Anza Goodbar
Anza Goodbar is a seasoned entrepreneur, author, and business consultant with over two decades of experience in helping women-led small business owners achieve their professional goals. As the founder of InfluenceHer Digital Marketing Solutions, she empowers female entrepreneurs to establish powerful personal brands, create effective marketing strategies, and build sustainable business models. Known for her expertise in business growth and branding strategies, Anza is passionate about guiding her clients through significant transformations, enabling them to live fulfilling lives both personally and professionally. Her unique approach blends strategic insights with personal empowerment, making her a sought-after speaker and mentor.
What were your initial years of growing up like? Tell us about your life before starting your corporate journey/venture/initiative.
Growing up with business-owner parents, I was immersed in entrepreneurship from an early age. At 11, I started working at my dad’s appliance and electronics store, where I learned bookkeeping, payroll, and sales. My first speaking opportunities came when I taught homemakers how to use microwaves to prepare time-saving meals. While I always knew I’d own a business, I wasn’t sure what it would be. After spending over a decade as a professional event planner, I launched my first business in 2004, combining family teachings with corporate experience to run a successful boutique mortgage business. When the mortgage industry crashed in 2008, I pivoted to the online business world, using my expertise to help other entrepreneurs grow and succeed.
Every industry that is now a large-scale, top-notch business once started as a small idea in the minds of entrepreneurs. What was that idea or motivation that made you start your business/initiative? What motivated you to say, “YES, go for it!”
In 2008, I found myself facing daunting challenges. Initially, I believed the mortgage industry’s collapse was temporary, but as it became clear that it wasn’t just a blip, I had to rethink my path. The job market was saturated with professionals like me, displaced by the economic downturn.
I had two choices: accept a lower-paying job or create my own opportunity. I chose the latter, deciding to take control of my destiny. I assessed my transferable skills, found a mentor in the online business world, and began a 15-year journey of growth, learning, and success in building businesses from the ground up.
Would you like to share with our young budding women entrepreneurs the change you would like to see in the world if given an opportunity?
I’m passionate about helping more women step into their power, own their expertise, and feel confident in pursuing their dreams. I often work with women who are incredibly talented, yet no one has ever encouraged them to truly embrace it. Instead of competing alone, I envision a movement of women leaders lifting each other up, believing in others until they can believe in themselves. Women already lead in their homes, communities, and workplaces—often behind the scenes. I dream of a world where every woman has a voice, shines brightly, and fully steps into her potential as a leader.
Women are a growing force in the workplaces worldwide, standing shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts. There are cracks in glass ceilings everywhere, with many women breaking through to carve out a space right at the top of the pyramid. What are your thoughts about women leadership today?
This ties in perfectly with what I mentioned earlier. In an ideal world, women would receive the same pay as their male counterparts for equal work. I’m a strong advocate for equal pay, but even more so, I believe in the power of owning your worth. Starting your own business is a powerful way to ensure you’re compensated fairly. Women are naturally equipped to be exceptional leaders, as they are often intuitive relationship builders, empathetic communicators, and strong team players. They view leadership through a lens of collaboration, not just competition, which sets them apart in a world that thrives on partnerships.
What’s the most important thing you have learned in your personal life and professional journey? What is your personal motto in life?
Motto: As Oscar Wilde wisely said, “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” Authenticity is the key to building meaningful connections, both personally and professionally. When you stay true to who you are and align your actions with your core values, you’ll become unstoppable. Being authentic allows you to attract the right opportunities and people who resonate with your true self, creating powerful, lasting relationships in all areas of life.
With your grit and determination, you are making a considerable impact, breaking through, and serving as a role model for many budding entrepreneurs. What would you want to say to our young women leaders/audience reading this?
Always be on the lookout for ways to add value. Opportunities may not always present themselves in the ways we expect, so keeping an open mind to collaboration is essential. As John C. Maxwell wisely states, “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.” Seek out a mentor who can guide you on your journey, and in turn, mentor others to help them achieve success more quickly. Together, we can create a supportive community that fosters growth and development for everyone involved.