Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kalyna Miletic, founder, and CEO of Chiefly, Kickstart Your Work and Lead., based in Toronto, ON, Canada.

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

Chiefly is here to help people have more meaningful online meetings. If you use Zoom or any other meeting software, we'd love to support you to improve your interactions. We do this by delivering real-time feedback about emotions, engagement levels, and key themes we identify in the conversation.

Kickstart Your Work delivers online career and leadership coaching so you can feel confident about navigating the workplace and developing your professional skills. We help new grads and Fortune 500 leaders and regularly offer pro-bono coaching to those looking for work. We're here to make sure no one feels alone navigating their careers.

Lead. was born out of a need to support grassroots charities with their programs. Big charities are often well funded, but local initiatives struggle to get the funds they need to run basic services for their communities. Lead. Donates 10% of profits to grassroots charities and sells a range of products from hoodies to bags and phone cases.

Tell us about yourself

When I was 19, I started my first company, a digital strategy firm, because of the encouragement I got from my manager. My father is an entrepreneur, so I grew up learning about being resourceful, the importance of serving your customer whole-heartedly, and taking responsibility for my results. I've started a few businesses, a charitable giving project, and a podcast because I'm inspired to create based on solutions I think would help people in their everyday lives.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I'm most proud of the fact that I've coached over 5,000 clients in 24 countries around the world so far. I've had an impact on thousands of people's lives and their careers via our coaching sessions. Being entrusted with my client's inner dialogue, their greatest fears, and their wildest dreams has been a privilege over the past eight years.

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

I'd say holding myself accountable to my own standards of integrity is the most difficult part of being in business. Any time there's a challenging scenario, I have to ask myself what the most reasonable approach is and follow through in order to remain in integrity even when the answer may be difficult. A close second is consistency and making sure to be thoughtful about the promises I make to ensure I can overdeliver on them rather than leave someone disappointed or let something important fall through the cracks. We're all human, and often it's hardest to set up the systems to ensure our humanity doesn't get in the way of the efficiency that's demanded of businesses.

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

  1. Just start. I have learned so much along the way, and if I had expected myself to have all the answers before I began, I wouldn't be here today.
  2. Practice what you preach. This is tough, but it'll build a meaningful legacy even when people disagree with you. Knowing you're aligned with your values is the most important part of building a business you enjoy running.
  3. Get Help! Trying to do everything alone is both inefficient and way less fun. Make sure to be mindful of expanding your team too quickly, but definitely get support as soon as possible, even in the form of volunteers, interns, or contractors.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

My podcast: the Lead Today Show: https://www.kalynamiletic.com/lead-today-show-podcast

My personal website: https://www.kalynamiletic.com/

Where can people find you and your business?

Website:
https://www.chiefly.ai/
https://www.kickstartyourwork.com/
https://leadware.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kalynakickstart
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kalynamiletic/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kalyna-miletic/

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.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.