Interested in starting your entrepreneurial journey in personal development and coaching, but not sure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Odile Carru, founder of Differentcoaching, based in Paris and Miami.
Tell us all about your business...
We are a coaching firm helping managers and CEOs grow their businesses through better leadership and communication skills.
What's your background and motivation to grow as a solopreneur?
I have been working in large corporations for many years and despite the interesting positions that I had, I realized in 2008 that this environment was not for me. I am creative, self-reliant, really interested in others, their achievements, and I wanted to help other professionals find their path, discover their talents, and have more drive and fun in their day-to-day work. That is why I embarked on coaching and decided to create my own company. Today, I can have difficult times but I always have positive energy, because I believe in myself and in what I am bringing to my clients.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Last year things were not easy for me and I have been recently selected for a very important coaching mission by the CEO of a large French company based on my research and a video that I did on the concept of FromDoerToLeader, a program that I created and launched from scratch. Despite the heavy competition with large coaching companies he chose me for who I was and my expertise. I think it is a very encouraging sign that and when things get difficult we need to hold on to ourselves and never give up.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a solopreneur?
When business is hard, you must keep going.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run or grow a small business today?
Flexibility and trust in yourself. Things are constantly changing you must stay open and flexible to provide the best quality of services to your clients. Never pressure your clients or try to push your solutions or your product. Instead, be a sound partner of their world and the changes they have to face and adapt your offer to that reality. So that you need to trust yourself and your ability to jump in when they need you.
What are some of the things you put in place to maintain a healthy work/life balance and to keep it all together?
I always figure out the things that will make me feel good for the nights after my working day, 2 or 3 days a week and I make plans for that: yoga, theater, seeing my friends, getting to a concert or the movies. I do short yoga sessions in the morning. I heat a good lunch every day.
Who are some of your favorite entrepreneurs and why?
I love Elon Musk, He is a visionary - Walt Disney because he builds an empire on.... a mouse :).Sugata Mitra -google him and listen to his Ted Talk- because he is a visionary in the learning and teaching field that I am passionate about. His experiences in the slums proved to the world that traditional ways to learn to kids at school are obsolete and nonefficient. He is also deeply human... :)
Where can people find you?
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share then email community@subkit.com, we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.
