114. Owning Your Narrative: Asserting Your Presence and Influence

Have you ever caught yourself apologizing for no apparent reason? Maybe you've held back from speaking up in a meeting or felt guilty for asserting your needs in a relationship. These instances may seem minor, but they often stem from a larger issue of self-doubt and self-criticism that many professionals encounter.

In the latest episode of the Power, Purpose, & Prosperity Podcast, Sabine sits down with Lisa Kelly, CEO of the Curly Life Company, to discuss her entrepreneurial journey and her evolving relationship with power. From corporate project manager to empowering entrepreneur, Lisa shares her highs, lows, and the transformative journey of creating the AuBonacci Styler for curly hair.

Listen in to discover how individuals unknowingly diminish their power and gain insights on shifting your mindset to stand confidently in your own strength. Explore the transformative impact of self-discovery, self-acceptance, authenticity, and embracing your unique path.

Key Takeaways:

• The skills and confidence you develop in your evolution journey as an entrepreneur.
• The importance of self-examining your definition of power and recognizing your areas of empowerment.
• Overcome ingrained societal expectations and make a difference by standing in your power.
• Pay attention to how you’re showing up in situations to own and demonstrate your personal power.

What You Will Learn in This Episode:

• [05:07] How her personal struggles with styling her curly hair inspired starting the Curly Life Company.
• [09:41] She explains the significance of "AuBonacci" for her flagship product and its connection to the Fibonacci spiral.
• [12:11] She describes the process of expanding a product line and developing a range of products for women with curly hair.
• [15:17] The unexpected challenges and growth you face as you evolve in your entrepreneurial journey.
• [18:40] Lisa defines power as the ability to create change and influence one's situation.
• [22:12] The subtle ways people diminish their power and how to shift your mindset and stand in your own power.
• [26:47] When Lisa became aware she was giving away her power and shifted her mindset to own her power.
• [33:30] Lisa emphasizes the importance of seeking mentorship and recognizing their inherent worth.

Connect with Lisa: 

• Website: https://curlylife.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisakellyflorida/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curlylifecompany/

Book Recommendation:

• Blink: The Power of Thinking

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HOST INFO:

Sabine Gedeon is a dynamic force in the world of leadership and personal development. As the Founder of Transformed Leadership Institute and CEO of Gedeon Enterprises, Sabine leverages nearly 20 years of experience to guide clients in both startups and Fortune 500 companies. Her unique approach combines human-centered principles with tech-enabled solutions, delivering customized programs for leaders at all levels to tackle crucial leadership and talent development challenges.

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ADDITIONAL SUPPORT:

Download Free Resources - https://sabinegedeon/gifts
Get Coaching Support: https://meetwithsabine.as.me/Discovery

Transcript

0:00

Are you tired of playing small and ready to step confidently into your greatness and share your unique brilliance with the world? Well, you're in the right place. I'm your host Sabine Gideon, and I've dedicated nearly two decades empowering individuals and leaders as they confidently navigate the twists and turns of life and career transitions. If you're seeking direction, connection, or just a little push to play bigger, consider this podcast, your VIP path to a community that genuinely understands your journey. Join me every week for candid conversations and practical guidance designed to help you navigate the challenges of life and business, foster a growth mindset, and cultivate meaningful connections. It's time to embrace your inherent power, define your unique purpose, and prosper in every aspect of your life. Let's get started.

Sabine: 0:54

Hello, and welcome back to another episode of power, purpose and prosperity. I am your host Sabine Gideon, and I am excited to bring you another interview with another female powerhouse this week. And so if you're completely new to me, I am Sabine Gideon, the host of the show, as well as the CEO and founder of Gideon enterprises, a professional development firm working with organizations and individuals. Who are looking to grow in the areas of life, leadership, and business. And so with that, I have this Lisa Kelly with me here today. Lisa is a hardworking and driven business woman who is not afraid to face a challenge. And you'll hear more about that for sure. In her former life, she was a corporate project manager and now serves as the founder and CEO. Of the curly life company. She created their flagship product, the Abenaki styler after years of struggling with styling her own curly hair. And so she has a slew of products for women who have very curly hair. Um, and I am excited to have this conversation, to learn more about you, to learn more about the woman behind the business. So without further ado, welcome to the show, Lisa.

