especially for companies with hybrid and remote workers.</p>



<p>“Working with businesses that operate virtually and in hybrid setups, I've seen firsthand how soft skills become absolutely critical,” he says. “They're what allow teams to collaborate smoothly, no matter the distance, adjust quickly to new challenges and maintain those vital human connections, which are essential for innovation and resilience.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“These skills ensure everyone communicates clearly, fosters empathy across diverse teams and empowers individuals to manage themselves and solve problems independently. Ultimately, they're the real bedrock for maintaining a strong culture, solid productivity and continuous innovation in a distributed workforce.”</p>



<p>Newson isn’t alone in his sentiments about soft skills. <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-baldwin-coo/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lee Baldwin</a>, head of managed services at <a href="https://www.paycheck.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pay Check Limited</a>, sees soft skills becoming more valuable as tech becomes more prevalent in corporate structures.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Whereas technical skills are still required, they're not enough anymore. With technologies such as ChatGPT, automation platforms like UiPath and cloud-based payroll and HR systems accomplishing more and more of the drudge work or administrative tasks, organizations now place higher premiums on human-only capabilities that include empathy, critical thinking, conflict resolution and collaboration,” he says.</p>



<p>“Within a multinational company where I was working with a global rollout of payroll, we observed that teams who had been pretrained in cross-cultural communication and active listening were far superior at smoothing out issues of time zones than others who were not. They easily managed miscommunications and accommodated for cultural differences, something which is not programmable,” he adds.</p>



<p>It’s clear that soft skills are a key driver in employee relationships with peers, clients and managers. So what’s the best way to cultivate them in your team?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-deliver-soft-skills-training-for-employees">How to Deliver Soft Skills Training for Employees</h2>



<p>Training your employees to become more emotionally proficient isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. You can decide what training regimen works best for your organizational structure and the needs of your team. Here are some ideas to get you started.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-offer-workshops">Offer Workshops</h3>



<p>Workshops with team members can provide opportunities for role-playing and working on developing specific soft skills. For example, if you run a hotel business and have some reception staff who struggle to be flexible with indecisive clients, a workshop can help you recreate those situations to prepare them for future interactions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Baldwin has found workshops to be game-changers in his experience, but only if they’re followed up on and integrated with other processes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“In a fast-growing SaaS startup, we once had a continuous learning program through which each month employees participated in workshops on different soft skills like giving effective feedback, having diverse meetings or stress management. Those were followed by peer coaching circles where employees practiced the skill in small groups and then reflected on how it impacted their work,” he says.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-promote-mentorship">Promote Mentorship</h3>



<p>Mentoring can be an ideal device for delivering soft skill training because it’s done with trustworthy partners that can be open and vulnerable with feedback (a soft skill in itself). In contrast to larger events like workshops or team training sessions, one-on-one mentorship can help integrate soft skills into an employee’s toolbox because they are practiced in the workplace.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Baldwin has seen firsthand how job shadowing, a type of mentorship, has taught employees important soft skill lessons.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We also included leadership shadowing, where junior staff observed senior managers participate in stressful meetings, observing how they managed difficult discussions or motivated teams,” he says. “Employee engagement rates jumped by 23% within six months, and turnover rates of high-achieving staff plummeted.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-soft-skills-are-a-hard-business-asset">Soft Skills Are a Hard Business Asset</h2>



<p>As technology continues to advance across industries, one asset will continue to provide payoffs for years to come: soft skills. Humans aren’t going anywhere, so helping your team communicate clearly, be flexible in challenging situations and hone their emotional intelligence will set your business up for success. Indeed, a <a href="https://www.deloitte.com/au/en/services/economics/perspectives/soft-skills-business-success.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> from Deloitte Access Economics found that soft skill-intensive positions are projected to make up two-thirds of all occupations by 2030.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Don’t wait—prioritize helping your team learn soft skills now. Need a bit of a boost? Check out <a href="https://coaching.success.com/">SUCCESS® Coaching</a> to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs and increase employee soft skills in your organization.</p>



<p class="has-small-font-size"><strong><em>Photo courtesy of PeopleImages.com - Yuri A/Shutterstock</em></strong></p>

Is your business not getting the results you want? You might need to cultivate your team’s soft skills. We explain why.

How Soft Skills Are Driving Hard Results | SUCCESS

The Importance of Soft Skills for Business Success

The Importance of Soft Skills for Business Success | SUCCESS

https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/The-Importance-of-Soft-Skills-for-Business-Success-PeopleImages.com-Yuri-A-Shutterstock.jpg

<p>Risk is a double-edged sword in business.&nbsp;</p>



<p>When you began your business, you probably <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-weigh-risk-and-reap-the-rewards/">weighed the risks</a> that came with stepping into entrepreneurship. You also potentially recognized that with the risk of uncertainty also came an opportunity for creativity—and the possibility of launching something you could be proud of.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As <em>SUCCESS’® </em>2024 Woman of Influence and the first woman pilot of an F-14 Fighter Jet, Carey Lohrenz understands uncertainty and risk like few others—yet she doesn’t see them as purely negative. “Uncertainty is not just a risk, but it's an opportunity and sometimes we need to take a step back, take a breath,” she tells Amy Somerville in an <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/4PU1TiPstW9gNeOJdg8UY0?si=M0Gzz-7vSrCubJ5KS-Dvpw&amp;nd=1&amp;dlsi=73763ec5eabb4e31" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Unscripted</em> podcast episode</a>.</p>



<p>Though all businesses come with inherent risk and uncertainty, sometimes it’s not the wisest idea to continually take risks to succeed. Real success also comes from mitigating or lessening the potential consequences of risks that could come to fruition. As Lohrenz puts it, developing a comprehensive risk management strategy is taking a step back.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Below, we explain risk management and why it is a cornerstone of solid entrepreneurial practice to prevent financial loss, legal operations and operational disruptions. Let’s break it down.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-risk-management-in-business-nbsp">What Is Risk Management In Business?&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Roughly, risk management is the act of finding, understanding, analyzing and reducing the amount and/or types of risks in your business.&nbsp;</p>



<p>It also means developing plans and strategies for facing and managing risks that inevitably crop up over a business's lifetime—and how serious their consequences are. These risks could come from financial, legal, technological or brand sectors, each with its own degree of damage. Risks also come from human error.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For example, say you work in the legal industry as a paralegal. A potential risk for corporate clients is not having accurate business records. This could lead to minor hiccups, such as fixing their corporate information at the last minute. It could also lead to significant issues, such as a client not being able to get financing from a bank for a transaction due to poorly maintained records. Unmanaged corporate records for clients would be a risk a law firm faces.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Part of managing that risk is putting guardrails in place to prevent the mismanagement of corporate records. For example, you could purchase technology to track documents efficiently. You can also train staff to clearly understand how to document corporate minutes to reduce errors and keep records tidy. All of these actions would help manage a key risk for the firm.</p>







<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-types-of-risk-nbsp">Types of Risk&nbsp;</h2>



<p>While the example above might be easy to understand, risk management looks different depending on the type of sector you work in, the risks you face daily, the seriousness of those risks and other factors. Here are the common types of risks that many businesses face—sometimes daily:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Financial Risk: </strong>Financial risk is a business’s ability to handle financial issues that are either internal (e.g., cash flow management, being able to pay employees) or external (e.g., changing interest rates, unforeseen market changes). If a business faces large financial risk, it might be unable to pay bills or secure credit to continue operating.</li>



<li><strong>Operational Risk: </strong>Operational risk arises from internal and external factors that may cause a business to experience major bottlenecks in operations. For example, internal operational risks may be human errors, and external operational risks may be natural disasters. </li>



<li><strong>Strategic Risk: </strong>Strategic risks come from ineffective or inactive business decisions. For example, not having a <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/succession-planning/">succession plan</a> in place for a small business with an older sole owner could be a major strategic risk. If the owner retires without someone to take the reins, the business model could be in jeopardy.</li>



<li><strong>Compliance and Regulatory Risk: </strong>Compliance and regulatory risk result from how well a business follows the laws and rules surrounding its profession. Failure to keep up with regulatory and legal developments could have financial or even reputational consequences.</li>



<li><strong>Reputational Risk: </strong>Reputational risk is the potential for a business to suffer damage to its reputation or public view. A common reason for reputational risk is poor customer service, which usually leads to negative reviews posted online.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-planning-and-risk-management-integrating-risk-into-business-goals">Planning and Risk Management: Integrating Risk into Business Goals</h2>



<p>Risk management planning and strategizing should not occur in a vacuum. You should implement it—and bake it into—your overall business goals. By not doing that, you could mis-evaluate decisions that look good for your business goals but don’t consider risks, and vice versa.&nbsp;</p>



<p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-johnson-39237448/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jennifer Johnson</a>, founder of <a href="https://truefashionistas.com/pages/meet-the-owner" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">True Fashionistas</a>, a lifestyle resale retail store in Florida, has seen firsthand what happens if business goals and risk management aren’t aligned. At one point in her business’ lifecycle, Johnson was approached by a national mall seeking to have her store in its location. It’s “wooing” worked, Johnson tells SUCCESS, “As a small business owner, all I saw was stars. [I thought] ‘oh wow a national mall wants us (they usually never even consider resale stores.)’”</p>



<p>Because the move aligned with her goals, Johnson moved into the location immediately. But, nine months later they pulled it. Her business wasn’t ready for the expansion due to improper risk management at the time. “It didn’t work. If we would have had risk management tied to our strategic growth plan I am quite certain we would not have wasted so much time and money,” she says.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By building your business goals and risk management strategies side by side, you can mitigate risk while still propelling your business forward.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-risk-management-strategies">Key Risk Management Strategies</h2>



<p>Mitigating risk in an organization can involve many different approaches. Here are several key risk management strategies.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-identification-and-assessment">Identification and Assessment</h3>



<p>Identifying and assessing risk is critical to any successful risk management strategy. Identifying a risk means pointing out or becoming cognizant of a potential issue in your business. This could be a training bottleneck in staff, for example. Assessing that risk requires you to measure its impact. If that risk were realized, how much damage would it cause? Once a handful of risks are identified and analyzed, they should be ranked from most to least important.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-risk-avoidance">Risk Avoidance</h3>



<p>Rather than take an opportunity and the accompanying risk, a business may opt not to engage in risk-laden activities. By not participating, risk is effectively neutralized, but so is any potential benefit.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-risk-reduction-or-mitigation">Risk Reduction or Mitigation</h3>



<p>Instead of avoiding risk altogether, risk reduction or mitigation strategies aim to take on risk while simultaneously trying to reduce its effects. For instance, your business may purchase a competitor—a transaction with a large potential for something to go wrong. So, as part of that transaction, you review the target company’s financials and staff makeup closely to lower the chances your purchase will hurt your company in the long run.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-risk-transferring">Risk Transferring</h3>



<p>Transferring risk is when a business uses a third party to absorb risks it may take on. A common scenario is businesses purchasing insurance to protect themselves from liability.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-risk-sharing">Risk Sharing</h3>



<p>Similar to risk transferring, sharing risk means spreading it around multiple parties—but not displacing it to one person or location. A prime example of this is starting a limited liability corporation rather than working as a sole proprietor. This allows you to share the risk with your corporation instead of personally carrying all of it. However, you will still have risks operating as an LLC.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-benefits-of-implementing-risk-management-strategies">Benefits of Implementing Risk Management Strategies</h2>



<p>Using even one of the above risk management strategies can completely shift your business’ trajectory for the better. Here are some common benefits when you tackle risk in your organization.&nbsp;</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Reduce financial losses</li>



<li>Avoid reputational or brand damage</li>



<li>Increase executive decision-making and confidence</li>



<li>Improve employee productivity</li>



<li>Demonstrate leadership in your sector or community</li>



<li>Improve adherence to laws and regulations</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-effective-risk-management-tips">Effective Risk Management Tips</h2>



<p>Discussing risk management on a corporate level can feel daunting quickly. You become acutely aware of all the risk-laden decisions you face every day. How do you—or where do you—start? Review these tips to get some ideas going.&nbsp;</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Connect with peers and other businesses to see multiple risk strategies in action</li>



<li>Train and invest in employee’s risk management approaches</li>



<li>Be willing to embrace failure</li>



<li>Record as much data on your organization as you can—then act on it</li>



<li>Continually monitor and adjust your risk strategy as your business evolves</li>



<li>Learn to accept risk and uncertainty as a given in business</li>



<li>Learn to be emotionally and mentally resilient through tough times</li>



<li>Be willing to embrace technology to help with strategic planning </li>



<li>Don’t be afraid to step into risky situations—so long as the benefits are worth it</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-businesses-that-understand-risk-management-are-miles-ahead-of-competitors-don-t-wait">Businesses that Understand Risk Management are Miles Ahead of Competitors—Don’t Wait</h2>



<p>Risk is a staple of business. You cannot succeed without taking some measure of risk, but that doesn’t mean you are priming yourself for failure. By using risk management strategies such as risk avoidance or transference, your business can seize opportunities with the potential for massive rewards without absorbing all the consequences. Want to stay ahead of your competitors? Start managing risk.</p>



<p class="has-small-font-size"><strong><em>Photo courtesy of insta_photos/Shutterstock</em></strong></p>

Risk management is critical for all types of businesses. Here are some strategies you can implement today.

Risk management is critical for all types of businesses. Here are some strategies you can use today.

Risk Management Strategies All Leaders Should Know About | SUCCESS

Risk Management Strategies: How Leaders Can Effectively Handle Workplace Risks

Risk Management Strategies to Know for 2026 | SUCCESS

https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/risk-management-strategies-insta-photos-Shutterstock.jpg

Daymond John and Brandon Sawalich at SXSW

Professional Growth

Professional Growth Archives

Professional Growth | SUCCESS | What Achievers Read

<p>I’ve been to <a href="https://www.sxsw.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">South by Southwest</a> (SXSW) more times than I can count, and every time I walk through the busy conference center and crowded streets of Austin, Texas, I’m reminded why I keep coming back. It’s a melting pot of music, tech, media, innovation and bold ideas—exactly the kind of energy I thrive on.</p>



<p>This year was no different, except for one very meaningful twist. I had the chance to speak on stage alongside a good friend of mine, <a href="https://www.starkey.com/about-starkey-hearing/executives/brandon-sawalich" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brandon Sawalich, CEO of Starkey</a>. Starkey is a global leader in hearing technology, expanding their devices beyond amplification to improve customers’ quality of life through an experience designed to affect all aspects of hearing and its derivatives in improving mental health.&nbsp;</p>



<p>What does that all mean? Well, Brandon got to explain it to me on a big stage using phrases like, “The ear is the new wrist.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>Now, Brandon had never been to SXSW before, but he told me he wanted to experience the culture and learning—while taking the opportunity to introduce his innovation. I said, “I know the SXSW team well! Let me show you what it’s all about.”</p>



<p>Tens of thousands of people come to SXSW to learn something new from the world’s top experts. And there I was, one of the speakers, learning from my friend. During that session, Brandon dropped a quote that’s been rattling in my head ever since.&nbsp;</p>







<p>He said: “I always talk about challenging our ‘because.’ I will ask <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/art-of-delegation-daymond-john/">leaders</a> and managers, ‘Why do we need to do it this way?’ The last answer I want to hear is, ‘Because that’s the way we’ve always done it.’”</p>



<p>That hit me hard. Because if there’s one thing that kills innovation faster than anything else, it’s comfort. It’s the belief that the way something has always been done is the way it <em>should</em> always be done. That mentality doesn’t leave room for growth, for disruption—or for <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-build-a-brand/">vision</a>.</p>



<p>Brandon and his team at Starkey are not just selling hearing aids. They’re selling the future. That’s what blew my mind.</p>



<p>In the same way that Apple in the 1980s wasn’t just selling computers—they were selling a new way of thinking, a new way of living—Starkey is doing the same with their mission of destigmatizing hearing aids by helping us understand that hearing <em>is</em> health. You may see it as a medical device; Brandon sees it as a tool for optimization—a fusion of best-in-class <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/ai-tools-for-small-business-growth/">artificial intelligence</a>, advanced sensors and smart tech that is helping people hear, connect and live better every day.</p>



<p>It’s that shift in perspective that draws me in. Because as entrepreneurs, creators and leaders, it’s not just about what we’re selling today. It’s about seeing what our product means for tomorrow. It’s about understanding that when we communicate our vision, we’re not just closing a sale—we’re opening minds.</p>



<p>The thing is, I’m still learning. I treat every stage I walk on to, every conversation I have as a classroom. And when I learn something valuable, I believe in passing on that knowledge. Because that’s how we all grow. That’s how we all become teachers.</p>



<p>So, the next time you’re pitching your product, building your brand or planning your next move—ask yourself, <em>“Am I selling a thing, or am I selling the future?”</em> Because once you start thinking like that, everything changes.</p>



<p>Stay hungry. Stay curious. And always challenge your “because.”</p>



<p class="has-small-font-size"><strong><em>This article original appeared in the <a href="https://mysuccessplus.com/product/success-magazine-september-october-2025-maria-menounos">September/October 2025 issue</a> of SUCCESS® magazine. Photo courtesy of Daymond John; ©Starkey/Courtesy of Daymond John</em></strong></p>

Daymond John

At SXSW, Daymond John learned a lesson on innovation from Starkey CEO Brandon Sawalich—one that reshaped how he thinks about business.

