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OWN YOUR BRAND SHOW with Victoria Odekomaya
Welcome to the OWN YOUR BRAND SHOW where you'll learn how to own and grow your brand and market your business. Every week I interview entrepreneurs and/or share branding, marketing and business tips to grow your influence, build a profitable business and make an impact.
Victoria Odekomaya is an award winning photographer, brand & marketing strategist with over a decade of experience. She is passionate about helping women fulfill their dreams and purpose effortlessly.
Click to be featured, advertise on the show or connect with Victoria: https://mtr.bio/limstudios
OWN YOUR BRAND SHOW with Victoria Odekomaya
Breaking Free: How Jennie Lopez Transformed from Corporate VP to Entrepreneurial Powerhouse | Ep 46
Ready to ditch the corporate grind for entrepreneurial freedom? This episode is packed with the tips and strategies you need to build a personal brand that draws in clients—without spending a fortune on ads. We’ve got a special guest, Jennie Lopez, who left her VP role at a Fortune 500 company to become an international speaker, bestselling author, and the powerhouse behind Intentional Unicorn. Her story is all about the magic of authenticity and timing when it comes to making a big career shift.
If you’ve ever wondered how to move from the security of a corporate job to the excitement (and let’s be real, the uncertainty) of running your own business, this conversation is for you. Jennie shares how a life-changing trip to Africa gave her the clarity she needed to go all-in on her entrepreneurial dreams. We’ll chat about what it’s like to enjoy your corporate role while still feeling the pull to pursue something bigger. So whether you’re thinking about quitting your job or juggling both worlds right now, you’ll get some solid advice on making the leap with confidence and purpose.
You’ll also hear how Jennie’s decision to leave a job she loved to start her own business was powered by embracing her unique strengths and staying true to herself. She shares her favorite strategies for setting goals, sticking to a routine, and celebrating every win—big or small. Get ready for some real talk, personal stories, and expert advice to help you crush your entrepreneurial journey. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share for more inspiring episodes!
To contact Jennie click here: www.intentionalunicorn.com
//ABOUT
Victoria Odekomaya is a Nigerian American and former drug research scientist turned brand and marketing expert. Through her Creative Agency, LiMStudios, she specializes in brand photography, video creation, and strategic marketing. Victoria's mission is to empower female entrepreneurs to be SEEN, KNOWN, and HEARD, enhancing their visual presence and attracting their ideal customers to build a BANKABLE PERSONAL BRAND. Victoria's scientific background has honed her analytical thinking, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills, which she integrates into her branding strategies. Her 23-year journey to U.S. citizenship reflects the perseverance female entrepreneurs need to overcome challenges in branding and marketing. This fuels her dedication to empower women to achieve their entrepreneurial dreams.
In 2022, Victoria launched the BOSS LADIES CAMPAIGN, giving participants a celebrity photoshoot experience to enhance their confidence and brand visibility. The campaign promotes these women through features in BOSS LADIES magazine, appearances on Victoria's 'OWN YOUR BRAND SHOW', and recognition at the BOSS LADIES GALA. The gala not only celebrates women but also raises funds for local non-profits, so far raising $19,000+ for Dove Recovery House for Women and PINK RIBBON CONNECTION.
For sponsorship/business inquiries, visit https://mtr.bio/limstudios or email hello@thelimstudios.com.
I was getting clients without paying a single cent on advertising. Ooh, that's good. Without paying a single cent on advertising. All because I've been spending so many years on building my personal brand Wow.
Speaker 2:Out there.
Speaker 1:Yeah, that was the magnet, and that's how I was getting clients.
Speaker 2:Yep.
Speaker 1:And I take them from point A to point B and say wait a second, this is it, this is my jam, so I'm going to work on making it even bigger and stronger so it opens more opportunities for me. So, slowly but surely, you start getting those things. Those are two ways, but there's many, many ways that you can uncover those, and that's why I work with my clients. Nine out of 10 of my clients, that's their favorite part of the process, really.
Speaker 2:Wow, that's good and that's what I tell my clients clients who you know as a brand photographer. I want to capture what makes them unique. Yes, I want to make, because when everybody sees those photos all the time, you know like there's a lot of coaches now. Yes, what makes you different? Yes, what makes you unique? Why should someone say I want to be, I want to work with this person? So you really have to be your own authentic.
Speaker 2:What I thought was interesting experience when I first started working full-time for myself, now, I had nobody to answer to. You know, like there was no deadlines, there was no project, you know, and I was like I think I'm just going to sleep all day. I really felt like I was just going to like, because it felt like I didn't have any constriction. If you will, you know restrictions, you know constriction. If you will, you know restrictions. You know.
Speaker 2:Today's episode is about taking the leap from your nine to five, your corporate job into starting your own business. If you're getting any value in the show, please make sure you follow and rate us on audio platform and also like and subscribe on YouTube and also share. I would also like to get comments from you. So please let us know what we're doing good or what we need to improve on. And if you have any comments about this episode, please drop them because I would like to hear from you. Are you feeling stuck in your nine to five? Are you thinking about moving into starting your own business? Maybe you are like is this entrepreneurship even worth trading my consistent paycheck for? Well, today's episode is going to answer all of that question.
