Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in leadership development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ashley Brundage, Founder of Empowering Differences Inc., located in Tampa, FL, USA.

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

I am the CEO of Empowering Differences, which is a leadership development organization based on the 4 Empowerment Steps found from my research on empowerment and how it is impacted by our ten most common human differences.

Our customers are people seeking more leadership programming, as well as organizations that are looking to create more leadership and emotional intelligence for their teams, culture, and employees.

Tell us about yourself

I was forced to overcome harassment, discrimination, and homelessness to survive in this world with all of my differences at the forefront. I am an out and proud woman of transgender experience, and that is just one part of my differences. I had to build an empowerment strategy for all 10 of my differences, some with privileges and some with disprivileges. I used the 4 Empowerment Steps to gain employment as a part-time bank teller at PNC Bank.

Then over the next 4.5 years, I grew my career to become the national vice president of diversity, equity, and inclusion at PNC Bank. I shaped a culture of belonging and inclusion in that role for six years while finishing my research on empowerment and differences until leaving to work full time in my company at the beginning of 2022. Now I share my research around the world, helping all people drive empowerment faster.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Taking the leap away from my corporate job and going full-time in my business. It has opened so many more doors, from news, travel, clients, and amazing people I get to partner with each day.

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

That is, of course, juggling all the balls at the same time. So the need to stay organized is the hardest as I am a creative person, so I will always want to try a way to partner or work with someone even if I am working on other things at that time. So I recommend using tools and resources to aid in the process of keeping on task and managing your day.

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

Organization for sure, calendar management, and AI notetaking tools are all very helpful. I would recommend automating as many processes as you can, from linkable calendars to working on standard template scripts, then adding personal touch elements to your communication, so it is not stale.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Just how lucky I am to have my two teenagers, Bryce & Blake, by my side there to support me in this journey.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://empoweringdifferences.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashleytbrundage/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleytbrundage/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ashleytbrundage/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleytbrundage/

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

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