Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Meg O'Connell, CEO of Global Disability Inclusion, located in Saint Augustine, FL, USA.

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

Global Disability Inclusion is changing the way the world perceives disability. We are a boutique consulting firm providing disability inclusion strategies and solutions for global companies, foundations, non-profits, and universities. Our team of experts helps organizations expand opportunities to reach new talent, create inclusive environments, and acquire new customers. To learn more about working with Global Disability Inclusion, visit www.globaldisabilityinclusion.com.

Tell us about yourself

I spent years in corporate America as an HR professional working on talent management projects, diversity and inclusion efforts, and employee engagement. I saw the amount of time, money, and strategic thinking related to diversity efforts, but disability was almost never part of the conversation. Corporations were still viewing disability as a charitable endeavor, and I wanted to begin educating organizations that Disability IS Diversity, and at the same time, money and effort should be applied to disability strategies much like all other diversity initiatives.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

In partnership with Mercer, we have been studying global disability employee engagement data. Last year, we published the findings from a ten-year study demonstrating some significant gaps in the workplace experiences of employees with disabilities vs. their non-disabled colleagues. This research study and its findings led us to create the first Disability Climate & Culture survey - asking employees disability-specific questions (e.g., accommodations, self-id, disclosure, a culture of inclusion, etc.) and how disability-related policies, programs, and procedures impact their workplace experiences. To date, we have won two awards for this survey - one from the American Business Awards -- A Gold Stevie for Achievement in Diversity & Inclusion. The second is a global award from PeopleFirstHR for Champion in Enabling Diversity Best Practices.

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

Only one thing? LOL, Probably the number of balls I have to juggle and keep in the air all at one time.

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

  1. Be comfortable with not having all the answers. Get comfortable with taking a leap of faith and following your instincts with the best information you have at the time.
  2. Don't be afraid to fail. I am a big believer in trying new things, some will work, and others will flop. You have to be comfortable saying, "if this doesn't work, we will try something else."
  3. Outsource, Outsource, Outsource. Leverage talent to help with areas of your business that are challenging. For example, I can do my books, but it takes me 2 -3x longer than a "real" bookkeeper. It is better for me to outsource this and focus my energy on delivering to clients, managing our teams, and working on future innovations. Don't feel you have to do everything in your business.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Don't listen to people who will tell you not to start your own business to avoid taking the risk. If you have the entrepreneur's spirit, you have to give it a try. Remember, if it doesn't work, you will just do something else. Go get 'em!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.globaldisabilityinclusion.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GlobalDisabilityInclusion
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/global_disability_inclusion/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GlobalDisabilit
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-disability-inclusion-llc/

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.

Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.