Speaker 2:As you might know, I recently transitioned into full-time in January and, look, I can tell you all about it. But I have a guest today here which I am super excited about. Jlo is in the house. Oh yeah, after 23 years in the corporate world, she recently quit her job as the vice president of a Fortune 500 company. This woman is an amazing international speaker. She is an author of Amazon bestselling author of the Intentional Unicorn book Make sure you grab that but she's also the owner of Intentional Unicorn, where she helps people find their superpower and what makes them authentic. Today, we're going to be talking about how and everything that went into her transitioning and what was going through her mind and what is the most important thing that you should be considering before you quit your job. So, without much ado, let's get into it. Girl, I am so excited to have you. How are you doing?
Speaker 1:I am, you're excited, I am excited, and, girl, this studio looks so beautiful. I know we had these conversations before, but this is level up, so congratulations.
Speaker 2:Thank you, I'm trying. Thank you, I'm trying. You know I'm really trying, but you know this is something that we've had a conversation before. I remember I was going to, was it that lobster place? I forgot the name of it, but in any case, we were eating seafood. We were like talking about, what would it, what would it look like if we? You know, if this was the only thing that we focused on? Yes, and then you did it. I know you did it first, god well. I got fired, but I was also planning it already, you know.
Speaker 2:But you took the leap after 23 years and in such a high role too yeah, absolutely tell me what was like. Maybe we start from where before you transition. Like what were some of the things that was going through your mind?
Speaker 1:absolutely yes, and when we both were having lunch, remember, we both were doing both, which is insane. When people say, hey, when you're an entrepreneur is busy, and you and I know we're busy, we know busy, you know busy, that's not, that's not a problem. So I started my company in 2020. Yes, I will say everybody in 2020 had a baby, I had my business, that was my baby and at that point, honestly, my mindset was okay, you know what? I'm going to start growing this, it's something I'm passionate about, and I'm going to retire early. I had already clarity at age 55. You know, you get all the benefits of the corporate world retiring and things like that and then I'm going to bet on myself. That was the big plan.
Speaker 1:But one of the best things I've done is that, even before that, I started investing on myself. Yes, upskilling, upskilling business leadership, financial. But you know what is the number one thing that people don't think about it? Mindset, mindset, mindset. How many people say, oh, yeah, I've taken this certification, this training and I'm ready? Have you been investing in your mindset? Oh, that's true, because in success, it's 20% the tactics, the strategies, the things that you have to do. 80% is here.
Speaker 2:Yeah, and it's different when you're in corporate versus when you have your own business.
Speaker 1:Yes.
Speaker 2:The mindset is completely different. Yes, you know in corporate like they pretty much tell you what to do, but as an entrepreneur you are the one making those decisions.
Speaker 1:So you have to have like really strong mindset and a goal of what you're trying to get to Absolutely Clarity and the mindset also is because it's hard you have to really have a deep passion and a big why, which I'm going to cover very soon on that one to make you move forward no matter what, even when things don't go according to plan.
Speaker 1:But the mindset is almost like you are a bouncer of that brain and you're owning it. And when things don't go right, when you start doubting yourself and when it's so easy to get back to the comfort zone, that mindset because you've been working on it and cultivating it's going to tell you no, jenny, you're going to move forward, no matter what. That's the journey. You're learning, you're growing, you're going. Wow, so that I'm so blessed because that has helped me a lot in this journey. Yes, so that's one thing upskilling mindset. Now the second thing I will say this tool. A coach of mine taught it to me about a year ago. I started exploring the idea what about if it's not 55 years old? Why wait that long? Why not now?
Speaker 1:And I remember I went to Africa. For me that was such a an amazing experience. It was an unexpected trip. I went on it and I got this clarity that I said I even actually I heard my name, almost like God was calling me. And I called after the Africa trip.
Speaker 1:I called my coach and say I think this is it Like. I think I'm ready. I think I'm ready. And he said hey, I got your back, but before that, I'm going to ask you something what is your heart telling you? And I said my heart is telling me it's time. And then he said what is your gut telling you? And that gut was like Jenny, we're not ready, jenny, what if we fail? Jenny, all this stuff, yes. And then he said you're not in alignment for you to make such a big decision. Your heart and your gut need to be in alignment, wow. And I said OK, you're right, I'm going to continue to working forward, grow the business, do my best job in the corporate world and we'll see what happens. I'm telling you now, both of them are in such an amazing alignment. I'm at peace. I've never, I'm always a happy person. Yeah, you are, but I mean, even people are saying this is even like a different level of happiness, and it's that freedom of creating and focusing on helping others.
Speaker 1:I don't trade this for anything, for anything that is amazing, I can even tell, like the way you're talking, like it's just so happy and free, yes, and then I'll tell you the the number three thing that happened, and I think it's all about timing. Okay, in the in the corporate world, usually, at least in my case, every two to three years, it's almost like what's next? What's next? And a lot of people will say I can't wait to get rid of this. You know so soggy job. I hate corporate. That was not me. I actually love what I did. Wow, I love my career. I love my job. The last job I had has been the perfect one for me. Wow, my favorite one. So I was not in that category. Wow. But then it was like what's next? And then I started exploring and I said I don't know if I will love a job this much. And then I said what about if the next rotation is me?
