Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal and business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dr. Kathryn Sandoe, Owner of Kathryn Sandoe LLC., located in Landisville, PA, USA.

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

I envision a world where business is a powerful force for good, people are alive with purpose, and women live into their limitless potential. So, I created a company to put this vision into action. I wanted to be part of the solution to making this world a better place for the next generation.

My services include keynote speaking, workshops, conference weaving, one-on-on exploration, and corporate consulting. I specialize in such subjects as purpose-driven leadership, influencing for change, stepping out of the girl box, and shining your light.

My ideal clients are…

  • Leaders and businesses that care about PEOPLE as much as profit.
  • Professionals who want to live and lead with PURPOSE.
  • Women who want the CONFIDENCE to shine!

Tell us about yourself

I believe we are all uniquely created for a purpose, and mine is to awaken the power of purpose in others and help women activate their limitless potential. I also adore the character of Wonder Woman, as she fights for truth, justice, and equality—all for a deep love of people. In many ways, I feel called to do the same, just without the lasso, outfit, or superhuman strength.

What do these things have in common?
Well, I envision a world where leaders activate their power, love, and authenticity, are alive with purpose, breathe it into every facet of their life, speak and live boldly and fight for what they believe in.

For over 20 years, I’ve been a local trailblazer in the communications, public relations, and education disciplines. My career started in the non-profit sector, then grew in the advertising/marketing space, and blossomed in the government and sustainability sector.

Through the power of story, in harmony with other talents and strengths, I've helped numerous organizations achieve their strategic objectives that range from raising critical funding and achieving revenue targets to influencing key stakeholders and decision-makers to advancing vital projects through challenging legal, regulatory, and public relations issues (to name a few).

Now, I’m focused on transforming how people view important issues, finding meaning in their work and organizations, and helping to shape the minds of our future leaders.

When not wearing my entrepreneur hat, you can find me running while listening to podcasts, hiking with my best friend/husband, snuggling with my Australian Labradoodle, or chasing the best tacos in town.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

To do the work that I love, which transforms people's lives, when and where I want to do it. It's that simple. Creating a life that I don't need to take a vacation from but rather adventure through.

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

I struggle to create white space in my schedule to dream, explore, and plan. Between attending to my amazing clients, handling the admin part of running a business, caring for my family and friends, etc., there isn't much time left in my schedule each day or week to be still.

Yet, it's those still moments when the ideas come. So, I started taking a week off work for a personal retreat (annually). I spent a week focused on all aspects of my life:

  • Who I want to become (for myself and others)
  • What life do I want to live into
  • Refining my business
  • Reflecting on the type of leader I want to be
  • Setting 365-day goals for myself
  • And so much more…

I pepper in times of reflection, prayer, and play! I take hikes with my pup, explore new places, and spend quality time with some of my favorite people. I nourish my mind, body, spirit, and soul. I used the “white space” to dream.

The result? I have new energy and passion for my life’s work. I have an actionable plan to follow for the next 365 days. I’m well rested and grounded in my values.

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

Create a Personal Strategy Screen - Select 10 questions that reflect your absolutes and core values in this life. You will run all strategic, big, and/or important decisions through this screen. Mine include:

  1. Does it honor God?
  2. Does it support my relationship with my husband?
  3. Does it help people live into their purpose (give them deeper meaning)?
  4. Does it help women and girls live into their limitless potential?
  5. Does it uphold my integrity?
  6. Does it move me closer to who I want to be?
  7. Does it move me further into the life I want to live?
  8. Does it activate my passions?
  9. Is it the best use of my time, talents, and treasures?
  10. Is it a HELL YES?

Make time for an Annual Personal Retreat - As you can tell from my previous reflection, making a white space in your schedule to dream, explore, and the plan is critical to your ongoing success. You once had a dream (or have one now) to start something beautiful. Where did that come from? Likely you had some white space to imagine and plan. Don't let the demands of new growth keep you from that same magic that inspired your idea to begin with.

Get Out of Your Comfort Zone - Sure, starting and running a new business is uncomfortable, to begin with, but what are you doing to keep yourself in the learning zone? Roy T. Bennett once said, "Great things don't come from comfort zones." Keep challenging yourself in new spaces: physically, emotionally, cognitively, spiritually, etc. This is also the space where inspiration and innovation come.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

You matter. If you believe nothing else, know that you were created for a purpose. You can change the world, even if it's the world of just one person. But to that one person, it's their entire world.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.kathrynsandoe.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KathrynSandoeLLC
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-kathryn-sandoe/

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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