Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in organization development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Rena Dulberg, Founder of BOOSH, located in Denver, CO, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business provides people with the tools and mindsets they need to innovate strategically. I strongly believe in using human-centered design to do this. I like to say I help people solve problems with empathy as the guiding force. My customers are small to mid-size social impact organizations that are in need of a process they can follow to address challenges and innovate effectively. Ideally, clients experience a moment during our collaboration where a new idea, insight, or solution bursts into focus—like the sound, BOOSH!
Tell us about yourself
My background is in conflict communication, higher education, leadership development, and nonprofit innovation. In addition to having a Master's Degree, I am a certified Design Thinking facilitator. When I got laid off in 2017, I founded BOOSH, thinking it would be a side business. I eventually stopped working in-house for other organizations a couple of years later and have been pursuing work with BOOSH exclusively ever since. I absolutely love the premise of human-centered design because it's so simple yet powerful. I have seen its effects over and over. I also love having the opportunity to work with social innovators from a wide variety of sectors and industries. I learn something new every day!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I recently visited the website of a former client to see what they were up to. As I read through the revised descriptions of their mission, programs, and services, I could see the impact of our human-centered work all over the place. They had taken BOOSH's recommendations to heart and applied them to so much of their approach. For me, it was a tangible way to see how our collaboration was transforming their organization, and it filled me with both pride and excitement. Our work together hadn't been easy, but it was definitely worth it.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
It's a challenge to know I'm ultimately the one responsible for what happens in the business—everything from operations to communications to measuring outcomes—and having the confidence to keep trying new things. No situation, client, project, or meeting is ever exactly the same as the last. It can be tempting to go on auto-pilot or assume there's a precedent, but a lot of moments are about having the courage to acknowledge what I don't know.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Start somewhere. Your business doesn't have to be big to be worthwhile.
- Confidence comes with the journey of doing the work; it's not a prerequisite before trying.
- Measure your success in multiple ways. There is always more than one bottom line.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.booshco.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063641137589
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/booshbreakthrough/
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.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.