Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Stephanie Simpson, Founder of Stephanie Simpson Coaching, located in New York, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Stephanie Simpson Coaching is on a quest to empower individuals, businesses, and organizations to perform optimally by providing space for them to get clear on their values and align with their actions. Successful and thriving workplaces are ones that are based on trust, connection, and growth. Through trainings, workshops, and coaching programs, we take a holistic approach to support the individual and the group in creating sustainable and long-lasting change. We believe people perform their best and are more resilient when they are encouraged and valued for who they are and what they have to offer.
Tell us about yourself
I grew up as a dancer, theater, and musical theater artist. The first half of my career was directing, choreographing, and performing professionally. The Arts were a way for me to understand myself more deeply, express myself in a variety of ways, and connect authentically with others. I always start by sharing that because my background in the Arts has informed the work I do now in Consulting, Coaching, Facilitating, and Speaking.
I have always been fascinated by people, their stories, and the psychology behind their decisions, specifically by how they have overcome obstacles, how they continue to develop who they are, and how they connect with others. My academic work in the Arts and Psychology fields has been a foundation for the trainings I create + facilitate and the coaching/consulting work I do. The research I did during my MFA in Dance Performance/Choreography degree at Smith College focused on how people can perform optimally in high-intensity situations, specifically looking at fear and their relationship to it from a mind-body perspective. Much of my research integrated theories and models from Sport Psychology, Positive Psychology, Self Psychology, and Leadership Development.
During my MA in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis on Spirituality Mind Body degree at Columbia University, Teachers College, I focused on stress management from a holistic mind, body, and spirit perspective both in and out of the workplace. This research integrated practices and theories from Organizational Psychology, Somatic Embodied Leadership, Meditation/Mindfulness, Trauma Practices, and Coaching Models. As an ICF-certified coach at the ACC level and trained by the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC), I use the Core Energy Leadership framework to empower my clients to be more conscious leaders both professionally and personally. As an Artist, the practices of play, storytelling, listening, self-reflection, and community building are fundamental in all my work.
I love that I can combine all my passions and interests and use them not only in my own life but also as a way to support and serve others!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Though I have had the pleasure of working with many amazing individuals and organizations in a variety of industries, I would have to say my biggest accomplishment was believing in myself and taking the chance to expand my business from a side hustle to my full-time job. There is always that point as an entrepreneur where you have to take a leap of faith to continue growing.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
One of the reasons for starting my own business was to have more freedom and agency over my schedule and life. And yet, as a business owner, there is always something that needs to be done, the to-do list is never-ending, and boundaries can get blurred. This can lead to overwhelm and burnout very quickly. I am continuously checking in with myself and reevaluating my goals, systems, and priorities to maintain sustainable harmony in my life.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Get clear on what you want to offer and what makes YOU unique in the space. Use this information to craft your story so that you can connect with your clients and build relationships.
- It's a marathon, not a sprint. Make sure to run your own race. While it's great to get inspiration and advice from others, it's important to stay true to who you are and not compare yourself to other people. Take it one step at a time.
- Make space for rest and reflection. There is so much to do as a business owner, and in order to sustain and expand the business, you need to be able to not only continue to build the vision but also have the energy to execute the vision.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.stephanie-simpson.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StephanieSimpsonCoaching/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephaniesimpsoncoaching/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniesimpsoncoaching/
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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