Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lauren Jones, Founder, and CEO of Leap Consulting Solutions, located in Elk Grove, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
“They,” say staffing is all about relationships. Yet today, staffing is really about relationships powered by - and empowered by - technology. Recruiting businesses that engage LEAP Consulting Solutions all have one thing in common: a need to optimize their use of technology to create better experiences - and business outcomes. And they need help doing it.
The purpose of LEAP Consulting Solutions is to make recruiting companies more efficient, more successful, and more human. As the Founder and CEO, my obsession with technology fuels my endless curiosity for helping firms make sense of the workforce tech at their disposal in both powerful and meaningful ways. A huge part of that success is managing change for both people and systems and redesigning business operations for efficiency and effectiveness.
In addition to my work at LEAP, I share my expertise in recruitment technology, business operations, change management, and women’s issues as a frequent speaker, podcast co-host, and author. For more information, visit leapconsultingsolutions.com.
Tell us about yourself
A staffing industry powerhouse. Workforce technology whiz. Change management mastermind. Fierce female leader champion. Professional storyteller.
I am all of these things, as well as the founder and CEO of LEAP Consulting Solutions. After decades as an innovator and influencer in the staffing industry, I founded LEAP to make recruiting companies more efficient, more successful, and more human. How? By helping firms define and understand their technology needs, embrace change, and optimize their technology investments.
I have a powerful voice in staffing, technology, entrepreneurship, and women’s leadership. With several industry peers, I recently published my first book called "Together We Rise," a compilation of their personal stories of women empowerment. My reputation has landed my guest spots on almost every recruiting industry podcast, including Settle Smarter, You Own the Experience Podcast (which she now co-hosts), TheEdge, Ivy Podcast, Staffing Hub, HR Lift Off, and more.
I am at my best when I am on stage. I sought-after speaker with impressive experience at all of the top recruitment industry events, including Staffing World, the TechServe Executive Summit, CSP, Alternative Staffing Alliance, Staffing Industry Analysts Executive Forum, The World Staffing Summit, and Bullhorn Engage.
A major career highlight is receiving the ASA Care Award for helping connect veterans with work opportunities. Lauren was also on the 2022 list of LinkedIn Inspiring Women and the 2021 lists of the Top 15 Staffing Professionals to Watch, and the Top 200 Thought Influencers to Watch.
I am fueled by endless curiosity, a deep commitment to helping others, and Peloton rides. I am a community activist with organizations like National Charity League, Women’s Empowerment, and Saint John’s Program. I am a recent empty nester and proud mom to two powerhouse boss ladies, Emily and Allison. Lauren lives on a farm in Elk Grove, California, with her husband, Peter. You can contact me at lauren@leapconsultingsolutions.com to inquire about speaking engagements and media opportunities or to talk about recruiting tech stacks, empowering women, raising goats, or even racing cars.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
In our first year, I replaced my corporate income, signed my first million-dollar deal, and signed my first partnership. Since then, we've doubled in sales, and I've hired 1 full-time person and 2 part-time support team members.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
I think I wake up excited and terrified every day! Times like right now are tough when the entire world is feeling very fickle, there is an economic downturn (some call it a recession), and a little fear entering in the minds of business owners. This present the biggest challenge of selling to a customer that you are worth the investment during times when investments are being scrutinized!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Keep it simple.
Progress, not perfection.
Ask.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://leapconsultingsolutions.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leapjones
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leapjones/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lbuffjones
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/goatleader/
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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