Here’s how one conversation at SXSW changed the way I see business.

Daymond John: This Conversation Changed How I View Business | SUCCESS

How a Conversation at SXSW Changed the Way I View Business

Daymond John: A Convo That Changed His Business | SUCCESS

https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/daymond-john-brandon-sawalich-SXSW.jpg

woman sitting on a couch scrolling through her phone

Trends &amp; Insights

Trends &amp; Insights Archives

Trends &amp; Insights | SUCCESS | What Achievers Read

<p>So you need a vacuum. Or the best hair dryer. Or a rug, dishwasher or hiking boots. Where do you turn? A year ago, that answer may have been simple. You’d read “Top 5 Hiking Boots” from your favorite and most trusted digital publications or some reviews online and scan Amazon’s five-star ratings to determine your top choices. Then, you’d make a purchase.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Today, there are a few more challenges to contend with. There’s a plethora of AI-generated content, which might leave you wondering, “Did a real person actually review these boots? Or did a bot just gather some random opinions and maybe hallucinate in the process?” In 2024, “Google broke product journalism,” publicist Michelle Songy <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/michellesongy_google-broke-product-journalism-in-2024-activity-7340740103314567169-mXnn?utm_source=share&amp;utm_medium=member_desktop&amp;rcm=ACoAACxf5BoBYjuSdZ11wwW_-M2LHIvcb35tafM" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wrote on LinkedIn</a>. She’s referring to multiple steps Google took in 2024, including <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/11/19/24299762/google-search-parasite-seo-publishers-advon" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">targeting certain websites</a> that they claimed took advantage of site rankings despite being off topic.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-kenton/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Will Kenton</a>, former editor at Investopedia and Taboola, started getting frustrated with Google’s decision to effectively “shut down the affiliate magazine business,” and with the rise of low-quality, user-generated and <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/generative-ai-advertising-strategy/">AI content</a>. So, he set out to do something about it, along with colleagues Brie Dyas and Nick Leftley, who came from TIME Stamped, Associated Press Buyline, Maxim and other product review publications that fell victim to Google’s rules.</p>







<p>In June, <a href="https://inmyexpertopinion.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">In My Expert Opinion</a> (IMEO) launched, with a different business model. Their mission was simple but complex in an ever-changing internet landscape where the rules shift as frequently as a toddler running a Candy Land game: Build a community-driven platform where writers are fairly compensated and readers can find reliable, engaging product reviews that go much more in depth than formulaic <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/seo-for-companies/">SEO-driven content</a> or AI summaries.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Our journey began following a major shift in the online landscape—the Google algorithm update of 2024—which displaced credible publishers, leaving consumers overwhelmed by questionable sources and unreliable advice from platforms like Reddit and Quora,” <a href="https://inmyexpertopinion.com/about-us/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IMEO’s website states</a>. “Not only did Google punish legacy news sources, they replaced quality, human-made information with AI overviews and fake reviews.”</p>



<p>Kenton says that <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/new-google-ai-tool-career-dreamer/">Google</a> is “trying to suppress the kind of freely made information in order to be in the middle of the economic transactions.” That is, to make money. “We were all very upset when Google essentially turned off the traffic to our websites,” he says. “People want good information, and they’re finding it harder to get.” In response, IMEO is facilitating the conversation around single physical objects, like those hiking boots or a vacuum, with the goal of having 2,000 reviews.</p>



<p>Songy shares some key points about IMEO. According to her LinkedIn post:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>“Writers retain ownership of their content and earn through affiliate revenue and ad-sharing.</li>



<li>[The] system [is] designed to respect the value of expertise while offering a sustainable business model.</li>



<li>Right now, they’ve got 57 expert contributors signed on, with plans to grow the community and launch interactive forums and a newsletter soon.”&nbsp;</li>
</ul>



<p>So, if you want to know whether a writer feels a <a href="https://inmyexpertopinion.com/pluto-pod-2-0-travel-pillow-review/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">travel pillow is actually helping her sleep on a plane</a> or <a href="https://inmyexpertopinion.com/forme-power-bra-review/">if a “power bra” for back pain is helpful or hype</a>, the IMEO community can let you know.&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to Kenton, 99% of IMEO’s writers are people they know personally, such as colleagues, or people they know through others, which “kind of goes with our ethic of trying to keep it local and make sure that you've got a truly trustworthy source—somebody you've seen face to face.”</p>



<p class="has-small-font-size"><strong><em>Photo by Ground Picture/Shutterstock</em></strong></p>



<p></p>

Alexandra Frost

Learn about the newly launched platform ‘In My Expert Opinion’ that allows users to discover real human reviews online.

This New Platform Lets You Find Real Human Reviews | SUCCESS

Move Aside, Reddit: Here’s How Consumers Can Find Real Human Reviews Online

https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/in-my-expert-opinion-real-human-reviews-ground-picture-shutterstock.jpg

The Range of Motion Project helping a young amputee

Longevity &amp; Performance

Longevity &amp; Performance Archives

Longevity &amp; Performance | SUCCESS | What Achievers Read

<p>When we talk about <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/achieving-success-later-in-life/">success</a>, we often think of financial milestones, climbing the career ladder or personal achievements. But for thousands of people in South America living with limb loss, success looks very different. For them, it is the ability to walk again, to return to work, to play with their children or even to simply live with dignity.</p>



<p>That’s where the <a href="https://rompglobal.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Range of Motion Project (ROMP) </a>comes in. Since 2005, this nonprofit has been rewriting what’s possible for underserved amputees in Latin America and, in the process, redefining what it means to create impact.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mobility-is-more-than-movement">Mobility is more than movement</h2>



<p>ROMP’s philosophy is simple but profound, where mobility equals empowerment. And movement doesn't just mean moving from point A to point B; it means freedom. Freedom to participate in life, to chase dreams, and to take control of the future.</p>



<p>“ROMP is a nonprofit organization working to make immobility a thing of the past,” says <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-naber-42090919/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jonathan Naber</a>, the nonprofit’s Executive Director. “Our mission is to ensure access to high-quality prosthetic care for underserved people, improving their mobility and independence. Our locally staffed clinics in Guatemala and Ecuador provide life-changing care and rehabilitation to hundreds of patients each year.”</p>



<p>The organization has already delivered more than 6,000 prostheses, logged nearly 20,000 patient visits, and developed innovative community-based rehabilitation programs. “The moments that most stand out to me include opening our clinics in Guatemala and Ecuador, launching our Community-Based Rehabilitation Program, and beginning to use microprocessor (computerized) knees with patients,” says Naber.</p>



<p>Every prosthetic ROMP fits represents more than a device. It’s a second chance at life and a return to independence. And behind every number is a story. “We have seen thousands of patients over the years, each of whom have their own story of loss, determination, and achievement,” Naber explains. One such success story is about Cristóbal, who was referred to ROMP after losing his leg at the hip due to cancer. "He was wheelchair-bound and emotionally shut off from the world. He received prosthetic care at ROMP, and today he is a happy teenager who plays soccer and wants to be a doctor. The transformation is incredible, and it happens every day at ROMP,” beams Naber.</p>







<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tackling-barriers-nbsp">Tackling barriers&nbsp;</h2>



<p>In countries like Ecuador, challenges for amputees go far beyond access to a prosthetic limb. “The few clinics that provide care are often expensive and do not provide the full range of services a patient needs,” says Naber. “Without care, people with amputation cannot walk, and they struggle with the mental, economic, and social impacts of their immobility.” ROMP addresses these barriers through mobile clinics and local outreach to remote parts of these countries in order to reduce the geographic barrier patients face to receiving care. Their community health workers, or mobilizers as they are called, visit the most vulnerable patients in their homes before and after they receive their prostheses, helping improve their mental health, physical mobility and livelihood.</p>



<p>Education and awareness are equally important. “One of the biggest barriers people with disabilities face is simply knowing where they can get help,” Naber notes. “In both Guatemala and Ecuador, we are deeply involved in empowering people on a community level to identify disabling conditions—amputation as well as others—and referring people to the services they need.” This is part of ROMP’s approach to not only provide services, but develop the rehabilitation systems for more holistic care.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-innovation-through-recycling">Innovation through recycling</h2>



<p>One of ROMP’s most creative programs is <a href="https://rompglobal.org/get-involved/prosthetic-recycling-c4c.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Components for a Cause</a> (C4C), which works to give already existing prosthetic parts a second life. Components that might otherwise sit in storage or go to waste in the U.S. are shipped to ROMP’s clinics, to be refurbished and fitted to patients in need.</p>



<p>“Around 95% of the prosthetic components our clinics use—like feet, knees, and liners—are recycled in high-income markets,” Naber notes. “Clinics and individuals donate new and gently used items and we sort, clean, check, and export them to our Guatemala and Ecuador operations. We tag each item with a QR code and inform the donor when it is deployed with a patient.”</p>



<p>This circular economy of prosthetics means donors can see first-hand the direct impact of their contributions, and patients gain access to world-class technology that might otherwise have been out of reach, a win-win for all.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-measuring-success-nbsp">Measuring success&nbsp;</h2>



<p>But for ROMP, success isn’t just about numbers. “Our patients are multifaceted people, and our definition of success goes far beyond simply delivering their prosthesis,” says Naber. “We measure our patients’ physical mobility, mental health, and productive activities, and we target their needs in these different areas through our wide-ranging clinical and community-based services.”</p>



<p>As patients regain independence, a ripple effect begins to take place. Families stabilize and communities benefit from increased <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/productivity-hacks/">productivity</a> and <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-start-an-employee-mentorship-program/">mentorship</a>. Receiving prosthetic rehabilitation helps a person with amputation to be physically mobile again. They can stand, walk, and move, which allows them to return to work, support their family, and contribute to their community. Many patients then become peer mentors to other patients, sharing their lived experience of amputation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-partnerships-and-impact">Partnerships and impact</h2>



<p>ROMP’s work hasn’t gone unnoticed. Outdoor gear company <a href="https://www.cotopaxi.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cotopaxi</a>, known for its commitment to impact-driven initiatives, has been a key partner in expanding the nonprofit’s reach. “Our partnership with ROMP began in 2020, when we were looking for organizations addressing critical gaps in healthcare access in Latin America,” says <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-clark-99b342133/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Charlie Clark, Director of Philanthropy</a> at the company. “We were drawn to ROMP because of their deep roots in Ecuador, their trusted relationships with local and federal governments, and their collaborative approach with medical practitioners on the ground.” Over the years, this has grown into something that goes far beyond funding as these two allies work toward amplifying their impact and sharing their story with a broader audience.</p>



<p>For the brand, this mission strikes at the heart of their values. “At Cotopaxi, we believe poverty alleviation and health equity are deeply connected,” Clark adds. “Lack of access to quality healthcare is one of the strongest indicators of poverty, and limb loss is a significant and often overlooked barrier to economic mobility and wellbeing.” Clark also notes that Ecuador has a disproportionately high number of people living with limb loss, often due to infrastructure challenges and limited access to prosthetic care. Hence, ROMP’s model of combining technical expertise, local partnerships, and holistic rehabilitation, is both highly effective and deeply human.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This partnership underscores how mobility is not only a matter of individual transformation but also a collective responsibility. By bringing together nonprofits, corporate partners and communities, ROMP is creating change that extends far beyond a single prosthetic.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-ahead">Looking ahead</h2>



<p>ROMP’s ambitions are as bold as the impact it is already making. After 20 years in Guatemala and Ecuador, ROMP is looking to expand globally using a partnership model. The strategy for the next three years includes meeting the demand in Guatemala and Ecuador and sharing their Mobility Toolkit model with the rest of the world to make immobility a thing of the past. To that end, Naber calls upon anyone who wants to play a role to make a <a href="https://rangeofmotionproject-bloom.kindful.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">one-time donation</a> or become a <a href="https://secure.qgiv.com/for/rangeofmotionproject" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Monthly Mobility Member</a> to their mission.</p>



<p>The vision is indeed bold: a world where mobility is not a privilege for the wealthy but a universally recognized right irrespective of economic status or geographic proximity. Or, as Naber puts it: “We don’t just build prosthetics. We build futures.”</p>



<p class="has-small-font-size"><strong><em>Photo courtesy of Karthika Gupta</em></strong></p>



<p></p>

Karthika Gupta

Learn about the Range of Motion Project, a non-profit that provides amputees with prosthetic care to help improve their quality of life.

Learn about The Range of Motion Project, a non-profit that provides amputees with prosthetic care to help improve their quality of life.

This Non-Profit Restores Mobility to Amputees | SUCCESS

The Range of Motion Project Restores Mobility and Dignity to Amputees by Providing Access to Prosthetics

https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/The-Range-of-Motion-Project-Restores-Mobility-and-Dignity-to-Amputees-by-Providing-Access-to-Prosthetics.jpg

<p><a href="https://neilpatel.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neil Patel</a> has certainly made a name for himself. The <em>New York Times</em> bestselling author was honored at the White House as one of <a href="https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/blog/2011/11/16/empact100-recognition-event" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Empact’s Top 100 entrepreneurs</a> under 30 and was named a <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/joshsteimle/2014/02/28/top-10-online-marketing-experts-to-follow-in-2014/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Top 10</a> online marketing expert to follow by <em>Forbes</em>. His agency, <a href="https://npdigital.com/blog/np-digital-marks-another-milestone-in-growth-journey-with-germany-expansion-and-michael-messerschmidt-as-its-managing-director/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NP Digital</a>, operates in over 20 countries and generates tens of millions in revenue annually. Simply put, Patel’s personal brand is among the strongest in the digital marketing world.</p>



<p>But despite leveraging his personal brand to launch this global success, Patel now offers some unexpected advice to aspiring entrepreneurs: don’t follow his path. While this may seem contradictory to his own experience, it reflects hard-earned lessons from seven years of scaling his business.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-personal-brand-plateau">The personal brand plateau</h2>



<p>“I believe it’s better to not build a personal brand than it is to build one,” Patel says bluntly. “I’m not saying a personal brand is bad. What I’m saying is a corporate brand is better and, in an ideal world, you would have both a personal and a corporate brand, but most people don’t have time to do both.”</p>



<p>Patel says <a href="https://npdigital.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NP Digital</a> (formerly Neil Patel Digital) generated around $5 million in revenue in its first year, largely stemming from Patel’s personal brand. By the second year, that figure jumped to $18 million, with approximately $10 million attributed to his personal brand. As the business grew beyond $30 million, his personal brand consistently plateaued at that $10 million contribution.</p>



<p>“It’s not bad,” Patel acknowledges. “Now my personal brand’s not as big as Kylie Jenner or LeBron James or anyone like that, and it drives decent revenue. It’s a great way to kick-start a business. But what I learned is if you want to make a ton of money, people prefer just paying corporate brands.”</p>







<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-it-s-a-marathon-not-a-sprint">It’s a marathon, not a sprint</h2>



<p>Whatever type of brand you’re building, Patel emphasizes that patience isn’t just a virtue—it’s a necessity.</p>



<p>“The first three years of building my brand, I was speaking at conferences for free,” he recalls. “I was creating tons of goodwill and content online, blogging like crazy, and it wasn’t driving much revenue in the first year.”</p>



<p>Patel says revenue picked up in the second year and got better in the third year, but it still wasn’t significant. Rather than giving up when things weren’t growing as rapidly as he’d hoped, Patel recognized that his patience would eventually pay off.</p>



<p>“I learned that, over time, things have a compounding effect if you’re willing to put in the time and energy,” he says. “It doesn’t work for most people because they quit after the first three months or six months.”</p>



