Meet Stephanie Boyles, Founder/CEO UnbridledRider.com

Where I Met Stephanie

I initially met Stephanie through a mutual acquaintance and Stephanie had us over for dinner.  It was a special evening because Stephanie unveiled her idea and concept for UnbridledRider.com:  an amazing experience to be in on from the beginning.  Stephanie and I share a passion for horses and entrepreneurship so our connection is a natural one.

What I Really Like About Stephanie

Stephanie is a person with a good honest heart and a passion for life.  She is focused and completely involved with her chosen endeavors.  Stephanie balances her work and riding with a strong involvement with her family and has raised a smart and talented child, too.

Background

Stephanie is originally from Atlanta, Georgia and has always loved horses.  Her family jokes that she came out of the womb saying “Where’s the horse?”  As a little girl Stephanie would ride her grandma’s cow, much to the cow’s chagrin, and her grandma said the cow wouldn’t give milk for a week after Stephanie’s visits.  Stephanie is well-educated completing a PhD in mathematics by solving the Bounded Orbit Conjecture proposed by TJ Brauer in 1912—so she’s not just a pretty blond (J).  After graduation she was faced with the career decision of academia versus industry and Stephanie chose to work for AT&T Bell Laboratories in New Jersey as a systems engineer.  She switched to the business strategy and marketing side of the industry and then transitioned to be a private consultant.  Stephanie really enjoyed the flexibility and freedom of consulting work which lead her to the startup world and her present venture, Unbridled Rider, a website and collection of mobile apps geared toward equestrians.

My Ideal Client…

Stephanie is very clear about who her ideal clients should be:

     1.  People with a passion for horses

     2.  People trying to improve their personal riding and ability to train horses

     3.  People looking for a supportive community

Stephanie provides a lot of value because she wanted to create something people would use and to combine the convenience and power of technology.  Stephanie has produced the SmartPhone app 101 Dressage exercises that has now sold in over 38 countries!

3 SECRETS of my Personal Success

     1.  Belief that it can be done and I can do it.

     2.  Staying positive.  I went through a time feeling like I didn’t have enough time and a good friend told me “stop all the negative communication about other people and yourself”

     3.  Perseverance

1 Great Recommendation for the Next Person

There are so many avenues available to young women today and it’s possible to create a path that’s uniquely tailored to your unique attributes.  You are not limited to picking from the jobs that are available.   You can create something completely new.         

                                                             

My Biggest Financial Question/Concern

Young women should be self-sufficient and have their own way of making money.  I’ve been married for 22 years and we have 3 pots of money.  My husband and I created and continue to create thoughtful ways to contribute to our joint pot of money and in the process created clear boundaries and communication.

I enjoy discovering all of the ways successful women manage their money and discussing investment strategy ideas. I can be reached through my website www.taraenolan.com.

Contact Stephanie

If you are interested to join the UnbridledRider community or just have a questions, please contact Stephanie at stephanie@unbridledrider.com or visit her website http://www.unbridledrider.com/.

Meet Cindy Lindsay, Strategic Consultant

Where I Met Cindy

I met Cindy at a mutual passion of our, Capital Sisters.  Capital Sisters is an organization that is stepping beyond pure fundraising and has created a viable SEC regulated bond to support micro lending to women in developing countries.  In addition to being a board member, Cindy demonstrated her phenomenal organizational skills as we set up for the event.

What I Really Like About Cindy

Cindy is a kind-hearted and fun person to be around.  She is a successful entrepreneur and also finds time to support the causes she feels passionate about.

Background

Cindy is originally from East Texas and was raised by a slightly nonconventional ‘50s family.  Her dad contracted polio when he was 24, but never took on a victim role.  And her mom stepped up as an entrepreneur turning her skills such as sewing into income generators for the family.  Additionally, Cindy was taught that she could be anything she wanted to be.  Cindy was accepted to Rice University and studied math and science because computer science had yet to be offered.  Her husband graduated a year ahead and received a National Foundation Scholarship so Cindy agreed to spend her senior year “abroad” with him at the University of Illinois. Illinois is cold for Texans, so after graduation they quickly accepted jobs in Silicon Valley and worked for Hewlet Packard at a very extraordinary time.  HP was dedicated to growing its people in addition to their business by sponsoring courses in project and people management.  In the ‘80s, startup fever took over and Cindy and Steve (her husband) started a company and took it public.  Cindy said it was quite an experience to watch your company be posted on the NASDAQ.  They had some free time and came to ski Colorado for the season and were hooked.  Cindy and Steve figured out how to move to Boulder and haven’t looked back.

