Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Renee Schulte, owner of Schulte Consulting, located in Urbandale, IA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
The mental health system is broken. As a therapist and foster mom of two kids, that was the most obvious statement. Yet, no one seemed to have any idea how to make it better. And worse, people assumed it would never improve. Changemakers and advocates like me don't see it that way. We know there has to be a way to make it better. We do whatever it takes to create healthier policies at home, work, and in the community.
Tell us about yourself
When I was a foster parent, I was recruited to run for political office. I had no education in political science or law and didn't even like history; I was a therapist, an unlikely candidate. A senator asked me why I wanted to run, and I said if I ran, it would be to "fix the mental health system." He said, "nobody runs to do that." Well, we ran and won and redesigned the mental health system in our state.
Policies/rules/laws are made to be improved. We can be healthier just by fixing policies that are unhealthy. It does not require "experts." Since healthcare is everyone's issue, it shouldn't be political. So we create policies without politics!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Helping people see that they are the expert on their story and have what it takes to make a change. We are not beholden to a broken system. We built the system, we can change it. Anyone who cares about mental health can make things better if they know the steps!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
As a consultant, my projects come in waves. Building a stable income base to stay afloat between big jobs has been challenging. The second is learning to delegate things that others can do so I can focus on things in my genius. By delegating, I solved the first issue of building a stable financial foundation.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Work is not everything. You must learn to balance life, or you can lose your health.
- No one is a lone ranger. To be successful, we need others!
- Always look at how far you have come rather than how far you want to go. Be grateful!
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I spent close to two weeks in the hospital several years back that ended my political career due to my lack of work-life balance. The goal of everything I do is to help others avoid that crash and burn. Work isn't worth your life!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://reneeschulte.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RenSchulte
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reneeschulte/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ReneeSchulte
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reneeschulte/
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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