Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ella Lucas-Averett, Producer and Host of On Air with Ella Podcast, located in Washington, D.C., USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
In addition to being a podcast producer and host of On Air with Ella since 2015, I am Managing Partner of The Trivista Group, a strategic communications consulting firm that I co-founded in 2003. I'm a professional speaker, competitive age-group triathlete, and founding member of CHIEF Washington D.C.
The On Air with Ella podcast is all about starting where we are to create an intentional life. Whether it's confidence to take the next step, motivation to change a habit, or a desire to up-skill in business or life in general - we are women who want MORE. My audience is predominantly women over 35 years who are ready to level up some areas of their life and want to connect to the resources and other women that will help them do it!
Tell us about yourself
I firmly believe that "a rising tide lifts all boats," and so I create community and connection with that in mind. I want to be an example of what is possible by excelling in business, in my chosen sport, and in my personal life, and connecting with other women with that at the forefront inspires me every day.
I also try to surround myself with people who do something - anything! - better than I do, and my podcast allows me to do that and to learn from them. This is anything from business to nutrition to personal development and mindset.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment is simply sustaining. My consultancy, The Trivista Group, has been in business for 20 years now, and my podcast for 8 years now. Both of these businesses were self-started and self-funded, and both demand an enormous amount of agility, resilience, and commitment. Their tenure is something I am proud of!
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Understanding that you can't do it all at the same time. Devoting time, energy, money (or any other resource) to one area usually means taking from another. Don't buy into the myth that you should be at 100% in every area of your life all the time. What bunk! There is a season to everything - from our personal to professional lives - and that comes with ebbs and flows. We need to give ourselves permission to accept that. This is particularly relevant to multi-passionate entrepreneurs and to anyone who struggles to balance their personal and business priorities. "Work/life balance is a myth" - it's about priorities and seasons and allowing for imbalance. If you can do that with intention, you're ahead of most.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- 99.99% of us are making it up as we go along. So don't wait until you're ready. Upskill, learn, of course, but do not underestimate the power of simply TAKING ACTION.
- How do you achieve greatness? "Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can." [Arthur Ashe]
- Ask for help - find a community. Can't find one? Build one. We are here to help one another. A rising tide lifts all boats ;-)
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.onairella.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onairwithella/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucas-averett/
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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