<p>Patel’s advice for maintaining patience? “Instead of analyzing how well and how much money it’s making or how many followers you have, you should just think about it as a normal routine that’s part of your life. You should work on your brand just like you brush your teeth or try to stay healthy. Just dedicate a certain amount of time each and every single day to it.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-find-your-focus">Find your focus</h2>



<p>One critical lesson Patel learned early on was the importance of specificity. “I thought about going more mainstream instead of focusing on a vertical,” he recalls. “When I did that, my revenue declined but my reach went up.”</p>



<p>This experiment taught him a valuable principle: “What I learned is it’s not great to be known for just anything. You want to be known for something specific. It’s too hard to monetize just being well-known.”</p>



<p>To illustrate his point, Patel uses the example of Nathan Apodaca’s <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@420doggface208/video/6876424179084709126?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">viral TikTok video</a> of him longboarding to work while drinking cranberry juice and listening to Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams.”</p>



<p>“It was a really cool video,” he acknowledges. “But how well is he monetizing his <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-build-your-personal-brand/">personal brand</a> today? Being known for longboarding doesn’t do much. That’s not going to help you build a personal brand. You need to post content on something. You may not get the most followers, but you need to post content about a specific vertical and that’s what’s going to help you the most.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-3-pillars-of-effective-brand-building">The 3 pillars of effective brand building</h2>



<p>Patel offers three core recommendations for those just starting their brand-building journey:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-create-unique-valuable-content-nbsp">1. Create unique, valuable content&nbsp;</h3>



<p>“If you’re not adding value with something that’s new, fresh, unique, it’s not going to do well.”</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-go-omnichannel">2. Go omnichannel</h3>



<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong>“You have to be on Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter or X or whatever you call it, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn.”</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-balance-short-and-long-form-content">3. Balance short- and long-form content</h3>



<p>“People resonate more with long-form video. Long-form video is a great way to build a deeper connection with your audience. Short-form videos tend to get more views. It’s a great way to get followers, but short-form videos are a terrible way to build relationships.”</p>



<p>Combining these three pillars creates a winning <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/brand-strategy-principles/">branding strategy</a>. Create unique short-form content and publish it across multiple channels to attract followers. Then, follow it up with long-form content to build relationships that lead to conversions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bridging-brand-and-revenue">Bridging brand and revenue</h2>



<p>For <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/10-aspiring-entrepreneurs/">entrepreneurs</a> struggling to monetize their personal brand, Patel’s advice is characteristically direct: “Focus on the pain points of your customers and create content around that. Build your brand around that. Don’t build your brand around something that’s cool. Build it around solving a problem for the masses.”</p>



<p>This problem-solving orientation forms the bridge between brand recognition and revenue growth—a bridge that becomes stronger when built on a corporate foundation rather than a personal one.</p>



<p>As counterintuitive as it might seem coming from one of digital marketing’s most recognizable personal brands, Patel’s experience offers a compelling case for rethinking our approach to brand building. Perhaps lasting impact lies not in becoming the next influencer but in creating something bigger than yourself.</p>



<p class="has-small-font-size"><strong><em>This article originally appeared in the <a href="https://mysuccessplus.com/product/success-magazine-september-october-2025-maria-menounos">September/October 2025 issue</a> of SUCCESS© magazine. Photo courtesy of Neil Patel.</em></strong></p>



<p></p>

Joel Swenson

Learn what digital marketing expert Neil Patel has to say about corporate brands and why they exceed personal ones.

Neil Patel Talks Personal Branding and Success | SUCCESS

Neil Patel: Beyond Personal Branding

https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Neil-Patel.jpg

<p>A family’s heritage and culture—rooted in coffee and spread throughout the streets of Spanish Harlem—traces back two generations in Bernadette Gerrity’s lineage. <a href="https://cafearomanyc.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Café Aroma</a>, a family-owned coffee roasting company, was founded in the mid-1960s and has been passed down through three generations. From onlooker to vice president, Gerrity is upholding the quality, commitment and heart of Café Aroma while growing the brand in new ways today.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-foundation">The foundation</h2>



<p>In 1961, Gerrity’s grandparents immigrated from Cuba to one of America’s vibrant multicultural bedrocks, New York City. While their trade history began with her grandmother at a sugar mill in Cuba, coffee was another craft they mastered, too. Roasting and brewing in their home kitchen, the family shared their coffee with their neighbors and friends. The rich coffee flavor was raved about among the tasters, indicating that a roasting business could have strong demand.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“I don't like to ever make any comparisons, but there are really amazing brand leaders in the space, like Bustelo, and that was one of the only [other coffees] on the shelf,” Gerrity says. “So to diversify the options, because there [were] other flavor profiles that maybe my family wanted… or their community wanted, that my grandparents wanted to cater to, and they wanted to create something that was from the heart and from the home.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>After decades of serving the Spanish Harlem area with Café Aroma’s flavors, they’ve built a loyal clientele that has helped them expand nationwide. Now, they’re featured in top supermarkets across the U.S. and remain a staple in New York City’s restaurants and cafes.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-led-by-the-women">Led by the women</h2>



<p>And the brand's presence wouldn’t have grown without her mother and aunt’s work. Gerrity believes her family's female leadership in the (past) male-dominated coffee industry has been a key factor in establishing the brand. </p>



<p>“But as far as business, especially in the [United] States, it was very male-dominated. So for my mom and my aunt to kind of be the ones making these deliveries, they always like to kid that my grandfather just almost treated them like a boy and was like, ‘Get to work.’” Gerrity explains.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Now, as vice president, Gerrity has grown up witnessing her family’s hard work; however, she initially had to learn the business before she could join. She gained experience in coffee importing and trade, then transitioned into the family’s manufacturing side. “So many of these people [who] were training me had worked with my mother and my aunt and my grandfather,” she says.&nbsp; “So, I was in good hands. It was really comfortable. And you know, I think from there, I really grew to love the industry. [During] my first day of work, somebody said, ‘OK, once you get into the coffee industry, you're never going to leave it.’”</p>



<p>Intrigued by <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/marketing-strategies-for-2025-vladimer-botsvadze/">marketing</a>, she saw an opportunity to share her family’s story and took the initiative in growing the brand. “I was tailoring our story, tailoring our websites, making the coffee, obviously more available on e-commerce, utilizing social platforms, <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-influencer-marketing-done-right/">influencer marketing</a>, you name it.”&nbsp;</p>







<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-family-dynamics">Family dynamics</h2>



<p>Gerrity remembers that when she entered the business, priorities and family roles merged. “I think family businesses are very unique, and oftentimes there's, I guess, you're kind of straddling two worlds when you're in a family business, understanding when it's work versus family time.”</p>



<p>Learning to separate her immediate urge to take on everything and prove herself was something she noticed quickly. Especially coming from a diligent family, she says, “We always want to carry all the weight on our own.”<br><br>Giving herself grace and taking <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/values-of-a-good-leader/">leadership</a> advice from her mother and aunt proved helpful for growing at Café Aroma. Taking on a leadership role now, she’s grateful for the hard-earned wisdom and understands that leadership quality relies on communication and respect.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beans-and-legacy">Beans and legacy</h2>



<p>The coffee profile has been roughly the same since the birth of Café Aroma. A few tweaks and adjustments have rounded the coffee recipe, but not before letting each other collaborate and test it for each other. “My grandfather used to bring coffee home to my grandmother from the factory for her taste test, to make sure that it was up to her liking and her standards. So I think our quality standards are something that has always remained the same, big or small. And I would say that also from a <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-build-a-brand/">brand identity</a>,” Gerrity says.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Quality control is their top priority. From scouring raw materials to roasting, they stay true to their brand while making sure coffee is accessible physically and financially. They aim to be available to everyone.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Their most recent launch, <a href="https://cafearoma.com/products/cafe-aroma-especial" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Café Aroma Especial</a>, pays homage to their Cuban coffee legacy. Created to showcase a premium blend combining several of their on-shelf coffee profiles, Gerrity says, “It's a little more of a luxury item for us.” The collaboration brought their entire family together to celebrate the blend that embodies their brand.</p>



<p class="has-small-font-size"><strong><em>Photo courtesy of Café Aroma</em></strong></p>

Rena Machani

Learn about the roots of Café Aroma and how it has expanded its reach across the U.S. with female leadership.

Learn how it has expanded its reach across the U.S. with female leadership.

How Café Aroma Has Thrived with Female Leadership | SUCCESS

Heritage in Each Sip: How a 60-Plus-Year-Old Family-Owned Brand is Growing Through Female Leadership

https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Cafe-Aroma-Heritage-in-Each-Sip.jpg

<p>Manu Muraro, founder of <a href="https://yoursocial.team/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Your Social Team</a>, is revolutionizing the social media landscape for small-business owners. She provides <a href="https://www.instagram.com/yoursocialteam/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">personalized social media strategies</a> to help women solopreneurs and small accounts boost engagement and visibility. Muraro also launched a content creation shop and Instagram training membership to support professionals looking to level up. In alignment with her mission, she created <a href="https://yoursocial.team/blog//the-reelies-atlanta-2025" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Reelies Awards</a>, an annual Instagram Reels award show celebrating women thriving on the platform. Born and raised in Brazil, she spent a decade at Cartoon Network and two years at King of Pops leading marketing efforts. Today, the multimillion-dollar powerhouse shares her creative insights with us.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-one-thing-i-do-everyday-is">One thing I do everyday is…</h2>



<p>Take a little time for myself. Having a business, kids and dogs—this doesn’t always happen naturally. So, I make sure to pause and relax a bit, watch an episode of a show or listen to a podcast while on the move. I even do this at the office sometimes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-my-mantra-is">My mantra is…</h2>



<p>Done is better than perfect. As a <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-run-a-successful-startup-business/">business owner</a> it’s so easy to want to overlook everything or do everything as perfectly as possible. But sometimes [completing] a task is way better than looking for perfection! Especially when it comes to social media, which is the industry I’m in!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-it-comes-to-your-social-team-i-wish-more-people-knew-that">When it comes to Your Social Team, I wish more people knew that…</h2>



<p>We created a whole year of Instagram content for small businesses in 2025. It comes with feed posts, carousels and reels, ready to customize inside Canva with your colors and message. [This way], people can be consistent without spending hours on every single post. You can still create more time consuming content here and there when you have amazing ideas and time. When you don’t, we got you.</p>







<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-my-biggest-source-of-inspiration">My biggest source of inspiration…</h2>



<p>For creative ideas it is TikTok. Not in the most obvious way, which would just be the trends. I take a lot of creative inspo from the comments, from how people communicate in the app. For visuals, I take a lot of inspiration [from] nature and art.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-one-thing-that-s-difficult-for-me-but-that-i-enjoy-is">One thing that’s difficult for me but that I enjoy is…</h2>



<p>Hosting events! It’s a ton of work but so rewarding and energizing. This year, we started the first ever—and only—Instagram Reels award show, The Reelies. Think [of it as] the Oscars for small entrepreneurs. We had a sold-out award ceremony in a beautiful classic movie theater and everyone looked amazing on the red carpet! It was so energizing to meet 300 business owners and creators from all over the U.S. and Canada in person and recognize people for their work! I encourage everyone to enter their Reels and join us here in Atlanta in 2025!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-i-handle-negativity-by">I handle negativity by…</h2>



<p>[Taking] deep breaths. As someone who is always on social media, I come across a lot of keyboard warriors. I feel like the best way to deal with that is [by] giving it time instead of responding back and forth in the heat of the moment. I guess the same applies to <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/the-key-to-building-healthy-relationships/">personal relationships</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-one-way-i-stay-strong-is-by">One way I stay strong is by…</h2>



<p>Focusing on my family, my <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/corporate-mission-statements/">business mission and goals</a>, instead of getting caught [up] in small things that don’t matter.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-i-need-a-jolt-of-energy">When I need a jolt of energy…</h2>



<p>I have some coffee, pet the dog, call my mom, play some music, act silly with my kids. Whichever is available to me at the time.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-most-surprising-thing-about-me-is">The most surprising thing about me is…</h2>



<p>That I’m 48! I am always shocked by that since I’m just a baby. Time is weird!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-i-want-people-to-know-me-for">I want people to know me for…</h2>



<p>Being a voice of reason and a source of calm for <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/women-entrepreneurs-shaping-future/">women entrepreneurs</a>. At a time when educators and coaches are always telling them to do more, I want to remind them [that] bandwidth comes first!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-10-years-i-hope-to">In 10 years, I hope to…</h2>



<p>Be alive, healthy and enjoying life. Everything else is secondary.</p>



<p class="has-small-font-size"><em><strong>This article originally appeared in the <a href="https://mysuccessplus.com/product/success-magazine-september-october-2025-maria-menounos">September/October 2025 issue</a> of SUCCESS© Magazine. Photo courtesy of Manu Muraro.</strong></em></p>

Learn about content marketing expert Manu Muraro as she gives readers a glimpse into her life as an entrepreneur, the affirmation that keeps her going, and more.

Learn about content marketing expert's life as an entrepreneur.

Manu Muraro Shares Her Mantra, Inspiration and More | SUCCESS

Manu Muraro Uses TikTok in an Unusual Way

https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Manu-Muraro.jpg

Learn about content marketing expert Manu Muraro as she gives readers a glimpse into her life as an entrepreneur.

Matt Ebert giving a speech at the Champions Mindset Summit

<p>The seeds of a new business are often planted out of the necessity to solve a problem. Inspiration strikes, hard work follows, and the problem transforms into an opportunity to emerge victorious. This was the winning formula for founder and CEO of Crash Champions Collision Repair Team <a href="https://mattebert.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Matt Ebert</a>, whose thriving business began when he accidentally wrecked his car at 16 years old.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Ebert didn’t have the money to get his car repaired, and he didn’t want his insurance to skyrocket. So, having grown up in a neighborhood surrounded by blue-collar workers whom he refers to as his “childhood mentors,” Ebert sought the help of a local <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHUOvWJuwwv/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">technician</a> who taught him how to repair his vehicle.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While speaking with Ebert, I was reminded of the Kintsugi philosophy, which is embodied by the art of repairing broken pottery by reassembling it and filling in the cracks with gold—restoring it to even greater grandeur than before it was broken. The process symbolizes “<a href="https://kintsugilabo.com/blogs/journal/philosophy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">resilience and hope</a>,” which aligns with Ebert’s mission for Crash Champions.</p>







<p>Ebert says Crash Champions got its name and logo, a red cape reminiscent of a superhero’s cape, because they are in the business of repairing wrecked cars and “helping people in a time of need.” He continues, “People don't want to know us until they need us, and then we're their favorite person in the world.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>Customers may arrive at Crash Champions with a broken car, but Ebert’s team gives them hope, and the car’s brokenness is restored. He says they intervene for customers at a time “where their lives are going to be disrupted, and it's something that they don't face very often, and we get the chance to make that experience as good as possible, and I'm proud of that.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>It seems Ebert has the Midas touch. He opened <a href="https://crashchampions.com/about-us/our-history" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New Lenox Auto Body in New Lenox</a>, Illinois, in 1999, and fifteen years later, the business was rebranded to Crash Champions. After a series of mergers and acquisitions and a capital infusion, Ebert grew Crash Champions into 650 auto collision shops located throughout 38 states. This year, Crash Champions has a <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/matt-ebert-building-business-legacy/">projected annual revenue of $2.8 billion</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-people-first-mentality-from-day-one-is-ebert-s-recipe-for-success"><strong>A ‘people first’ mentality from day one is Ebert’s recipe for success</strong></h2>



<p>Back in 1989, a local technician believed in a teenage Ebert and changed his life, and Ebert has been paying it forward ever since. He places people’s best interests at the heart of all his decisions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The main driving force behind Ebert’s catapult to success with Crash Champions is his “people first” mentality. He believes, “People… are super important to the business.” Whether that pertains to his customers, the members of his team, or the mom and pop business owners who sold their shops to Crash Champions, Ebert champions people, and the results are astonishing—proving just how far one’s humanity and appreciation for others can take you.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Ebert shared on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/matt-ebert-7169a5180_growth-results-collisionrepair-activity-7349505793395744770-U6aQ/?utm_source=share&amp;utm_medium=member_desktop&amp;rcm=ACoAAAqY1ZMBCXYyITYcS8i2839udOu7N6ld4Go" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LinkedIn</a>, “Whether it's your family or your team, you have to put people first and invest in their success. That's the biggest secret to Crash Champions' success. I empowered others and now we've built a legacy no one can tear down. Because when people grow, the results follow.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-investing-in-your-team-means-investing-in-the-future-of-your-business"><strong>Investing in your team means investing in the future of your business</strong></h2>



