Inspiring Women with Betty Collins Betty Collins, CPA

We journey through some of the most impactful lessons I’ve learned over my 40-plus-year career, thanks to five remarkable men who shaped my path.



From the unwavering core values of Austin Swallow to the employee-centric approach of Randy Nipps, and from the empowering challenges posed by Gary Brown to the innovative insights of Brian Carr and Jim Kiser, each of these men has contributed to my growth in unique and invaluable ways.



I'll share how their belief in my potential pushed me beyond my comfort zone and helped me achieve success both personally and professionally.



Let's recognize the importance of recognizing and nurturing your core beliefs, valuing employee potential, and tapping into diverse skill sets. But, perhaps the most crucial lesson learned is the one from within: learning to see and believe in your potential.

"Don't let someone else see what you need to be. You see what you need to be."— Betty Collins

Inspiring Moments



03:41 Young, inexperienced woman hired based on character.

09:19 Mentor taught valuing employees, offered job.

10:40 Reluctant worker becomes unexpected business owner.

14:59 Empowering encouragement in leadership roles at Brady Ware.

16:54 Learn from others, enhance skills, know oneself.

19:59 Emphasize self-reflection and support from others.



Inspiring Takeaways



1. - Your fundamental values and beliefs influence every decision and action you take.

2. - Recognizing and valuing the potential and contributions of your employees can lead to their growth and satisfaction.

3. - It's crucial for individuals to recognize their potential and capabilities rather than relying solely on external validation.

4. - Different leaders bring unique strengths and lessons.

5. - Growth often requires stepping out of your comfort zone.

6. - Leaders who empower and support their employees can inspire significant career advancements and personal growth.

7. - Skills beyond the traditional scope of one's job should be recognized and nurtured.

8. - Encouragement to pursue your passion and not settling for less can lead to unexpected and rewarding career paths.

9. - Regularly reflecting on the lessons learned from your experiences and mentors can offer deep insights and guide future decisions.

10. - Sharing your lessons and journey with others can be impactful.

Hosted by Betty Collins, CPA, and Director at Brady Ware and Company. Betty also serves as the Committee Chair for Empowering Women, and Director of the Brady Ware Women Initiative. Each episode is presented by Brady Ware and Company, committed to empowering women to go their distance in the workplace and at home.



For more information, go to the Insights page at Brady Ware and Company.

Forward our podcast along to other Inspiring Women in your life.

We continue our conversation with Penny Zenker, The Focusologist, a distinguished author, and keynote speaker.



After exploring impactful life lessons and personal strategies in part one, this episode focuses shifts to the concept of "gatekeepers" in our lives, how we can establish personal rules, and filters, and optimize our environment to enhance productivity and well-being.



Penny draws from her extensive experience and insight to discuss how strategic thinking when combined with behavior modification, can lead to remarkable results both personally and professionally.



We explore her books, particularly "The Productivity Zone" and "The Reset Mindset," which offer frameworks for managing time and energy more effectively.

Simplifying Complex Challenges: "It's not about how complex the things are around us. It really comes down to how simply we learn to approach it."— Penny Zenker 

Penny's Productivity Tips And Tools are mentioned in the podcast.



Inspiring Takeaways

Value of Gatekeepers**: The discussion highlights the importance of establishing gatekeepers in various aspects of life to manage energy and attention effectively. These gatekeepers can be rules, filters, or environmental settings that help streamline decision-making and reduce distractions.



Rules as Gatekeepers**: Setting specific rules can help minimize decision fatigue by predetermining actions based on one's values and priorities, such as deciding not to eat after a certain time for better health management.



Filters for Reduced Distractions**: Utilizing filters, whether they are people (like a supportive spouse) or technological tools (like app restrictions), can shield individuals from unnecessary distractions and help maintain focus on essential tasks.



Optimal Environment**: Structuring one’s environment to support desired outcomes is crucial. Accessibility to resources like water or technology can influence behavior significantly, encouraging healthier habits or reduced screen time, respectively.



