Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in leadership development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with LaDawn Townsend, Founder and CEO of VOS Group, located in Austin, TX, USA.

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

We are a leadership training and strategic advisory firm with a specialty in supporting female founders of growth-stage financial sector companies along with all leaders in positions of power and authority within the public and private sectors.

Tell us about yourself

What motivates me each day is my why for starting the business. I come from a long career in corporate America, in the banking space, being an executive & corporate fixer. When my department was downsized in 2014, I remember having conversations with colleagues and mentors that were not fulfilled in their roles, along with big concern about money and not having enough of it.

Many of these conversations were with women executives that I knew wanted to have a change in their life. At that moment, I decided to open my own business to serve leaders in evolving as a leader and having a healthy relationship with money. Eight years later, my firm has worked with corporate clients and public sector organizations around the globe, and there we are excited for the opportunities that are coming.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I've been blessed to have so many moments that I cherish, and it is hard to choose. If I had to select an accomplishment, it would be two recent engagements in that I had the opportunity to share our Recalibrate Leadership methodology with a group of US congressmen in our nation's capital and separately with leaders at NASA. That was an honor to serve those that are serving our country in so many ways.

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

Not allowing yourself to get stuck in the weeds of the business along with the "how" will this happen. I'm a business owner with deep faith and belief that my business was divinely given to me, meaning the answers I need will come at the right time. It is my job to show up and do the work, hold the faith and be on the lookout for the opportunities aligned for my company to grow.

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

When looking to grow your business keep these three gems in mind.

  1. How do I want to be supported in the business? This ranges from everything from the team you hire to the investors you work with and the future direction of your business. Ask yourself whether you want to sell the business one day or step back from the CEO role. The key is, to be honest about what you need as the person that happens to be a CEO.
  2. Are you a Netflix in a world of blockbusters? Are your products or services addressing the need that your customers don't know they have? When you operate this way, you stay top of mind for your customers.
  3. Delegate and have lieutenants in place. When scaling your company, not everyone should have access to you; this includes customers and staff. The reasoning behind this is that your company needs structures and systems that do not require you to be the go-to; in addition, not delegating what is needed leads to decision fatigue which will drain your creative power. That power is needed to continue to grow the business and outpace your competition.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Instagram is the place where people can connect with me and hear the latest updates and tips on leadership. You can find the link to my profile below.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://ladawntownsend.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RecalibratedWoman
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladawntownsend/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LaDawnTownsend
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ladawntownsend/

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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