Lisa: 2:06

Thank you so much, Sabine, uh, for that wonderful welcome. And I'm excited to be here with you. I love what you're doing with this show.

Sabine: 2:12

Oh, thank you so much. Thank you so much. So give us, I mean, you, you did the corporate thing. Now you're doing the entrepreneurial thing. Walk us through, give us the cliff notes version of your career journey and what the catalyst was for you to, besides, you know, creating an amazing product, uh, what the catalyst was for you to step out on your own.

Lisa: 2:34

I think I had always, uh, I know I had always hoped to have a business of my own. Um, so that was always there in the background, but I embraced the, uh, the thought that the convention that get a solid job with nice benefits. And certainly that is a wonderful thing to do and to have. Um, uh, sometimes when I work in my 16 hour days now, I think, Hmm, that wouldn't be bad to just leave an office at five and be done. But, um, I worked, uh, worked my way up through a few different positions in the, in the business world. And, uh, finally was a corporate project manager, which was wonderful groundwork. To the organizational skills I would need, uh, when I did start my own business. And after, after 11, 12 years with a particular company, uh, they had around a layoffs that did hit me. I, I missed many of the rounds, but one did hit me and I thought, you know, here's one of those, uh, those moments in your life of. You're free to do something new if, if you decide to do it. And so I had some good friends who were very supportive about the idea. And that's when I started and it was tentative steps. I did go get another job for an interim. Because I was just beginning the idea. And, uh, and at first I didn't tell too many people about it. Um, and I was almost embarrassed about it, which is a shame, but I, I was like, well, I'm just trying this thing on the side. And, um, but I, you know, go off to these other jobs. And finally I was like, that's it. We had a, an event happened at one of my jobs and I. Um, went home one night and I wrote, uh, my personal manifesto, and it was that I'd never work for a male dominated company again. I just wouldn't, I wouldn't put myself in that position. I needed to do something about it and, um, whatever it took, I was gonna figure it out. And, and that's really was, you know, I had the Tinder there and a little flame and that's what said, all right, we're going no matter what, we're not turning back. So

Sabine: 4:58

I love that. Thank you. So of all of the businesses that you could have started, what drew you to this?

Lisa: 5:09

It was a lifetime. I, I certainly looked at a lot of different ideas. Um, but it was a lifetime of struggling with my hair. And so percolating along with other my work events and things happening was this constant. love hate relationship with my hair of the discovery of the curls and that I have curly hair. It's just frizzy hair. It's actually curly hair. And sometimes it looks beautiful, but not all the time. And, uh, buying tons of products. Any curly girl will tell you she has, she could probably buy a house with all the products she has purchased. And, um, and I just thought, well, this is crazy. Here I am, um, in my fifties and I still haven't figured this out. And there were some particular styling things that frustrated me. I needed to be able to style the hair around My face, the ends would curl beautifully. But if it's not going well around your face, it's a bad hair day. Um, and people would say, well, finger style like that doesn't work with a blow dryer. It's very hot. Um, and clip and air dries like I don't have time to clip and air dry and. So I had this idea of what I wanted to make. And, um, so that's when it just came together of like, I'm, I've got to do something on my own and I've brought to fix this issue and, and putting it in the, in the context of, it's like there, I know there's other women like me who are tired of being held back in any way by not feeling confident when they walk out the door and I want to. I want to help people with that because I need help with it. I want to fix it for myself. And I know other people would love this feeling of just get out the door, get on with your purpose in life and be able to count on your hair.

