Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Alessandra Pintore, founder of Solutions & Co., located in Montréal, QC, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Our story all started firstly with an observation. Skills development triggers a transformational change in individuals, teams, and organizations. A conviction that all workers — at all levels — are and will remain the organization's most important asset. And a desire to tool the workforce (frontline, professional, technical staff, and support teams) with the skills that kindle their yearning for excellence and promote their effectiveness. Lastly, expertise. Soft skills — they are full-fledged skills for professional development.
And then we asked ourselves, what if we equip workers to succeed in their roles and responsibilities and reach their full potential? What if we transformed workplaces — one worker at a time so that organizations perform well, workers thrive, and customers are satisfied? What if there was a place where these workers could learn the art and science of professional soft skills?
That's how Solutions & Co. started… more than 20 years ago! This is why, at Solutions & Co., our sole objective is to provide professional “Soft Skills” training filled with strategies and tools that can be immediately applied in the workplace.
Tell us about yourself
I started at the bottom of the corporate ladder, and that’s where I realized the need to be properly tooled to succeed. Most professional training is built for leaders, and the people they manage have a hard time keeping up and implementing the new expectations. Skilling the workforce is powerful - it equips and empowers the people. Through their work, they contribute daily to the organization's objectives.
I founded Solutions & Co. in 2001, and I’m a specialist in professional soft skills and an expert in workforce development. As an entrepreneur, speaker, trainer, and author with over thirty (30) years of experience, I understand the challenges for organizations in the development of human capital and the challenges of the workforce to remain efficient and effective in constantly changing contexts.
My main motivation is to simplify the most complex elements and transfer that knowledge practically and educationally. I focus all my energies on contributing to the success of the participants.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Having the privilege to impact over 50 000 participants and counting and being around for so long are great achievements as an entrepreneur. Surviving the highs and lows and never losing sight of my values. It’s easy to lose sight of them when you’re under pressure. I never compared myself with the competition. I always did it ‘’my way,’’ and I’m really proud of that.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Balancing personal and professional life. You don’t count the hours you invest in your business, and it’s easy to overstep in the personal realm. It’s a constant juggling act – even after all these years.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Follow your passion – I believe we grow the most when we invest in our strengths and our passion. Do what you love and love what you do. It will keep you strong when things are hard!
- Persevere – Don’t give up!
- Listen to your customers – Be willing to change your model, services, and product to adapt what you do to what the customer needs. Stay alert – needs change, and so should you!
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I believe entrepreneurs are a particular species of humans. If you want to have your own business to work less, you have it all wrong. You will be working more – I guarantee it! Being an entrepreneur is about having an impact in this world, not compromising your values, and being able to spin on a nickel quickly! It’s about the freedom of deciding what, when, and how, and with that power comes great responsibilities. Oh, the places you’ll go…
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://solutionsandco.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alessandrapintore/
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.
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