Self-Tracking and Accountability**: The use of tools like time tracking in professional settings or fitness trackers personally can provide insights into how one spends time and energy, fostering better planning and prioritization.



Importance of Energy Management**: The podcast discusses recognizing and managing one’s energy as foundational, even before time management. Understanding one’s physical and mental readiness each day can influence productivity and general well-being.



Impact of Internal Communication**: How individuals talk to themselves influences their mindset and behavior significantly. Reframing internal dialogue from passive ("worked for") to active and inclusive ("worked with") can empower and shift perspectives toward more collaborative and positive interactions.



Utilizing Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)**: NLP techniques can aid in understanding and improving the connections between thought processes, linguistic patterns, and behaviors, leading to more effective personal and professional interactions.



Inspiring Moments



05:57 Realizing screen time usage is eye-opening.

07:16 Analyzing time spent to optimize professional tasks.

11:47 Tracking device provides insight into daily readiness.

15:53 Internal and external communication's effects and importance.

17:21 Be prepared, intentional, and calm for success.

21:30 Using common language for mental reset and resiliency.

24:18 Simplify,

We're diving into focus and resilience with our distinguished guest, Penny Zenker, The Focusologist, an internationally acclaimed speaker, business strategy coach, and bestselling author.



In this episode, Penny shares her transformative journey from a career in accounting and finance into the realms of technology and entrepreneurship. We explore her pivotal "reset moments," including a profound life change at the age of 19 and the influential "80-20 Rule" she learned, which emphasizes concentrating on the 20% that makes 80% of the difference in our efforts.

Applying the 80/20 Rule to Reset and Refocus:** "What's that one thing that is gonna be the most important thing, the most impactful thing that's going to make 80% of the difference?"— Penny Zenker

Penny explains the decision matrix of effort versus impact, a crucial tool for identifying where to focus your energies to maximize impact. We'll also discuss strategies for managing overwhelming circumstances, balancing responsibilities across different life stages, and prioritizing tasks effectively.



This episode is packed with actionable insights on minimizing distractions and resetting priorities to navigate the complexities of life and work dynamically.



Inspiring Takeaways



The 80/20 Rule (Pareto Principle)**: Penny Zenker emphasizes how concentrating on the 20% of tasks that produce 80% of the results can significantly enhance productivity and outcome.



Effort vs. Impact Decision Matrix**: This tool helps in identifying tasks that require minimal effort but have maximum impact, aiding in better priority setting.



Reset Moments**: Recognizing moments that require stepping back to reassess and reset goals based on current needs and priorities, as discussed by Penny following a significant personal loss.



Distraction Quiz**: A practical approach to understanding and managing distractions by identifying key areas contributing to inefficiency and stress, leading to more focused work sessions.



Dynamic Reassessment**: Both speakers underscore the importance of continually reassessing and adjusting priorities throughout the day to cope with changing circumstances and ensure focus on what truly matters.



Embracing Change in Process**: Adapting to change as part of daily routines rather than resisting it, which can lead to improved resilience and flexibility in both personal and professional settings.



Inspiring Moments



05:43 Reflect, gain perspective, and realign for focus.

07:02 Control, acceptance, and coping - the focusologist's approach.

10:12 Took leap into tech, built successful company.

13:24 Hired as chief technology officer, quit.

18:55 Resilience includes letting go, not just powering through.

21:23 Realize false urgency, focus on impact, prioritize.

25:53 Transitioning to a new season of life.

26:21 Book "Reset Mindset" aids in better communication.

31:05 Identify distractions, time-wasters, and stressors for improvement.

Hosted by Betty Collins, CPA, and Director at Brady Ware and Company. Betty also serves as the Committee Chair for Empowering Women, and Director of the Brady Ware Women Initiative. Each episode is presented by Brady Ware and Company, committed to empowering women to go their distance in the workplace and at home.



For more information, go to the Insights page at Brady Ware and Company.

Welcome back to "Inspiring Women with Betty Collins." This episode will introduce you to the incredible journey of Mari Cruz-Uribe from Brady Ware. She is a true testament to the power of impactful moments and life lessons shaping our paths.