Sabine: 7:13

Yeah. Yeah. I'm, I'm in total agreement. And I was sharing this with you before, um, You know, growing up, I, I think at the age of seven, I got my first relaxer. And so for those of you who don't know what a relaxer is, it's where, you know, people with really, really curly hair get all of a sudden get straight hair. Uh, it's like the worst chemicals that you could put on your head, but from like seven to like 30 plus, I would get a relaxer every, every couple of months or so. And so I decided to go natural and this was in 2012. So we're about 12 years in And I remember like not knowing what to do with my hair and hating my hair. I have a 4C. I learned through the process of going natural that I have 4C curls. And, and, you know, being a kid, it used to be like, Oh no, those aren't, you know, we didn't see them as curls. We, we were told that they were naps or like all these other things that weren't kind. And so you grow up hating an aspect of yourself and your hair. And so. The last 12 years have been, um, this, it's still a love, hate relationship. Don't get me wrong. Uh, because to your point, when you have curly hair, it doesn't show up the same way every day. Like some days it's like I'm here and other days it's just like, figure it out. Um, so I completely understand exactly. And, and even at the time of this recording, obviously, for those of you who can see, I have braids in now because I'm at the space where, you know, You know, I, I did the, I did a Mohawk and then I had to wait for it to grow out. And now I have like this little curly, uh, fro that does nothing. And so I'm like, all right, we're putting it away. So I say all that to say, you know, it's so important. Depending on how you feel about your hair, like it's a reflection of how you feel about yourself, right? So to your point, when you're having a bad hair day, it's not just that you're having a bad hair day. You're now telling yourself, Oh, I'm unattractive. Oh, now look at this role. Like you're finding all these things and all this stuff comes up. So I love that you're focused on this and the messaging is not just. You know, tame your curly hair or, you know, get it to do whatever, but it's really, here's a tool to empower you. And then we're going to talk about empowerment, but here's a tool to support you. Here's a tool to empower you so that, you can feel good about yourself. You can feel good about the way that you look and how your hair is showing up and, and essentially other parts of you. Um, so I'm curious what inspired the name?

Lisa: 9:41

The name, um, I was, uh, casting about for For a unique name for it. And, uh, one thing that came up was Fibonacci spiral, and I don't know if that tickles anything in the back of your mind, um, that you might have heard in a math class in the past, but, uh, Fibonacci spiral is refers to a mathematical equation, um, discovered by a mathematician Um, many hundreds of years ago, who was able to ascribe to every spiral in nature, he could lay a mathematical formula over it for the height and the length and the curve that would go through it. And it applies to every spiral in nature, the same ratios of numbers apply to everything. Every one of those shapes, if it's a seashell, if it's a fern, if it's a galaxy, the way they spiral, um, and it's, it's really fascinating when you think about that all of these things that are seemingly very disconnected, all have exactly the same shape. And and so. I liked the Bonacci part and, um, in Italian, the F I part means son. So Fibonacci was son of Bonacci. And, uh, they also call this equ this equation, the, the golden, um, the golden spiral because it's of its perfection. So A U is gold on the table of elements. So that's how we landed with A Bonacci. Uh, so. That's our, that's our name.

Sabine: 11:29

I love that. And the actual tool is gold too, or it has elements of gold. I love that. And so, uh, for those of you who are listening, you can't see it, but if you go on YouTube, you'll be able to watch the video, uh, and you can actually see it. And of course we'll link, um, Lisa's, um, website and videos and all that other stuff so that you can see it. So I'm curious. So you started with the tool, right? And the tool is to, to help make sure that the curls are curling in every part of your hair. And you've since expanded and now you have all types of products. So what was that process like in, you know, going from this like vision, this initial vision to now building out an entire product line for women with curly hair.

