Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Brandee Gerke, a personal and success coach based in Juneau, AK, USA.

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

I own a global personal coaching and success training business. My customers are usually at a personal crossroads. Some are deciding which path they want to pursue, whether in their career, relationship, or environment. Others are looking to navigate unexpected or imposed changes in a way that expands opportunities and enriches their life. And my third category of customers is people who want to achieve their big dreams. I help people become clear on what they want most, guide them into action, and support their success so they can move forward and flourish.

Tell us about yourself

As with many of my clients, I chose to make a mid-career pivot. For the first twenty years of my career I worked as a marine biologist and manager for the federal government. I had wonderful opportunities in my various roles though I reached a point where I longed for more creativity, personal growth, and better health. With the support of a coach, I gained the courage to take the leap and follow my heart to a new path.

At that juncture, the entrepreneurial path provided the best fit for my core values. I experimented with several fields suited to my strengths and skills to settle on my primary service. While embarking on this process, I also devoted time to improving my health. It paid off big time! I made remarkable gains in my physical and mental health by learning and making changes. The more I flourished, the more I wanted to support other people in having these universal desires: a felt sense of peace, joy, abundance, and freedom. With what I learned, I knew I could support people in having the success they desire without sacrificing their joy and vibrancy.

I pursued certification in whole-person coaching through an International Coach Federation-accredited training program. We started coaching early in training, and I was struck by the profound insights and shifts people experienced with even the basic tools. Coaching feels absolutely aligned as a way to fulfill my full potential in a deeply meaningful way.

I have become passionate about supporting people in finding their purpose and moving toward what they want in life. The more people I have the privilege to work with, the more I realize the common obstacles to success and fulfillment. It's also shown me the depth of my clients' wisdom. They learn to connect with their wisest self and be increasingly successful in all aspects of their lives. To me, there is nothing more important I could devote my career to than guiding people beyond fear and doubt and into clarity and action, and ultimately, that they live with more joy and experience the health benefits that accrue from living in integrity with their whole selves.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

One thing I'm particularly proud of is that I have steadily built my business without overworking. I have cultivated patience with the process of building a business from scratch. Patience has long been a growth area for me, so I feel proud that I'm able to trust the process and keep taking action, knowing that small actions taken consistently yield big results. My business is growing, and just as importantly, my personal fulfillment has never been higher.

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

One reason I consider having patience with growing my business as my biggest accomplishment is that it can be hard to stay in the long-term mindset as a business owner. Research shows that it's hard to have empathy for our future selves. So we often make choices for our short-term satisfaction. It has been tempting to pursue employment that pays more in the short term than my business is currently earning. I'm grateful to have the voice of someone I really admire in my mind reminding me to "think long-term." I know my greatest earning potential and personal legacy will be achieved by reaching my long-term business goals. It can be hard to keep thinking long-term, but I believe our dreams are worth it! And what if it does work out?

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

I'd offer the same three tips to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business as I would for any goal pursuit.

  1. Know your purpose and your "why." When you encounter setbacks and challenges, reconnect with your why for motivation to keep going.
  2. Have a plan and set up your systems for the business you want to have so that you can scale without going back to square one.
  3. Keep believing and taking action. The universe rewards action.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://brandeegerke.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brandeelifecoach
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandee-gerke-9222461a1/

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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