Speaker 2:That is interesting, it's not a job.
Speaker 1:It's me, and I had a great career, wow, but it's not about me anymore. It was a big clarity. And then, when I mentioned about getting to a deeper purpose, my kids oh so, my kids actually play both. I don't know if that happened to you. Maybe you're just a mom, super mom, like I, am right, they're everything. They were the reason I started my business, but they were the reason why I hesitated. Yeah, cause I don't want to let them down. Right, they are in dancing, they're in Taekwondo, and it's not that I live a crazy lifestyle, but I want to support them. Right, so what if I let them down? But this is the thing about mindset. I was focusing on all the bad things. I say, what if I let them down? What if I don't get money? What if I don't get clients? What if I regret it? And then I say Jenny, practice what you have been learning. What if it exceeds your expectations? What if now you can create even better experiences for your kids? Wow, I know my kids are both teenagers.
Speaker 1:This is the best time for them to see their mom crushing it out there, I know you took a whole trip after that and, honestly, I've seen them her betting on herself, knowing that there's different options, there's only one way, and that they're like a sponge, they're learning right now. So when I said, oh my goodness, this is the perfect time, I made the decision. That is so cool, Wow.
Speaker 2:So when you tell me a little bit about how you dropped your was it like your resignation letter, Like just go through that whole process?
Speaker 1:Oh goodness. So I made my decision, yes. And then I want to say I needed to have the support of my husband because we are a unit at home. And I had that support. I'm like OK, I can breathe, breathe, breathe. And then I started. It wasn't a Saturday. I'm like, ok, I'm going to talk to my boss on Monday. And I remember I texted her on a Friday. I texted her like, hey, I need to meet with you on Monday, on Monday. And she she's used to me just like exchanging voice messages. I was not that I need her, she was my amazing support, right, but she said a meeting like that, that kind of triggered something on her, but.
Speaker 1:I just honestly. I I even said the number one reason people leave their jobs is because of their supervisor right.
Speaker 2:This is not the reason looks like everything is not the reason. It's not the reason. Yes, like she was, is not the reason.
Speaker 1:It's not the reason yes, Like she was the best supervisor, I had my best supporter.
Speaker 2:That makes it harder, isn't it?
Speaker 1:Yes, yes, the team was the best team, oh my God. So that decision was so difficult. But I put my heart about where I was. Where's my alignment? Where do I see my biggest growth and my biggest impact at this point in my career? So she said let's just meet at a coffee place. And then I said I don't know if that's the right place to have this conversation. And then so she grabbed my hand I think she felt it and she said OK, let's go here. And then I said I'm leaving.
Speaker 1:And her response was funny because it took her a call her off guard. She said oh my God, I can't believe I said that, but like we're going to miss you. But I just see it, I see it and I'm so happy for you. So we cry, we hugged and, yeah, I, it was a, it was a nice experience. Same thing with my. My team was shocked because I had to also let them know. But then when I tell them it's not that I'm going to another job, right, I'm betting on myself their expression changed and they said that's an inspiration. Yeah, you go.
Speaker 2:Right. So, okay, I have to mention that you've been doing this as a side hustle before right, you know, like growing your brand, like you said you started in 2020. So, and I think most people also do something similar where, like, they don't just like quit and be like, well, I'm going to start a business. They kind of have an idea and you know. But you know, when you said that your team was shocked, I remember, like, did they not see some of the activity, Cause you were very open you know, social media.
Speaker 2:I remember one time I was like how do you handle doing all this stuff? Cause I was worried about putting all the things that I did on LinkedIn because I thought I had to separate my life. But you were like, just be yourself, you know. So, like how did you navigate that?
Speaker 1:Yeah, I remember at some point, when we first met, you said well, I'm a project manager, I do this and I don't know if I should put the photographer I'm like, oh my goodness.
Speaker 2:Yes, put it there. I was so scared.
Speaker 1:That's your superpower, and in mine it still says I'm a dancer and all of that. Yeah, well, every company works differently and I work with legal and put a conflict of interest together.
Speaker 1:Oh, that's, true, so that's something that had been documented from the very beginning. Oh, wow, so I knew my guardrails. Was it hard? Yes, yes, because it's not black and white. And then you also have to deal with like perception of people, right, and that's something you cannot control, that's true. So that took a little bit of my mental energy, but for me it was like, okay, I'm doing it because of the people I want to help and that trumped everything else. That's right. So that's how I did it in terms of doing the guideline. But then the business started to pick up which is great.
Speaker 1:I'm like okay, people need this message, People, I can help people and there's just so much time you have in a corporate world right Vacation. I was working Saturday, Sunday, all nights and I got to the point that I can. You know? Some people say, when I get to this money or this income, revenue, profit, then I'll make the switch. I couldn't get to that number because I didn't have the time to scale it up.
