Advisor to Visionary Leaders - Alicia Rodriguez
Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Alicia Rodriguez, CEO of Alicia M. Rodriguez and Sophia Associates, Inc., located in Ferragudo, Portugal.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I work with individuals all over the world who are committed to intentionally designing a life of meaning and joy that is in alignment with what matters most to them.
First and foremost, I am a storyteller. My books, blog posts, and articles are infused with humor, wisdom, and practical suggestions that shift perspectives and transform lives. I am currently working on my third book, "The Shaman's Wife," for publication in 2023.
I am the author of Manage Your Life Before Life Manages You: More Joy and Less Stress in 365 Days and EveryDay Epiphanies: Insights for Living with Purpose.
I run restorative retreats in Portugal that support designing your life for harmony and flow. Change Makers take advantage of my personal retreats where I work one-on-one with them on significant issues in their lives and work. I also offer Meaning Maker, curated, small group, restorative retreats in Portugal for women, busy entrepreneurs, change agents, and those looking for more meaning and significance in life.
Tell us about yourself
As a child, I was always curious about the world. I was the child that asked a million questions. From a very young I began to write. I found writing a refuge given how shy I was. It helped me make sense of my world. Later I kept writing, keeping my curiosity alive about how we make meaning as humans. I became an executive coach working with leaders and emerging leaders on conscious leadership based on purpose and vision.
I am a deeply spiritual (not religious) person. I am grounded in a few fundamental and universal principles. I have studied with business leaders and indigenous shamans. I have spent time coaching in corporate halls and walking in Ecuadorian rainforests. I have created several businesses, and I have released my attachment to business models that no longer work.
I am inspired by my clients' courage and determination to develop into conscious human beings who can contribute to their families, communities, and businesses and create solutions to significant global challenges.
I know my work has made a difference due to the hundreds of testimonials from clients. I've witnessed the impact of our conversations as they pay it forward, doing well for themselves and doing good for others.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment was not in business. It was my son who now unleashes his creativity through his photography and music. My biggest business accomplishment was to anticipate the need for digital fluency that allows me and my clients to live and work anywhere in the world.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Setting boundaries is probably the most challenging for me. There is always something else to do, another client to take, another project to create. I have learned the discipline of intentionally choosing to do or not to do something based on whether or not there is resonance with my well-being and goals.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Follow your intuition. You will always need data and research; it has its place. But developing your intuition and honoring it will bring greater success than facts and data.
- Trust yourself. You will constantly doubt yourself. That is the nature of entrepreneurship; keep an AWESOME log with all your victories. When you doubt yourself, read about your accomplishments to get back on track. Remember, failures are successes if you learn from them. And everyone fails at some point. Learn and move forward.
- Never abdicate your power to anyone. People will reflect their fear on you. Stay courageous. Experts will tell you what you should or shouldn't do. Don't take it at face value. Check-in with yourself. Get feedback from trusted advisors who will show you your blind spots with compassion and your self-interests at heart.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
If you're too comfortable, you're not growing. Allow for discomfort in your life; it's the edge of your growth. Don't be a lone wolf. Ask for support when you need it from the right people. Remember that you are a spiritual being having a human experience. Keep that perspective, and regardless of external circumstances, you will always have your true north. Be kind to yourself and others. Life is beautiful when seen with the eyes of the soul. Sometimes we need to be reminded of that.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.aliciamrodriguez.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MsAliciaMRodriguez/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/msaliciamrodriguez/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/aliciarod
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliciamrodriguez/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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