<p>Automotive repair is currently considered one of the <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/07/31/microsofts-top-10-most-ai-safe-jobs-including-painters-embalmers.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">top 10 careers that are safe from being replaced by artificial intelligence</a>. Ebert knows that his team is invaluable. He says Crash Champions is “...an industry that is only going to function with people. We need people to do the work. So in a service business where people are the biggest asset, you have to look at that as the most important thing to focus your attention on…. You want to get the people to feel like they're valued, to feel like they're an asset to the company.”</p>



<p>I asked Ebert if he thinks it helps him as a CEO and leader that he has rolled up his own sleeves and put in the elbow grease from the first rung of the ladder to the top. He reflects, “It gives you a believable empathy… so they know… I've done that job before, and so they know, to some degree, I understand what they deal with every day. And I'm not just looking at them as a number…. I happen to have been in all those seats. I think there's a leverageable trust that comes from knowing that, and again, I have an empathy unique compared to other CEOs, because I do know what the day-to-day life of the team is.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-championing-programs-that-uplift-people"><strong>Championing programs that uplift people</strong></h2>



<p>Crash Champions boasts internal initiatives and programs that celebrate, support and develop people. The company created the <a href="https://crashchampions.com/company/knowledge-center/training-industrys-next-generation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Skills Training and Education Program</a> (STEP) as an apprenticeship program that trains technicians so they can earn their industry certification to work in automotive repair.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Ebert also just wrapped up the Crash Champions <a href="https://crashchampions.com/company/press/crash-champions-hosts-annual-champions-summit-san-diego" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Champions Summit</a>, at which part of the lineup was entitled “People at the Heart of the Process.” Beyond their repair centers, the company also strives to <a href="https://crashchampions.com/company/knowledge-center/people-first-always" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">help the greater community</a> via causes such as the National Auto Body Council’s Recycled Rides® program, which donates vehicles to people in need.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-even-further-down-the-road-thoughts-of-team-development-lead-the-way"><strong>Even further down the road, thoughts of team development lead the way</strong></h2>



<p>Ebert puts his team at the forefront of his vision and <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-set-smart-goals/">goals</a> for the future as well. When I asked him about his additional plans for expanding Crash Champions he replied, “...more important is being the best at something, rather than the biggest at something. But when you see… opportunities to… change the way things are done for the better. Scale helps you do that…. For me, it's [about] creating more opportunity for the team…. If we stop growing, then if the team wants to continue to advance their career, that almost requires them to look elsewhere, whereas, if we continue to grow, they can stay and have all the opportunity they want… right here.”</p>



<p>Ebert proves once again that his vested interest in the company is anchored in his desire to promote his team’s growth and prosperity as both a community and as individuals, providing them the stepping stones they need to continue working at Crash Champions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ebert-says-another-key-to-success-is-teamwork-at-home"><strong>Ebert says another key to success is teamwork at home</strong></h2>



<p>In true team player fashion and in recognition that the journey to success is multifaceted, Ebert says, “Key to all of this for me has been the support at home.” He adds, “It's hard to be successful in an entrepreneur role if things aren't great at home….So I think that shouldn't be neglected as part of a key to success.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>He acknowledges that his wife and “her willingness to sacrifice with me being gone as much as I am, and her doing all she does to make sure everything is awesome for our kids” has enabled him to build a prosperous company that’s making billions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In a time when many CEOs and business leaders are choosing to replace workers with <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-ai-interferes-with-hiring/">AI</a>, Ebert’s human-centric approach to all aspects of his business and his “people-first” mentality exemplify the golden rule.</p>



<p class="has-small-font-size"><strong><em>Photo courtesy of Matt Ebert</em></strong></p>

Beth Shea

Learn how this CEO’s car wreck sparked an idea to launch a collision repair business that’s on track to do $2.8 billion in revenue this year.

This ‘People-First’ Business Is Now Worth Billions | SUCCESS

This CEO Turned His Teenage Car Wreck Into a Nationwide Collision Repair Business Worth Billions

https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Matt-Ebert_-Crash-Champions.jpg

Boss having a team meeting with employees

<p>Whether at home or in the workplace, leaders aim to help those around them achieve more than they could alone. Part of becoming a more effective leader is continuously developing to grow yourself and your team. If that sounds daunting, don’t worry. There are a number of tried-and-true strategies and tactics you can start implementing easily if you would like to learn how to develop leadership qualities and become an effective, inspiring leader.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-makes-an-effective-leader">What Makes An Effective Leader?</h2>



<p>A <a href="https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/leadership/decoding-leadership-what-really-matters" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">McKinsey</a> study surveyed nearly 200,000 individuals across 81 organizations and analyzed academic literature to understand what leadership effectiveness looks like in multiple contexts. They found four different behaviors that “account for 89 percent of leadership effectiveness.” These are:&nbsp;</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Being supportive</li>



<li>Operating with a results-driven orientation</li>



<li>Exploring different perspectives</li>



<li>Effectively solving problems</li>
</ul>



<p>Great leadership that breeds success is based on vision, emotional intelligence, adaptability and the ability to be a lifelong learner.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Think about it: all of the behaviors McKinsey identified require leaders to self-reflect. We can’t be supportive without being intentional about our actions. We can’t work towards results without thinking about our goals. We can’t examine new perspectives without thinking about new ideas. And we can’t solve problems without probing them ourselves.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In the words of the world-famous leader, <a href="https://leaders.com/articles/leadership/leadership-quotes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">John C. Maxwell</a>, “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.”&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-leadership-skills-versus-leadership-qualities">Leadership Skills Versus Leadership Qualities</h3>



<p>Before looking at how to develop as a leader, it’s important to recognize the distinction between leadership skills and leadership qualities. Leadership skills are abilities such as efficient decision-making, critical thinking, and being able to communicate clearly and plan ahead.</p>



<p>Leadership qualities are traits or characteristics of a leader that help them guide teams effectively. Think of them as “professional virtues” in a sense. Examples of leadership qualities might include optimism, perseverance, integrity, confidence or personability.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Even though leadership qualities are more foundational than skills—meaning your skills in the workplace are a reflection of your qualities—the relationship between the two isn’t black and white. For instance, becoming a leader who has integrity might mean improving a skill like reflecting on the moral implications of your actions. Developing a quality and developing a skill can sometimes be the same—though not always.</p>







<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-importance-of-leadership-development">The Importance Of Leadership Development</h2>



<p>Hard skills and education can only take you so far in your career. Strong leadership qualities like integrity, perseverance, respect, and self-awareness deeply impact the work performance of other team members.</p>



<p>Beyond the professional sphere, strong leadership qualities can lead to personal success. I’m a parent of two young children. When I’ve worked on becoming a more self-aware and empathetic leader, my kids respond positively. The same applies to the workplace. When businesses have effective leaders at the helm of departments, productivity and overall employee well-being can improve.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-essential-qualities-for-effective-leadership">Essential Qualities For Effective Leadership</h2>



<p>Now that we’ve explained what effective leadership is, here are some key leadership qualities for success that competent leaders focus on developing in themselves:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Empathy:</strong> The most influential team leaders understand and support team members’ needs. They have strong emotional intelligence to pinpoint how others are feeling or how their own actions can affect others.&nbsp;</li>



<li><strong>Integrity: </strong>Leaders who continuously keep their word, display honesty in the workplace and have a strong moral compass are those that people can rely on over and over again.</li>



<li><strong>Perseverance: </strong>Even in the face of difficulties, great leaders continue to move forward—and guide their team in the process.&nbsp;</li>



<li><strong>Self-awareness: </strong>Good leaders understand themselves. They know their strengths, their weaknesses and how to put themselves in situations to lean into their naturally-honed abilities.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-simple-strategies-for-becoming-a-better-leader">Simple Strategies For Becoming A Better Leader</h2>



<p>Regardless of where you are in your leadership journey, you can develop your leadership qualities every day. Growing your character comes from learning from others and from putting yourself in situations to grow.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Here are some leadership development tips you can implement immediately.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seek-feedback">Seek Feedback</h3>



<p>Asking for constructive feedback from your boss, peers or team members you supervise helps you identify areas for growth. These areas give you a starting point so you know which qualities to hone first. From there you can create a plan of action to focus on building those leadership characteristics that will benefit your organization the most.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understand-yourself">Understand Yourself</h3>



<p><a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/simple-journaling-tips/">Journaling</a> and acknowledging your feelings in the moment are ways leaders can become more self-aware. Another way is to ask yourself questions about your leadership identity: how you view yourself as a leader. Here are some examples:&nbsp;</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>If someone was describing you as a leader, what words would they use first?&nbsp;</li>



<li>What leadership qualities do you have that are most helpful to your organization?&nbsp;</li>



<li>How much do you have in common with other leaders at your organization?</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-invest-in-continuous-learning">Invest In Continuous Learning</h3>



<p>Leadership training for professionals doesn’t have to be a one-size-fits-all approach. If you’re looking to learn you can attend workshops in your area, study <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/12-leadership-books-to-add-to-your-reading-list/">leadership books</a> or get advice from mentors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Brian Wallace, founder of the infographic design agency <a href="https://nowsourcing.com/about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NowSourcing</a> and longtime mentor, is a major advocate of leadership mentoring. Not just because it helps new hires become stellar employees, but also because the act of mentoring creates important leadership qualities in veteran team members, too.</p>



<p>“I think part of what makes somebody sharp is not just learning things, but telling over and instructing and mentoring people that are in a stage where they could benefit from the sum total of what we've learned over the years,” says Wallace. On top of that, mentors that work with a good mentee have the privilege of being challenged and having “very fun, active conversations” that develop into a lifelong relationship, he adds.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Wallace reiterates that mentorship is a plus on either side of the relationship. Mentees who, “develop a relationship with someone that maybe you could see yourself in their position [in the future],” have the profound experience of having someone guide them on a career path with less chance of making the same mistakes their mentor did.&nbsp;</p>



<p>That’s a winning formula for developing lasting character traits that continue to pay off well into your leadership career.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inspiring-leadership-in-action">Inspiring Leadership In Action</h2>



<p>One of the best ways to develop leadership qualities is to see how profound leadership looks in action.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rosa-parks">Rosa Parks</h3>



<p>On December 1, 1955, during segregation in Alabama, Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on the “colored zone” of a bus to a white passenger. By not following the bus driver’s order, Parks lost her job and was arrested. However, her counter-cultural choice fanned the civil rights movement into flame and she became a major force—and international icon—for Black people everywhere.</p>



<p>Parks didn’t just lead through speech, she started by leading with her own steps. She started by having profound integrity to motivate and guide others.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sheryl-sandberg">Sheryl Sandberg</h3>



<p>Sheryl Sandberg served as the COO of Meta (formerly Facebook) from 2008 until fall 2022. During that time, she wrote the bestselling book <em>Lean In: Women, Work and the Will to Lead</em>, which encouraged women to become corporate changemakers. By leaning into her leadership qualities of empathy and self-awareness, Sandberg shares her own experiences with other women to inspire them forward.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hauwa-ojeifo">Hauwa Ojeifo</h3>



<p>Hauwa Ojeifo is the founder of She Writes Woman, a blog focused on mental health awareness based out of Nigeria. From that came the development of a free, 24/7 hotline and online and community-focused support centers to help Nigerians with their mental health struggles.&nbsp;</p>



<p>What’s powerful about Ojeifo’s story is her choice to persevere through devastating circumstances and use her story to uplift others. After being in an abusive relationship and having struggles with bipolar disorder and suicidal ideation, Ojeifo had the profound self-awareness to realize she needed to speak out about her struggles. That led to her developing into one of the foremost mental health leaders and advocates in her country. In 2020, she became the first person who openly discussed their mental health condition to testify before the Nigerian National Assembly regarding the public reading of a bill on mental health.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ernest-shackleton">Ernest Shackleton</h3>



<p>An explorer and adventurer, Ernest Shackleton is best known for his Antarctic expedition in 1914 aboard the ship <em>Endurance</em>. On this voyage, he and his crew set out to cross the Antarctic from the Weddell Sea to the Ross Sea. However, his ship was dead-locked in the vast expanses of ice in 1915. He chose to persevere in extreme circumstances and lead his crew to camp on the unforgiving Antarctic ice to hopefully drift towards the nearest land masses.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As a result of his courage, quick thinking and perseverance despite all odds, Shackleton miraculously made sure all 28 of his crewmen were rescued. As <a href="https://www.rmg.co.uk/stories/topics/sir-ernest-shackleton" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Museum Greenwich</a> puts it, “All the men believed that their survival was due largely to his tremendous leadership.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-develop-effective-leadership-qualities-amp-inspire-others">Develop Effective Leadership Qualities &amp; Inspire Others</h2>



<p>Becoming the best version of yourself may mean developing your leadership qualities and inspiring others consistently. Are you ready to take next steps and become an influential leader? Join The SUCCESS Leadership Lab–a dynamic, 18-day virtual course for rising leaders who want to lead with clarity, influence and confidence. This hybrid experience combines expert-led lessons with live coaching to provide you with practical tools to build trust with your team, navigate chaos and crises, shape a healthy, driven work culture, and more. Click <a href="https://offer.success.com/leadership-lab/">here</a> to register.</p>



<p class="has-small-font-size"><strong><em>Photo courtesy of Ground Picture/Shutterstock</em></strong></p>



<p></p>

Learning to develop your leadership skills can take your career to the next level. Learn powerful tactics and strategies you can implement today.

Learn powerful tactics and strategies you can implement today.

How to Develop Key Leadership Qualities | SUCCESS

How to Develop Effective Leadership Qualities &amp; Become An Inspiring Leader

https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/How-to-Develop-Key-Leadership-Qualities-Ground-Picture-Shutterstock.jpg

Learning to develop your leadership skills can take your career to the next level. Learn powerful tactics and strategies you can implement.

a businessman giving a sustainability-related presentation to co-workers in an office

<p>Green marketing is more than a buzzword—it’s a way for your company to show the public that you care about the planet. Green marketing strategies allow business leaders to demonstrate a genuine <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/sustainable-business-practices/">commitment to sustainability</a>, a value that resonates deeply with today’s consumerss. As shoppers become more eco-conscious, businesses that prioritize environmental responsibility can gain a competitive edge.</p>



<p>But here's the reality—while many consumers care about sustainability, they may be hesitant to pay more for it, especially during times of economic uncertainty. That’s where prioritizing your strategy becomes crucial. When done right, it creates an emotional connection, builds trust and persuades customers to choose your brand—even if your sustainable product or service comes at a premium.</p>



<p>“Green marketing is about building trust with your customers by walking the walk, not just talking the talk,” says Gauri Manglik, CEO and co-founder of <a href="https://www.instrumentl.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Instrumentl</a>, a grant discovery and management platform serving thousands of nonprofits. “It's a long-term investment in accountability and transparency. Those are the brands that will earn lasting credibility and loyalty from today's conscious consumers.”</p>



<p>That credibility and connection are exactly what give green marketing strategies power in today’s competitive landscape. Let’s take a look at the details of this type of marketing and how your business can get started.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-a-green-marketing-strategy">What Is a Green Marketing Strategy?</h2>



<p>Green marketing strategies are methods that promote products, services or business practices that are environmentally friendly. They communicate to your customers that <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-green-your-small-business/">your company</a> is purpose-driven, values sustainability and prioritizes ethical practices.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beyond-eco-friendly-products-nbsp">Beyond Eco-Friendly Products&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Effective green marketing strategies go beyond simply offering eco-friendly products. It can also be about how you design those products, package and ship them, and how you operate your business. Reducing energy consumption, lowering water usage, minimizing waste and decreasing emissions are all part of the equation. But just doing the work isn’t enough— customers also need to hear your story, and that needs to be part of your green marketing strategy.</p>



<p>“Purpose and <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/ways-to-give-back-to-your-community/">community</a> are everything. People are quick to spot when sustainability is an afterthought – but they rally behind brands that are genuinely mission-driven,” says Fady Kasbar, founder of <a href="https://blossoms.app/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Blossoms</a>, a sustainable parent-to-parent marketplace that rewards families for donating and reusing children’s clothing. “Profit isn’t the goal – it’s the byproduct of doing the right thing at scale.”</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-authentic-action-backed-messaging">Authentic, Action-Backed Messaging</h3>



