“In honor of Women’s History Month, I asked six clients who are women owned businesses to answer two questions about their success in business and one piece of advice and encouragement they would offer to other professional women. Each of these six women come from different industries and in most cases are trailblazers and trendsetters. Here are three of the women I highlighted. I highly recommend you read the advice and encouragement of the other three women too by clicking here.
I am so thankful for the opportunity to have worked with each of these women in identifying the right commercial real estate solution in Tampa Bay. I believe business is more than a transaction and I love working with companies who have an aligned mission. I can confidently say each of these women practice what they are sharing. Check out their website to learn more about their companies. If you have the opportunity to work with any of these women below, you could not be in better hands. Here’s to Tampa Bay, our business women leading the charge, shattering glass ceiling, making room at the table, spear heading initiatives and driving the heartbeat of our economy!” – Chelsea Drinkard.
Carrie Charles
About Carrie:
Carrie Charles is the CEO of BROADSTAFF, a Technology Staffing Firm, named a 2019 Tampa Bay Fast 50 company. Carrie is the host of 5G Talent Talk Podcast and has been a featured expert on NBC, HSN and Clear Channel networks. Carrie is a thought leader on workforce development, diversity and is a keynote speaker at national conferences. She is a 2019 Businesswoman of the Year Honoree in Tampa Bay.
Carrie is a member of the Board of Advisors of Cable Runner, a member of the Board of Advisors of NEDAS Technology Association, the Executive Director of Industry Relations for the Women’s Wireless Leadership Forum and is a sits on the Board of Directors of the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation.Carrie has a diverse background as a lifelong entrepreneur,
Certified Financial Planner, Master Certified Executive/Business Coach and the United States Marine Corps.
Best piece of advice for women in business:
“Build a personal brand and a strong network. Leverage your network to build your business. Be persistent in sales, sometimes it takes months or years to close big accounts. Do not take no for an answer EVER. Find another way.”
Key ingredient to your company’s growth:
“Hire the best people, even if they are more expensive. Nurture your business relationships by giving first, always give before you ask. Outwork everyone, including your team. Have mentors and ask for advice from those who have succeeded in your field.”
Casey Corwin
About Casey:
Casey has led an impressive career as a business owner and hands-on graphic designer in her thirty-five years working in the print marketing industry. In 2012, Corwin was named Business of the Year by the City of Tampa. Corwin has also been featured in several well-known industry publications and associations, including the Tampa Bay Business Journal, LinkedIn, the Florida Health Care Association and the National Association of Activity Professionals.
Serving as the CEO at Corwin Design & Graphics Corporation, Casey plays a major role in the day to day operations and mentoring her staff. Through her commitment to this role, she has helped Corwin retain valuable team members who have been with the company for over twenty years.
Before starting the Corwin team, she was the “hands on” Business Partner at The Sharper Edge from 1989-1993 where she was a printing press operator and graphic designer.
Best piece of advice for women in business:
“My biggest advice is to follow your passion and stay on track with your goals – they don’t have to line up perfectly, they just have to be followed. When the going gets tough, that’s when you’re in your jam; keep going.”
Key ingredient to your company’s growth:
“Honesty and respect to my team and our clients. Laughter and great music (it’s my day too so we all enjoy it).”
Angie Speller
CEO and Lead Clinician at Enso Behavioral Healthcare
About Angie:
Angie is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Board-Certified Counselor. She received her Master of Arts from the prestigious Rollins College. Aside from her training in Mental Health Counseling, Angie received specialized training in Dream Interpretation, Mindfulness Meditation, and Hypnosis. Her experience in the substance abuse treatment field as a clinical director for over five years, and eleven years additional experience in the field, indicates her dedication to the recovery population and community.
To say that Enso Behavioral Healthcare provides professional, ethical, and effective mental health services is true. That’s the essence of what we do but hardly tells the whole story. Our practice aspires to be a luxury beacon of holistic services, treating the mind, body, and spirit. We believe that we will be successful if our clients are successful.
Best piece of advice for women in business:
“One piece of advice that I would say to women in business is ‘don’t ever forget who you are’. It’s so important that you are represented in everything that you do. Your passion, your voice, and your vision are reflected in your work. No one, absolutely no one, is you and your business needs you.”
Key ingredient to your company’s growth:
“The key ingredient to my company’s growth is God and integrity. If I don’t enlist the support of powers greater than myself to come to my aid then I am lost. I believe there is value in investing in marketing, networking, or web designs but nothing can out measure God and asking for what I want. If I don’t ask God, the universe, or others for what I need and what my dreams consist of then I will never attract it to me. Keeping that a secret will not surprise others into viewing my success it will isolate me and keep me stuck doing it all myself. However, if I enlist the power of others support and help then they will look forward to my success and encourage my growth. Lastly integrity is paramount. I have to do what is right for people and not just myself. Selfishness and ego have never encouraged anyone to support someone. You don’t think about that selfish person and say, ‘I really want to help them succeed and do well in life’. We think this for the people who are genuine and kind and full of integrity. We want them to win at life. I want you to win at life. Be a person worth cheering on.”