Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Eloise Gagnon, Founder of Power Player Academy, located in Vaudreuil, QC, Canada.

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

After working as an international business lawyer for over 20 years and co-founding multi-million dollar businesses in the financial industry, I decided to pivot completely. Five years ago, I began mentoring aspiring leaders and teaching them the skills needed to succeed at a higher level. We're talking emotional intelligence, high-performance mindset, assertive communication, executive presence, and charismatic leadership.

I spent all of my career in a male-dominated industry. I had to fight to have a seat at the table for people to listen to me and take me seriously. I want my students to have a seat at whatever table they choose, and I mentor them accordingly. My clients either own a business or work for one. Their common denominator is a desire to elevate their career and business, to be heard, seen, and recognized for their value and potential.

Tell us about yourself

Growing up, I was shy, awkward, and anxious. I missed out on many opportunities because of that. My aspirations and ambitions didn't match my belief system, behaviors, or actions. I had to learn to operate, think and act differently in a way that allowed me to achieve the kind of success I wanted. It was hard. But once I got there, it felt natural to share what I learned with others.

The "perfect" time to start my business was after my father suddenly passed away. He was the greatest influence in my life, and we co-founded a few successful businesses together. His departure made me realize that all I had accomplished thus far was for myself. I wanted to accomplish something that would benefit others as well. So with an 18-month-old baby and six weeks pregnant with our second, I launched my coaching and training business. It was a crazy decision but one I never doubted or regretted.

My motivation to work hard every day comes from my young boys (3 and 5 now). I want them to have a living example of what's possible. I want them to know they can be whatever and whoever they want in this life. They simply need to be willing to work for it.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

The Power Player Academy is the accomplishment I am the most proud of. I put over 20 years of life experience, personal growth, professional training, and skill development into this monthly member's Club. It's where I mentor aspiring leaders and coach and train them to elevate their careers and businesses. I wanted to create a safe zone for aspiring leaders. A place they could come to learn, share and grow. The Academy has strict rules: if a member is caught criticizing, negatively judging, or commenting on another member, their membership is immediately revoked. Seeing the Academy's impact on people's lives and careers is the best part of my work.

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

To keep going when the outcome seems impossible and when the setbacks are so great, you think they'll cripple you. To have the mental toughness and the emotional resiliency to push forward while being brutally honest with yourself about your current circumstances is by far the greatest challenge a business owner faces. It's the Stockdale Paradox. Those who can implement that concept with perseverance will inevitably succeed.

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

  1. Find something you are really good at, become the best at it and base your business on that ONE thing. Your competence and knowledge will grow your confidence to sell your product/services.
  2. When you're starting off, offer your services/products for free until you have a clear understanding of your market: the problem they have and the demand for the solution you are offering.
  3. Don't strive for overnight success; strive for sustainable, long-term success. What's the point in being an instant success if people don't remember you or your product in 3 years? Aim to grow in milestones and build your business to last.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

The greatest obstacle you face in building a successful business is you. What you believe you can achieve, what you tell yourself about your worth and value, and how you feel about your skills and knowledge will dictate the kind of actions you take and whether or not they lead you to success.

Always keep a beginner's mindset. Don't fool yourself into thinking you know everything and you have everything figured out. Be curious. Ask questions. Leave your ego at the door.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://eloisegagnon.com/ppa/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eloisegagnon_strategist/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eloise-gagnon/

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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