Lisa: 12:11

That was very exciting because I think a lot of it was exciting because it was. like getting permission, giving yourself permission to just full time work on finding the perfect products for your hair. So instead of just doing it randomly once a month when you're walking through CVS or Walgreens or, um, So it was a, uh, I was able to pull on, you know, years of researching different products that I had found. I liked one aspect of it or another aspect of it. And, um, so finding the right combinations of ingredients and then the right. Sequence of application of the different products. Um, because it's, it's never just the product. It's also the process. And when I found our, we've got our curl care, the shampoo and conditioner, and then our for styling products, and I've got lined up here. But the combination of them. gives me such wonderful results. And I never could have imagined that for the last, since I, since I've had them in their Abenaki bottles, they are all I use. And I've never been able to say that before in my life where I've just using the same products. Over and over. I don't have to, you know, run out to the store to, you know, please find something that will work. It's like, no, I have it here. It is. And, uh, it's wonderful to believe in them that much and be able to share that with people because people are always come, you will always come up and say, you have beautiful curls. I love your curls. And, um, what do you, what do you use that I've had those conversations for decades that when curly girls see each other, we have to share what are you doing, what are you doing, um, to try and, uh, Here's some of the love and success. So. It was, it's been exciting to have the time and,, the benefit afterwards of doing the work on what really works. What should we put out there? And now the feedback from people, uh, nothing makes me happier than seeing somebody sign up for a subscription to the product so that they make sure they never run out. Um, so that's, it's been great. We're getting wonderful feedback from people.

Sabine: 14:31

That's awesome. Now I'm curious because, um, I remember, I don't know, it being like 2011. Me sitting in my cubicle with a manager who was like a complete micromanager. And I was just like, this can't be life. This is not what I want. And I would sit there in that cubicle and envision what life would be like when I was my own boss and I had my own company. And I, I didn't even really know what I would be doing. I just knew that I wouldn't be there. And I'd be my own boss. I'm curious now where you sit. Is this what you envisioned when you were, uh, in corporate and thinking about your exit, or at least when you got laid off and had that opportunity to start thinking about your exit?

Lisa: 15:17

That's a wonderful question. Um, certainly in my visions, I thought there'd be less work. But there's also been so much more Evolution, I've learned so much because there's so much to learn so much that you don't know when you decide I'm going to do this. And, as you, uh, go through all the layers and find, you know, Deeper layers and completely disparate areas that you need to have deep knowledge in and you just have to tackle it and take it on. And then this next area over here. And, um, so it's not. What I envisioned from that perspective and, but I would say I never could have imagined how it would change me for the better in terms of being a stronger person, and just much more comfortable in what I'm doing and how I'm doing it and accepting the the flubs along the way and just really appreciating the fact that all the tenacity that I have pays off because I just don't give up. And you don't get to see that when you're working for someone else when you're working for someone else they're directing your attention and. You've got to keep moving in that direction. And here it's like, well, I've got to find the direction. I've got to refocus, refocus, refocus. Cause you could go in a hundred directions. You don't have time for that. You got to keep picking out what's the important thing I need to do. All of those kinds of skills and strengths that you develop as you go along, leave me stealing so much more. Confident and self assured of like, okay, something didn't go the way I thought it would, but we've come up against worst. We'll get through this, you know, and that's not the girl I was when I started this, I would completely, um, shattered like, oh my gosh, this isn't coming together. What am I going to do? I've invested so much time. And now I know it's like, all right, this happened. Let's look at it. Let's figure it out. We'll make, we'll, we'll figure it out. It'll, it'll work. So it's been, it's been wonderful, but nothing like what I imagined, but definitely richer than what I imagined.

Sabine: 17:43

Oh, I love that. I, I say it all the time. Uh, you know, I, Feel like, uh, entrepreneurship is the best, uh, personal and professional development course that you can ever take, uh, because it will challenge every single part of you. Um, and you, you grow through all of the, all of the challenges. And so I, I think back to what you shared when you were writing that manifesto. It almost seems like that was, uh, That was like the seeding of you stepping into your power or you coming into the truth of who you were, or at least in that time deciding and creating it. And now we see the evolution of it years later. As you've gone through this process, you've, obviously tapped into your own power. You've seen power demonstrated. Yeah. When you think for yourself and what it means to you, how do you define power today?