Speaker 2:So I didn't have that. You're still in the full time. I was going to ask you that question, like, how did you juggle the two Cause at some point one of them was going to have to, like, take the back seat. And yes, for me I remember feeling bad about no, putting what I felt like was my best effort, because I still wanted to build the business to a certain level, like it was, like I had to always choose yes, yes.
Speaker 1:And for me, if I say yes to you, it's because I'm gonna give you my 100, absolutely so. My corporate job, that was my number one, exactly yeah. Side business Then this is where I had to limit the number of clients I could take, right, yeah, I was not going for volume, I was going for quality. So that's why, when I started a cohort, I was very open. I can only take this many clients. Because I can only. I want to give them a hundred plus percent, right.
Speaker 2:Yes, okay, so that makes sense, because I did it the other way around. It's like well, I needed to be able to. I needed to prove to myself that I could make a certain amount of money before I can quit my job, because I needed to like photography. I mean, I feel like everybody could be a photographer, so I needed to make sure that this is a viable business. Yes, you know? Yes.
Speaker 1:Yeah, and you're right. So that's one of the things that I said when I put my first. Well, actually I did two cohorts before the one that I have right now where I'm fully on that, but it was that proof of business. Does this work? Am I getting the outcomes? Are the people getting the outcomes that they want? That's good. And they were like, ok, this is great. So, and then the other thing is that I was getting clients without paying a single cent on advertising. That's good, without paying a single cent on advertising, all because I've been spending so many years on building my personal brand. Wow.
Speaker 2:Out there.
Speaker 1:Yeah, that was the magnet, and that's how I was getting clients.
Speaker 2:Yep.
Speaker 1:And then my coach. I remember I have another coach. I'm a believer of coaches, by the way. So my coach said if you're getting those clients, imagine if you go full in. You were just doing that, you know, here and there on Saturday and Sunday. Imagine if you go full in advertising. And I said, ah, okay, proof of concept. And then I'm going to go full in and it's going to happen. Wow, that is incredible. And you, I'm going to go full in and it's going to happen.
Speaker 2:Wow, that is incredible, and I like when you said about personal brand, because I strongly believe that your personal brand will build your business. Yes, so I have to tell you this I met a couple of ladies and I gave them the magazine which, by the way, you're also in the magazine, you know, at least in the first volume.
Speaker 2:But I think it was like five ladies and then you did an event where you emceed I think it was women impact 100 or something like that. Yes, oh, jenny, you should see how many people came back texting me like, oh, I met Jenny, I saw Jenny, and then I was like, okay, like that's the power of a personal brand, jenny. Like everybody was like, oh my God, and that you talk about that in this volume too. Right, you know about being your authentic self, and that for me was so powerful because you have that name recognition.
Speaker 2:You know, and it's because you built that from the before you even started your business.
Speaker 1:Oh yeah, before I even thought I was going to do a business in the future Cause some people know that in their heart, since they are young, I want to be I was not one of those. Wow, for me it was all career. And because that's all I knew, I didn't know anything else. And when I learned about this one, like, oh, this is awesome, because then now you can multiply your, your impact, but you have to be authentic in your personal brand, yeah, otherwise people see through that. Yes, and then your authenticity is what's going to attract the right client.
Speaker 2:And when you have your right client, money happens Absolutely Because people are looking to form that connection. People want to trust people, you know people. They want to work with people that they trust. So when they see a portion of you, like I can connect with this person, I feel like she gets me. You know, because you've you've, you know, showcase who, who you are, authentically like it's, it's effortless.
Speaker 1:Yes, and honestly right now. I mean, sometimes it's really hard when you're starting uh cold calling or with somebody that you don't know. But everybody so far that has scheduled meetings with me just to get to know, right, not, we're not even talking about business they say, oh yeah, I think I already know you, cause I I just that's how I show up in the in in social media, that is amazing, wow.
Speaker 2:So now that you've done you know, you've you finally cause? Oh, by the way, I have to mention that there was this huge party, or like an event that you had with your group of you know, employees. There were a few.
Speaker 1:Really Wow. Is that? You know that? That make my heart really warm. Yes, because that's when I realized wow, that's the impact of 23 plus years of career Intentional career, not just a job. Because, in addition to every job or role that I had, I had a huge impact on the Latino community, because that's where my heart was. That's the stuff they don't pay you for that right, you do it because you believe in it and you want that.
Speaker 1:So seeing that was beautiful and the gifts I got it was everything was so meaningful. My team I don't know, I've never. I'm going to share this with you just to inspire some people out there they gave me this little. There were four boxes and you know, have you seen in tiktok those little uh like presents that say actually this is usually for dogs, that say treat or yes no, you know which I'm talking about.
