Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal and leadership development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Carissa Karban, a leadership coach based in Evergreen, CO, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I'm a control coach. I serve clients who feel stuck, frustrated, overwhelmed, or dissatisfied with their life. I help them take control of their lives and take action toward what they want most through a combination of neuroscience, psychology, and coaching.
Tell us about yourself
I've had a conflicted relationship with control my entire life. Through intentional work of self-discovery and healing and by working with my own coaches, I've transformed my relationship with control. I've learned to zoom out and see the forces controlling my life, I've learned to reevaluate what is within my control, and I've learned to surrender what is not mine to control. I've created more peace and fulfillment in my life as a result, so I want to help others do the same.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Having my own business is about having the courage to put myself out there and share something with the world that is very close to my heart. At first, it was hard to feel so vulnerable and not get the results I wanted or expected. I've learned to see every experience as good because it either feels good or it's good for my growth. I've stopped defining success as getting what I want; instead, I define it as learning and growing as much as possible as a human and a business owner.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
It can be really difficult to tune out the noise of comparison. It's easy to look at others who have been in business longer and wish we were there already. This is why it's so important to be in business for more than just the money. When we connect to the deeper purpose behind what we're doing, it becomes easier to see the uniqueness of our journey and stop comparing ourselves to others.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Trust your intuition and inner voice. There will always be critics telling you what you "should" be doing or how to be "more successful," but you are the one you need to live with at the end of the day. Denying your voice to make money or please others will never get you the love and belonging you think it will. Learning to love and trust yourself is the greatest gift.
- Go deep. We live in a society aimed at keeping us focused on the surface, but there is so much insight, value, and opportunity in having the courage to go deeper. Next time you get frustrated or fired up, get curious and ask yourself why before immediately taking action. Despite the conditioning that makes us believe we will die if we stop for even a second, we're missing out on so much wisdom that comes only in the pause.
- Focus on your intentions over externally-measured goals. You can't control your revenue, clients, the number of publications, etc., but you can control your actions and mindset. Get clear on why your business is important to you and the value it provides to the world, and define daily actions that align with your intentions rather than handing your power over to something outside your control.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.carissakarban.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carissakarban/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carissakarban/
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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