<p>When your messaging is authentic and backed by action, green marketing strengthens your brand reputation and builds trust with eco-conscious consumers. Over time, it can create loyal customer relationships.</p>



<p>Brands that fully embrace sustainability can go even further, positioning themselves as <em>ethical</em> <em>brands</em>—businesses that put people and the planet ahead of profits. This distinction helps differentiate you from your competition and inspires long-term loyalty.</p>







<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-effective-green-marketing-strategies-choosing-what-s-right-for-your-business">Effective Green Marketing Strategies: Choosing What’s Right for Your Business</h2>



<p>It’s important to understand green marketing strategies to choose what’s right for your business. But even with a clear understanding of these tactics, making this choice can feel overwhelming.</p>



<p>It can help to remember that this is a long-term commitment, not a one-time fix. You don’t need to implement everything at once. Start with the strategies that align best with your business goals, and build from there.</p>



<p>“Don’t overcompensate and over-commit from the get-go. Going green is a massive step,” said Brandon Hartman, an entrepreneur with 15 years of experience in e-commerce and founder of <a href="https://rvheatingwarehouse.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RV Heating Warehouse</a>. “Start small but be sure that you’re consistent…minor changes add up and will eventually create a strong foundation for you to be more sustainable in the long run.”</p>



<p>With consistency and intention, these efforts can lead to stronger customer loyalty, a more trusted brand, and measurable long-term success. Discover five effective green marketing strategies outlined below to help you get started.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-utilize-sustainable-product-messaging">1. Utilize Sustainable Product Messaging</h3>



<p>Sustainable product messaging is a green marketing strategy that puts your eco-friendly efforts front and center. As part of your green marketing campaign, highlight the use of renewable materials, ethical sourcing and low environmental impact in your products. Include real data whenever possible.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Honesty and transparency are key; share how your business minimizes harm and maximizes good. “I’ve learned through years of implementing green marketing strategies that authenticity is absolutely crucial,” said <a href="https://jasminecharbonier.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jasmine Charbonier</a>, a marketing strategist who helps CEOs and founders unlock their potential and build their brand online. “From my experience working with various brands, consumers can smell greenwashing from a mile away.”</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-add-transparent-branding-amp-green-certifications">2. Add Transparent Branding &amp; Green Certifications</h3>



<p>Ramp up your environmentally conscious marketing strategies with third-party certifications. Labels like Fair Trade, USDA Organic, LEED, Energy Star or the Forest Stewardship Council provide visible proof that your product or business meets specific environmental or ethical criteria.</p>



<p>“Transparency, genuineness, and measurable outcomes are essential components of green marketing,” said Alec Loeb, VP of growth marketing at <a href="https://www.ecoatm.com/pages/our-story" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecoATM</a>, a company that incentivizes device recycling through automated kiosks. “Consumers expect proof that businesses are reducing environmental deterioration because they can spot greenwashing. Messaging must be consistent with actions, and green efforts must become part of mainstream business operations, not marketing campaigns.”</p>



<p>For instance, a coffee brand with a Fair Trade certification communicates to customers that their beans are sourced ethically and sustainably, which earns trust among conscientious consumers.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Research which certifications matter in your industry and pursue them. These can elevate your brand beyond self-proclaimed sustainability and help build long-term credibility.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-use-eco-friendly-packaging-amp-aim-for-minimal-waste">3. Use Eco-Friendly Packaging &amp; Aim for Minimal Waste</h3>



<p>Packaging—or lack thereof—is one of the most effective green marketing techniques. It’s a visible way to showcase your green values. Reduce plastic, cut excess packaging and opt for biodegradable or reusable materials. Also, consider carbon-neutral shipping options, like those offered by <a href="https://www.shopify.com/enterprise/blog/carbon-neutral-shipping-planet-app" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shopify</a> or <a href="https://about.ups.com/us/en/our-company/governance/carbon-neutral-credentials.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UPS Carbon Neutral</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Eco-friendly packaging and minimal waste is hands-down the most effective [green marketing] strategy,” said Garrett Yamasaki, CEO of <a href="https://shop.welovedoodles.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WeLoveDoodles</a>, an eco-conscious pet brand based in San Francisco. “It's tangible. Customers can literally hold it in their hands. Our compostable mailers became a viral unboxing moment on TikTok, driving 30% of new traffic.”</p>



<p>Don’t forget that an essential part of your green marketing strategy is to tell your customers about these efforts and why they matter to you and your brand.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-try-digital-first-marketing-to-reduce-your-business-s-carbon-footprint">4. Try Digital-First Marketing to Reduce Your Business’s Carbon Footprint</h3>



<p>When choosing the right green marketing strategy, a digital-first marketing campaign could be the right choice. Switching to digital marketing over traditional print can help reduce your carbon emissions. However, it’s important to understand that digital doesn’t mean carbon neutral.</p>



<p>Running websites, online ads, videos and email campaigns requires energy from data centers and content delivery systems, all of which contribute to your digital carbon footprint.</p>



<p>That said, there are ways to minimize the environmental impact of your digital marketing as part of your company’s sustainable marketing strategies:&nbsp;</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Compress images and video files to reduce data transfer and improve load speeds.</li>



<li>Use targeted advertising and email segmentation to reach the right people instead of casting a wide net.</li>



<li>Design fast-loading pages—this strategy is better for the planet, and it improves user experience and SEO.</li>



<li>Be thoughtful with email campaigns to avoid sending unnecessary messages that clog inboxes and waste energy. As an added bonus, thoughtful email campaigns reduce the chance of turning off potential customers who might otherwise unsubscribe.</li>
</ul>



<p>“We’ve reduced our carbon footprint by transitioning to fully digital marketing materials and developing energy-efficient software,” said Vadym Nekhai, chief growth officer at <a href="https://kitcast.tv/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kitcast</a>, a digital signage software company built for the Apple TV ecosystem. “This approach not only saves trees but also demonstrates our commitment to environmental responsibility.”</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-include-cause-related-marketing-amp-corporate-social-responsibility-csr">5. Include Cause-Related Marketing &amp; Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)</h3>



<p>Green marketing techniques may include cause-related marketing and corporate social responsibility (CSR). This may involve aligning your brand with causes that matter, partnering with environmental nonprofits, contributing to clean-up efforts or committing a percentage of profits to sustainability programs.</p>



<p>“Supporting problems that are significant to your customers can be highly successful,” said Andy Hayes, founder of <a href="https://www.plumdeluxe.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Plum Deluxe Tea</a>, a social impact tea company that promotes mindfulness and sustainability. “But it must feel authentic, not contrived. Work together with nonprofits, present results, and let your audience know how their purchase is making a difference.”</p>



<p>A cause-related green marketing strategy could also include a sustainability blog or video content to highlight your green initiatives while avoiding high-carbon print runs.</p>



<p>“Cause-related marketing is the most powerful of green marketing principles,” said Scott Cohen, CEO of <a href="https://www.inboxarmy.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">InboxArmy</a>, an email marketing agency helping brands run more sustainable digital campaigns. “We’ve tested various approaches, and although having eco-friendly packaging was having more direct impact, people simply weren't noticing it.”</p>



<p>Communicate your efforts and tell your story with honesty and passion—people respond to purpose-driven brands. This can help your customers feel like they are part of a movement and actively participating.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-measuring-the-success-of-sustainable-marketing-strategies">Measuring the Success of Sustainable Marketing Strategies</h2>



<p>To know if your green marketing strategy is working, track both environmental impact and business outcomes.</p>



<p>Here are some metrics to watch:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Customer engagement: Website traffic, social shares, comments, and email open rates</li>



<li>Sales metrics: Increase in repeat business, conversions from green campaigns, or growth in eco-product lines</li>



<li>Customer sentiment: Reviews, surveys, and testimonials that reference sustainability</li>
</ul>



<p>For a more structured approach to your sustainable marketing strategies, implement <a href="https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/expert-insights/the-abcs-of-esg-reporting" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESG reporting</a> (Environmental, Social, and Governance). These reports show how your business is improving in key areas, such as energy use, emissions, water conservation and social responsibility.</p>



<p>“ESG reporting is how green businesses measure and communicate their impact,” said Sarah Remesch, CX and green marketing expert and founder of <a href="https://thisis270m.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">270M</a>. “For brands embracing green marketing, it’s imperative to use ESG reporting to deliver transparent communication to consumers. It validates claims with data and demonstrates brand accountability.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-consider-green-marketing-to-power-your-business">Consider Green Marketing to Power Your Business</h2>



<p>Environmentally responsible strategies are a powerful way to build brand loyalty, attract more consumers, and support long-term business growth. But remember, today’s customers are smart. They can spot greenwashing from a mile away. Every green marketing strategy must be backed by genuine commitment, measurable progress and open communication.</p>



<p>“If a business has a sustainability plan or a truly sustainable product, they should talk about it,” said Michelle Arellano Martin, founder and CEO of <a href="https://travara.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Travara</a>, an award-winning sustainable travel platform. “Transparency, green certifications, eco-friendly packaging and minimal waste should all be a part of a responsible business plan.”</p>



<p>You can take steps to implement green marketing strategies in your business today. Start small, stay consistent and tell your story with integrity.</p>



<p class="has-small-font-size"><strong><em>Photo courtesy of PeopleImages.com - Yuri A/Shutterstock</em></strong></p>

Jennifer Johnson

Discover effective green marketing strategies to boost brand trust, attract eco-conscious consumers and drive long-term business success.

Green Marketing Strategies for Your Business | Actionable Guide

Green Marketing Strategies to Boost Business &amp; Support Sustainability

https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Green-Marketing-Strategies-to-Boost-Business-and-Support-Sustainability-PeopleImages-Yuri-A-Shutterstock.jpg

<p>Family businesses are often built from years of hard work and values passed down from the original founders. But as times change and the <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/what-gen-z-can-teach-us-about-work-life-balance/">next generation</a> steps in, there is often a big question at the table: How do you move the business forward in current time without losing what made it special in the first place?&nbsp;</p>



<p>Maybe the kids want to update the branding, shift the company’s focus or rethink day-to-day execution. Those changes can sometimes clash with the original vision, but also bring new energy and growth. So, what’s the secret to finding the sweet spot between honoring the past and embracing the future?</p>



<p>We caught up with three family-run businesses from around the world who are doing just that—each in their own way. Their stories offer insight and strategies on how to evolve without losing sight of where you come from.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-family-legacies">The family legacies</h2>



<p>At the heart of any family business is the legacy left by those who started it—the values, vision and character that have shaped it over time. For many, that legacy is a badge of honor they carry with deep pride and a strong sense of responsibility.</p>



<p>That’s certainly true for the Michel family. Their hospitality story dates to 1899, when Matthias and Lars Michel’s great-great-grandparents built the <a href="https://hotel-gletschergarten.ch/en/home/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hotel Gletschergarten</a> in Grindelwald, Switzerland. Passed down through the generations, the hotel has become a local institution still lovingly run by their parents, Gaby and Gery Michel. “We basically spent our childhoods in and around the hotel,” Matthias says. “It’s our home as much as it is our business.”</p>



<p>In 2022, the brothers took their own leap into hotel ownership by reopening the Hotel Fiescherblick just next door. Originally built in 1904, the building had been abandoned for years following financial trouble and a half-finished renovation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>When the chance came to bring it back to life, they jumped on it. Despite being a separate brand, it operates under the same company, Hotel Gletschergarten AG, but offers a modern Scandinavian-influenced experience different from the traditional Swiss hospitality of their parents’ property.</p>



<p>Just across the border in Italy, another family business has been pedaling forward (pun intended) for decades. <a href="https://www.experienceplus.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours</a> was founded in 1972 by Rick and Paola Malpezzi-Price, when they launched their first group cycling trip through Italy from Pisa to Forlì.</p>







<p>What started with four trips in Italy quickly grew into a much bigger adventure, expanding to guided and self-guided tours across Europe and South America, with a focus on immersive cultural experiences. In 2008, daughters Maria Elena Malpezzi-Price and Monica Malpezzi-Price, who grew up surrounded by bikes and maps, took over the business, bringing their own perspective while staying true to the company’s roots.</p>



<p>And finally, in Chicago, the iconic Italian restaurant <a href="https://geneandgeorgetti.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gene &amp; Georgetti</a> is now in the hands of its third generation, Michelle Durpetti and her husband, Collin Pierson. The restaurant was founded in 1941 by Italian immigrant Gene Michelotti and his partner Alfredo “Georgetti” Federighi and quickly became a Chicago institution, known for its classic Italian fare and warm Tuscan hospitality.&nbsp;</p>



<p>After Gene’s passing in 1989, the reins were passed to his son-in-law Tony Durpetti, who was deeply committed to preserving the restaurant’s legacy. But when Tony’s health began to decline, his daughter Michelle stepped up, taking charge of the space and the evolution of its leadership style.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-key-to-navigating-change">The key to navigating change</h2>



<p>When a younger generation takes over a family business, change is inevitable, and navigating it requires open, empathetic conversations and mutual trust to maintain balance between progress and tradition.</p>



<p>For the Michel brothers, family remains at the core of both operations, even though they are different entities. Their parents are still actively involved, particularly their mother, whom Matthias refers to as the “big boss.” But they are given room to lead, do their own thing and even fail at times.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Matthias says that their parents’ trust is extremely valuable. “We have a very close relationship and talk about everything, be it over lunch, giving each other a quick call to ask a question [or for an] opinion, or when we go for a family trip,” he says. “Their experience and expertise are a great foundation we can build on with new innovative ideas.”</p>



<p>Durpetti’s father remained involved in the business and spent the final years before his passing focusing on <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/10-quick-tips-to-start-building-your-legacy/">legacy planning</a> to ensure a seamless and secure transition of leadership. “He allowed the public to believe he was still at the helm to give me space to learn, grow and lead with confidence,” she notes. “It was one of the greatest gifts he ever gave me—and one I’ll never forget.”</p>



<p>Durpetti’s mother is still a part of the business that her father started 85 years ago, and together, the two women have transformed the brand into a 100% women-owned business and recently welcomed their first female chef.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-balancing-tradition-with-innovation">Balancing tradition with innovation</h2>



<p>At its core, the success of the Michel family’s evolving hospitality empire lies in a shared love for Grindelwald. “This is our home—guests come and visit us, and we have a responsibility to make them feel welcome and enable them to experience our village, its natural beauty, its products, history, culture and traditions,” Matthias says. That sense of place continues to drive their vision not just for hotels, but also for new ventures.</p>



<p>Meanwhile, Durpetti is committed to keeping the core of Gene &amp; Georgetti intact—warm hospitality, exceptional food and meaningful connections—but the way those values are delivered has evolved under her <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/values-of-a-good-leader/">leadership</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The business has expanded with a revamped wine list (including wines from the family’s hometown of Lucca, Italy), and an e-commerce platform offering steak boxes to elevate the experiential nature of the brand. “My dad used to say, ‘Drive your business, or be driven out’ and I believe that,” Durpetti notes. “But he also always said, ‘The right kind of business is better than any “right now” business’ and that is also something that calibrates the compass we use in all decisions.”</p>



<p>ExperiencePlus! took a similar approach to growing its offerings in both variety and scope, building on the foundation of its classic European tours. Under the sisters’ leadership, they added new destinations and clearly defined tour styles. Unlike other bicycle tour companies, they offer multiple distinct offerings that run a few times a year rather than just continually repeating itineraries.</p>



<p>One of the most significant shifts has been the growing popularity of e-bikes. “We couldn’t ignore e-bikes, and yet we didn’t want to create a separate product line, so we incorporated them into our tours because we knew our core product was still appealing,” Maria Elena says. This approach continues to attract a loyal base of returning cyclists, allowing them to grow almost seven times in size, with headquarters in the U.S. and a sister company in Italy, since 2008.</p>



<p>At the end of the day, the evolution of a family business is not easy. It’s about taking what was created with love and dedication and allowing it to grow, morph and thrive in a changing world. By holding on to the core values that made the business successful while finding ways to modernize, generational businesses can remain relevant and successful for years to come.&nbsp;</p>



<p>And, as Maria Elena puts it, “sometimes, things that seem like they shouldn’t change are OK to let go—because you don’t have to keep doing things the way you always did them just because.”</p>



<p class="has-small-font-size"><strong><em>This article originally appeared in the July/August 2025 issue of <a href="https://mysuccessplus.com/shop">SUCCESS+ digital magazine</a>. Photo courtesy of Daria Sophie Visuals.</em></strong></p>

Learn from these three families as they share their strategies for evolving a family business while honoring its legacy in the process.

