Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ben Dueck, president and founder of Cantera Leadership, located in Winnipeg, Canada.

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

I help transform technically skilled individuals into amazing leaders of people. The world of tech includes some of the highest rates of turnover, burnout, and employee disengagement. Imagine what would happen if leaders were equipped and empowered to focus on the strengths of their teams and draw out their best? Leaders, teams, and organizations would be transformed.

Tell us about yourself

Although I launched Cantera Leadership about two years ago, it really was a dream over a decade in the making. About 12 years ago, I began graduate studies to receive my MA in Leadership with the secret dream of launching a company that would help leaders and teams be "better." It became clear that most leaders struggled to define their role as a leader. Many teams struggled with being functional and cohesive. Organizations were having trouble building a culture that engaged their employees. I wanted to help provide a solution - to see people enjoy their jobs, be empowering leaders, and be part of teams that everyone would want to be on.

As part of this journey, I became a Gallup Certified Clifton Strengths Coach and Facilitator, which has helped me equip leaders and teams to discover their unique strengths and how to intentionally use them to become their best. What motivates me each day to do what I do? I love seeing when leaders and teams grow...when they are able to move from where they are to where they could be.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

When I consider launching a business roughly 6-months before a global pandemic, I'm proud of being able to have made it through, but also grown the impact I have had. The pandemic has revealed the need for strong leaders and strong teams, so it has been great to be part of that solution when lots of people and businesses have needed that help.

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

The ups and downs! Especially during the beginning of launching a business, there will be times when things are going well and times when things are going poorly. As a business owner, I try to keep a high-level perspective, regardless of what is happening. Obviously, the times when everything seems to be going well can be inspiring, but there are also times of discouragement. For example, when I get ghosted by a client I just pitched a big proposal to - that's frustrating! So I need to be able to stay out of the trap of focusing on that moment. Yes, I can learn from it and figure out what to do differently, but I can't let that overshadow the positives that I have experienced.

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

  1. Have a clear idea of where you want to go and keep it front and center. Even if you don't have every step figured out (and you won't, because things change all the time), you can still point to that "North Star" and keep going.
  2. Connect, connect, connect. Reach out and connect with LOTS of people that are in your niche. Tell your story, share your passion. You'd be surprised as to how many possibilities open up when you do this.
  3. Don't be scared of providing a premium service at a premium price. This may not work for every business, but when you can deliver something AWESOME in a way people haven't seen before, people are willing to pay for it....because it is WORTH IT!

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I've learned so much about myself since launching. I've been able to see the gaps I have but also where I have been able to shine. Even if my business would fall apart tomorrow, I wouldn't trade what I have learned for anything. If you own a business, be aware of how it has helped you grow as a person and as a leader, and embrace that journey!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.canteraleadership.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cantera.leadership/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-dueck/

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.