Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal and business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Gayle Keller, founder of Gayle Keller LLC., located in Elmhurst, IL ,USA.

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

Speaking on the big stage before 10,000 Microsoft attendees, Gayle Keller discovered her voice and learned her words have an impact on thousands. Whether virtual or in-person, Gayle offers keynotes, presentations, workshops, and breakouts to revitalize and empower gender inclusivity efforts at large and mid-sized organizations and universities.

She also interviews women leaders in STEAM on her podcast, “Theodora Speaks” which caters to professional working women. A Theodora is the heroine for her family, the heroine of her peers, and someone who does not let her fears prohibit her from taking risks.

Beyond speaking and delivering insightful presentations, Gayle provides advisory and coaching services to ensure the successful implementation of gender diversity programs and practices among male and female employees for executives, leadership, middle managers, and worker bees.

Tell us about yourself

Keller is an award-winning seasoned technology executive who learned to become a risk-taker at heart. She has successfully and professionally reinvented herself many times to assume higher-level positions in the male-dominated tech industry.

As an executive, she experienced first-hand how women struggle to excel and how men struggle to understand and cohesively work together with women. From her own work experiences and a strong personal calling to empower women to succeed without leaving men behind, she launched her own firm, Gayle Keller LLC, to be a powerful force in the revitalization of gender inclusivity in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) industries.

Keller’s built-in company bonus is to be a positive role model to her two young girls and do her part in the world to build an inclusive culture of all genders in all sectors of STEAM.

Keller is hailed for her leadership, hands-on programs, and direct approach to shifting the paradigm and culture of organizations through her keynotes, presentations, advisory services, coaching programs, and her soon-to-be-published book. She is also the host of Theodora Speaks, a podcast series highlighting women who have successfully failed forward in their careers to reinvent their professional lives.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Having a positive impact on the women, men, and various audiences I serve. Having a business and mission that is needed in the marketplace boosts my confidence. This is where I need to be and what I need to be doing in this season of life.

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

Being active and engaged on social media. It does not come naturally to me. Plus, it's a full-time job in and of itself!

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

  1. Make sure you are passionate about running your own business. On your worst days, you want to feel fulfilled and passionate about your work, so you keep going and giving it your all.
  2. Make sure you have created your blueprint that outlines HOW, WHY, and WHAT you will offer and HOW you will be a profitable business.
  3. Network, network, network, and get yourself a business coach to help you see around corners, holding you accountable at every turn and empowering you to follow and execute your dreams.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I am a member of The C-Suite Network as a Thought Council fellow. I also serve on the Indiana University Student Foundation Board of Associates and Chicago Professionals for Parkinson's Research (an affiliation with The Michael J. Fox Foundation).

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://gaylekeller.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gaylekellerllc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_gaylekeller/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/gaylewolski
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dalton-t-7098571b3/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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