Speaker 1:So they gave me four where you can put like a custom message. And then the first one said hey, press this whenever, um, you doubt yourself. And then it was one of my employees who say you got this. That it was a motivational sentence. And then there was another one that said press this when you want to know, uh, the impact you have had. And I they had the whole team saying thank you, jenny, we will miss you, oh my goodness. And then it kept going. The last one made me cry. I lost like. I was crying like a little baby, because it said prestice whenever you need to remember what matters the most. They got my son, my daughter and my husband to say I love you, mom, we believe in you, we're so proud of you. Honey, you got this. Oh, my goodness, that's the best gift ever. I have them in my office. Yes, I cry like a little baby. I've never so. So it's not just a gift, it's something that has truly meaning and you see the impact you had on people. That is incredible.
Speaker 2:Wow, I'm like having goosebumps right now.
Speaker 1:Yes.
Speaker 2:So so you finally made the transition. Yes, and I know, I know you've been like what was your last trip?
Speaker 1:transition. Yes, and I know I know you've been like what was your last trip? Uh, oh goodness. So we went to the Mediterranean to celebrate my, my new chapter, my husband's 50th birthday, okay, and even for the kids, it was their first time in Europe outside of the United States. There were so many first, it was beautiful, so that was the last trip. I love that.
Speaker 2:I love how you share that too, because people need to see you know the other side of your life, you know to connect, that is amazing. I took a trip too, when I, you know, finally, you know, got out of it and I and I just I think, we went to Hawaii. We were just like I was just like I was like I turned 40 and I was like why not?
Speaker 2:And these are things that I felt like I couldn't do because I had to, like, think about so many things or sometimes thinking about how much work I'm leaving behind and then coming back to you know, because sometimes you have so many emails that you have to deal with but I just felt like my time at work even though I enjoyed my job so I absolutely love what I did and I felt like I just needed to continue to give more and more, and I didn't. I didn't give more to myself in a way, you know so, when I, it was like freedom to just go, just go, and I just was like you know what? We're going to Hawaii and it was my 40th birthday, so some thoughts.
Speaker 2:Yes, yes, and I lived in Hawaii, you know, when I came as a student visa.
Speaker 1:So it was like going back and showing my kids where I went to school. So it was, it was really nice. And you came recharged yeah, I came recharged, ready to start and even you know, sometimes you have to like pause to get more momentum forward. Very similar to you, victoria, when I made the decision we already had the trip scheduled because it was my husband's birthday and all of that, right, okay, and for a, for a, my husband and I said, ooh, I don't think this is the right thing to do right now because you don't have your job. And I said, no, no, we're celebrating years of work. We are celebrating the halfway. I don't know if I'm going to say halfway, oh, my goodness, hopefully we live more than a hundred years, but a really big milestone for you. We're giving this experience to our kids. They deserve it.
Speaker 1:Yes, and it was beautiful. It was beautiful. That's amazing and we need to celebrate the wins, yeah, yeah. So many times we are only focusing on the gap or the things that we don't have. Oh, but I'm not there yet. I go to clients, but you know, not 10. No, 10, no. Celebrate the wins, the progress. That's really success the progress.
Speaker 2:That's amazing. Okay, so I have to ask you about so I had it what I thought was interesting experience when I first started working full-time for myself. Now, I had nobody to answer to, you know, like there was no deadlines, there was no project, you know, and I was like I think I'm just gonna sleep all day. I really felt like I was just gonna like, because it felt like I didn't have any constriction, if you will, you know, restrictions, you know, like did you feel that way? Like how did you get yourself ready for, like, being an entrepreneur?
Speaker 1:making all the decisions. I was the opposite.
Speaker 1:Oh okay, but I remember. So it was after this trip that we took right to Europe and the Mediterranean, and then we came back on a Monday, and Tuesday was my first official day of this new world and I had this in mind that I'm going to kill it, I'm going to be working hard, I'm going to be doing all of this and creating magic. That day I was just so jet lagged and I was feeling like really bad. I was going to say like crap, but that's exactly how I felt and no energy. I think I took five naps that day and then I went on my scale. I gained five pounds.
Speaker 1:I mean everything and you know where your focus goes. Energy flows, right. I started feeling bad about myself. I started feeling very like brain foggy. I felt lazy, and then I said, ooh, what did I do? And I felt so bad. But you know what? Again, I've been training on my mind. So I said Jenny, stand, you know what? Again, I've been training on my mindset. I say Jenny, stand up, let's journal about this. And I started journaling and then I said you know what? Four or five pounds you ate the most amazing food ever. You are very disciplined with your nutrition. Like, actually be thankful of that experience. You're going to get back to your, your normal routine in no time, right? The second one about being lazy or not focused. I didn't even prepare for that day. So why would? Why was I expecting to have this amazing day? I had no preparation whatsoever and then the third one is grace.
Speaker 1:I just came back from this crazy trip and I didn't even schedule a day of just resting and recovering. And I always did that in the corporate world when I went on a trip, I always scheduled the next day no meetings to recharge. Why didn't I do that this time? When I did that, I was like, oh, wait a second, it's okay. It's okay. I learned because that's what happens in a setback you journal, get the learning move forward and I'm very structured right now. So I plan my week on a Sundayay I, I plan every, like I call it my needle movers. What are my top three things? One, two, three things that I have to do the next day?
