Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in leadership development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Corrie Melanson, Owner of Sea Change CoLab Inc., located in Halifax, NS, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We help leaders and change makers ignite transformational learning and impact by shifting from passive to active learning, from problem-focus to possibility, and by connecting personal, organizational, and systemic change.
Learning Experience Design- We design impactful learning experiences and facilitative leadership resources (courses, infographics, videos, audio stories, and training) that inspire and delight users.
Strategy- We co-create inspirational and collaborative change management training and processes.
Training and facilitation- We deliver highly experiential training and facilitation workshops using emergent, reflective, relational, and experiential processes.
Tell us about yourself
I first started because I wanted more flexibility in my life and had a sense that I could have more impact than I had in my previous career in non-profits. I believe that learning is the bridge between dreams to action.
Learning creates competence and transformation. Learning is most compelling when learners are leaders, designers, and co-creators of their learning experiences. Together, we must confront systems at odds with the people they are intended to serve. We must build a more inclusive, sustainable, thriving world.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Building and sustaining a diverse team of people to amplify our impact. It took time and intention but was so worth the effort.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest thing is the need to constantly be "on." Until you reach a certain size to strategically hire for specific skills and support, you do everything, and it's hard to take a break. It's important to find a way to work hard but also rest hard. That is a tricky balance as an entrepreneur, especially when you're starting out.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Build a network of other supportive entrepreneurs to brainstorm, refer, reflect, celebrate, and commiserate. This is key!
- Access financial support- there are a lot of loans and grants for small businesses out there. In Canada, google Business Benefits Finder to see what support is available for you and your type of business.
- Identify strategic ways to increase your freedom, leverage, and impact through support from business organizations, coaches, and whatever it takes. Don't flounder on your own.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://seachangecolab.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SeaChangeColab
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seachangecolab/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/corriemelanson
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sea-change-colab/
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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