Ever felt like you're taking a leap into the unknown? Starting my business was exactly that —but I wouldn't change a thing.
No regrets in life, just lessons learned.
Starting my business was daunting, but I had to pay for the car and the childminder in the first month, so that focused the mind. It has been an exhilarating journey and at times completely overwhelming, but the best part is you can never stand still. They say, “Change is inevitable but personal growth is a choice.” Well, not in your own business, it isn’t. You have to grow as a leader and as a person to keep thriving and stay ahead for your customers. That’s the best part—you get better with age!
My business gave me the flexibility to scale, downsize, and upsize again, as I moved through family and life stages. I don’t regret downsizing, because the time I gained with my sons was priceless — moments I could never replace. But looking back, if I had been braver, kept my team, delegated more, and truly believed in the value of my service, the business could have kept growing at the same pace. The real gamechanger in business is mindset: had I known then what I know now, I would have led from a place of confidence and vision, knowing that growth and balance can go hand in hand. This is one of the most important lessons I've learned.
Some things I know now!
✴ Research shows that women are more risk averse and less sure around finances. Get over this paradigm, as it chokes growth. Money is a result not a driver.
✴ Research shows that women are better at relationship building and better at focusing on service. These are the deciding factors in any business. Play to these strengths and you will NEVER have to worry about the finances.
✴ Success in business is an inside-out formula. Your success comes by being the “best” at whatever service you provide. Define and deliver this consistently.
✴ Don’t settle for less because you doubt yourself or you think you will be overwhelmed. Women are wonderful collaborators, so build a good team around you, delegate effectively and be brave enough to hold people accountable.
✴ Don’t ever compare yourself with others, because you will always come up short.
✴ Don’t compete with others, instead continually improve performance through creating a better value proposition, a better service and better relationships.
Whether you're just starting or years into your business journey, don’t settle for less. The only limits are the ones you set.
On this National Women's Enterprise Day, let’s celebrate the risks we take, the relationships we build, and the courage to keep going. If you go for it, go all in — 100%. Play big, trust yourself and your value. It is so worth it!
Cathy Winston
October 2024
