Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in leadership development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Marisa Matz, Founder and Owner of Matz Learning Solutions, LLC., located in Carlsbad, CA, USA.

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

I am the proud owner of Matz Learning Solutions, a leadership development training and coaching company founded in 2014. I also founded the HermanasRising Women's Leadership Development program, specifically designed for women of color, that I launched recently in 2021.  After 20 years in learning and development, I wanted to focus my work on equitable training and coaching opportunities to prepare women for leadership roles within their organizations.

Matz Learning Solutions serves organizations who seek leadership development training facilitation within their human resources teams. HermanasRising serves mid-career level women of color who lead teams and strive to make change within their organizations. Our goal is to eliminate bias in leadership development training opportunities and content.

Tell us about yourself

I have been described as a visionary leadership development educator & consultant. I have dedicated my career to working with new to mid-level leaders to help them discover and define the fundamental leadership practices required in the 21st Century.

Raised in the heart of California’s San Joaquin Valley, I was born to a father who emigrated from the Philippines and a mother raised in the Mexico-U.S. border region of Texas. They instilled a strong sense of determination, perseverance, and leadership. This led to my passion of serving women, of all diverse backgrounds and life experiences, to exemplify their leadership capabilities by building communities where all are seen and heard.

I learned early on that I was born to teach.  After college, I had the opportunity to teach High School English for a year in Osaka, Japan. Soon after my return to the United States, I launched and established my career in corporate learning and development.  After a decade of working in corporate America, I embarked on a one-year sabbatical and traveled the world with my husband and earning my Yoga Teacher Certification at the Nosara Yoga Institute in Costa Rica. During this sabbatical, I decided to form my own company, Matz Learning Solutions.

My daily motivation comes from three distinct aspects: my strong belief in healthy mind-body practices through yoga and body movement, my passion for helping women reach extraordinary heights and finally, my two children who inspire me daily.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment has been when I made the leap from the corporate world to entrepreneurship.  I had to trust and believe in myself, which we all know is challenging.  Eight years later, I'm so proud of what Matz Learning Solutions has become.  I initially started it to have a balanced life and work schedule, while starting a family.  I intend to continue to grow the company for many more years to come.

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

The hardest part of being a business owner is having to switch hats frequently.  Not only am I the visionary for my two businesses, but I also have to oversee, create, problem solve, and manage many business activities. There are many things that help to keep me organized and on top of things, but my team helps me keep the wheels in motion.  I am naturally energetic and enjoy engaging people in all walks of life. Having to wear so many hats makes the work I do everyday extremely rewarding, although it can be exhausting at times. I rely heavily on yoga, my kids and getting outside to help keep my mind clear and keep the ideas flowing!

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

The top three tips I can share with someone who is looking to start their own business would be:

  1. Never stop learning. Be a lifelong learner.
  2. If you are naturally a talker, learn to listen. If you are a natural listener, learn to speak up. Both of these skills are vital to being a business owner and leader.
  3. Never burn a bridge. Sometimes people that you meet can come back into your career life and could play an important role in getting you where you want to be.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Focus on having a learning mindset.  Without learning, we no longer grow as individuals. We not only learn in our jobs and careers, but also in our lives and relationships. Connect with your coworkers, your leaders, your friends, learn about what motivates them, listen to their aspirations - they'll speak if you'll listen.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.matzlearning.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/matz-learning-solutions/

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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