Nancy D. Butler
Nancy D. Butler is a Certified Financial Planner®, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst®, Certified Long Term Care Specialist®, Certified Senior Advisor.
She tells us that, “I built my business as a single parent with no other income and $2,000 to my name, to $200 million in assets under management, before selling it. Since 2007, I have been an international speaker, award-winning author, and since 2018 a delegate to The United Nations for The Commission on the Status of Women. I have coached businesses in a variety of industries to provide better service to their clients while increasing their bottom line by an average of 200% and have helped individuals live more successful and fulfilling lives. I have over 40 years of business experience.”
What were your initial years of growing up like? Tell us about your life before starting your corporate journey/venture/initiative.
I married at a very young age, left school, and had my first child at the age of 16. After 15 years of marriage I found myself in a divorce. During the divorce I moved myself and my children seventy miles. With no other source of income and only $2,000, I put myself through school, raised my children on my own, and built a very successful business. I have two daughters, and I felt they needed to see what a woman can do so it would inspire them to succeed in life and their careers as well.
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 within to say YES, go for it!”
Knowing I was the only one responsible for supporting my children and myself, I knew I had to succeed. There was no other option. Also, several people told me I could not do it. I needed to prove them wrong.
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?
As a Delegate to The United Nations for The Commission on The Status of Women, I have seen and learned many of the challenges of women around the world. We all have our challenges, but some have much more than others. I want to see every woman having faith in themselves and not letting others control their mind or their future. I know for many that is easier said than done. However, every step you take, no matter how small, can set you on the path for a more successful and happier life. And as I did, you will also be a role model for your children.
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?
Depending on where you live and the industry you are in, women in the workplace have been changing for the better. I have seen a specific focus within several companies and governments to include more women in higher positions as long as they have the required qualifications. One example is financial services. There is a larger percentage of female financial advisors, asset managers, and companies run by women than ever before.
Companies and organizations are seeing the knowledge and value women bring and how they make a major contribution in many areas, including the bottom-line success of business.
What’s the most important thing you have learned in your personal life and professional journey? What is your personal motto in life?
If you do the right thing in business, the money will come. Do not compromise your ethics. Nothing is worth your self-esteem or reputation.
When you are at the end of your life, it is important when you look back, that you can feel great about the life you lead and how you treated others.
I also want my time on this earth to have meant something, that I truly made a difference.
With your grit and determination, you are making a considerable impact, breaking through, and serving as role models for many budding entrepreneurs. What would you want to say to our young women leaders/audience reading this?
I have always felt that we can do pretty much anything we want in life if we want it badly enough. I used to tell my daughters “Tell me what you want. I will tell you what you need to do to have it. If you are willing to do those things you will have it. If you are not willing to do those things, then you really don’t want it. Go out and find something you really want and are willing to put the work in to make it happen.” I believe this thought process can really help to guide you to a happy and successful future.