Alana Muller 0:09
Welcome to Enterprise.ing, a podcast from Enterprise Bank & Trust that's empowering business leaders one conversation at a time. We'll hear from different business leaders about how they found success in cultivating their professional networks and keeping them healthy and strong. I'm your host Alana Muller, an entrepreneurial executive leader whose primary focus is to connect, inspire and empower community. We at Enterprise Bank & Trust thank you for tuning in to another episode.
Alana Muller 0:41
Hello listeners, welcome back to Enterprise.ing podcast. As you may recall, from time to time, rather than introduce you to a new guest, I like to take a listen back to prior episodes and point out nuggets of wisdom that previous guests have shared. With that in mind, I was thinking about Lisa Govro, founder and CEO of Big Heart Tea Co. On Enterprise.ing podcast episode 42, Lisa shared that she stays focused on her company's mission of wellness by investing in her international vendors and regularly consulting her support system of uplifting mentors. During our conversation, I asked Lisa who has had the most meaningful impact on her, her career and her company. This is what she had to say.
Lisa Govro 1:23
I'm very lucky to be surrounded by so many amazing women who have surrounded me and helped uplift me, pick me up when I was down and lift me up or, or keep me up when I'm up. But, I would say out of all of them, I made one great connection very early on, a woman, Laura Burkemper, and she's just been my rock. Like, she actually has, like, a ton of expertise in terms of fundraising and marketing and building business. But, she also has become my friend over the years, and we've really shared some really special moments together and grown together. And, she's really the first person I go to when I'm trying to temperature check something. Maybe not at least asking for advice, but like, "Hey, does this sound like it's a real thing? Or not?" You know, like, "Should I move forward or not?" kind of thing, just to sort of like, I always like to get her two cents.
Alana Muller 2:16
Lisa's commentary on her mentors had me thinking about some of the people in my life who have so graciously provided mentorship and guidance to me along my professional and entrepreneurial journey, especially when I reached out to ask for help. The thing is, whether ego-driven or stubbornness, or sheer blindness to the need, too frequently we fail to ask for help when we need it. We take a "go-it-alone approach" or say, "I got this," not recognizing that outside championship, encouragement, expertise and support might help us to accelerate our success. In truth, when we acknowledge that we would benefit from input from others, our chance of accomplishing our goals increases dramatically. When we create a support system around us, we find ourselves amidst an army of personal champions who are not only willing to give up their time, talent and treasure, they expect to do so. Take these ideas into consideration.
Alana Muller 3:10
First, identify one or more mentors. Like Lisa, do you have someone, or a collection of someones, in your life who have had a significant impact on you? Do you admire their approach to business or to life? No need to be that formal about it, but do recognize for yourself who these individuals are and who you can turn to for supportive, unfiltered advice. Another idea: buddy up. Sometimes it helps to confide your triumphs and challenges with a trusted friend or colleague. Once you identify your person, ask if they would be interested in exchanging peer feedback. Work together to ensure that you both soar.
Alana Muller 3:49
Finally, I always think it's a good idea to establish a personal board of directors. From time to time, perhaps when you have a big decision to make, are starting a new venture, need to work through a challenge, it can help to get a group together around a table, either virtually or physically, to think it through. Have your personal board of directors at the ready in your mind, if not in reality. Call them together when you need their input. It's amazing what having several minds, versus just one, working on a project can accomplish in such short order. In short, select your tribe, ask them for advice, guidance, support and help.
Alana Muller 4:26
Thank you dear listeners for tuning in to another episode of Enterprise.ing podcast and a special shout out to Lisa Govro for sharing her insights. If you haven't already heard it, be sure to check out Lisa's Enterprise.ing episode number 42, entitled “Lisa Govro on Aligning Wellness with the Entrepreneurial Journey.” You can find it at enterprisebank.com/podcast, Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your favorite podcasts. I look forward to connecting with you next time on Enterprise.ing podcast.
Alana Muller 5:00
Thanks for joining us this week on Enterprise.ing. Be sure to visit our website, enterprisebank.com/podcast, to subscribe so you'll never miss an episode. If you found value in today's program, please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or telling a friend about us. Enterprise.ing: powering business leaders, one conversation at a time.
Alana Muller 5:20
The views expressed by Enterprise.ing presenters or guests are those of the presenter or guests and not necessarily of Enterprise Bank & Trust or its affiliates. All content of this podcast and any related materials are for informational purposes only. Enterprise Bank & Trust does not make any warranty, expressed or implied, including warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, and specifically disclaims any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any information presented. Enterprise Bank & Trust is not under any obligation to update or correct any information provided in this podcast. All statements and opinions are subject to change without notice.
