In this episode of Founders Voyage, we had the pleasure of diving deep into the entrepreneurial journey of Michelle, the founder of Hub Rosa Coffee and the president of One Love for Kids. Michelle's story is a testament to the power of resilience, empathy, and strategic thinking in building successful businesses and impactful nonprofit organizations. Below, we break down the key insights and actionable advice shared by Michelle, offering a comprehensive guide for aspiring entrepreneurs and leaders.
Early Beginnings and Entrepreneurial Spirit
Michelle's entrepreneurial journey began at a remarkably young age. Growing up in a small town in Brazil, she was influenced by her parents, both entrepreneurs with limited access to education. By the age of five, Michelle was already engaged in business activities, selling candies and later helping her mother with her store. By 12, she had her own business, complete with employees and responsibilities.
Key Takeaways:
- Start Early: Engaging in business activities from a young age can instill a strong work ethic and entrepreneurial mindset.
- Learn from Family: Family businesses can provide valuable hands-on experience and early exposure to business operations.
Public Speaking and Leadership Development
Michelle's journey into public speaking began at nine when she started presenting for her parents' networking company, Amway. This early exposure laid the foundation for her future endeavors in leadership and business.
Key Takeaways:
- Early Exposure: Public speaking from a young age can build confidence and communication skills essential for leadership.
- Continuous Learning: Embrace opportunities to develop new skills and grow as a leader.
Empathy in Leadership
Throughout her career, Michelle has worked in various industries, including the car business, where she gained valuable insights into customer service and employee relations. She emphasizes the importance of empathy in leadership, noting that strong relationships are crucial for a successful work environment.
Key Takeaways:
- Empathy is Key: Understanding and valuing employees' perspectives can lead to a more harmonious and productive work environment.
- Build Strong Relationships: Invest in building strong relationships with your team to foster loyalty and collaboration.
Evolution of Leadership Style
Michelle acknowledges that her leadership style has evolved over time. Early in her career, she felt the need to assert her authority, often resorting to a commanding style. However, she learned that effective leadership is about collaboration and understanding, rather than simply giving orders.
Key Takeaways:
- Adapt Your Style: Be open to evolving your leadership style based on experience and feedback.
- Collaboration Over Command: Effective leadership involves collaboration and understanding, not just giving orders.
Impact of Motherhood on Leadership
The birth of her child brought a transformative change in Michelle's leadership style. Motherhood made her more vulnerable and empathetic, highlighting the importance of taking time to think before making decisions, especially during stressful periods.
Key Takeaways:
- Embrace Vulnerability: Vulnerability can enhance empathy and improve decision-making.
- Prioritize Mental Health: Take care of your mental health and well-being to lead effectively.
Aligning Ventures with Purpose
Michelle emphasizes the need to align business ventures with one's purpose. She advises entrepreneurs to evaluate whether their businesses bring in profit or are merely hobbies. Learning to let go of ventures that do not align with one's goals is crucial for long-term success.
Key Takeaways:
- Purpose-Driven Business: Ensure your business aligns with your personal and professional goals.
- Let Go of Non-Viable Projects: Don't be afraid to let go of ventures that no longer serve your purpose.
Education and Financial Literacy
Michelle discusses the broader implications of education and financial literacy, noting that even in developed countries, children are often not adequately prepared for financial decision-making. Her nonprofit work focuses on providing children with the opportunities she missed, particularly in financial education.
Key Takeaways:
- Financial Literacy: Advocate for robust financial education to prepare children for future financial decision-making.
- Empower Through Education: Use your platform to provide educational opportunities for those in need.
Cultural Understanding in Business
Michelle's experiences working across different cultures, including Brazil, the U.S., and Jamaica, have taught her the importance of understanding cultural differences in entrepreneurship and leadership.
Key Takeaways:
- Cultural Sensitivity: Be aware of and respect cultural differences in business practices.
- Global Perspective: Embrace a global perspective to succeed in a diverse and interconnected world.
Challenges and Resilience
Michelle shares her thoughts on the challenges of running a business in Brazil, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the difficulties, she remains committed to her mission and is preparing to reopen her businesses while also focusing on her family.
Key Takeaways:
- Resilience in Adversity: Stay committed to your mission, even in the face of challenges.
- Adapt and Overcome: Be prepared to adapt your business strategies to overcome obstacles.
Mentorship and Knowledge Sharing
Throughout the episode, Michelle emphasizes the importance of mentorship and helping others avoid the mistakes she made. She believes that sharing knowledge and experiences can empower the next generation of entrepreneurs to succeed without facing the same obstacles.
Key Takeaways:
- Mentorship Matters: Seek out and provide mentorship to foster growth and development.
- Share Knowledge: Use your experiences to help others navigate their entrepreneurial journeys.
Final Advice: Managing Finances and Choosing Battles
In closing, Michelle offers two key pieces of advice: the importance of managing finances from a young age and the necessity of choosing one's battles wisely.
Key Takeaways:
- Financial Management: Develop strong financial management skills early on.
- Strategic Decision-Making: Choose your battles wisely to focus on what truly matters.
Conclusion
Michelle's journey is a powerful example of how resilience, empathy, and strategic thinking can lead to success in both business and nonprofit endeavors. Her insights on leadership, the importance of empathy, and the lessons learned from her diverse experiences serve as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs. By embracing these principles, we can build successful businesses and make a positive impact in the world.
For more insights and to continue the conversation with Michelle, you can find her on LinkedIn and Instagram. If you enjoyed this episode, consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and support us on Patreon. We look forward to bringing more cooperative learning experiences to our audience.