Lisa: 18:40

I love discussing this, um, because it is, uh, such key element of so many interactions and awareness of it is essential. Uh, and I, I really see power as the ability to create change and exert influence over your own situation. Or decisions, resources, outcomes outside of yourself. That's where you're going to get a feeling of power is that I, I know I'm impacting this. I have the ability to change this. I have the ability to be heard here. Um, it doesn't always mean the other people are going to react the way you would like them to. And I think that's, that's where power gets, uh, into an interesting area where it's like, Do you have power over people, um, or do you have power over yourself to do what you can to, to make a stand for whatever it is you believe in? And that's, you know, it's not controlling other people. That's not power. That's something else. But, um, so yeah, so I've, I've really appreciate the, the exploration of power and leadership and, and how they're all intertwined.

Sabine: 20:03

Yeah, absolutely. piggybacking off of that. When I think about how women and I, again, I'm going to share, I know I'm generalizing how women are naturally, designed if you will to exert or demonstrate or embody power, it is certainly the power with, you've seen it time and time again, and obviously our male counterparts, um, It's power over. That's how they demonstrate it. And I, now that I've, I've been studying this for so long, one is not better than the other, right? It's a matter of how do we combine, or how do we collaborate when, if that's their, if they're, they're dominant and it works, right? The power over. How do we embrace what it looks like to be powerful and exert power with or in collaboration with so that we can influence you look at it from a leadership perspective, like core leadership competencies that have bubbled to the top are, you know, compassion and empathy and influence and all these things, which we naturally possess, right? They're, coded in our DNA as women, but yet for a very long time, and I'm sure you experienced this back when you were in corporate, those weren't Recognized as, powerful or strong or even representative of a good leader and effective leader. It's taken, you know, all these years and of course with the pandemic and everything else now we're starting to look at Oh, okay. What does it mean to be powerful? Like you, you don't have to, to your point, you don't have to have control over someone to be powerful. You also don't even have to be sitting in a top leadership ship seat to be powerful. Um, so the conversation is really to help the audience and and anyone listening to examine. What is that for you? What does that mean to you? Because essentially, if we're not owning our power, we're not stepping into it. We're giving it away. In some way in some capacity. And so the invitation is really to examine where am I owning my power and where am I giving it away. And so I'm curious if you have any thoughts on that.

Lisa: 22:12

Absolutely. Um, I think you've nailed one of the, the key things that everybody needs to examine for themselves, because I realized it as I was. Going into many of my interactions with people so it might be reaching out to find out about manufacturing or design or I was very much going in with a more solicitous or even apologetic like, so sorry if you have the time if it wouldn't be too much trouble basically, you know, like, that's why I was going in. And, in there I began to shift with like, why am I apologizing for asking a question things changed as it was like, I'm a worthwhile, customer for them. I'm on equal footing. So why am I going into the conversation, giving away my power. Why am I acting like I'm less than I did that. They didn't do that. I walked in with apologizing for my presence. And so I really got to see myself through that and, and see the change as I, as I made it of like people, people give away their power all the time. And the more you believe you don't have it, the more you give it away, and it gets reinforced that you don't have it. But the truth is, you always have it, but it's hard to learn how to stand in it. You know, to, to go ahead and have the conversation of, you know, send me these, the, these facts. I'll need to see this. Um, send me your, your delivery timeline. Thank you. I don't have to apologize anywhere in there, but it's not rude. It's not commanding it's direct and it's businesslike and it's getting me what I need, you know? And so it's just, it was an interesting evolution, but I've become more sensitive to it when I see it. That's like, boy, there's this equation all the time and unfortunately, it's hard to learn to stand in that other spot of can walk into this room and expect to be treated. As everyone else is treated. So, and also, even if somebody is initially thinking, I'm not going to give this person the time of day, it's a woman calling about manufacturing. What does she know? If I continue to hold myself in a position of, I'm not giving away any power here. I have a, I have serious questions I have, and they don't even all have to be serious questions, but I've every right to stand here and get, and get the information I need. Um, the more you do that. You give the other person a chance to shift where they're coming from. So you can't just walk in like, well, they didn't treat me right. And storm out. It's like, well, I need something out of this. And I'm just going to demonstrate who I am, where I'm coming from. And in the end, maybe they'll shift, maybe they won't, but at no time, did it change my behavior? So, so yeah, I think you've really nailed it on terms of, are you giving away your power or are you holding your power? So it's made a big difference.