Speaker 1:okay, because you know the to do list you never get to do everything right what are the three needle movers and those, those things are probably the most difficult ones, because maybe you're like, oh, I don't want to make that call, or like, oh, that takes time and energy and I don't know if I'm going to feel like it will schedule it and make it happen and I'm very structured on my days. I love that.
Speaker 2:So that's for for who? You know, those of you that are thinking like, oh, this is like you have to have a structure and give yourself grace, Even if you don't have a structure yet. Like, get into that routine. And I think it's also good to start that structure before you actually take the leap to start giving yourself some kind of routine that you get used because nobody's going to you know, you know tell you to do something, it's all on you, you're the one making all the decisions and things like yeah, so I love that.
Speaker 1:Can I share with you something I learned? So there is a program that I took many years ago, and usually the trainings that I like, I take them again because there's new connections, so I just took it again and they call it RPM. So R is for results, p is for purpose and then M is for massive action. So in that training, what they do I'm not going to give you the whole thing, because we've been here like hours but all the categories that are important in your life, that you have goals and include your husband, include your kids, right, because nothing good comes from things that are stagnant. So from there it goes my health, right, the goals I have, my business and there's different aspects of my. And then instead of saying, let's say, for example, I want to lose weight, no, actually you know what's the name of that one Energetic goddess. So you label them with like juicy words that make you excited about taking action towards that. I love that.
Speaker 2:So, anyway, that is amazing, wow. So you talk a lot about having superpower and showcasing your superpower. Yes, I know that this is. I mean, you said it over and over again in this conversation this is what helped you, you know, build your personal brand and you know basically your whole business right now. Yes, so what is what exactly? Is it to have a superpower? What is that mean?
Speaker 1:Everybody has them. So these are the top one, two, two, three things that you do so well that you're in personal alignment and you are in flow, like time goes, and you enjoy doing these things. Yes, not all the strengths you have. All of us are go-getters. Especially if you're watching this podcast, you're a go-getter. But if you focus on everything, you're a go-getter. Yep, but if you focus on everything, you're diluting yourself. So if you focus on the one, two, perhaps three no more things that you do so well, and then you're intentional with it, you nurture them, you make them grow so bright that opportunities come to you, instead of you saying, please pick me right, because that's why you do well, that's that is in align with you. You're not faking. It is is why you, you're kicking butt there, right? So those are the superpowers.
Speaker 1:Uh, for me, I will say the authenticity and and this inclusive leadership that I have. That's one of them. Uh, my other superpower is that I'm really good at transforming organizations. So when I knew, when I knew that and I realized that I had that aha moment. That's what allowed me to do three different, two different career changes, very drastic in my career, always growing because I was in manufacturing. Then I went to the business and I went to HR. Wow, yeah, it was because I had that superpower of transforming organizations. Yes, so that's the other one. So those are the things that you can like go build it and make it really bright so you attract the right client, the right opportunities, the right partnerships, et cetera.
Speaker 2:That's okay. So you said your first three things, and so what about those people that are like I don't know, like do you, how do you like? How do they even figure those things out?
Speaker 1:Yeah, there are different ways. Actually, that's the best. I coach people on that, yeah, so that's something I do. We go in a lot of depth and the thing is that whenever you uncover it, then confidence arise because it's like oh, wait a second, this is how I can help, this is what I bring to the table. And then they get more confident in how they show up in social media, in how they are very concise in interviews, in networking events, so people remember them. Otherwise, you know, like when you're interviewing and you just say, well, I had this role, and then I had this role and they had that, people are not going to remember that.
Speaker 2:Yeah, I love that.
Speaker 1:So there are different ways. Obviously there's assessments, but that's a given. Everybody can go and like search my strengths, but I will say very, very keen on the things that come really natural to you. But there's so common sense for you that you don't even think is a superpower. So I have a friend of mine that went through like a really bad time, tragedy in her life and the way she coped was by writing. So she wrote these letters and then she said can you write, can you read these? And I read them and, victoria, they were the most beautiful things that I have ever heard, read, from joy to sadness, laughs to tears, hope, everything. And I said, wow, you have a gift. I call it God's gift. And she said what do you mean, jenny? I just went to the computer and started writing. The first thing that came to my mind is that nobody writes like this. Nobody, not even I don't even write like that and I'm an author. That's your superpower. And then her eyes open because she didn't even get it Right.
Speaker 1:You can also think back about what are the things that usually people ask you for help, or people ask you to be part of a group to lead or to be part of, and for the longest time in my career. They kept putting me in the worst performing teams and I said why are they punishing me? Like what's going on? And then I said, no, wait a second. I have a track record of transforming organizations, yes, and I take them from point A to point B. I say wait a second, this is it. This is my jam, so I'm going to work on making it even bigger and stronger so it opens more opportunities for me. So, slowly but surely, you start getting those things. Those are two ways, but there's many, many ways that you can uncover those and that's why I work with my clients. Nine out of 10 of my clients. That's their favorite part of the process, really.
