Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Catharine Montgomery, Founder and CEO of Better Together, located in Washington, D.C., USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Better Together puts the needs of our target beneficiaries at the forefront of everything we do. Through our partners, we engage with the community through feedback sessions and gather insights to shape our programs. Our team represents the communities we serve, reflecting a deep understanding of the cultural needs. The programs we execute have the specific needs of our beneficiaries in mind. For example, one of our union partners offers flexible job training programs for single mothers, and another provides resources and support for families facing housing insecurity. We are dedicated to serving our community by making a positive impact.
Better Together is set on cultivating a powerful network of partners who share our passion for creating opportunities to accomplish impactful, long-lasting change. Our partners prove our commitment to changing the world. Working to make the world better ensures that we are aligning what we are about with what we do each day. We can make a positive impact in the world for underrepresented groups and struggling industries who are the beneficiaries of our work.
Tell us about yourself
My identity has had a profound impact on my leadership style. My experiences as a Black woman, my cultural background from being raised in Alabama, my values as a Southern, and my beliefs after growing up as a Christian all shape my perspective. Since I come from a diverse background, I bring a unique perspective and an inclusive leadership style.
My identity informs my communication style and how I connect with others. By embracing and leveraging my identity, I have become a more authentic and effective leader, building strong relationships with my team and creating positive change in communities across the world.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Better Together is my passion, founded with the goal of making a positive impact in the world. Everyone can play a role, no matter how small, in creating a better world for all people. Through Better Together, I aim to help organizations ensure they are not just providing lip service to social responsibility but that they are actively taking steps to make a positive impact.
It wasn't until I found myself in a position of privilege, with the ability to take a step back from the job market and focus on my goals, that I was able to fully pursue my passion for social good. However, I understand that not everyone has the same opportunities or resources to dedicate themselves fully to their passions.
My journey to starting Better Together was not without its challenges because I left my previous job due to a racist employee, but ultimately, I was able to overcome them and achieve my goal of starting a socially-responsible business that could make a real difference. I am going to continue growing Better Together and make it a scalable solution for others to join me in making a positive impact on the world.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
As a Black woman in a leadership role, one of the biggest challenges is overcoming imposter syndrome, constantly feeling I don't belong. This is compounded by the systemic barriers and biases that Black women often face in the workplace. However, I am committed to overcoming these challenges and growing as a leader. By embracing my identity, building strong relationships with allies and mentors, and continuing to educate myself and grow my skills, I am confident that I will continue to overcome these challenges.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Give yourself grace. It is extremely tough to be the founder of a business. If you've gotten to this point, you likely hold yourself to a high standard. Give yourself a grace period to learn, grow, fail, grow again, succeed, fail, and repeat.
- Don't limit the people you network with. You never know who you will meet and what they will offer. Not every contact is a lead with money, but there might be another part of your well-being that the contact can support, such as mental health support, someone you can talk to for advice or constructive feedback. Everyone has something to offer whether or not they will be a potential client.
- Never stop learning. I register for webinar after webinar. I never want to stop learning from the strategic level to the tactical. We can always learn to ensure we are supporting not only our clients but ourselves.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://thebettertogether.agency/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thebettertogetheragency/
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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