Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dr. Elia Gourgouris, Founder of The Happiness Center, located in Superior, CO, USA.

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

As an entrepreneur, I have several businesses, which I like because that way, I will never suffer from burnout. I'm an Executive Coach that works with senior leaders within organizations. I'm an international Keynote speaker on Happiness and Corporate Wellness.

I focus on how organizations/people can successfully navigate life's challenges. Also, I'm an Executive Producer of human interest and a reality TV show called The Kindness Factor. Very excited about this project.

Tell us about yourself

I am Dr. Elia Gourgouris, a UCLA graduate who also holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. In the first half of my career, I was a Clinical Psychologist in private practice. In the second half, I switched over to the business side as an Executive Coach and Leadership Consultant. What motivates me as an author, speaker, and coach is to make a difference in this world, both on an individual level and an organizational level.

Happiness is a choice, but it's also a skill set! So do not procrastinate about your happiness. I love speaking all over the world on these topics.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Having my first book, 7 Paths to Lasting Happiness, become a #1 Amazon Best-Seller! It has opened doors to speak all over the world on Happiness and Wellness.

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

That outside events, like COVID, can have a major impact on the business. When the shutdowns took place, all my speaking engagements around the world got canceled. Of course, a lot of them happened online, but it's not the same thing as being there live, especially since I'm such a people person and I feed off the energy in the room. In spite of the setbacks, however, opportunities always arise. In my case, I ended up co-authoring a book during the pandemic called 7 Keys to Navigating a Crisis : How to Emotionally Deal with Pandemics and Other Disasters. It was the first book about dealing with the pandemic to hit the market anywhere in the world.

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

  1. Always go the "extra mile" with your customers. Exceed their expectations, and they will become your brand ambassadors!
  2. Be motivated by making a difference, not by $$$. That will come as a result of your performance. (See #1 above.).
  3. Be a navigator and learn from the adversity that you will surely face, and surround yourself with great people who believe in you!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website:
https://www.dreliagourgouris.com/
https://www.thehappinesscenter.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrElia/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.eliag/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/drelia
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thehappinessdoctor/

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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