Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in leadership development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Todd Simmons, CEO and Founder of Courageous Leadership Alliance, located in Rockville, MD, USA.

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

We are a leadership and consulting firm dedicated to helping executive leaders solve complex problems, improve efficiency, and empower people to excel. We offer distinct and customized consulting services to build strong teams, effective leaders, and maximize organizational culture to produce maximized results.

Tell us about yourself

I am originally from a small town in South Carolina. I joined the military immediately after high school at the age of 18. My family has a long history of entrepreneurship, and I have always got excited about figuring out how to build a business and how they work. When I retired from the military in 2019, I knew I wanted to pursue my passion and purpose. Not clearly defined at that time, I knew I wanted to prove to myself that I was capable of building something from scratch without a huge safety net.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I would say my biggest accomplishment is building a successful business while bringing others up at the same time. Sharing knowledge and resources and showing that there are unlimited seats at the table of success.

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

The most difficult thing in entrepreneurship is building a trusted and credible brand. As a small business, mistakes can be crippling, especially those that affect your brand credibility. Protect the credibility of your brand at all costs.

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

  1. Get a mentor. Find someone in the industry you are interested in and become a sponge (humility).
  2. Do the work. Know every aspect of your business and how it grows and stays credible.
  3. Have patience. Starting a business is not winning the lottery. It is a process, and that process can be long. Love the process, and it will love you back.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Although being a business owner is one of the most challenging endeavors you can take on, it is worth it.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://courageouslead.com/
LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3BgHlYi


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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