How to Evolve a Generational Family Business | SUCCESS

Keeping it in the Family: How to Evolve a Family Business

https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/keeping-it-in-the-family-dariasofie.jpg

a woman sitting at her laptop and working while in an office setting

<p>Coffee badging, calendar blocking, polyworking, #WorkTok and work from bed are all trends we wouldn’t have predicted just five years ago. But the world of hybrid work is becoming more complex: As employees push for what they need, some employers push for them to be back in the office at 8 a.m. sharp.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The <a href="https://owllabs.com/state-of-hybrid-work/2024?srsltid=AfmBOoruxEPj7sGFpkqbetBI6GTZ6i0jbSK8xzzzkr1Fum4wTF8z5cPH" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2024 State of Hybrid Work</a> from Owl Labs shows these trends gaining steam, as people sometimes have multiple jobs or follow alternative schedules, blurring the lines between their personal and professional lives, making traditional nine-to-five jobs much less common.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For some, hybrid work is the only way they’d be able to work. “When remote work became more accepted, I realized I didn’t have to choose between being a full-time mom and building something meaningful,” says <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/daphne-labropoulos-994a9835a/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Daphne Labropoulos</a>, founder and CEO of <a href="https://motchapparel.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Motch</a>, a mommy-and-me clothing brand based in Goshen, N.Y. “I started [the company] from home with my toddler by my side.” Labropoulos collaborated with suppliers right at the kitchen table, tested work samples during snack time and spoke to product developers with her toddler on her lap, she recalls. “None of this would’ve been possible without the normalization of Zoom meetings, flexible hours and the broader cultural shift around blending work and life,” she says. “It gave me the confidence to build something original and to do it on our own terms.”</p>



<p>But the bosses have spoken. In <a href="https://archieapp.co/blog/return-to-office-statistics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">another report</a>, 93% of business leaders shared that employees should be in person at least part of the week, and 70% of companies have formal RTO policies requiring this. So what are workers to do after they’ve had a taste of freedom? Here’s what they shared.</p>







<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-than-1-in-4-are-looking-for-a-different-job">More than 1 in 4 are looking for a different job</h2>



<p>Not loving your boss’s RTO <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/balancing-employee-mental-health-with-return-to-office-trends/">mandate</a>? Some employees find that to be a great reason to look for more flexible work. The <a href="https://owllabs.com/state-of-hybrid-work/2024?srsltid=AfmBOoruxEPj7sGFpkqbetBI6GTZ6i0jbSK8xzzzkr1Fum4wTF8z5cPH" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">State of Hybrid Work report</a> said 27% are actively looking to switch jobs, up from 23% in the 2023 report.</p>



<p>While some industries might be able to accommodate more flexible work, others are not—an important aspect to know before getting into any type of work or a specific company. For example, Benson Varghese, a board-certified criminal lawyer and a criminal defense attorney and founder and managing partner of <a href="https://versustexas.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Varghese Summersett</a>, a law firm in Texas, says the “stakes are different” in the legal industry. “People’s freedom is on the line, so while flexibility matters, precision and responsiveness matter more,” he says. In regard to any workplace trend: “If it improves the work and the people doing it, we keep it. If not, we move on.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-calendar-blocking-is-used-to-protect-workers-time">Calendar blocking is used to protect workers’ time</h2>



<p>In the Owl Labs report, 58% of respondents use calendar blocking, or protecting your calendar with pretend meetings. Some simply block it off without an explanation at all, rather than creating a pretend meeting. While some might be heading to yoga or the park during a blocked-off time, others are using it as a work strategy to give themselves guaranteed focus time.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“A few of our team members use calendar blocking to manage deep work and client calls without <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/saying-no-prevents-burnout/">burnout</a>,” Varghese says. “It helps people focus, and when it’s done right, it actually gives more breathing room, not less.”</p>



<p><a href="https://www.merakipeople.co.uk/about" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kate Davis</a>, an executive coach in the U.K. calls it a “modern survival strategy.” But, she adds, there’s a difference between doing it to optimize work, and as a way for employees to protect themselves from an overbearing work environment. “When I see teams blocking out large portions of their day however, it often signals a deeper issue: too many meetings, too few decisions and not enough protected time for actual thinking. For leaders, the red flag isn’t that people are doing it—it’s when they’re doing it defensively,” she says. “If your team feels they need to carve out every inch of focus time to get anything done, that’s a system problem.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coffee-badging-is-a-silent-rto-rebellion">Coffee badging is a silent RTO rebellion</h2>



<p>What do you do when you’ve finally achieved <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/work-life-balance-tips/">work-life balance</a>, and your boss issues an RTO mandate? The answer for some is a silent rebellion, which the 2023 Owl Labs report referred to as “coffee badging.” The concept is what it sounds like—badging in, having a coffee and showing your face, and heading back out to work where, when, and how you please.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Critics have called it a sign of lazy employees, while others think feeling the need to do it is instead a sign of a toxic workplace. In the <a href="https://owllabs.com/state-of-hybrid-work/2024?srsltid=AfmBOoruxEPj7sGFpkqbetBI6GTZ6i0jbSK8xzzzkr1Fum4wTF8z5cPH" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2024 report</a>, 44% of respondents admitted to coffee badging, and another 11% said they want to try it.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Matt Erhard, managing partner at <a href="https://summitsearchgroup.com/location/vancouver-recruiters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Summit Search Group</a>, a recruiting firm in Vancouver, Canada, says they strategically decide when their team needs to be in-office, including for strategy sessions, training events and on-site briefings or interviews. “Outside of these constraints, however, we aim to give employees full autonomy over when and where they work. Because of this flexibility, we have not had an issue with coffee badging or other forms of ‘presenteeism.’” He says, “I’ve noticed the same thing in our work with clients: the companies thriving in hybrid models embrace flexibility and demonstrate a high level of trust in their teams. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that these are also the employers who tend to attract the best talent.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-you-just-don-t-want-to-get-up-the-rise-of-work-from-bed">When you just don’t want to get up—the rise of “work from bed”</h2>



<p>Sienna Hart, PR director at <a href="https://chatrandom.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chatrandom</a> in New York, calls herself an “unapologetic work-from-bed-evangelist,” saying that “WFB thrives on intentional flexibility, not laziness. I start my day propped with pillows, laptop on a foldable bamboo tray, tackling deep-focus tasks like campaign analytics before the world wakes up. The quiet intimacy eliminates office distractions, boosting my creative output by 30%.”&nbsp;</p>



<p><a href="https://linkedin.com/in/jonathan-kelly" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jon Kelly</a>, a freelance digital marketer in the Greater Vancouver area, says freelance life allows for working “wherever feels right in the moment: bed, sofa, park bench or a café. These shifts help break up the isolation that can come with working from home and keep me feeling mentally refreshed.”</p>



<p>Obvious issues can arise for hybrid employees working from bed, from motivation to appearance and ensuring employees are “on camera” during calls—a pandemic-era dilemma some still haven’t solved.</p>



<p>With any hybrid work trend, there can be compliance and HR issues, but it’s also simply what works best for both bosses and employees for maximum efficiency and personal balance. “There are pros and cons to any choice about where and how we work. Make sure you understand the tradeoffs and are happy with your reasons in a way that works for you,” says <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/darcyeikenberg/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Darcy Eikenberg</a>, an executive coach in Bonita Springs, Fla. She recommends trying something with a hypothesis, giving it a certain amount of time and adjusting from there.</p>



<p>And remember—creative genius is creative genius—even in your pajamas.</p>



<p class="has-small-font-size"><strong><em>Photo courtesy of insta_photos/Shutterstock</em></strong></p>



<p></p>

The 2024 State of Hybrid Work from Owl Labs shows hybrid workplace trends gaining steam as employees rebel against strict RTO mandates.

Learn why employees want hybrid work rather than return-to-office mandates.

Why Employees Want Hybrid Work Over Strict RTO | SUCCESS

Hybrid Workplace Trends Take Hold as Employees React to RTO

Hybrid Work Trends Indicate RTO Rebellion | SUCCESS

https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Hybrid-Workplace-Trends-Taking-Hold-as-Employees-Quietly-State-Their-Terms-insta_photos-Shutterstock.jpg

Learn why employees want hybrid work rather than strict return-to-office mandates that require them to show up to work 5 days a week.

a businesswoman in an office smiling at the camera while holding a tablet device

Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship Archives

Entrepreneurship | SUCCESS | What Achievers Read

<p>Women entrepreneurs are on the rise, leading startups that innovate across tech, wellness, education, social impact sectors and more. According to female entrepreneurship statistics at the <a href="https://www.gemconsortium.org/reports/womens-entrepreneurship" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Entrepreneurship Monitor</a>, women’s startup activity rates rose from an average of 6.1% between 2001 and 2005 to 10.4% from 2021 to 2023. <a href="https://newsroom.wf.com/news-releases/news-details/2024/New-Report-Finds-Growth-of-Women-Business-Owners-Outpaces-the-Market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wells Fargo’s 2024 Impact of Women-Owned Businesses report</a> indicates that the number of women-owned businesses increased at almost double the rate of their male counterparts between 2019 and 2023.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The impact of female founders goes beyond statistics. Empowering <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/celebrating-women-in-business/">women in business </a>creates more diverse teams with varied experiences and perspectives, ultimately resulting in better outcomes. Below, we’ll dive into why women entrepreneurs are on the rise, highlight success stories and examine existing barriers.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-women-led-startups-and-female-founders-are-on-the-rise">Why Women-Led Startups and Female Founders Are on the Rise</h2>



<p>As workplace expectations and gender norms progress, more women are successfully stepping into entrepreneurship roles.&nbsp; This could lead to growth in various industries as female-led startups often outperform their male-led counterparts in terms of ROI, according to <a href="https://www.fundera.com/resources/women-owned-business-statistics" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fundera by NerdWallet</a>.&nbsp; Their teams are also often more diverse, especially relating to gender diversity, which can result in more creativity and innovation. Greater visibility of these successful women founders may then inspire a new generation of women to launch and lead their own businesses.</p>



<p>Increased access to digital tools and global platforms—like social media and e-commerce platforms—also help women launch, scale and lead teams.</p>







<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-industries-are-being-transformed-by-female-entrepreneurs">Key Industries Are Being Transformed by Female Entrepreneurs</h2>



<p>Women worldwide are launching successful businesses and driving change. From tech and health to education and social impact, here are a few industries shaped by female founders.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tech-and-fintech">Tech and Fintech</h3>



<p>Although the field is still male-dominated, women are making innovative advances in technology and fintech. For example, in tech, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellezatlyn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Michelle Zatlyn</a> co-founded <a href="https://www.cloudflare.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cloudflare</a>, a web performance and cybersecurity company that’s helping build a better internet. Today, roughly 20% of websites are protected by Cloudflare. It blocks 247 billion cyber threats each day in over 330 cities worldwide.&nbsp; In fintech, <a href="https://getcandidly.com/about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Laurel Taylor</a> founded <a href="https://getcandidly.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Candidly</a>, a solution to student loan debt. Candidly’s data-driven approach addresses the full lifecycle of education expenses, from college planning to saving for tomorrow.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-and-wellness-nbsp">Health and Wellness&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Many women entrepreneurs exist in the health and wellness industry, and they’re creating powerful solutions to global issues. For example, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/yunhajudykim/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yunha Kim</a>’s former mental wellness platform, Simple Habit, offers over 2,000 meditations to reduce stress. She sold the company to Ingenio in 2023 and rebranded as Sleep Reset, which uses science-based methods to improve sleep quality. Sleep Reset’s members report getting 85 minutes more total sleep and needing 53% less time to fall asleep.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-education-and-edtech">Education and Edtech</h3>



<p>Education is another area where women in business are making an impact, though there are still challenges. For instance, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlybryant/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kimberly Bryant</a> is one of many BIPOC women entrepreneurs transforming edtech. Bryant founded <a href="https://www.wearebgc.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Black Girls Code</a>, a nonprofit introducing technology education to Black girls, and the <a href="https://blackinnovationlab.org/empowering-entreprenuers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Black Innovation Lab</a>, a startup supporting tech innovators in the U.S. South as they build societal impact companies, leading them to equity and generational wealth.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sustainable-fashion-and-eco-innovation">Sustainable Fashion and Eco-Innovation</h3>



<p>Female leaders are seeing the need for sustainability in business. Some <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S266618882500262X#:~:text=Recent%20studies%20suggest%20that%20women%20entrepreneurs%20tend,and%20environmental%20impact%20alongside%20financial%20performance%20[10].&amp;text=Recent%20research%20suggests%20that%20women%20entrepreneurs%20tend,and%20environmental%20objectives%20into%20their%20business%20strategies." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">studies</a> suggest that women entrepreneurs are more likely to incorporate sustainability into their business models. One example is how <a href="https://www.eileenfisher.com/our-brand.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eileen Fisher</a> and <a href="https://www.stellamccartney.com/us/en/stellas-world/about-stella-mccartney.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stella McCartney</a> lead the sustainable fashion and eco-innovation space. Fisher’s brand has historically been known for its commitment to ethical production, and they recently launched <a href="https://www.eileenfisher.com/ns/images/20s_m4/features/sbti/our-science-based-targets.pdf?srsltid=AfmBOoobubGWkuQ1sOdvr_zfzDSdPql6tRdfEC80rMhCE55TahUhqwwy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon 2030</a>, a further plan to make clothes with a positive impact via circular design and regenerative agriculture. McCartney is a trailblazer in eco-friendly and vegan materials. By innovating new, cruelty-free materials, she’s changing the future of luxury fashion.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-impact-and-nonprofit-startups">Social Impact and Nonprofit Startups</h3>



<p>Female founders are also influencing the social impact and nonprofit sectors. A powerful example is the work of <a href="https://zainabsalbi.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Zainab Salbi</a>, an Iraqi-American humanitarian and entrepreneur who established social impact and nonprofit startups. She launched <a href="http://www.womenforwomen.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Women for Women International</a> to help women in countries affected by war by providing life, business and vocational skills to create a sustainable difference in their lives. She also co-founded <a href="https://daughtersforearth.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Daughters for Earth</a> to address climate solutions to help protect and restore our Earth.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-barriers-female-entrepreneurs-still-face">Barriers Female Entrepreneurs Still Face</h2>



<p>Women entrepreneurs are breaking ground across many industries, but continue to face barriers. Understanding these barriers is key to creating equal entrepreneurial opportunities.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gender-bias-in-venture-capital">Gender Bias in Venture Capital</h3>



<p>Despite progress, women in venture capital are still underrepresented. Women represent only <a href="https://www.csis.org/analysis/addressing-gender-imbalance-venture-capital-and-entrepreneurship#:~:text=Limited%20Social%20Networks%3A%20The%20U.S.,capital%20firms%20across%20the%20country." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">8.6 %</a> of all venture capitalists, which leads to funding challenges for female startup founders.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeepkline/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jeep Kline,</a> founder and managing partner at Raisewell Ventures, explains that because male venture capitalists highly dominate the industry, there is a “subconscious bias” when investing in products that women create. <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissahudsonwallace/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Melissa Wallace</a>, co-founder of the capital investment firm Fierce Foundry, agrees with the <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/funding-bias/">funding bias</a>, stating that venture capital “tends to invest in people who look like them, pitch like them and build like them.”</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-access-to-mentorship-and-networks">Access to Mentorship and Networks</h3>



<p>Aspiring entrepreneurs can learn much from successful women founders, including resiliency, strategy and vision for the future. However, the lack of female role models in male-dominated fields can potentially hinder women's <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/from-the-editor-entrepreneurial-spirit/">entrepreneurial spirit</a>.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-balancing-entrepreneurship-with-caregiving-roles">Balancing Entrepreneurship With Caregiving Roles</h3>



<p>According to a <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11177503/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">recent study</a>, “Two out of three family caregivers are female.” This reality might mean that many women entrepreneurs are running a business while taking on the majority of caregiving responsibilities for children or family members. Unfortunately, this mental load can lead to burnout, emotional strain or difficulty in career advancement.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-systemic-underrepresentation-in-leadership">Systemic Underrepresentation in Leadership</h3>



