Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Star Bobatoon. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Star, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Along with taking care of clients, taking care of our team is one of the most important things we can do as leaders. Looking back on your journey, did you have a boss that was really great? Maybe you can tell us about that boss and what made them a wonderful person to work for?

In my first few years as an attorney, I had the opportunity to work with two partners Jim and Allison. They were both experts in their field, they both did what it took to rise to the ranks of partner. But they possessed completely different styles of engagement. They both had the skills and the track record that made them partners but only one of them was a leader.

When I worked for Jim, I felt like I could accomplish anything. I was clear on the attitude of mind he had toward me. He often talked about the great lawyer I was going to be. Jim was a great communicator. He was straight forward and made his expectations clear. He made it clear he believed in me, and that his desire was to help me be the best that I could be. And he supported me by constantly gave me the tools. And when I faltered, when I fell, trust me, as a first-year attorney I made some mistakes, Jim stood by my side and encouraged me to learn from those mistakes and move forward. Jim inspired me to be a better attorney, to raise my expectations of myself and stretch my abilities. I loved working with Jim.

Allison was a whole different situation. I hated going Allison’s office because I knew I was going to get a beat down. She was a poor communicator. Her instructions were unclear and she didn’t like to explain or repeat herself. Her attitude toward me was clear, she saw me as a lowly, incompetent, inexperienced first year attorney. No matter what I did, no matter how hard I tried, I knew she was going to find and focus on what I did wrong. The more I worked with Allison, the more incompetent I felt, and of course, the more incompetent I felt, the more mistakes I made.

Allison set low expectations for me and I hit them.

Jim and Allison were both partners at that firm. They both had the title, but only one of them was a leader.

Star, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

1. What’s your business and who are your customers?

I work mostly with professional women to increase their clarity and confidence around public speaking. I teach them to craft and deliver powerful messages that increase their influence, their impact, and their income.

2. Tell us about yourself. For example, what first got you started working on your business, and what motivates you each day to do what you do?

I started as a child actress on stage and screen but stepped away from the spotlight and silenced my voice when the stress became too much. 25 years later, when my life of hiding fell apart, I returned to the stage as a speaker and trainer. I trained and shared the stair stage with Les Brown, and ran his speaker training program before becoming the number one trainer in a national training company. Knowing what it means to dim my light and silence my voice, I now use my expertise and background to encourage others to amplify their voices, embrace their inner light and be the stars they were going to be.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Traction Gino Wickman Secrets of the Millionaire Mind – T.Harv Ecker
Think and Grow Rich – Napolean Hill

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

3. What’s your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is to still be in business after 16 years. Other than that, my biggest sense accomplishment comes from knowing that I have the privilege of using my talents and gifts to have a positive impact on the lives of others.

4. What’s one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

When it comes to being a business owner, one of the hardest things is trying to deal with all of the emotional, financial and psychological ups and downs alone.

5. What top three tips do you have for anyone looking to start run or grow a business

My top three tips for anyone looking to start run or grow a business is 1) find a mentor, coach or a guide so you don’t have to make as many mistakes and you can share your struggles in a supportive environment. 2) Whatever you gift is, be sure to improve and enhance it along the way. 3). The biggest hurdle to overcome in business is the lack of belief in yourself. Spend the time and energy necessary to fortify your belief in yourself and what you are doing.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Ownyourstage.com; www.starbobatoon.com
• Instagram: Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/starbobatoon/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/star.bobatoon
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/starbobatoon
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/StarBobatoon
• Other: Own Your Stage Page https://www.facebook.com/OwnYourStagePage