Inspiring Women with Betty Collins Betty Collins, CPA

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...

In a particularly uplifting episode titled "Hidden In Plain View, Lessons Learned with Eileen McDargh pt 1," we soaked in the wisdom of speaker and author Eileen McDargh, whose own journey from hardship to growth personifies the treasures tucked within trials.

Taking lessons from life’s playbook is a craft that Eileen McDargh has mastered. Her insightful books, available on her website (www.eileenmcdargh.com) and Amazon, come highly recommended for their depth wrapped in simple wisdom. Eileen's engaging conversation anticipates further enlightening discussions, hinting at a wildly anticipated part 2.



Eileen McDargh’s chronicle reveals the resilience she’s honed from Georgia to California—through divorce, a fresh marital chapter, and career shifts from healthcare to PR, culminating in a cathartic break from the inauthentic grind of press release fabrication. The ensuing path Eileen carved out as a speaker and writer underlines a central theme: the power of stories and the potency of personal experiences as guiding instruments for others.



Joy—often mistaken for happiness—is a conscious choice in the darkest hours, as Eileen McDargh stresses. Whether navigating the turbulent waters of a dysfunctional relationship or facing job loss head-on, joy becomes the compass that guides us through adversity, imbuing our reality with purpose and direction.



Challenges of Success: "Downhill is more dangerous than uphill. And when you think about that, if you are climbing the corporate ladder, it's one thing when you get to the top of the mountain, but there's something on the other side, and it's more dangerous because we become cocky. We know it all. We're not as careful as we were, and that's what happened to me." — Eileen McDargh



Every episode of joblessness, every stumble in our professional walks, houses a lesson waiting to be unearthed—an opportunity to unearth latent talents and to cultivate them. Eileen and Betty highlight the necessity of embracing our errors as catalysts for immense personal growth and the discovery of gifts that were concealed in plain view.



In a world where negativity can seem like second nature to some, changing perspectives may pose a significant challenge. Yet, Eileen McDargh recalls turning arduous moments into lessons of ingenuity—how a challenging climb can reward the persistent with unexpected spices to life's mundane flavors, like wild onions to a simple ramen.



One of the most uplifting takeaways from Eileen's inspiring career trajectory is the anecdote of her initial foray into public speaking—doubling her suggested speaking fee by client's offer, an invaluable lesson in self-worth. Eileen has since grown into a captivating keynote speaker, coach, and facilitator, inspiring countless others to claim their value.



Eileen’s book "Gifts from the Mountain" is a testament to life's raw teachings, spawned from a personal undertaking she shared with her husband. Inspired by this robust journey, "Hidden in Plain View" evolved, hinging on the ideology that within every tumble lies a teaching moment, guiding us towards revelatory personal and professional development.



Top Takeaways

1. The Art of Reframing: Transforming challenges into opportunities for growth through a change in perspective.

2. Valuing Personal Worth: Learning the importance of recognizing and asserting one’s value in professional negotiations.



3. Hidden Lessons Everywhere: Emphasizing the concept that valuable lessons can often be found in everyday experiences if we look closely.



4. Choosing Joy Over Happiness: Understanding the distinction between joy as a deeper, more resilient state, versus the fleeting nature of happiness.



5. Growth from Discomfort: Encouraging listeners to embrace uncomfortable situations as they often lead to personal development and unexpec...

Betty Collins sits down with special guest Kristin Krabacher from Brady Ware to discuss the episode featuring Brady Ware's Anita Anand. The episode is a deep dive into the inspiration and insights gained from Anita. Kristin shares her personal journey and how Anita has been an incredible inspiration, as well as the valuable takeaways from the podcast.

We are joined by Anita Anand, the managing director at Brady Ware. Anita discusses the challenges of balancing work and personal life, emphasizing the support she receives from her family. The conversation touches on setting healthy boundaries, appreciating unexpected support, and the ongoing process of learning and leading with grace.



Anita and Betty also talk about the importance of building strong support systems, acknowledging the impact of mentorship, and vocalizing support for one another. They explore the significance of finding support in unexpected places and the value of prioritizing tasks to avoid burnout.

"And then sometimes we can learn from other people's, you know, mistakes and journeys and challenges, and, you know, we don't have to necessarily reinvent the wheel ourselves, so that's always encouraging."