Sabine: 25:29

I love what you said was when you questioned yourself, why am I apologizing for my presence? I think that right there is a mic drop because we do it. We do it so unconsciously or all the time in every situation, whether you are in corporate, even at home with the kids or, you know, whatever the case may be, we apologize for our presence. And so I, I just want to let that sit in the atmosphere for those of you who are, who are listening, ask yourself, how often are you apologizing for your presence? And what does that feel like? Sit in it, sit in it, sit with it, and then examine where, what can you start to do where you don't feel like you have to apologize for your presence, or, you know, we, we don't have enough time for this. I'd get to the root of when you started feeling like you had to apologize for your presence, but we, we don't have enough time and this is not a fair concession. Um, but I'm curious for you, Lisa, what was it like, can you think back to the moment where you recognized. this is what I'm doing. And like, what was that experience? And then what, what created that shift for you or that quickening that said, wait a minute, pause, we're not doing this anymore.

Lisa: 26:47

There were little steps and then big moments, right? So there were little steps of like, well, reword that that's good grief, Lisa, you know, um, we don't need to write it that way. So there were little steps. And then I would realize that I was still doing it with men more than women. And one of the big moments was I was on a call with a woman who was working with me and I had brought in a consultant who was a man who I'd had some conversations with. And I realized once he joined the call, I had shifted how I was speaking. And I was Using, um, that technique of like, well, you know, um, well, that's what I tried, but I don't know what should I have done, you know, like I was putting myself down, but I didn't do that with her on the call. And it was a real eye opener of like, well, why did that shift? It looks like I'm comfortable here to here with this woman who works with me. And we've established a relationship, you know, it's ongoing, but then this, this man joins the mix. And why am I like, You know, it's like a, when a dog rolls over and to expose its belly to you, it's like, Oh, I'm, you know, you can be the leader. You're in charge. You don't, you know, and I'm like, what am I doing? And that was a big wake up call to see myself. Um, and I wasn't aware of that before that moment. You know, I think, like you said, we do these things. We're not even aware of it. And, uh, so that was a, that was a wake up call, um, that changed my behavior quite a bit. And then more, even more recently, um, I got some feedback that was, uh, interesting because I called somebody I'm working on some new formulas, uh, to add to the hairline and I called a particular company and speaking to the gentleman about developing the formulas and he was so dismissive and condescending. And it was really interesting to sit there and have this man telling me, um, Well, you know, it's, it's very complicated. It's not like mixing things up in your kitchen. And I'm sitting there thinking, Wow, I've been in business for three years. I'm, uh, You know, things are going well. We've sold, we've had 36, 000 orders. Um, we're great. And I sell six different formulations and this other hair product. And I'm like, wow, you just are going to miss out on my business. You know, like I talked a little bit more to him and really. I insisted on getting my questions answered because I still thought, even though he sees me this way, he can provide what I need. I'll use that company. But it became clear. No, they don't even do what I need done. Um, but it was really funny to hear that and to realize how far I'd come that I wasn't feeding into his scenario at all. You know, that was, that was gone. That's like, yeah, no, not that person. And I can really see clearly. Other people now who wish I still was that. Who wish I just apologize. And I'm so sorry I bothered you and took your time. I'll, I'll go back to my kitchen. I'm like, is he, what, what year is he living in? You know, I don't know.