My Ideal Client…

Cindy is now part of FLS Associates, the L is for Lindsay.  This is a business accelerator for startups. Cindy found a way to support young talent and combine her experience with business and connections with investors.  She keeps to her specific area of expertise in computer systems and has a very clear description of the type of clients FLS wants to work with:

     1.  People with ideas in technologies that we are very familiar with—networking, chip design and highly integrated systems.

     2.  People who are coachable

     3.  People who are fun to work with

People with ideas in technologies that we are very familiar with—networking, chip design and highly integrated systems.

3 SECRETS of my Personal Success

    1.  Flexibility in the Entrepreneurial world.  Be willing to step out of your comfort zone and not be attached to what you think is the right answer.  You cannot be risk adverse.

           2.  Serendipity. I liked tech and got trained in tech and stepped into the digital era with the right skill set.  I equate my life to surfing—I get on the board and all the waves keep coming.  I still have to ride the board but I’m ready when opportunity shows up.

           3.  Surround yourself with great people—family, mentors, husband.  I found some mentors but cultivated many more.  It is important to go to meet and greets.

1 Great Recommendation for the Next Person

Be sure you’re solving a big problem!  Women can get pigeon- holed into roles and need to look for a passion.  Know you are stepping into a world that may not have a perfect job for you.  Explore avenues and build your career around your passion.  Always be looking for what you want.        

 

My Biggest Financial Question/Concern

Because I had such an unusual upbringing, I was raised with financial savvy.  It is important to have good communication in your relationships and be sure to include money management in your discussions.  An interesting side note is that I have two sisters.  One gave her kids an allowance and the other sister sat down each year to discuss the family chores and the financial value of each chore.  This relationship to money has translated to the kids in their adult lives, too.

Visiting with Cindy was interesting to see the impact her family had on her start in life. I enjoy discussing investment strategy ideas and can be reached through my website www.taraenolan.com.

Contact Cindy

If you are interested to learn more about her business consulting or just have questions, please contact Cindy at cindy.lindsay@flsassociates.com

Meet Melinda Buckley, Legal Administrator in Colorado Springs

Melinda Buckley is a Legal Administrator in Colorado Springs

Where I Met with Melinda

Melinda and I visited in the comfortable conference room at Buckley Law.  Her office has a huge picture window with an amazing view of the Front Range and it almost feels like you’re outside.  Melinda also has a Keurig which is greatly appreciated by coffee drinkers like me.

What I Really Like About Melinda

Melinda is quiet and confident and she tells me that “she knows her place” in the office.  I must raise my eyebrows at this moment because she quickly explains that she is the critical “behind the scenes” person that makes the superb legal service run smoothly.  She doesn’t have a need or desire to be in the spotlight and this allows her to have great perspective on what needs to be done.  Melinda epitomizes a quote I learned in basic training at the Air Force Academy about doing what needs to be done and not worrying about who gets the credit.

Background

Melinda is originally from Kentucky, graduated from college with a degree in Physical Education and was married.  She began with substitute teaching and found it was not the right fit for her personality so she took a position in a dental office.  This small operation consisted of her and the dentist so she quickly became the office manager and was effectively running the business.  This business management became her specialty as she helped found a doctor’s practice, a high end construction business, a roofing business and now she manages a law office.  Melinda jokes that she used her degree to raise her kids and her hands on knowledge to run businesses. Melinda developed a pattern of learning a task whether it was payroll or taxes and then was able to smartly hire outside help because she knew how to review the quality of the work.  Melinda is also a very astute people person and knows how to make people feel comfortable and clear on their business processes.  Melinda tactfully shared a great piece of feed back with me that I will use.  I’m a fast talker and she said it took a while to figure out who I was because the answering machine wouldn’t even pick up my name.  Melinda encompasses a quality of character that is valuable and priceless.

