Navigating Entrepreneurship: A Conversation with Barb Monson

Finding Purpose in Unlikely Places

In the dynamic world of entrepreneurship, the journey is often marked by twists, turns, and unexpected revelations. Join us as we delve into a candid conversation with Barb Monson, a seasoned entrepreneur and former CFO turned leadership consultant. In this insightful discussion, we explore Barb’s career trajectory, her transition from corporate to entrepreneurship, some valuable lessons learned along the way, and her passion for empowering others in their professional growth.

Bridging the Gap

Barb’s journey into the realm of accounting and finance began unexpectedly. Yet, she never quite fit the typical accountant mold being she was a people-first person navigating a world often characterized by spreadsheets and data. Throughout her career, Barb found fulfillment in reordering workflows and empowering individuals to realize their potential. As a CFO, she honed her ability to understand diverse viewpoints, bridging the gap between finance, leadership, and employee perspectives. This unique balance of structure and innovation shaped her approach to leadership and problem-solving. (Time Mark 16.04)

Navigating the Entrepreneurial Landscape

Transitioning from corporate to entrepreneurship, Barb embarked on a new chapter filled with both challenges and opportunities. Embracing her skill set, she found herself drawn to public speaking and leadership coaching, areas where she could leverage her expertise to drive meaningful change. As an entrepreneur, Barb emphasizes the importance of patience, persistence, and authenticity. She acknowledges the loneliness in the entrepreneurial journey but underscores the value of community and support networks. Through a blend of discipline and flexibility, Barb has cultivated a balanced approach to time management, prioritizing both professional commitments and personal well-being. (Time Mark 17.00)

Lessons Learned and Looking Ahead

Reflecting on her experiences, Barb shares invaluable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs. She advocates for a thorough understanding of business fundamentals, emphasizing the significance of legal, financial, and marketing considerations. Additionally, she underscores the importance of learning from experts and adapting strategies to suit individual strengths and circumstances. (Time Mark 21.20)

Barb’s dedication shines through her heartfelt commitment to supporting small organizations that don’t have the big corporate budgets. With a genuine passion for empowering individuals and businesses of all sizes, Barb emphasizes her desire to make valuable resources accessible to everyone. In her quest to bridge the gap between big corporations and smaller enterprises, she invites feedback from listeners, eager to tailor her upcoming leadership program to meet the diverse needs of entrepreneurs. Your input matters as Barb seeks to create an inclusive and impactful learning experience that resonates with aspiring leaders and business owners alike. (Time Mark 24.51)

Barb Monson

Barb Monson is a former CFO who now supports leaders while they navigate today’s weird workplace, Barb loves to bring disruptive solutions to the table.  There isn’t an excel spreadsheet big enough to capture all the moments someone said “You don’t act like other accountants.” She’s a strategist with the numbers, but her superpower is Bridging the Gap between different viewpoints.  Barb helps leaders adjust their techniques to match the culture  so it isn’t so hard to get results.  She brings out potential and creates unconventional ideas wherever she goes.

If what you’ve been doing isn’t working any more… you’ll want to talk to Barb.

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