Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Leslie Vander Gheynst, Founder of Ensō Coaching and Consulting, located in Austin, TX, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Our business is an executive/leadership coaching business also offering culture consulting for businesses in growth. We support leaders in becoming more aware of where they are and how they naturally lead, identifying gaps, and supporting them through that growth. This is a critical step in supporting an organization's scaling culture.
Tell us about yourself
I have served as a senior people executive for the past decade - in both large organizations and start-up environments. I started to experience my own gaps in how effective I was in managing and leading a team and in aligning what I was doing with what I valued. In doing a lot of self-work and working with a coach, I started to better understand that the gap I was experiencing was something that most leaders experienced. This was an opportunity for me to start this organization and support other leaders in living a more fulfilled life.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I will always say that my biggest accomplishment is seeing the work and the progress our clients experience on a week-to-week basis. It is personally fulfilling to see the aha moments, pushing through fear or gaps. In addition, I recently had an opportunity to speak at Austin Start Up Week on mental awareness in the workplace. That was a highlight for me - getting an opportunity to learn from the other speakers, hear how impactful and necessary the talk was, and meet some amazing people along the way.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
For me - lead generating for new business. I always struggle with asking people for business (things I'm working on) - but I really try to focus on keeping deep relationships and adding value to my clients.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Be crystal clear on how you define success - not someone else's definition - but YOUR definition of success.
- Create and define your values - these are your non-negotiables - and your compass for deciding who you do business with, how you do business, and what you will not bend on. It is your foundation.
- Jump in all the way - commit and engage and find someone to be your accountability partner in your plan. I would always encourage a new business owner to hire a coach. They will keep you on track and be your partner in the initial phases of your business.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.ensocc.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enso_cc/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/enso_cc
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesliekhvg/
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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