Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal and business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Krista Powers, Founder and CEO of Potere Coaching, located in Covington, KY, USA.

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

I am a loving, powerful, authentic leader. I am a catalyst and contributor. I am also an author, CEO, and Coach.

Sharing a sliver of who I am (loving, powerful, authentic) before sharing a bit of what I do (write, lead, coach) is intentional. My vision is a world where people embrace and celebrate who we are as much or more than what we do. I realize this is especially counter-cultural in the United States, yet I also know what happens as a result of shifting the focus is radical abundance, innovation, and authenticity. That is what I stand for – personally and professionally! This is my work with C-Suite professionals, teams, and individuals.

The person who feels stuck, stagnant, or hungry for more is who I serve. The person who is ready to take an honest look at themselves and powerfully choose to level up is who I am energized to work alongside. The company that values people's power and invests in developing the teams that fulfill the organizational vision are the ones I delight in supporting. The group that is hungry for experiential learning and embodiment of a message that lasts much longer than a presentation are the ones I co-create speaking engagements with.

All of this solves for the discovery of what’s working, unearthing what’s not working, and identifying what’s in the gap – which is critical to creating a path forward for individuals and businesses. I have learned the deep work of practicing clarity, confidence, and courage is impactful within coaching. Shifting a portion of time, effort, and energy from what is urgent to what is important and transformational is also important. Coaching invests in individual growth and team development in order to recognize the greater ripple effect a person or business has on the community and world. This is my calling, and I am so grateful to be in this work.

Tell us about yourself

In the midst of the pandemic of 2020, I began to calibrate myself. For a person so versed at focusing outward, it was foreign to allocate so much time, thought, and space to focusing inward. This allowed me to actually pay attention to my needs and desires. Although I had an amazing job, I realized that I was craving freedom and creativity. I did the work of research, conversations, and self-reflection and ultimately took the leap. I left my job and created a path forward to launch my own business.

Today, I am primarily motivated by two factors. First and foremost, I listen to my inner voice. This long-neglected part of me is so clear about what I am seeking. At times I want to hunker down and create something new and original. Other times, I want to collaborate and grow something within a team setting. I listen to these desires and follow them now.

Second, I look at my results. As I work with businesses and individuals and witness the growth and movement being created by their intentional work, I am clear that my skills impact the world. This grounds me in my role of sharing myself and being in contribution. An inward AND outward focus drives me to show up and play all out each and every day.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

One of my greatest achievements in the past year has been publishing a book – Midlife Calm: An Alternative to Midlife Crisis. My intention for this book is to create curiosity in individuals, spark conversation, cultivate new paradigms, shift cultural norms, and heal the world… all of which happens one human at a time. I have a vision of a midlife calm movement where individuals are inspired to recalibrate – to align within. This book was a process of committed action, vulnerable sharing, and self-trust.

I am grateful for everyone who chooses to share their own story of Midlife Calm at PotereCoaching.com/Midlife-Calm. Every voice matters! This book and message fuels my business by engaging others in conversation, exploring what is possible, and standing in committed action.

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

As a business owner, I continue to learn about holding the tension of being the creative as well as tending to the details. Starting as a single person, it has been crucial for me to create relationships and touch points with other coaches and community leaders. These connections allow me to hone my skills as I pair my skills with the needs of individuals and businesses.

I have also learned that I get to keep leaping. If I ever find myself in a place of analysis paralysis, I get to take action in order to shift myself forward. This lesson, above all others, is the one that has stretched me the furthest and created the greatest rewards - both personally and professionally. In truth, I have come to recognize that few things are hard or have only one way forward... rather life is full of unfamiliar situations that provide opportunities for creativity, connection, and courage.

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

  1. Do your own deep work. How you show up in one area of life is how you show up in every area of life. In order to thrive within your business, you must thrive within yourself. It is vitally important to dig in and clean up the places where you are triggered into resistance in any form or fashion.
  2. Create community. Routinely assess who is on your Team of Life. These are individuals who you can easily request and receive support from. They serve as cheerleaders and encouragers, as well as truth-tellers. They know your vision and hold you high at all times. Having a Team (not necessarily hired/paid) is part of a successful business and life.
  3. Find ways to contribute. Beyond yourself and your business, there is a greater calling. Plug into something you are passionate about and share your time and talent. The simple act of being in contribution allows you to learn, grow, and have perspective.

These three tips reflect my coaching concept of 'Me, We, All.' Every individual gets to give attention to themselves, their support team, and the greater community. These are the foundational focuses from which all mechanics of a business flow.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://poterecoaching.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PotereCoaching/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poterecoaching/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristapowers/

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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