Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in human resource services but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Christine Eckhaus, Founder of Own the Arena Consulting, located in Walnut Creek, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Own The Arena is a retained executive search and consulting firm. Our customers are growing corporations looking to hire transformational talent at the executive level. Additionally, we provide a unique offering for candidates and executives in transition, providing a safe space to explore, envision, and think through their next move, creating connections with our network, and providing support and guidance at each phase of the journey.
Tell us about yourself
Like many recruiters, I got a lucky start in the business; one of my mentors saw potential in me and gave me a shot. Upon earning my MBA, my father organized a meeting with a friend of his who owned a boutique search firm. This was an opportunity for me to practice interviewing and polish my presentation and my resume. Long story short, he hired me, and my recruiting career was born. From day 1, I was fascinated by our candidates' career stories. If there is one thing that motivates me every day, it's the ability to positively impact clients' businesses by providing them with the right talent at the right time. I've been told that one of my talents is the ability to quickly come up to speed on a client's business needs, understand the existing team's strengths and gaps, and then map that data to an individual's skills and talents. The fun part about that is I don't even realize I'm doing it. I just really care about people and growing businesses, and I love to see the amazing results that happen when an individual is actualized in their career.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I think it's more of a quest than an accomplishment, but every day I try to create something even more special and valuable for the people I work with. Each conversation, meeting, and interaction giving just a little more, building up trust, growing our understanding and connection so that everyone really feels supported; we're all in the arena together.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Making the hard choices. It's not always fun, but I've found that the more transparency, honesty, and clarity, the easier it is to accept and communicate the hard choice.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Be yourself.
- When you make a mistake, and you will, own it, fix it if you can and keep going.
- Surround yourself with the best people in the world and appreciate them.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://ownthearenaconsulting.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ownthearenaconsulting/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/chriseckhaus
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/own-the-arena-consulting/
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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