Shawna Martin is a CEO, Founder and Leadership Coach.
She tells us that, “If my business could have a mascot, it would be a beautiful flower. While I know that is not a typical mascot, much of my business focuses on the growth of individuals and teams. The image of a beautiful, in-bloom, flower creates the idea of someone who has made the journey from seed, to plant, to blossoming to their full potential.”
What strategies do you employ to maintain a healthy work-life balance while running your own business?
My decision to start my own business came from both the passion of wanting to support others in their professional and personal growth as well as the desire to create the type of lifestyle ideal for myself and our family. I structure my days so that I can focus on work while my kids are busy with their own activities and school, but then block my calendar to present during our family time. I also set aside time for my personal growth and rest so that I can show up at my best for both my clients and my family.
When faced with unexpected detours on your business path, how do you pivot with grace and resilience, showing fellow women entrepreneurs the way forward?
I will admit there are a lot of unexpected detours and challenges when starting your own business. There are so many new areas to learn and ways to grow your business that the best advice I can give is to just take one day at a time. As a business owner, you will have a never-ending list of tasks to support and grow your business, but you can’t grow if you put yourself on a path of burnout. Instead it is important to focus on just the next few steps that will take you forward each day and give yourself grace and kindness throughout.
How do you measure the success of your business beyond financial metrics, such as customer satisfaction or community engagement?
I measure the success of my business by the growth I see in my clients. Whether it is getting a promotion, taking a career risk, knocking a presentation out of the park, taking a break to recover from burnout, or getting that well-deserved raise – celebrating my clients successes is how I measure my business success.
Can you share a memorable moment where you witnessed significant growth or transformation in your business, illustrating the impact of your services/products?
One of my most memorable moments was receiving an email from one of my clients letting me off of their promotion and raise after working to help them set their career goals and build the confidence to articulate their desire to lead to their management team.
What role do you believe mentorship plays in the success of small businesses, and how have mentors influenced your own entrepreneurial journey?
As a solopreneur, mentors are key not only to learn from in growing your business, but also as a supporter and encourager along the way. At times owning your own business can be a bit lonely, but finding mentors and a community of business owners is instrumental in feeling supported and driven to continue to grow.
What’s your work all about, and how does it make a difference in the world?
I’m in the business of helping people find more fulfillment and direction in their careers. As a leadership and career coach, I work with individuals and corporations to help them achieve their professional goals.
In the world of work, finding fulfillment and purpose can be a challenge. By helping people find more direction in their careers, I can make a real difference in their lives. When people are passionate about their work, they are more likely to be engaged, productive, and successful. This can lead to a happier and more fulfilling life for my clients, as well as a more positive impact on the organizations they work for.