As we reflect on the valuable insights from our previous guest, Lisa Gutierrez, Mari sheds light on her experiences and growth. With a candid discussion on giving ourselves grace and the ripple effects of our actions, this conversation promises to inspire and encourage you to recognize and leverage the ripples that you're creating in your own life.



Mari shares her transformative experience from a taxing challenge to a rewarding career in accounting and as we talk about the subtle yet profound ways we can impact others in the ordinary course of our lives.

Empowering Women in Business: "I love that we all get together. We all get a chance to meet each other, to talk to each other, to communicate, and it's so impactful in the future and in your work life because then you know these people."— Mariana Cruz-Uribe



Top Takeaways

1. **Embracing Life Lessons**: Recognizing the importance of sharing experiences and the lessons learned from them can be powerful and positively impact others who might be navigating similar challenges.

2. **Importance of Self-Compassion**: The concept of giving oneself grace and understanding when things don't go as planned, acknowledging that it's perfectly fine not to be perfect.

3. **Value of Personal Connections**: Building relationships in the workplace, particularly among women, can create a more enriching, supportive professional environment and facilitate easier communication and collaboration.

4. **Ripple Effect of Kindness**: Small acts of kindness or assistance can have profound and unexpected impacts on others’ lives, sometimes leading to life-altering changes, as demonstrated by how a tax return service paved the way for Mariana’s career shift.

5. **The Personal Side of Business**: Every business transaction or service, no matter how routine it seems, has a personal side that impacts real people and their livelihoods.

6. **Everyday Impact**: Recognizing that even ordinary tasks, if done with care and attention, can be impactful to someone's life.



 

Memorable Moments

00:00 Learn from others, share your own lessons.

04:41 Connection through Brady Ware's Women's Initiative is impactful.

07:56 Perfection shouldn't ruin what's already good.

11:50 Inspiring story about mutual life impact.

13:27 Lisa's experiences at Brady Ware, impactful.

16:31 Post-tax season fatigue, find meaning in every day.



 



Hosted by Betty Collins, CPA, and Director at Brady Ware and Company. Betty also serves as the Committee Chair for Empowering Women, and Director of the Brady Ware Women Initiative. Each episode is presented by Brady Ware and Company, committed to empowering women to go their distance in the workplace and at home.



For more information, go to the Insights page at Brady Ware and Company.

Forward our podcast along to other Inspiring Women in your life.

I have an incredible guest, Lisa Gutierrez, who turned her and her husband's vision into a reality by launching a humble food truck business that would eventually become a local sensation. Lisa's story isn't just about entrepreneurship—it's about passion, resilience, and the tenacity to build something remarkable from the ground up.

As a former manager at The Cheesecake Factory and through her husband's experiences with Cameron Mitchell Restaurants, Lisa brought a wealth of industry knowledge to their venture. However, their path wasn't paved with ease. Bootstrapping their way from a borrowed truck to a powerhouse with multiple locations and nearly a hundred employees, Lisa's tale is a masterclass in navigating the business landscape with determination and grace.



From branding mishaps to challenges in securing capital, Lisa candidly shares the lessons she has learned and emphasizes the importance of building a solid team, understanding your "why," and the value of community involvement in business growth.



Hear how Lisa's entrepreneurial drive and her commitment to her staff and community have made Dos Hermanos Taco Truck a thriving brand and a source of inspiration for all.

The Power of Entrepreneurial Support Networks: "You know there's always someone in those organizations that you can reach out to. There's always information there and it's a safe place which I think is amazing."— Lisa Gutierrez 

Memorable Moments

00:00   Lessons learned in life shape giving back.

04:52   Overcame challenges, built successful thriving business.

06:26   Importance of understanding one's purpose and motivations.

13:40   Seeking surgeon's advice led to x-rays.

19:00   Unexpected burrito purchase due to bus issue.

21:32   Share advice and support others' growth.

24:12   Navigating uncertainty, small businesses demonstrate resilience.

Top Takeaways

1. **Embrace Lessons Learned**: Recognizing the value of the lessons you've learned through your journey and sharing them with others can inspire and help them navigate similar situations.

