Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ellen Petry Leanse of Finding Your Mind, located in San Francisco, CA, USA.

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

My business is guiding people to harness their true power and innate resilience through an understanding of neuroscience, ancient and indigenous wisdom, and mindful living practices. Customers span audiences who read my work or hear it at conferences / speaking events and individual clients or companies that I coach.

Tell us about yourself

My work evolved on the slow path. I started my career in tech at early Apple (1981!), and from there worked for a variety of other companies and as an entrepreneur. Along the way, I found that neuroscience helped me understand and navigate the complexities I found in the workplace and in life. I committed full-time to teaching, speaking, and writing about neuroscience about a decade ago.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Candidly, simply have a business that supports me and others who work with me. I respect what a big gamble it is going to out on your own. It feels deeply satisfying to have a small business that works and sustains itself year after year.

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

I sometimes miss the collaboration and thought partnership that's inherent in corporate life. When you build a long-term connection with a co-worker and can turn to them to ideate and solve problems together, it rocks. Fortunately, I have a circle of friends in similar work I can turn to and be there for when they need a co-thinker. Yet sometimes, I miss seeing and being with these people on a regular basis.

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

  1. Make a long-term commitment. You're going to hit rocky stretches, and your business is going to surprise you sometimes – often! – not being what you thought it would be. Really be sure that whatever it is is something you're willing to commit the next decade of your life to.
  2. Have a long-term vision. Your business will evolve. Make sure it's always pointing toward MORE of what you want rather than steering you toward the weeds.
  3. When it comes to employing others, start small. Phase in, maybe with contract agreements or part-time employees. The responsibility of hiring another person is huge. Be realistic, agile, and sustainable in your goals. You'll save yourself some potential pain and angst.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.ellenleanse.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chep2m/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/chep2m
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellenleanse/

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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