Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Stephenie Foster, Partner at Smash Strategies, located in Washington, DC, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
The firm I co-founded, Smash Strategies, has helped our clients envision how empowering women and making progress towards gender equality makes them more effective. We do this by seeing the broader landscape, identifying opportunities, and designing strategies that reflect best practices and measurable results. We work with large institutions - in both the public and private sectors.
Tell us about yourself
I am a passionate advocate for women’s economic and political empowerment because I believe that societies and communities thrive when women and girls are fully engaged. I have been fighting for women and girls my entire career:
- Empowering women in Afghan war zones (U.S. Embassy, Kabul).
- Monitoring elections in Ukraine.
- Representing the U.S. State Department in meetings with government and civil society leaders (Office of Global Women’s Issues).
- Serving as a Chief of Staff in the U.S. Senate.
Having traveled, lived, or worked in over 100 countries, I have been able to consistently use my voice and actions to change discriminatory laws and policies and help shift cultural norms and inequalities. Based on my unique experiences, I understand the political and policy landscapes relevant to empowering women and girls in order to increase their opportunities for leadership and growth and promote an equal world.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Starting and growing a business and helping clients with strategic decisions.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Starting and growing a business and balancing your role as an outside voice with the client's imperatives inside the organization.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Be passionate about what you are doing because that passion will keep you going.
- Be prepared and plan ahead, even though your plans may not always come to fruition.
- Take the long view!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website:
https://stepheniefoster.com/
https://www.smashstrategies.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smashstrategies
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foster.stephenie/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/stepheniefoster
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenie-foster-0b725a3/
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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