Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Patricia Arboleda, Founder and CEO of Arboleda Coaching Corp., located in Miami, FL, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

I started my business Arboleda Coaching, with one objective, helping professional women in mid-level management to senior executive roles achieve the success and fulfillment they want for themselves. Success is different for each individual, but it often includes having flexibility, a good work-life balance, and a sense of purpose in what they do. Through the work we do together, women become aware of the roadblocks that are holding them back in their careers; they boost their self-confidence, gain perspective and develop the courage to do what they need to do to increase their impact and do what they love on their terms.

Tell us about yourself

We spend more than half of our lifetime working, doing what everyone expects from us, being the best at what we do, and setting extremely high standards for ourselves... which usually leave us burned out and with a feeling that there is more for us, but not knowing what it is or how to get it. I know it first hand because I have been there. I know how it feels. The good news is that I was able to overcome the obstacles, mostly internal, and achieve the success that I wanted: first in corporate America and now in my company.

So now, my purpose is to help women to find clarity, take back control over their life and career, embrace their worth, and get the success and fulfillment they deserve. For some women, that means moving up the executive ladder; for others, it means redefining their careers and starting their own businesses.

However, each of them defines success; I help them develop the habits to lead themselves and reach their goals, increase their impact, grow their influence, and have a balanced and fulfilled life. Because life is meant to be lived with joy doing what we love, at Arboleda Coaching, we are motivated by creating real transformation in people's lives.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Starting a business when you have been working for more than 25 years in corporate is a challenge. Whoever says that it's easy hasn't really gone through the process. It all feels like a rollercoaster; everything is new. You come from being a senior executive with global responsibility to thinking that as an entrepreneur, you have to do it all by yourself (which, by the way, is the first shift we need to do!).

As business owners, we need to think about multiple things to keep the business going; we need to have the right tools, a marketing strategy that generates demand, be profitable, etc. sometimes, managing it all can be overwhelming. But what keeps us motivated is to maintain our focus on offering the best value for our customers. When we see the results and real transformation, we have the motivation to keep going, no matter what obstacles we face. So, to answer your question, my biggest accomplishment has been to always keep my customer first and build a compelling offer that includes a step-by-step strategy, world-class support, and coaching, making a real difference in their lives.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

I would say that one of the hardest things is the feeling of loneliness that a business owner, CEO, or senior leader usually feel. That's why it is so important to surround yourself with a good support system, having a coach, mentor, or group of people that are there for you when you need them. Because you can get results working alone, it is easier and faster when you have an accountability partner by your side.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Don't wait until you have a perfect plan to start. Take action, be willing and open to be flexible, and change the course as needed.
  2. Define what success means to you, and write it down with as much level detail as you can. Identify clear metrics and determine when you will be checking your results. If you find that you are doing things that are not helping you get closer to your definition of success, stop doing them.
  3. Don't go through the process alone. Get a coach or a mentor that helps you stay accountable and stay aware and manage your self-limiting beliefs and fears.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

You can do whatever you set your mind to. Nothing is too big, and no idea is too crazy not to make it happen. The sky is the limit. Dream big and take action. And... if you need help, I am here for you!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://arboledacoaching.com/
Facebook: https://bit.ly/3ofPoid
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arboledacoaching/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patriciaarboleda-executive-coach/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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