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In today’s episode, Laurie interviews Jessica Kenyon, CEO of The Conafay Group. Jessica shares her thoughts on key entrepreneurial traits like optimism, confidence, and resilience. The discussion covers her unconventional journey to leadership, having a background in archeology and a family of virologists, and how she transitioned into the government relations sector. She also talks about the challenges of succession and leadership transition within her firm. She also emphasizes the importance of trusting your instincts and believing in your own decisions.

Takeaways:

• Cultivate optimism and confidence in your ideas and your ability to execute them.
• Trust your instincts more and have confidence in your decision-making abilities. Reflect on past experiences to reinforce the belief that your instincts have guided you correctly.
• Plan for both leadership and ownership succession to ensure smooth transitions and business continuity. Open communication with the successor and predecessor is crucial during the transition period.
• Be prepared for industry disruptions, such as changes in government administration, and plan accordingly. Adapt your business practices to align with new regulatory and market dynamics.

Quote of the Show:

• “The fundamental things are being incredibly optimistic, having the confidence to believe that not only is your idea a good idea, but that you can actually pull it off, and you have to have thick skin.” - Jessica Kenyon

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-kenyon-4557028-conafay/
• Website: https://conafaygroup.com/

More Ways to Tune In:

• Transistor: https://www.entrepreneurgene.live/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBusinessTransitionSherpa

Sponsored by The Business Transition Sherpa®

Consider this: 100 percent of owners will leave their business one day. But few are prepared. Are you? Learn how to build business value and plan for succession, transition, or selling the business on your terms.

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thebusinesstransitionsherpa/
• Website: https://thebusinesstransitionsherpa.com/
• Book: https://thebusinesstransitionsherpa.com/the-business-transition-handbook/
• Course: https://thebusinesstransitionsherpa.com/course/

📣 Leave a rating and review! ✨ 📸Send a screenshot to: laurie@btsherpa.com and grab a free copy of Laurie’s book and enter to win a monthly swag box! 🎉

Today’s episode showcases Laurie as she interviews Dr. Harry Cohen, President and CEO of Sunny Owl Productions and author of “Be the Sun, Not the Salt.” The conversation starts with discussing the essential traits that differentiate entrepreneurs—such as the ability to tolerate risk and navigate ambiguity. Harry also discusses the significance of instilling an entrepreneurial culture in both large corporations and family-owned businesses, emphasizing the impact of positive energy in leadership. The conversation is enriched with personal anecdotes, including Dr. Cohen’s TEDx experience and his advice for fostering kindness both in oneself and towards others. The episode also offers practical takeaways for cultivating a heliotropic mindset and enhancing professional and personal relationships.

Takeaways:

• To succeed, entrepreneurs must tolerate risk, ambiguity, and difficulty. Cultivate a belief in your mission and purpose, and maintain confidence that you will overcome obstacles.
• Aim to create a positive impact on those around you. Be the "sun" not the "salt" by fostering psychological safety and making people feel valued and motivated.
• Use rituals and positive self-talk to maintain a confident and optimistic mindset before key moments, like giving presentations or meeting with clients.
• Whether in a corporate or family-owned business, cultivating a supportive and innovative culture is crucial. Encourage risk-taking and learning from failures rather than punishing them.

Quote of the Show:

• “You got to have the confidence in yourself to say, I believe in my mission and my purpose and no matter what is in front of me, I will overcome those obstacles.” - Harry Cohen

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harry-cohen-2594841/
• Website: https://bethesunnotthesalt.com/
• Book Link: https://bethesunnotthesalt.com/book/

More Ways to Tune In:

• Transistor: https://podfollow.com/the-entrepreneur-gene
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBusinessTransitionSherpa

Sponsored by The Business Transition Sherpa®

Consider this: 100 percent of owners will leave their business one day. But few are prepared. Are you? Learn how to build business value and plan for succession, transition, or selling the business on your terms.

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thebusinesstransitionsherpa/
• Website: https://thebusinesstransitionsherpa.com/
• Book: https://thebusinesstransitionsherpa.com/the-business-transition-handbook/
• Course: https://thebusinesstransitionsherpa.com/course/

📣 Leave a rating and review! ✨ 📸Send a screenshot to: laurie@btsherpa.com and grab a free copy of Laurie’s book and enter to win a monthly swag box! 🎉

In this episode of The Entrepreneur Gene, host Laurie Barkman sits down with Julie Broad, President of Book Launchers, to discuss the entrepreneurial mindset, key decisions, and challenges in business growth. Julie shares her journey from growing up in a highway-side motel in Alberta, Canada to becoming a successful entrepreneur, author, and real estate investor. She offers insights on the importance of problem-solving and risk-taking and how she self-published her first book. Julie also talks about harnessing AI in her business, transitioning her company from California to Nevada, and her passions for pickleball and poker.

Takeaways:

• Entrepreneurs should look for gaps in the market and opportunities where they can provide unique solutions.
• When making strategic decisions, consult with your team. Their excitement and input can guide you toward the best opportunity to pursue next.
• Have a vision for where you want your business to go in the next few years. Although long-term plans can change, having a direction helps in making aligned decisions.
• Offering resources like a workbook or a guide, as Julie does with the seven steps to write a book, can help others and establish you as an authority in your field.

Quote of the Show:

• “When somebody says, ‘That doesn't sound like a good idea’, I go, ‘I think it is a good idea. I better go find out’.” - Julie Broad

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliebroad/
• Website: https://booklaunchers.com/
• Book Link: https://juliebroad.com/books/

More Ways to Tune In:

• Transistor: https://podfollow.com/the-entrepreneur-gene
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBusinessTransitionSherpa

Sponsored by The Business Transition Sherpa®

Consider this: 100 percent of owners will leave their business one day. But few are prepared. Are you? Learn how to build business value and plan for succession, transition, or selling the business on your terms.

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thebusinesstransitionsherpa/
• Website: https://thebusinesstransitionsherpa.com/
• Book: https://thebusinesstransitionsherpa.com/the-business-transition-handbook/
• Course: https://thebusinesstransitionsherpa.com/course/