Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in career and leadership development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Rikki Goldenberg, Owner of Rikki Goldenberg LLC., located in South Orange, NJ, USA.

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

I'm an executive leadership and career coach working with folks in moments of transition. What does that mean? It looks different for different folks based on where they are. It could look like someone in their 30s or 40s who's suddenly reevaluating what they want from their career, an entrepreneur who's trying to navigate the discomfort of finding business (and personal) growth, or the VP/Directors who are struggling with managing up and down while trying to look like they have it all together. Ultimately, it's the people who want to get unstuck, take charge, and push forward (gently.)

Tell us about yourself

I worked with a coach back in 2011, and it was transformational. Ever since then, I knew it was something I wanted to do, but first, I was focused on building my own career. I spent the next decade working for design consultancies, running massive global projects, a fancy well-known consulting firm, and running product marketing for a healthcare start-up.

From tiny start-ups to massive fortune 500 companies, I've gotten to see a little bit of everything. Now I bring all of that knowledge and expertise to partner really closely with folks to create the life that they want. The best part of my work is diving really deep in with people who are open to get weird and introspective and having a little bit of fun with it. My secret sauce is hanging out right at that edge of growth - let's make changes and push forward, but I'm not going to shove you off a ledge. My risk-averse heart can't take it!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Biggest accomplishment? Doing it! I spent over a decade building my experience and expertise and then took the plunge to start my own company. Anyone who's done that can tell you it's W I L D to build something yourself. But I wouldn't have it any other way. The other accomplishments aren't really about me; it's about my clients. The ones that have fallen back in love with work, who've created personal space outside of work, who've shifted into roles that they adore. Look at them go!

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

There's only one of me!!! That means that on the days that I'm not focused on work, I have to be really kind to myself that some things just won't get done. And that's okay. (This is work I do with a lot of the entrepreneur clients I have, too!)

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

  1. Build your board of advisors. You're going to need people to turn to and get input and advice from as you move forward. It's essential to have people that you can turn to and say, "Hey, I have no idea how to do this. Can you give me some guidance or point me in the right direction?"
  2. You can't do it all. Whether that means hiring, delegating, or letting go - get ready to get uncomfortable. Some stuff you shouldn't do because it's not in your wheelhouse, and others you'll fight to hold on to - that's okay, too, but make sure it's not bogging you down.
  3. Have something else going on. Seriously. Building a business or running a company requires a ridiculous amount of mental effort. You're going to need things that offer satisfaction and support for yourself as you grow. My go-to was running. I was never a runner before I started my business, but I discovered my best ideas came on runs! I went from never running to running a half-marathon in my first year of business.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.rikkigoldenberg.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076656763929
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rikki_goldenberg/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/withrikki
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikkigoldenberg/

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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