— Anita Anand

Top Takeaways

1. Building a support system is essential for navigating the challenges of work-life balance and professional growth. Anita Anand's advocacy for support from her family and community underscores the significance of surrounding oneself with a strong network.

2. Embracing change and self-discovery is a continuous journey. Anita Anand's career pivots and emphasis on being open to change and taking leaps of faith underscore the importance of adapting to new opportunities and experiences.

3. Setting healthy boundaries is crucial for maintaining personal well-being and managing professional responsibilities. Both Betty Collins and Anita Anand stress the importance of prioritizing tasks and commitments to avoid burnout.

4. Learning to accept failure and make mistakes is a vital aspect of personal and professional development. Acknowledging the role of failure and accepting it as part of the learning process is essential for growth and resilience.

5. Support can emerge from unexpected places and individuals. Anita Anand's reflection on the impact of mentors like Beth Blake highlights the value of seeking and recognizing support in diverse forms.

6. Teamwork and collaboration play a significant role in business success. Anita Anand's emphasis on the value of building a supportive team underscores the impact of collaboration and communication within professional environments.

7. Recognizing the support available and vocalizing support for others is essential, especially within the context of women empowering each other. Both Betty Collins and Anita Anand stress the importance of verbalizing and appreciating the support received and given.

8. Prioritizing tasks and commitments can guide professional decisions and personal growth. The emphasis on focusing on the 20% that will produce the 80% highlights the significance of setting clear priorities.

9. Being present in personal interactions and significant moments is crucial for fostering meaningful connections and maintaining personal well-being. Anita Anand's reflection on the importance of being present underscores the value of cherishing significant moments.

10. Self-grace and self-care are integral for managing personal and professional challenges. Acknowledging the need for self-grace and the emphasis on self-discovery highlight the significance of prioritizing personal well-being amidst professional pursuits.

Memorable Moments

05:40 Progressed from intern to senior manager.

06:20 Continued role growth at Brady Ware firm.

10:58 Values ground and define me, shaping my identity.

14:58 Appreciate global perspective, support, and understanding.

18:57 Balancing work and personal life for success.

22:15 Balancing family and work, focusing on presence.

25:16 Natural evolution, appreciating supportive people, building support.

26:11 Building an unexpected support system brings unexpected joy.

31:46 Setting boundaries is essential for personal success.

In this episode of "Inspiring Women with Betty Collins," host Betty Collins and a diverse group of guests engage in a thought-provoking discussion centered around the valuable lessons learned through political campaign experiences. The insightful dialogue covers Betty's personal reflections, experiences, and the influential female figures in her life, along with the impact of external factors on decision-making and outcomes.



The podcast episode opens with Betty Collins reflecting on her journey of running for office and the profound lessons she gleaned from the experience. She shares the importance of authentic engagement over mere quantity and the impact of meaningful interactions within her community.



Throughout the discussion, Betty emphasizes the significance of taking responsibility and learning from experiences, attributing her resilient mindset and values to her upbringing.



The episode also delves into early career lessons, with a focus on understanding one's purpose and motivations, and the pivotal role of strategizing for professional success. It provides a platform for guests to share their perspectives on the multifaceted nature of decision-making, resilience, and influence, particularly within the context of political campaigns and life experiences.

6 takeaways from this episode

1. Using Real Data for Understanding Voter Behavior: Betty Collins stresses the importance of using real data to understand voter behavior and the impact it has on election outcomes.

2. Authentic Engagement: Betty prefers authentic engagement and discusses impactful interactions she had in her community, highlighting the importance of genuine connections in political campaigning.

3. Taking Personal Responsibility: Betty reflects on taking personal responsibility and learning from experiences, emphasizing the need to own and control one's life.

4. Tenacity and Perseverance: Betty discusses her tenacity in running for a position despite challenges and emphasizes the importance of resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

5. Understanding Competition: The conversation delves into understanding competition and the long-term approach to effecting political change, highlighting the importance of strategic thinking and perseverance.

6. Inspirational Impact: Betty discusses the inspirational impact of her campaign on those around her, emphasizing the ripple effect of personal actions and the ability to inspire others to positive change.

Memorable Moments

00:00 Betty Collins inspires women to achieve success.

08:26 Respect constituents’ choice despite personal preference.

22:45 Reflecting on lessons learned, overcoming challenges, and persevering.

26:52 Hesitant to ask for support, but successful.



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.



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