<p>“Women remain underrepresented in management roles in the U.S. workforce,” according to the<a href="https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-23-106320" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> U.S. Government Accountability Office</a>. Representation matters, and when women don’t see other women in top positions, it can be more difficult to imagine themselves there.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-success-stories-women-founders-leading-the-charge">Success Stories: Women Founders Leading the Charge</h2>



<p>Women entrepreneurs are reshaping traditional leadership models as we know them. The focus is shifting to collaboration, sustainability and emotional intelligence. These founders and <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/women-of-influence-2025/">women of influence</a> are trailblazers who will continue to inspire future generations in their fields.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reshma-saujani-founder-girls-who-code"><a href="https://www.reshmasaujani.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Reshma Saujani</a> (Founder, Girls Who Code)</h3>



<p>When Reshma Saujani noticed the gender gap in technology, she founded <a href="https://girlswhocode.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Girls Who Code</a> to help young women pursue opportunities in computer science. Her company grew from a small program to a national movement, and now, hundreds of thousands of girls have learned to code. As a leader, Saujani encourages bravery, not perfection, emphasizing that if you fail, you’ve learned something, and you can try again.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-jeep-kline-founder-amp-managing-partner-at-raisewell-ventures"><a href="https://raisewell.vc/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jeep Kline</a> (Founder &amp; Managing Partner at Raisewell Ventures)</h3>



<p>Jeep Kline is a venture capital and technology executive. As a trailblazer in the industry, she earned a Top 25 Women of Influence in Silicon Valley distinction. Kline was the first Thai woman to launch an impact venture capital fund in Silicon Valley and also the first Thai professional faculty member at UC Berkeley Haas School of Business. At Raisewell Ventures, she works to create a lasting, generational impact on societies and economies through venture capital and technology. Kline is a direct communicator who believes in the power of mentors, stating that “mentorship takes a village” and admitting that she’s had over 100 herself. She learns lessons from different people and diverse groups and blends them with her own values to become the leader she is today.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-payal-kadakia-founder-classpass"><a href="https://www.payalkadakia.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Payal Kadakia</a> (Founder, ClassPass)</h3>



<p>Payal Kadakia sparked a fitness movement. The <a href="https://classpass.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ClassPass</a> app, which grew from a failed first launch to a billion-dollar company and global brand, lets users find a fitness class that fits their schedule. Under her intuitive leadership, she designed a team with the right people based on three characteristics: positivity, growth and efficiency. Throughout her career, she’s learned that authenticity is the key to success in leadership.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-building-a-future-of-inclusive-entrepreneurship-and-women-in-venture-capital">Building a Future of Inclusive Entrepreneurship and Women in Venture Capital</h2>



<p>Representation, mentorship and equity are vital for empowering women in business. Women business owners or those interested in entrepreneurship can seek help from governments, accelerators and corporations. Initiatives and organizations supporting the rise of women in business, like <a href="https://www.we-org.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Women Entrepreneurship (WE)</a> and the <a href="https://www.toryburchfoundation.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tory Burch Foundation</a>, are incredibly helpful for continued growth. Women can also search for community resources, like women entrepreneur networking groups on social media and organizations such as the <a href="https://www.awbc.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Association of Women’s Business Centers</a> and <a href="https://www.score.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SCORE</a>. Organizations like this help women entrepreneurs network with peers, find mentors and learn essential skills to start new businesses and tackle challenges. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-transformative-impact-of-women-in-business-and-entrepreneurship">The Transformative Impact of Women in Business and Entrepreneurship</h2>



<p>Women entrepreneurs are redefining the business world. Unfortunately, access to funding, mentorship and inclusive ecosystems are still a challenge, but new initiatives and support networks are helping to bridge the gap.&nbsp;</p>



<p>How can you be an ally? Support female-led businesses, or even start your own. Share success stories, continue learning about women’s entrepreneurship and connect with women leaders to shape a more inclusive future.</p>



<p class="has-small-font-size"><strong><em>Photo courtesy of Drazen Zigic/Shutterstock</em></strong></p>

Nicole Findlay

Explore how women entrepreneurs are driving change in tech, wellness, education and social impact. Get insight on female founders today.

Explore how women entrepreneurs are driving change in tech, wellness, education and social impact industries.

How Women Entrepreneurs Are Shaping the Future | SUCCESS

The Rise of Women Entrepreneurs: Growth, Innovation and Challenges

https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Women-Entrepreneurs-Shaping-the-Future-Drazen-Zigic-Shutterstock.jpg

<p>For <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/steve-mesler-olympic-leadership-coaching/">professional athletes</a>, it takes precision, resilience and excellence to compete on a national—or even international—level. Some athletes have taken that drive and focused it on building legacies that extend beyond their sport. Whether launching a successful brand or sharing insights into their everyday lives, these 15 athletes have triumphantly transitioned from sports icons to savvy <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/navigating-the-entrepreneur-roller-coaster/">entrepreneurs</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-candace-parker">Candace Parker</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-basketball">Basketball </h3>



<p>The seven-time All-Star, three-time WNBA champion and two-time Olympian changed the face of women’s basketball throughout her <a href="https://aces.wnba.com/candace-parker-announces-retirement-after-historic-16-year-career" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">16-year career</a> with her leadership and athleticism. (She was the first woman to dunk in an NCAA tournament.) Parker is the only WNBA player to win MVP and Rookie of the Year in the same season. After her WNBA retirement, Parker’s long-running partnership with adidas morphed into her becoming the brand’s president of its women’s basketball division, where she’s elevating the future of women’s sports through innovative strategies and empowering initiatives.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-amanda-sorensen">Amanda Sorensen</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-motorsports">Motorsports</h3>



<p>At just 22 years old, the racecar driver is already making history within the traditionally male-dominated sport with precision, power and perseverance. She’s one of three female <a href="https://www.formulad.com/drivers/amanda-sorensen" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Formula DRIFT drivers </a>and the first woman to earn a podium position in the league. Sorensen started driving go-karts at age 6, winning her first championship at 9. After switching to off-road competition at 11, she won two titles by 16, and discovered the art of drifting. These days, you’ll find her behind the Air Force ProSpec car and on social media (with more than 3 million followers across platforms), where she aims to motivate young women to tackle unconventional career paths.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brian-shaw">Brian Shaw</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strongest-man-on-earth">Strongest Man on Earth</h3>



<p>The <a href="https://giants-live.com/athlete/brian-shaw/?srsltid=AfmBOortRnV01enmiLL5wcJ6yBXUlDgYdCU7uMLe9eLaEpCv7kNB6C0a" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">decorated strongman competitor</a> transformed a niche sport into a bustling enterprise, cementing his place as one of the greatest strength icons of all time. Shaw, at a staggering 6 feet, 8 inches and weighing 470 pounds at his heaviest, pioneered a new era of strongman training that led to more than 25 world records, four World’s Strongest Man titles and a place in the International Sports Hall of Fame. Shaw has expanded his brand into multiple successful businesses, including Shaw Strength, Undefined Nutrition and <a href="https://shawstrength.com/pages/evolution-athletics" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Evolution Athletics</a>. Undefined Nutrition is widely recognized as one of the fastest-growing sports supplement brands in the USA and worldwide. Through Shaw Strength, Shaw shares a curated look into his training methods and everyday life. Evolution Athletics evolved from Shaw cutting and sewing his own weightlifting accessories for competition.</p>







<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-matt-lombardi-and-kevin-moran">Matt Lombardi and Kevin Moran</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-triathletes-nbsp">Triathletes&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Lombardi and Moran have pushed their bodies and minds to the brink of excellence and ultimate performance as former <a href="https://insider.fitt.co/startup-qa-beam-co-founders-kevin-moran-matt-lombardi/#:~:text=21%2C%202022%20%2D%20Q%26A-,beam%20Co%2Dfounders%20Kevin%20Moran%20%26%20Matt%20Lombardi,%2C%20nootropics%2C%20and%20functional%20wellness" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">professional athletes</a>, avid CrossFit competitors, IRONMAN triathletes and marathoners. Eventually, the literal aches and pains of this lifestyle started to take its toll, leading them on a search for a remedy. They founded Boston-based performance wellness brand <a href="https://shopbeam.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Beam</a> to meet their own needs and expectations. Beam’s science-backed products—like Beam Dream, Beam Greens and their latest collaboration with Shawn Johnson East, Beam Kids—help people improve their physical and mental wellness. Moreover, their products have helped athletes better understand and access CBD.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-allyson-felix">Allyson Felix</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-track-and-field">Track and Field</h3>



<p>The <a href="https://www.olympics.com/en/athletes/allyson-felix" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">most decorated track and field athlete</a> in history is using her platform to uplift female athletes and fight for maternity care and benefits. The Olympian-turned-entrepreneur and advocate started sportswear company <a href="https://saysh.com/pages/about-us" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Saysh</a> in 2021, two years after longtime sponsor Nike imposed a 70% pay cut after she became pregnant. (Felix’s story led to public outcry, a congressional inquiry, and a new maternity policy for Nike’s sponsored athletes.)</p>



<p>Now, Felix is helping collegiate and professional female athletes secure name, image and likeness (NIL) deals through her management company, Always Alpha. Felix continues to be a champion. But, this time, it’s on behalf of other women.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-simone-biles">Simone Biles</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gymnastics">Gymnastics</h3>



<p>Biles is considered one of the <a href="https://www.olympics.com/en/athletes/simone-biles" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greatest gymnasts</a> of all time, and she has the hardware to back it up with 41 Olympic and World Championship medals. Since her 2013 Olympic debut, Biles has dominated the sport. So far, there are five signature skills named after her, and she was the first woman to win six all-around World Championship titles. But Biles has also used her platform to advocate for foster care, sexual abuse survivors and mental health. (Her abrupt withdrawal from the 2020 Olympics sparked a critical conversation about prioritizing mental health just as importantly as physical health.) Brands like K18 hair products have taken notice of Bile’s excellence. In 2021, she entered into an <a href="https://athleta.gap.com/browse/info.do?cid=3034725" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exclusive partnership</a> with female-focused apparel brand Athleta.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-zach-hyman">Zach Hyman</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hockey">Hockey</h3>



<p>On the ice, as the <a href="https://www.espn.com/nhl/player/_/id/5509/zach-hyman" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Edmonton Oilers left wing</a>, Hyman has made a name for himself with his work ethic and scoring prowess. (He scored a career high 54 goals during the 2023-2024 season.) He’s become a fan favorite as a first-shot scorer and for his relentless play. Off the ice, Hyman is a children’s author and founder and president of Toronto-based <a href="https://e11gaming.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eleven Holdings Corp.</a>, a gaming and media holding company that owns and operates a portfolio of esports and gaming businesses.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chukky-okobi">Chukky Okobi</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-football">Football</h3>



<p>Okobi spent nearly a <a href="https://www.nfl.com/players/chukky-okobi/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">decade in the NFL</a>, where he won Super Bowl XL with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Now, he’s sharing what he learned on and off the field from one of the world’s most successful sports organizations as a <a href="https://www.chukkyokobi.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mindfulness coach and motivational speaker</a>. His mantra is focused: You have to change yourself first to change what’s going on around you. Okobi uses his background to help individuals, leaders and businesses unlock their potential and develop the high-performance habits of a Super Bowl champion.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-andrew-east-and-shawn-johnson-east">Andrew East and Shawn Johnson East</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-football-gymnastics-nbsp">Football, Gymnastics&nbsp;</h3>



<p>This husband-and-wife duo are <a href="https://shorefire.com/roster/the-east-family/bio" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">former elite athletes</a> who’ve become entrepreneurs with a New York Times-praised podcast, Couple Things, and a family-focused media company, <a href="https://www.familymade.com/about" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FamilyMade Media</a>. Andrew is a former NFL long snapper, while Shawn is a four-time Olympic medalist who returned to the 2024 Olympic Games as a Yahoo commentator. The couple has generated a massive following (12 million across their social platforms) for their honest, transparent conversations about marriage and parenting. Last summer, ahead of the Olympics, the Easts donated $250,000 to create the Moment Makers Grants, which helped ease the financial burdens Olympic and Paralympic athlete parents experience in trying to get to the games.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-jonathan-cheever">Jonathan Cheever</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-snowboarding">Snowboarding</h3>



<p>Cheever is a world-class athlete, <a href="https://my.usskiandsnowboard.org/athletes/jonathan-cheever" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Olympic snowboarder</a> and second-generation master plumber—an unexpected combination of skill, grit and determination. He is an anomaly in a sport where top snowboarders often come from wealthy families. Meanwhile, Cheever supported himself with his family trade. He spent 16 years on the U.S. Snowboard Team, where he learned the depths of perseverance and chasing success. These lessons have translated off the slopes, too, as Cheever runs a successful <a href="https://www.teamcheever.net/the-business-table" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plumbing and heating business</a> in Park Slope, Utah, with his partner Madeleine Soule. “Success is built one small win at a time,” Cheever says. “And you have to embrace every step, even the hard ones.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-david-beckham">David Beckham</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-soccer">Soccer</h3>



<p>Revered as one of the best midfielders to ever play the game, Beckham has been a defining force since his 1992 debut with <a href="https://www.manutd.com/en/players-and-staff/detail/david-beckham" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Manchester United</a> at 17 years old. But his influence has expanded far beyond the pitch. As one of the most sought-after athletes, he’s endorsed brands ranging from Armani and Maserati to Gillette and Stella Artois. In 2003, adidas offered him a <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/soccer-football-news-tied-by-adidas-lifetime-dollar-one-hundred-and-sixty-million-deal-david-beckhams-special-collection-to-be-launched-next-fall/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">$160 million lifetime sponsorship contract</a>, securing his place in the cultural zeitgeist. In recent years, Beckham has unleashed his entrepreneurial side, founding Inter Miami CF and Studio 99, which produced Netflix’s Emmy-winning docuseries, <em>Beckham</em>. Now, he’s honing in on the sweet side of life with a new honey business, which started as a hobby on his Cotswold estate. (He’s even made honey for King Charles III.)</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kim-mulkey">Kim Mulkey</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-basketball-coach">Basketball Coach</h3>



<p>Mulkey’s fashion choices are as bold as her coaching style, with both drawing eyes to the sidelines and often going viral. But don’t be fooled by the feathers, sequins and 3D basketball hoop skirt. <a href="https://www.hoophall.com/hall-of-famers/kim-mulkey/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mulkey</a> currently has the richest total contract in women’s college basketball with her $32 million, 10-year contract with Louisiana State University. She’s worth it: Mulkey led Baylor University’s women’s basketball team to three national championships; she’s just getting started at LSU, where she coached the team to the 2023 title. Before she was a sports headline fixture, Mulkey was the scrappy, 5-foot, 4-inch point guard who helped lead Louisiana Tech University to two national titles and four Final Fours between 1980-1984.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conor-mcgregor">Conor McGregor</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ufc-champion">UFC Champion</h3>



<p>The Irish mixed martial artist fighter is one of the biggest <a href="https://www.espn.com/mma/fighter/_/id/3022677/conor-mcgregor" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stars in UFC</a> history, having won champion titles in two weight classes—simultaneously. Despite his controversial and often brash behavior, McGregor has amassed a large draw to the sport, headlining the top six most-bought pay-per-view events for UFC. McGregor has found success outside of the Octagon, expanding his brand as an <a href="https://shop.conormcgregor.com/pages/mcgregor-brands" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">entrepreneur</a> and restaurateur, with a portfolio that includes The Black Forge Inn in Dublin. </p>



<p class="has-small-font-size"><strong><em>This article originally appeared in the July/August 2025 issue of <a href="https://mysuccessplus.com/product/success-magazine-july-august-2025-tim-and-demi-leigh-tebow">SUCCESS® magazine</a>. Photo of Allyson Felix from Getty Images</em></strong>.</p>

Staci Parks

From Allyson Felix to David Beckham, learn how these athletes are paving the way for victory beyond the playing field.

Learn how these icons are paving the way for victory beyond the playing field.