My Ideal Client…

Melinda thought this question was not black and white because her office has a few very specific niches and she also admitted she may selfishly like or respect a client irrespective of their income-generating potential.  Melinda settled on a simple and concise answer.  Her ideal client is “Decisive, determined and can follow through and understand their limitations (so we can do our job for them).”  Helping a client through the process of estate planning requires client-attorney interaction because it is very personal. A client needs to be engaged in the process to provide the right information to create the plan they want.

3 SECRETS of My Personal Success

1.  Knowing my Place in the Office—Again I want to take the liberty of placing some context around this statement and it reminds me of Zig Ziglar’s comment that to get what you want you need to help others get what they want.

2.  Have an Owner Mentality;  If you think salary versus hourly then you are more creative and help a business be successful.

3.  Be a Person of Character; Have pride in what you do and do what you say you will do

1 Great Recommendation for the Next Person

Be ready to be flexible in many diverse situations without compromising your ethics.

My Biggest Financial Question/Concern

Melinda told me that finances were not her interest or her strongest suit.  Like many of us, she’s had some ups and downs dealing with money and she settled on her husband’s favorite statement from Ronald Regan “Trust but Verify.”  The challenge is always how you learn enough to be able to verify without having to become an expert in the field.  For me this always brings to mind visits to the car mechanic.  I shared with Melinda my story about a recent visit for an oil change. I was told I needed to change my hydraulic fluid and they showed me a brownish/reddish fluid.  Having flown a C-130 and knowing a little bit about engines, I told them I was surprised that a closed system would become dirty and asked if there was also a leak because hydraulic fluid actually is a brownish color.  The attendant sheepishly came back a few minutes later and told me he must have had a dirty rag. As a high net worth advisor, I ensure my clients can ask questions and I help them locate outside sources to “trust but verify” because this service is serious business and is all about trust. I enjoy discussing investment strategy ideas and can be reached through my website www.taraenolan.com.

Contact Melinda

www.Buckleylaw.com

Meet Deborah Hill, Strategic Consultant

Deborah Hill is a Strategic Consultant

Where I Met with Deborah

I enjoyed meeting with Deborah on a beautiful July summer day in the Black Forest.  We got to sit on a broad wooden deck overlooking a wide green field and surrounded on by tall pine trees.  The fresh pine scent was refreshing and the cool breeze caressed the skin—an amazing place to become a sanctuary.  Deborah and I initially met at the same time I was being introduced to Capital Sisters, an organization that provides microloans to women around the world.  It is always fun to meet new people and see how your interests can intersect.

What I Really Like About Deborah

Deborah is a person with depth and you will not uncover all of her layers at first glance.  Deborah leads a full life balancing her work and family and charity and has a very down to earth way about her.

Background

Deborah is originally from the East Coast (Wilmington, Delaware) and has an interesting educational path.  She studied French at Mount Holyoke and received a Master’s in Foreign Affairs.  She worked as a Special Assistant to the Deputy Secretary of Commerce and Foreign Business as a political appointee.  When a change in office happened, Deborah and her husband went West to Santa Fe before settling in Castle Rock just south of Denver.  While raising her 2 successful sons, Deborah held a variety of positions to include being a successful stockbroker and working in the oil and gas field.  Deborah is now getting more involved in supporting women’s rights around the world with organizations to include Capital Sisters, Beyond Our Borders, the Women’s Forum  and Electing Women.

My Ideal Client…

Deborah is now a Strategic Consultant focusing on Environmental concerns.  Her ideal client is a foundation or individual with a large project that has the potential to create a win-win outcome.  Her current project is turning 1500 acres of land that has been deeded to the Audubon Society of Colorado into a sustainable sanctuary.  She’s conducting a feasibility study to figure out the best ways to manage the property, learning about the community that already exists around the property and exploring a truly inspired way to bring together mission and sustainability.

3 SECRETS of My Personal Success

1.        Persistence—Don’t take no for an answer

2.       Do Your Homework—Be prepared for an interview or meeting, research all you can before you sit down with a new person, business, etc

3.       Be Brave and Reinvent Yourself—Think strategically about what you want to do and then create a plan with steps to get there

1 Great Recommendation for the Next Person

Nothing worth doing comes easily.  Of course life should be fun but you will have to work out of your comfort zone at times to reach your goals.  Don’t be a quitter—figure it out!