Sabine: 30:29

The audacity when. You're clearly like in this particular scenario, you're in the position of power, like the, the fact that he was trying to usurp it. Right. And, and I think that's a key piece. And I wrote this down that, you know, in any interaction we have with someone, there is, there is a, I don't want to say the word power struggle. It's not necessarily a power struggle, but there is a part of us Whether we recognize it or not, that is subtly trying to decide, okay, who is in, like, who, who has the power in this interaction in this relationship. And I love that you gave that example where when you were talking to the woman, clearly you knew within yourself that you had that, she recognized it, right. Which is why she was able to kind of like back down and let you be that. But then when the guy stepped in, it was more of a, I think you probably questioned it more of like, wait a minute, am I, Am I giving it away? Is he giving it away? Like what's going on here? Um, and I think that's such an important thing to highlight, especially for those of you who are listening. I mean, I know this, this might sound like, what do I do with it? What do I do with it? This is a perfect example. You know, next time you get into a room with someone or you're on a zoom or you're on a phone call, right? Pay attention. To how you're showing up. Are you showing up confident? Are you apologizing? Are you? Um, you know, are you shrinking if you will, because you think or you assume this person has more power or are you rising and allowing that person to rise so that there's an equal demonstration of power? I think we, this is something that we have not been taught. We certainly weren't taught it in school and we observed our parents and we observed our caretakers and teachers and whatnot. Yeah. And so this is an important piece for you to really own. It's one thing to own your personal power, but for you to demonstrate and for you to model it, you have to be aware of how, the power plays and power paradigms are playing out in your day to day interactions. So that I'm going to take that as a, as a assignment for this next week to pay attention to the situations in which I cower and in the situations where I stand in my power and. The situations where I am able to recognize someone else's power and meet them where they are So thank you for that.

Lisa: 32:53

Yeah. And I love how you summarize that. That's perfect. When you can get to that point where it's like, I see, you know what you're talking about. And I am here on that level to hear what you have to say, you know, it's like, I don't need to apologize for myself. Right? Yeah.

Sabine: 33:09

So as it relates, obviously, you know, this is mostly a female audience, you know, as you're thinking about, you know, everything that you've learned, uh, up until this point, everything that you're envisioning for the future, if you could go back to a younger version of yourself and give her a key piece of advice, what might that be?

Lisa: 33:30

That one is very easy for me, because I had some opportunities, um, When I was young and in the corporate world, and I didn't recognize them for what they were. And, uh, I had taken a job that was, um, a challenge for me. And within that, I had set up a situation where I was running an offsite for a day with, uh, the VP and all of his direct, uh, reports. And I had, and I was the one up at the board asking the questions and having them interacting. And by the end of the day, they were all up there writing in their things. The VP loved it. It was a phenomenal day. Um, and. I was still insecure in my role there. I didn't recognize what I was doing. I didn't recognize that they saw potential there. I didn't recognize, hey, this is a track you're on. And, you know, you did great. Let's look for the next opportunity. I had no idea. Um, and instead, a lot of times, I'm sure you've covered this, when you're rising, the people around you don't want you to rise, they're, they're pulling you down. That's what I heard and took on. and everything, you know, we all learn from our path. So, no, no regrets there, but I would say to a younger self and to other young women, find somebody that has done well in their position. And that can support you through things like that, because you won't know how great you are. It's in us to doubt ourselves. It's in us to trust ourselves. to think other people know more than us or they're better than us. It's just it's in all of us. Um, and if you have somebody who can say, no, that was great. You keep doing that. You're on the right path. This is important. You did a great job with it. Ignore that. You know, you need somebody like that. Otherwise, you listen to your peer group and your peer group wants you to stay right there with them. And and if you want to stay right there with them, wonderful. But if you have other aspirations, definitely try and get set up with some kind of mentor. And again, back to the power. If you find somebody very comfortable in their role, who has, done well with their, how they got there, they're going to be excited to support you. So just if you turn down 10 times, go ask again, ask somebody else, but it can change everything in your life. If you have somebody who believes in you.

Sabine: 36:10

Yeah, I love that. And I, I totally agree. And as we look ahead, right? And you're, you know, this work that you're doing, you're bringing up more product lines. And it's, we obviously, we know it's the product is one thing, right? But it's the confidence that you're helping to build in women. It is the inner strength. It is the inner self love that is also coming out through this, you know, as you're continuing to build this vision for yourself, you know, 30, however many years down the line, and you're looking at back, what is the narrative? Like, what will you want to hear Lisa say to Lisa?