Speaker 2:Wow, that's good. That's good, and you know, as you were talking about that, I again just want to go back to something that you mentioned about how you didn't spend a dime on marketing, on ad Zero. It was just you finding your superpower. Yes, that's bringing all those clients to you, the connections to you.
Speaker 2:And look if you're out there. I mean, there's multiple ways to market yourself, but this is a free and easy way, you know, because, honestly, marketing is a big part of running a business, you know. But when you are working in your strengths and you're being authentic to yourself and you're being true to your clients and helping and having results, it should automatically just flow naturally.
Speaker 1:Yes, yeah, a hundred percent, yes.
Speaker 1:And that and connected with a purpose yes, because otherwise it's really easy to say, ooh, I don't know if I want to post that in LinkedIn, or ooh, I don't know if I want to say that, because what will people say? What if they did that? But my whole mission I told you before even I thought I was going to start creating a business was to I didn't want people to have to go through what I had to go through in my career to be successful. Yes, and I said I'm going to be that role model that I didn't have. I want to normalize being authentic and being yourself at work and not having the pressure that you have to fit in a mold.
Speaker 1:So I started being very outspoken in a motivational way. Right, I'm not like in your face, like it or not, always empowering, but always eye opening. Right, because I always give the people benefit of the doubt, even the horrible things that I've been told in my career, I always felt like the other person perhaps wanted to really help me and they thought helping me was to like mold me into this thing that they thought it was success, because that's what success looked like before. Yeah, but the world is very different right now. So I just started doing videos and then I would do a dancing, I know right which inin.
Speaker 1:You don't see that. You may you see that in instagram or youtube. Um, people make fun of me like why are you doing this? Actually, they will say this is not tiktok, but you know they have no idea how many people are like, oh, thank you, I needed to hear this, I needed to see this. You brought a smile to my face, right? That's why I'm doing it for those people. So that's my. I just was very consistent in how I show up doing the things that I love.
Speaker 2:I love that and we we have to mention you were a cheerleader, I was an NFL cheerleader and a professional dancer?
Speaker 1:Yeah, and then you have the ring to prove it too. I know, not with me today.
Speaker 2:But yes, wow. So I love that, like you've used a lot of your own experiences. You're bringing it back into what you do on a daily basis in your business.
Speaker 1:Even if it doesn't fit them all. That is the whole purpose and point. Yes, don't fit them all. Don't be vanilla, be you, that's right. And if you is dancing, awesome, if you is photography, put all those pictures that you do with that mission and message. Yes, whatever that is that you do with a mission a message yes, whatever that is, yeah, what makes you unique?
Speaker 2:Otherwise, you're just like the next person.
Speaker 1:Yeah, you stand out, yeah, yeah, and if you want to help, because ultimately, that's the purpose. If you want to help, you need to be noticed Right, Otherwise you're just a secret or you're just um yeah.
Speaker 2:Get lost in translation somewhere, and that's what I tell my clients. You know, as a brand photographer, I want to capture what makes them unique. Yes, I want to make, because when everybody sees those photos all the time, you know, like there's a lot of coaches now, yes, what makes you different? Yes, what makes you unique? Why should someone say I want to be, I want to work with this person? So you really have to be your own, authentic. Yeah, maybe you like dancing, or you know like, let's take a photo of you dancing. You know like, you know, so I strongly, you know, um, um, subscribe to that, okay.
Speaker 1:I have to ask you, and, by the way, she does such a great job at that. So if you want professional pictures. She's the one who has taken all of my professional pictures and you just captured the moment and the essence of the person, and that is your gift, that's your best gift. Thank you, yes.
Speaker 2:Yeah, because I remember, you know, like I was saying it needed to make sense for me before I quit my job, you know, and I knew I needed to do something different than most other photographers. So for me, I really enjoyed the branding space, the marketing space, and I wanted to be able to help bring what makes people authentic out visually.
Speaker 1:Yes.
Speaker 2:So for me that was important. But yeah okay, I have to ask you too, Now that you're doing this full time how do you balance work and life?
Speaker 1:Yes, yes, I did it before, okay, yeah, yeah, I was a fitness instructor. I had a family with kids that need you, but not you me. I had a career, I had a business right, so it I always say that when you this is my thing be choosy with your yeses. That's the way I always coach people. Be choosy with your yeses, that's what I always coach people. Be choosy with your yeses, because nothing that I do drains me.
Speaker 1:Everything I do, for me, is fun, is meaningful, is purposeful, and I don't see it as a job. I don't like, oh, I have to do this, I have to do that. So then I'm very intentional in how I orchestrate mine. Remember the categories that I told you. All of them make me so excited and I have goals and I have plans for each of them, and then I just start placing them on the calendar.
Speaker 1:Yes, but for me, family has a big, big priority. Yes, and this is where you cannot compare your journey with anybody else's, because I had other. I'm a, I'm an international professional speaker and motivational speaker, and I see other people and I'm like, ooh, for you know, sometimes you're getting that tram, like, oh, I wish I was doing that, I wish I was like her, like him, but the reality is very different, right? Uh, many of these people that I see traveling all the time, they don't have kids and it's fine to have more flexibility Beautiful. Right now. I'm not prioritizing that. Yes, I'm prioritizing my kids. So be very. You have to understand what matters to you and what's your priority, not anybody else's.
