Grow Yourself, Your People & Your Business

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal and business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Maria Kelly, Founder of Ask Maria Kelly, located in Barcelona, Spain.

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

I work with individual leaders at all levels, from small businesses to corporations, to strengthen their leadership development and ongoing professional growth. I specialise in preventing leaders from failing when transitioning into a new role through a 4-month program that equips them with the skills needed to succeed.

Tell us about yourself

After 22 years of corporate life leading people and divisions globally, I was looking for my next opportunity. I'd started at the bottom of the ladder as an administrator at Sotheby's auction house, with no experience or knowledge of art or auctions, and worked my way up. In my last role, I managed their global luxury division. Getting there was tough. I got no support or training, and I learned through trial and error, sometimes at the expense of others and my mental health. I realised that I was not alone: 60% of leaders don't get trained before taking on their roles, and that's why a huge majority fail within 18 months of their promotion. It's unfair to the individual and the people reporting to them. Having a bad leader can have a huge negative impact on someone's life. That's why I decided to start my business, to be the person I wish I had been by my side when I was growing as a leader.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I moved to Barcelona in the middle of the pandemic (I do not speak Spanish) and started my business here a year ago. So I would say getting it off the ground and finding those first clients was a huge accomplishment. I now have amazing clients on four continents and have ambitious plans for 2023.

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

Working alone and being accountable. To help me with that, I've found people on the same journey as me, and we support and encourage each other.

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

You don't have to do it alone – find a mentor, a coach, an accountability buddy, or a friend who's a few steps ahead of you.
Create boundaries – don't forget why you're starting your business (probably not to work 24/7!)
Just start - you'll never be ready; you don't need a fancy website and logo. After a year, I promise you that your business will be very different from what you thought it would be.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://askmariakelly.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/askmariakelly/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/askmariakelly/

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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