Lisa: 36:47

It was amazing, right? That it was fun. It was hard. I learned so much. That's what I would hope to be saying as I look back and probably still be saying what's next, you know, to just keep, I find that solves all manner of issues is things will happen. And I, and I have to stop and think like, I have time to look back and worry about that. Or do I need to be thinking on the next thing? What's the next great thing I want to do? Like, Get in that space and and don't look back too much, except to celebrate highlights. So, yes, I think I just keep that keep that going right?

Sabine: 37:29

Yes, absolutely. And so last question for you, uh, Lisa, as you think about, or not the last question, but last question in this series, as you think about, um, any books or a book that has been pivotal for you, whether, you know, from a personal professional development perspective, is there one that comes to mind?

Lisa: 37:49

I love, um, Malcolm Gladwell. He's done many books. But the one I know I refer to the most, and that was a game changer for me, is blink. And the, the part that really got my attention was that you, in a blink, you take in something and make, have a feeling about it. And we can never, we will never know all the reasons Why we have that feeling, because we can't, we don't even have the words to express or comprehend the data points our body takes in, because we can feel energy, we can feel, you know, we say, I got a bad vibe, you know, it's like you felt something you had a reaction. You heard things. It meant something. There were micro facial movements, right? They maybe don't even register, but you do register. You just don't know you saw them. So there's a million things. You don't know why you have the reaction you do, but you did have that reaction and in a blink, you can know something and you should trust that. So that from that for me was tremendous because I had spent a long time of thinking like an analyze things and figure it out and understand I just have to feel it and know it myself. And there may not be an explanation I can ever give somebody because I don't even understand all the things I processed to get there, but I can trust it. And I think that's, uh, I love that book that really changed things for me because I used to question, but why did I feel that way? It's like, I don't question that anymore. Like, Nope, it's enough that I felt that way, have faith in my process, you know? So. Yeah, so I would say Blink, Malcolm Gladwell, anything he writes is insightful and interesting.

Sabine: 39:49

Okay, awesome. I have not heard that one, but we'll be adding it to the queue and we will add it to show notes as well. So Lisa, before I let you go, as the audience has been, you know, engulfed in, in your wonderful wisdom here. If they want to reach out to you, if they want to connect with you, learn more about your product line, what's the best way for them to do that?

Lisa: 40:11

curly life. com is the website. You'll see everything there. We're on Instagram and Facebook curly life company. And I'd love to hear from, from anybody who wants to follow up on this or has any other questions about the product.

Sabine: 40:29

All right. Awesome. So we will include all those links. And of course, if you, when you reach out to Lisa, be sure to tell her that you heard her on the power purpose and prosperity podcast. Uh, and so thank you, Lisa, so much for coming on, for sharing your wisdom and, for, creating something that's not just adding to the narrative that women need to try harder, if you will. Um, but that really is supporting that, Hey, you're, you're perfect the way that you are. Here's a tool to help support you. Um, you know, I can talk about the beauty industry for days, but, um, I really, truly value the fact that Your approach is about support. It's about empowerment. Um, it's about loving yourself and loving what you have versus trying to fix, um, what you hate about yourself.

Lisa: 41:21

Yeah. There's nothing more powerful than you being you.

Sabine: 41:25

Yeah,

Lisa: 41:25

that's, that's the truth. So I love that you, that you, uh, summarized it that way and what a pleasure it's been speaking with you. Uh, I hope we get to talk again sometime.

Sabine: 41:35

Same here. Oh, girl. You're, you're stuck with me for life. Uh, sounds good to

Lisa: 41:39

me.

Sabine: 41:40

With that, we will be back next week with a, another female powerhouse. Thank you so much for tuning in and talk to you soon. Take care.

41:49

Hope you enjoyed this week's episode. If you found today's conversation helpful, or got a piece of insight that you plan to implement in your life, I'd love to hear from you. Connect with me on LinkedIn at Sabine Gideon and send me a message, or feel free to leave a review on either Apple or Spotify. I also invite you to share this episode with anyone in your network, another powerhouse, possibly who you think might benefit from today's conversation. Lastly, as always, any links, any resources, or any upcoming training is included in the show notes. So be sure to check that before you leave today until we chat again, have a blessed and powerful week.