Speaker 2:Yeah, I like that it's not a race against anyone. It's not a competition. You have to know what works for you, what your goals are and however long it takes you to get there. You can control that you know, by not looking at. It's not a rat race. You know, I like that a lot.
Speaker 1:Yeah, can control that. You know, by not looking at it's not a rat race. You know, I like that a lot. Yeah, it's all about learning and being the best person you can be, as long as you are always growing. Yeah, because I see people, oh, if I get that role, I'll be successful. Or they focus on a, on a money, on a money uh target, right, on a revenue target or whatever. But what's the meaning? Like, how are you gonna get? Why, why do you want that money target? What are you gonna do with it? Right? Um, so I don't know. You have to go through it because of the growing, because of the person you become when you get to that next role wow.
Speaker 2:So what do you?
Speaker 1:do you miss anything at all your corporate life my well, my team, for sure, I do miss them a lot. Uh, sometimes they reply and they're like I miss you, I miss you too. So I, I miss my team.
Speaker 2:Wow, that's good, that's it, wow so is there anything that you would not trade like in this, in your entrepreneurial life? Like what would you like? Say something that you're like I would not trade this for anything else now that I know better my freedom and it's not.
Speaker 1:You know, people sometimes think that entrepreneurship because what people show out there is like, oh, the highlights and the experiences they don't know it's hard work. It is hard, so it's not freedom about I'm gonna go and sleep all day, because I'm actually working way harder than I was working on my, on my job, right, but I love what I do, yes, and the freedom of choosing what to do with my time is priceless. I I cannot put a award on that.
Speaker 2:A money target, nothing yeah, right, that is so true. I feel like I feel the same way too, like I, I tell myself every now and then like I don't think anybody could pay me however much money for me to go back to. And it's not because, again, like I, like you, I loved the job that I, I felt like I was making a difference in the drug development space. Yes, yes, so it wasn't that, you know, but I, I just there's no amount of money that would make me go back yes, I really enjoy what I do.
Speaker 1:Now I know I me too, I. And I didn't know it, victoria, until now, because you think you hear about it and like, yes, but I love my job very, like it is. But now I I didn't know it, victoria, until now, because you think you hear about it and like, yes, but I love my job, or like it is. But now I don't even know how to describe it. It's just a different feeling, yes, and it's it's less black and white. So for the people who like certainty and this is not it yeah, that's true, because everything is like a roller coaster. But invest in yourself, in your mindset, in your purpose, and things will flow.
Speaker 2:Yeah, I wanted to. I want to rehash that because we need to be clear that. You know, in entrepreneurship it's not, you know, like your paycheck is steady, you know, and then maybe at the end of the year you get a bump, you know.
Speaker 2:But there is a roller coaster, even in the finances too, depending on what's going on and all the things that you do, but it's important that, like you all just said, you have to have a goal, you have to have a vision, you have to be passionate about what you do. Yes, just stick to it. Yeah.
Speaker 1:Otherwise becomes another job Right and one that doesn't come with with a steady paycheck. So why are you doing?
Speaker 2:it, and then it gets frustrating, yeah.
Speaker 1:Yeah, exactly that's good Wow. This has been so much fun, oh my gosh, I can talk to you Like I love. You have to subscribe to this podcast because she has an ability to just have a dialogue that you forget that you're even in a podcast.
Speaker 2:I know, I know we could continue all day Like. I really enjoy, like I was really looking forward to this, and I so thank you so much for coming on and just sharing your authenticity, and you know how people yeah, we got to talk about that how can people get in touch with you to help, for you to help them find their superpower.
Speaker 1:Thank you, I love it. So, yes, you can find me in any social media under Intentional Unicorn, which is the title of my Amazon bestseller book. Intentional Unicorn, which is the title of my Amazon bestseller book, and just so you remember, we all are a unicorn and instead of hiding the horn, let it shine bright, because that's whenever you do your best work. So you can find me on any social media and then, if you go to intentionalunicorncom, you can see how I can best help you. I do a lot of keynote speaking and helping companies empower their employees to be and unleash that potential by being their best selves. I consult with companies to help also improving cultures, so that way you can bring the best of the people and help you with your company goals. And then, last but not least, one-on-one, where we really go deep and I help you uncovering those superpowers, showing them with the world and getting to your goals. I love that.
Speaker 2:So we are going to put all of that details and contacts on how to reach Jenny in the, you know, in the description, the show notes. So make sure you get in touch with her because, look, if you're looking to transition into owning your own business, there's a lot of things to consider, like we've talked about. But knowing your superpower and knowing how to shine let that shine brightly is the number one way, I feel like, make it very easy and successful and with the transition as well. So that's a wrap for today. I am so thankful that we had you on jenny, so so thankful. And, um, please, if you got any value in today's episode, please like, subscribe, share, give us a rating. I would love to hear from you as well and, until then, remember that this is a personal decision and if you need help, you know who to call. Until next time, see ya.
