Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dr. Jannell MacAulay, Founder of J MacAulay & Co LLC, located in Ogden, UT, USA.

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

I am an independent executive leadership & performance consultant, keynote speaker, and educator specializing in mental performance and resiliency. With over 20 years of experience in military combat operations, leadership, and aviation combined with my PhD-level research into high-performing teams who thrive in stressful environments, I provide transformational experiences through my unique workshops and presentations. My content helps all individuals (from corporate executives to military leaders and students/teachers) build a high-performance mindset, equipping them to breathe through life's challenges and thrive through uncertainty. I'm also the co-founder of Warrior's Edge high-performance mindset training, which I co-founded with Coach Pete Carroll of the Seattle Seahawks and Dr. Michael Gervais. Together, we work with the leaders of high-stress occupations to train their minds to be their best under pressure.

Tell us about yourself

I grew up in a family of public servants (military leaders, police officers, nurses), so I was destined to serve my community in some capacity. My journey started at the US Air Force Academy, serving as a military combat pilot and commander and as a military spouse and mother of two. I realized my struggles to thrive and find joy inside stressful environments were not unique, as stress and overwhelm in our modern world are universal for all of us. At this same moment, the Air Force offered me an opportunity to earn a Ph.D. I chose to study how to create a human weapon system that is capable of thriving through adversity, a research area that led me to be the first military leader to use mindfulness as a leadership initiative, along with other human performance strategies to promote wellness, high performance, and resiliency. I wake up every morning with a deep sense of purpose around helping others to be their best - sometimes that's in a corporate setting, with military operators, or with my own family. This work changed my life, and every day I see how it impacts others to be higher performing, more present, connected, and joyful.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is stepping outside of my comfort zone and creating a successful business that fills a capability gap in the marketplace. Many of us struggle with stress and performance and seek clear strategies to help filter through the noise and excel in work and life. As a former military leader and pilot, jumping in as an entrepreneur was intimidating and definitely created some discomfort. I also encountered a lot of skepticism and challenge in my quest to bring mindfulness and mindset training into the military and other high-stress occupations. However, my passion for helping others allowed me to be relentless in my pursuit, even when the path was challenging.

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

I love being independent and having the authority to make my own choices with respect to my business. However, at times being an entrepreneur can be a hard and lonely road! Maintaining relationships and a support structure is vital to success. I love building teams around me - individuals who are amazing at what they do - and an overall community of like-minded individuals who provide support and lift others to great heights. I'm lucky to work alongside two of my very best friends (one is my amazing assistant, and the other is my podcast co-host!), and having them both in my daily life helps me thrive through the challenges of entrepreneurship.

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

  1. Breathe. We create so much extra anxiety and uncertainty when we create false narratives inside our minds about the process of building a business. When I worked with special military operators, the slogan was "Slow is smooth, smooth is fast." Reminding yourself to breathe and pause will be extremely beneficial to your success.
  2. Let your passion guide you. When things get hard, your passion will sustain you. I know my work is important and makes a difference. Even if some of the people I encounter don't see it for themselves, I feel confident I'm planting seeds everyone will need at some point in their life.
  3. Set boundaries. It's important to be deliberate about how you set up your work day around life responsibilities. I like the technique of transition points. Doing a simple minute of breathing in between activities helps me get centered and focused on the immediate tasks at hand. This way, I can live where my feet are planted, being present at home when I'm with my family and being present at work when I'm with clients.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://jannellmacaulay.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drjannellmacaulay
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/macaulayjc/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jannellmacaulay
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jannell-macaulay-phd-a187261/

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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