2. **Seek Advice and Mentorship**: Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals and experts in your field can provide critical guidance and prevent common mistakes.

3. **Passion Drives Success**: Whether it's a passion for people, food, or service, finding your "why" is essential to staying motivated and overcoming obstacles in business.

4. **Challenges as Opportunities**: Facing and overcoming challenges can lead to unexpected opportunities, such as Lisa's commissary kitchen providing crucial food access to an underserved community during the pandemic.

5. **The Importance of Building Your Team Early**: Getting the right people in place, especially in finance and bookkeeping, is key to establishing a solid foundation for your business.



 

Hosted by Betty Collins, CPA, and Director at Brady Ware and Company. Betty also serves as the Committee Chair for Empowering Women, and Director of the Brady Ware Women Initiative. Each episode is presented by Brady Ware and Company, committed to empowering women to go their distance in the workplace and at home.



For more information, go to the Insights page at Brady Ware and Company.

Forward our podcast along to other Inspiring Women in your life.

Amid a world often blurred by hustle and routine, recognizing the profound lessons nestled within our everyday experiences can be transformative. In the latest episode of "Hidden In Plain View Lessons Learned with Eileen McDargh pt 2," Eileen, celebrated author, and keynote speaker, discusses the art of unearthing these hidden teachings and the impact they have on personal growth and hope.

A significant takeaway from McDargh and Collins is the endorsement of documenting our experiences. Writing down our stories facilitates reflection, fosters gratitude, and solidifies the lessons we learn. Eileen shares a poignant moment from facing a thunderstorm in the Rockies and the subsequent emergence of the moon, a symbol representing the hopeful turnover of life's challenges.



Resilience isn't just about enduring; it's about thriving through adversity and recognizing our collective and personal milestones. Together, Eileen and Betty underscore the necessity of celebrating these moments, encouraging a heart of gratitude even amid trials.



Top Takeaways







1. The Reflective Journey: Emphasize the significance of introspection on failures and taking incremental steps toward change.

2. Lessons From Nature: Highlight the metaphorical wisdom of Eileen McDargh’s mountain trek, conveying messages about carrying only what's necessary and staying aware of hidden risks.

3. The Power of Hope: Discuss Howard Zinn's perspective on hope shared by Eileen, stressing the importance of nurturing a positive outlook even when circumstances appear daunting.



4. Learning through Adversity: Explore the unexpected lessons gleaned from difficult situations, as with the challenges Eileen faced in her mountain experience and how they translate into daily life wisdom.



5. The Art of Asking Questions: Underline the practice of questioning as a means to discover joy and contribute to the world, using personal anecdotes to illustrate the power of inquisitiveness.



6. Wisdom Activation: Encourage listeners to engage with their surroundings intentionally—stopping, looking, and listening—to glean foresight and understanding from their environment.



7. Reframing Challenges: Urge listeners to adopt a mindset of reframing difficulties into opportunities for growth and to reject the pull of negativity.



8. Documenting the Journey: Advocate for writing down life experiences as a tool for reflection, lesson extraction, and cultivating gratitude.



9. Celebration of Progress: Betty Collins emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and celebrating even minor advancements amidst challenging times.



10. Resilience and New Experiences: Dive into the theme of resilience, discussed by Eileen and Betty, and encourage listeners to embrace new experiences as a means to learn, grow, and reinforce their adaptability.



Memorable Moments



08:20 Reflecting on writing and its power.



10:54 Reflect to learn, celebrate progress, and gain insights.



13:13 Resilience involves seeking new experiences for growth.



19:13 Share wisdom through questions and personal reflection.



22:02 Activate audience, gain insight, embrace foresight, reframe.



24:54 Reflect on failures and initiate dialogues with vignettes.



27:47 Eileen shares insights on finding inspiration and success.





Hosted by Betty Collins, CPA, and Director at Brady Ware and Company. Betty also serves as the Committee Chair for Empowering Women, and Director of the Brady Ware Women Initiative. Each episode is presented by Brady Ware and Company, committed to empowering women to go their distance in the workp...