   

My Biggest Financial Question/Concern

Deborah asked me a little about my business and her most pressing question was how I did my due diligence.  Since I hire money managers with philosophies and strategies to suit each individual client, Deborah was interested to know how I established my criteria and identified strong companies.  She applies this same research when investigating a charity or non-profit to work with as well. I enjoy discussing investment strategy ideas and can be reached through my website www.taraenolan.com.

Contact Deborah

If you are interested to contribute to the Bird Sanctuary or just have a questions, please contact Deborah at deborahbhill@msn.com

Meet Irene Arndt owner of Infinite Heart Resources, LLC

What I Really Like About Irene

Irene expects people to work with her for their healing solution versus just taking someone on as a client that is not really committed to the process.  This demonstrates a high level of integrity.

Background

Irene spent high value time homeschooling her children and preparing them to be good members of society.  Irene opened her home to other children as well.  Irene has continued with this theme in her business by creating an open and safe environment for the people she works with in the healing process.  Irene is continuously educating herself and works with Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy, Matrix Energetics, and more to keep up with the best practices of her field. Irene is currently located in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

My Ideal Client…

A person looking for support and guidance who understands that they are ultimately responsible for their healing and are ready for the journey that includes the physical, spiritual, emotional, mental, and etheral.  I will meet the client where they are spiritually and emotionally to create a path to healing.

3 SECRETS of my Personal Success

1.       Me being Me—Trusting myself and being true to myself

2.       Focus on what I want in my relationships with God and others.

3.       Developing a strong sense of purpose as I developed my own self-awareness

1 Great Recommendation for the Next Person          

Learn to identify what makes you feel good instead of being wrapped up in “what you should do.”  A simple technique is to sit quietly with a choice, tune into your core or heart, and see how it makes you feel.  More powerful or more fearful? Constricted or open? Which choice feels right and which choice feels not right?  Pick the contrast that resonates with you.

Contact Irene

719-651-9466

Irene@infiniteheartresources.info

http://infiniteheartresources.info

www.craniosacraltherapy.org

Colorado Springs, Colorado 

Meet Diane Snead owner of Type A Professional Organizers in Colorado Springs

What I Really Like About Diane

Diane is a courageous entrepreneur who decided to figure out how to combine her personal talents, skills and interest to help people in a win-win situation.

Background

Diane started off as a mechanical engineer but found that there was something missing from this career path.  As she started investigating entrepreneurial options, Diane found she could capitalize on her natural organization skills and create a company to help other businesses focus on their business instead of drowning in disorganization.  Diane helps her clients decrease stress in their workplaces by creating good processes for them to follow.  She is a Certified Black Belt in Lean Six Sigma and a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers.  Additionally, Diane is a great communicator and is available for public speaking. Diane is currently located in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

My Ideal Client…

Diane likes to work with companies that have 20 or fewer employees.  They feel like they’ve been working hard but do not have the sales they are looking to generate.  Their office may be a visual disaster area.  She is most effective when she can present to the entire team at one time to get everyone in the company on the same page and this also saves the company time, too.

3 SECRETS of my Personal Success

1.      Get out of your personal comfort zone—this can be tough but it is rewarding both personally and professionally

2.       Keep up with Technology and pursue your field’s certifications with continuous education

3.       Give away value for FREE

1 Great Recommendation for the Next Person

“If the worst you can do is fail, then what’s the big deal?”

Contact Diane

719-229-9892

diane@typeapo.com

http://www.typeapo.com/

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Successful Women Business Owners in Colorado Springs

I decided to create a special 6-part series for my Free monthly teleconference hosted by Tara Nolan Advisory Services, ltd focusing on successful business women in Colorado Springs.  I want to work with women business owners as a High Net Worth Advisor and I wanted to create a win-win way to connect with awesome ladies. When I started asking for recommendations for interviewees the response was staggering. So, I am going to conduct one-on-one interviews with all of these interesting women and then start posting some great info about them on this blog.  I have decided on an overall format as follows:

A basic background

A description of their ideal client

3 SECRETS of their Personal Success

and

1 recommendation for others out there starting their business.

So get ready to start meeting some women-owned businesses!

Tara :)