15 Athletes Succeeding Beyond the Game | SUCCESS

15 Athletes Succeeding Beyond the Game

https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Allyson-Felix-Getty-Images.jpg

<p><a href="https://www.drmichellerozen.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Michelle Rozen, Ph.D.,</a> specializes in change. Since earning her master’s and doctorate in psychology over a decade ago (while raising three young children and working full-time), Rozen has helped executive leadership teams at companies like Johnson &amp; Johnson, Merrill Lynch, Coca-Cola and Pfizer navigate massive organizational changes. Her work in this field has even earned her the nickname “the change doctor.”</p>



<p>Rozen’s latest book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/6-Club-Achieving-Thriving-Business/dp/1394254326" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>The 6% Club</em></a>, digs into how we can create and achieve the goals that we set out to accomplish.</p>



<p><em>This interview has been edited for length and clarity.</em></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-success-what-is-the-6-club"><strong><em>SUCCESS+:</em></strong> What is the 6% club?</h2>



<p><strong>Michelle Rozen:</strong> I surveyed 1,000 people all over the U.S. It was January 2023, and they all had some kind of a goal—business, personal, <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/short-term-financial-goals/">money</a>, relationship, health, anything. I said, “Let’s see what happens with those people over time.” </p>



<p>So I surveyed them from January to June, and what I found out literally made my jaw drop—because what I found was that 94% of the people that pledged to do something dropped whatever they pledged for by February. And so that’s how the 6% club was born.</p>







<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-s-what-is-the-0-10-rule-and-how-can-someone-use-it-to-help-them-become-one-of-the-6"><strong><em>S+</em>:<em> </em></strong>What is the 0–10 rule, and how can someone use it to help them become one of the 6%?</h2>



<p><strong>MR: </strong>The 0–10 rule basically means that in the span of your day, you have too much to do. But if you run into a 94-percenter, one of the things that you’ll hear is, “Oh my gosh, I’m so busy.... I’ve been running around the whole day, [and I] didn’t even have lunch.” But if you look into what they actually accomplish in a given day—if you have things to do on a span of 10 is the most important [thing], and two and three are the less important things—they do a whole lot of twos and threes. Because there’s not enough time in the day, they don’t even get to their 10s. </p>



<p>What you get is a whole lot of busy with very little progress. One of the things that is characteristic of the six-percenters is that they are very, very good at identifying what their 10s are for the day, and they’re going to get those 10s down, no matter what. The twos and threes? They’re going to delegate them.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-s-how-did-you-develop-the-0-10-rule"><strong><em>S+</em>:</strong> How did you develop the 0–10 rule?</h2>



<p><strong>MR: </strong>Originally I borrowed it from the world of psychology and adapted it to the world of <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/what-is-satisficing-decision-making/">decision-making</a> and prioritizing. I used it on myself first, and it helped me figure out how to prioritize my time. </p>



<p>When I started working with top leadership teams, I started sharing that tool with them and developing it. They find it incredibly helpful because they have too many things to do and their teams have too many things to do. When I did the research on the 6%, I discovered that one of the things that characterizes 6-percenters is ruthless prioritizing, compared to the 94%.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-s-what-s-the-biggest-difference-between-a-good-leader-and-a-great-leader"><strong><em>S+</em>:</strong> What’s the biggest difference between a good leader and a great leader?</h2>



<p><strong>MR: </strong>People skills—that’s the biggest shift that happened in leadership from 2020 until today. And it’s a struggle for a lot of people because leadership used to be very matrix-oriented, and now it’s very people-oriented. The bottom line is, if you’re not the kind of person that has excellent people skills—<a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/communication-skills-for-success/">communication</a> and coaching, things of that nature—you really need to work on it. They’re not skills that you can’t acquire, but they’re not optional. They’re mandatory for leaders today.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-s-how-can-leaders-better-grow-and-adapt-to-the-inevitable-yet-necessary-changes-they-see-within-their-team-or-organization"><strong><em>S+</em>: </strong>How can leaders better grow and adapt to the inevitable yet necessary changes they see within their team or organization?</h2>



<p><strong>MR: </strong>The world changes very quickly. It’s a shift from the kind of person that says, “How do I adapt?”—which is more passive—to “How do I... not just adapt, but initiate change to things to make them more impactful and effective? Within the changing landscape, how do I better my ways as a leader? How do I become more effective? How do I fix the things that don’t work so that I am able to reach my goals?” </p>



<p>Stop doing things that don’t work and focus on your strengths and the things that you can improve so you can perform better in this rapidly changing world. Don’t argue with the changing world. Don’t hope that things will go back to old times—because they won’t. It’s going to keep changing very quickly. [So] you really need to up your game in terms of your personal and leadership skills so that you’re better equipped to deal with a storm.</p>



<p class="has-small-font-size"><em><strong>This interview originally appeared in the May/June 2025 issue of </strong></em><strong><a href="https://mysuccessplus.com/shop"><em>SUCCESS+</em></a></strong><em><strong><a href="https://mysuccessplus.com/shop"> Magazine</a>. Photo courtesy of Dr. Michelle Rozen</strong></em></p>

Discover what it takes to weather changes, achieve your goals and become a better leader, according to Michelle Rozen, Ph.D.

Discover what it takes to actually achieve your goals.

Dr. Michelle Rozen Talks Goals, Leadership, and More | SUCCESS

Swimming With the Current: Michelle Rozen’s Tips for Becoming a Better Leader

Becoming a Better Leader With "The Change Doctor" | SUCCESS

https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Dr.-Michelle-Rozen-Headshot.jpg

Discover what it takes to actually achieve your goals according to Dr. Michelle Rozen and how to become a better leader.

Philanthropy

Philanthropy Archives

Philanthropy | SUCCESS | What Achievers Read

<p>When planning a vacation, some people are content to sit on the beach for a week, while others want to give back to the communities they visit. Combining volunteer work with a vacation, sometimes called “voluntourism,” is growing in popularity, expected to increase <a href="https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/volunteer-tourism-market-report" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">6.1%</a> between 2024 and 2030.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Dedicating time to making a positive difference creates memories far deeper than any souvenir,” says Heidi Clarke, executive director of the <a href="https://sandalsfoundation.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sandals Foundation</a>, a nonprofit organization founded to give back to the communities where Sandals and Beaches resorts operate. </p>



<p>Travelers can also use volunteering to go beyond their comfort zone and <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/the-personal-and-professional-benefits-of-volunteering/">learn something new</a>, whether it’s a skill or a deeper understanding of local culture, adds <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/about/contributors/sarah-roman" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sarah Roman</a>, communications manager, Americas, for World Nomads Travel Insurance, who has volunteered extensively abroad.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>But often,“the story isn’t always so heartwarming,” says <a href="https://www.gocherishtours.com/post/a-letter-from-our-founder-travel-and-recover-from-burnout" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Megan Grant</a>, founder of Cherish Tours, a travel agency that curates women-only tours. “Voluntourism can unintentionally do more harm than good,” she says. The volunteer opportunities may wind up costing a bundle without a clear indication of where the money is going or whether anyone is really being helped.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Short-term voluntourism isn’t always helpful,” says <a href="https://www.intrepidtravel.com/us/newsroom/our-people" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Leigh Barnes</a>, president of the Americas for Intrepid Travel. “[It] can include risks such as job loss for locals, negative impacts on local childhood development, and harmful miscommunication in highly complex situations.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>That doesn’t mean volunteering on vacation is never a good idea. To be sure you aren’t unintentionally harming the very people you want to help, it’s essential to choose your voluntourism experience carefully. Here are some questions to ask, with answers from experts.</p>







<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-can-i-find-a-good-volunteer-opportunity">How can I find a good volunteer opportunity?</h2>



<p>Roman suggests picking a bucket-list destination and looking for <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/places-to-volunteer/">local opportunities</a> to give back. Choosing a place you’re excited about visiting can help narrow down volunteer options and ensure you have a great vacation outside of the time spent volunteering.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Once you’ve settled on a location, look for volunteer opportunities. “If you already support an organization like the Red Cross or [the] Humane Society, start by looking into on-the-ground places to volunteer that are associated with them,” Roman says. That way, you know that a trusted organization has already vetted the organization, she explains.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Or, if you already donate to a non-profit that works in the area where you would like to go, “ask them for recommendations about how to get involved on the ground,” because they may have local partners, she adds. </p>



<p>Some resorts and hotels partner with local communities to arrange volunteer opportunities for guests. For example, Hilton is part of the <a href="https://www.hilton.com/en/p/partners/malama-hotel-offers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mamala Hawaii</a> program. Guests at select Hilton properties can volunteer with local groups that work to protect and restore Hawaii’s environment.&nbsp;</p>



<p><a href="https://www.sandals.com/v2/sandals-foundation-the-power-of-15/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sandals Resorts</a> partners with local organizations to curate volunteer opportunities for guests on each island where they have a resort. Volunteer opportunities include helping with sea turtle conservation and reading at local school libraries.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-if-i-have-specific-skills-or-none">What if I have specific skills – or none?</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.kindtraveler.com/team/jessica-blotter" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jessica Blotter</a>, co-founder, and CEO of Kind Traveler,<strong> </strong>a travel agency that promotes sustainable, purpose-driven travel,<strong> </strong>explains that you’ll have a greater significant impact if you find an organization that will benefit from your specific skills. If you can cook, garden, do carpentry or teach, find an organization that can use your expertise.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>If you don’t have any skills that can easily be used when volunteering, <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/why-is-volunteering-important/">follow your heart</a>. Caroline Dillabaugh, director of impact at <a href="https://fidelityhotelcle.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fidelity Hotel</a>, suggests volunteering in a space that means something to you. "It will feel more meaningful if you're doing something that you care about,” she says.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For example, if you love animals, look for volunteer opportunities at a local humane society. If you like helping people, take a shift or two at a food bank. If you are passionate about environmental conservation and sustainability, look for ways to plant trees or preserve coral reefs.“The more you care and are connected to the volunteer experience, the more meaningful it will be,” Dillabaugh adds.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-can-i-make-sure-this-opportunity-is-a-good-fit">How can I make sure this opportunity is a good fit?</h2>



<p>First, select an organization that aligns with your moral standards and priorities, Roman advises. For example, volunteering with a religious organization might not be the best choice if you don’t follow that faith, particularly if proselytizing is part of the outreach.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Second, ask how many others will be present when you are volunteering. “You don’t want to show up to a place overrun with volunteers, leaving you with nothing to do, when you could have a larger impact at another organization,” Roman explains.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Blotter says the most impactful volunteer experiences fill a community's needs<strong>. </strong>Some well-meaning volunteers may participate in projects (like collecting school supplies) that make them feel good but aren’t needed. “Lead with humility. Volunteering requires listening to understand rather than trying to solve problems,” she says.&nbsp;</p>



<p>One way to ensure that a volunteer project meets a community need is to ask whether any local people are involved. “True impact in travel volunteerism doesn’t come from what we give. It comes from how deeply we connect,” Blotter says.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-are-some-red-flags-to-look-out-for">What are some red flags to look out for?</h2>



<p>Not all volunteer opportunities are legitimate. “Unfortunately, there are some scams that target tourists wanting to do good,” Roman explains.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Any organization that asks volunteers for a large sum of money to participate may be problematic, Roman says.<strong> </strong>Legitimate programs will “show you exactly how your time and money are utilized,” with measurable results, Blotter says<em>.&nbsp;</em></p>



<p>Grant says that a credible organization will welcome tough questions like, How does this project contribute to the local community’s long-term goals? What happens after we leave? Who does this project directly support? If you aren’t sure if an organization is legitimate, check online reviews and contact former volunteers, Blotter suggests.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Avoid experiences that can be exploitative. For example, an organization may take volunteers to orphanages and then ask for donations when volunteers are emotionally vulnerable. These visits can also be harmful to the children.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Doni Belau, founder of <a href="https://www.girlsguidetotheworld.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Girls' Guide to the World</a>, used to run a non-profit in South Africa that supported children with HIV. At first, she allowed volunteers to visit the children and interact with them. However, she stopped when she realized these visits negatively impacted the kids. Belau explains that the children would quickly get attached to the volunteers and when they left, the kids would feel very sad.</p>



<p>“A day or two connecting with a vulnerable child with no follow-up might make the volunteer feel good, but for the child who needs stability, it can be destabilizing,” she says. If you genuinely want to help children, look for opportunities that don’t involve interacting with them directly or commit to a long-term volunteer program.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-are-there-are-other-ways-to-give-back">Are there are other ways to give back?</h2>



<p>Yes! Volunteering isn’t the only way to have a meaningful impact on the community you are visiting. Instead, you can focus on responsible, community-led tourism, says Barnes. For example, Intrepid Travel partners with local communities to create tours. These tours help support local businesses, hotels and philanthropic projects, such as a coffee shop in Morocco that only employs women and a craft shop in Jordan that employs people with disabilities. The people who work in these places will benefit from both your dollars and time.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-remember-to-have-fun">Remember to have fun</h2>



<p>It’s natural to be excited about a great volunteer opportunity. But your volunteer vacation shouldn’t be all work and no play. “The best voluntourism experiences are those that still have elements of a vacation,” Roman says. Plus, pairing service days with downtime can allow the experience to “sink in” and leave a longer-lasting impact, says <a href="https://www.classicvacations.com/leadership/team" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Melissa Krueger</a>, CEO of Classic Vacations.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-volunteer-opportunities-to-consider">Volunteer opportunities to consider</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preserve-giant-tortoise-habitats-in-the-galapagos">Preserve giant tortoise habitats in the Galapagos </h3>



<p><a href="http://www.ecoventura.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ecoventura</a>, a sustainably focused tour operator with small-group sailings in the Galápagos Islands, lets guests help restore the natural habitat of the giant Galapagos tortoises. Guests can plant trees where they roam freely.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-coral-in-fiji">Plant coral in Fiji</h3>



<p>At<strong> </strong><a href="https://www.outrigger.com/fiji/fiji-beach-resort" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>OUTRIGGER Fiji Beach Resort</strong></a><strong>, </strong>guests can assist with coral planting. Marine biologists guide volunteers and teach them how coral planting helps regenerate local reef systems.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protect-giraffes-in-namibia">Protect giraffes in Namibia</h3>



<p>At <a href="https://naturalselection.travel/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Natural Selection’s</a> <a href="https://naturalselection.travel/camp/hoanib-valley-camp/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hoanib Valley Camp</a> in Namibia, volunteers partner with the <a href="https://giraffeconservation.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Giraffe Conservation Foundation</a> to assist researchers protect the local giraffe population, which is in danger because of drought and poaching. With the assistance of expert guides, volunteers photograph giraffes in the wild and submit their images for data mapping. Previous volunteers have helped identify distinct giraffe species in the area.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-assist-asheville-recovery-from-hurricane-helene">Assist Asheville recovery from Hurricane Helene</h3>



<p>Volunteers can help <a href="https://www.ashevillegreenworks.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Asheville Greenworks</a><strong> </strong>clean up riverbanks and neighborhoods impacted by the storm. On Wednesdays, people gather at a local pub after their cleanup. Another option is volunteering at the <a href="https://mannafoodbank.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MANNA Foodbank</a> by packaging healthy meals, sorting donated products, and delivering food.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-take-care-of-lodges-in-maine">Take care of lodges in Maine</h3>



<p>Through <a href="https://mainehuts.org/inside/support-us/volunteer-us" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Maine’s Huts &amp; Trails</a> program, people can stay in an off-the-grid eco lodge in the Maine Lakes and Mountains region. Throughout the winter, volunteer caretakers keep the lodges heated, clean common areas, and answer questions. During the rest of the year, they help stack wood or maintain the trials.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="has-small-font-size"><strong><em>Photo courtesy of Dragana Gordic/Shutterstock</em></strong></p>

Jamie Davis Smith

Learn about the rise of voluntourism and explore opportunities where you can give back and make a positive impact while on vacation.

Explore opportunities where you can give back while on your next vacation.

How Voluntourism Allows You to Give Back | SUCCESS

Vacation for Good: How to Choose a Trip that Allows You to Give Back

https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Vacation-for-Good-How-to-Choose-a-Trip-that-Allows-You-to-Give-Back-Dragana-Gordic.jpg

a hiring manager shaking a future employees' hand

Are you struggling to retain employees or hire ones who fit your team well? You might need an onboarding checklist—we have one!

The Ultimate Onboarding Checklist | SUCCESS

The Ultimate Onboarding Checklist: Setting New Hires Up for Success

https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/the-ultimate-onboarding-checklist-setting-new-hires-up-for-success-instaphotos-Shutterstock.jpg

small business owner looking at her phone while holding a package

Learning how to start a side hustle that’s a match for your skills isn’t easy. Discover the basics and how to scale your passion project to a profitable venture.

Discover the basics and how to scale your passion project to a profitable venture.

How to Start a Side Hustle That Fits You | SUCCESS

How to Start a Side Hustle That Turns Your Passion Into Profit

https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/how-to-start-a-side-hustle-that-turns-your-passion-into-profit-peopleimages-yuri-a-shutterstock.jpg