Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Beth Batts. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Beth thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?
I didn’t set out thinking I’d one day be running a consulting business like this—I just knew I wanted to help people. My journey started with Leap2Success, where I worked with families to bridge the gap between home and school. I empowered parents to advocate for their children’s needs, from special education services to accommodations for challenges that weren’t obvious. I loved being able to make a difference, but over time, I realized I could do more. That’s when the idea of growing into a broader consulting business started to take shape.
Once the idea was there, the next step was figuring out how to make it happen. At first, I didn’t have all the answers—I just had passion, a sense of purpose, and a lot of questions! I started by reflecting on what I loved most about the work I’d been doing and thinking about how to take it further. I’m a very visual person, so my first step was to get the ideas out of my head and onto paper—or, honestly, whatever I could find! I scribbled on whiteboards, scraps of paper, even coffee shop napkins. I needed to see the pieces come together.
Then I reached out to people I trust—friends, colleagues, and mentors—and started brainstorming. Their feedback helped me clarify what I wanted to do and, more importantly, who I wanted to serve. Once I had the skeleton of an idea, I began researching. I looked into market needs, figuring out where my skills and experience could fill a gap. It was exciting but also overwhelming because, as you quickly learn when starting a business, the to-do list is endless.
From there, I started building. I sketched out programs, workshops, and frameworks. I wanted my services to make sense to people, so I focused on creating offerings that were clear and actionable, like the Career Compass Academy and other workshops. Around this time, I realized I’d need a web presence to explain what I do. I worked with some wonderful people to create a landing page and later expanded it into a website.
At the same time, I was learning the nuts and bolts of running a business—things like software for scheduling and bookkeeping, figuring out how to market myself, and managing the small (but critical) details. For instance, I made QR codes for business cards only to discover they were too small to scan—lesson learned! These moments, though frustrating, were great opportunities to grow.
The “let people know you’re here” phase was a big learning curve. Since my business is all about people and human interaction, I knew I had to communicate my services in a way that resonated. I tapped into my network, leaned on my talented film editor nephew to create videos, and taught myself how to design brochures and presentations. It was a mix of trial, error, and a lot of persistence.
All of this was happening while I was actively launching the business, so there were definitely days where it felt like spinning a hundred plates at once. I even went through a rebranding early on, which was a challenging but eye-opening process. It taught me the importance of adaptability and staying true to my mission of empowering others.
Looking back, the early days were a whirlwind, but they were also filled with excitement and discovery. Starting this business was so much more than launching a service; it was about stepping into something bigger than myself. I’m grateful for the lessons, the people who helped along the way, and the chance to do what I love: helping people and businesses thrive.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
For those who may not have heard of me before, I’m Beth Batts, the founder and President of Batts & Associates. My journey into this work stems from a blend of personal experiences, professional growth, and a lifelong commitment to empowering others. I grew up in a family business where I watched my parents build something meaningful and forward thinking and serving their clients well. That early lesson in being client-centered and working hard has shaped everything I do.
From teaching to working in industries like manufacturing, healthcare, and customer service, and even a Fortune 500 company supporting leaders, I’ve gained diverse experiences that all share a common thread: the importance of understanding people and creating systems that set them up for success. As a teacher, I loved seeing individuals discover their potential, especially when they realized strengths they didn’t know they had. That same passion carries over into the work I do now, helping individuals, teams, and organizations thrive.
At Batts & Associates, everything we do revolves around a human-centered approach and the principles of Universal Design. This means creating solutions that work for a diverse range of people, whether it’s an individual seeking direction, a team improving collaboration, or a company striving for inclusivity and efficiency. I believe empowerment is the ripple effect that happens when people and systems are supported in ways that align with their unique strengths and goals.
We offer a range of workshops and programs designed to address different needs, including:
The Career Compass Academy
This program helps individuals navigate their career paths at various life stages. Whether it’s high school juniors and seniors exploring their futures, college students refocusing their direction, or adults making significant career transitions, this program provides the tools, assessments, and action plans to move forward with confidence.
SkillLaunch
Aimed at preparing individuals for process-driven roles, SkillLaunch equips participants with foundational skills so they’re ready to step into hands-on training and excel in their roles from day one.
TrainerPro
This program is for companies that want to elevate their onboarding and training processes. TrainerPro helps prepare facilitators and trainers to deliver engaging, inclusive, and effective training that creates long-lasting positive outcomes.
The Maximizing Human Potential Series
These workshops focus on empowering organizations to build inclusive workplaces, improve team dynamics, and unlock the full potential of their workforce. From hiring practices to fostering an inclusive culture, these workshops help businesses create environments where everyone can thrive. It is also for individual facilitators who want to make sure their presentations, trainings and workshops are universally inclusive.
What Problems We Solve
My work addresses several key challenges:
For individuals, we help uncover their strengths, align their goals, and empower them to say “yes” to opportunities that fit their skills and aspirations.
For teams and organizations, we improve onboarding processes, develop effective training programs, and create inclusive workplaces that recognize and celebrate diversity.
For businesses, we ensure they aren’t unintentionally leaving people out by examining their hiring practices, job descriptions, and employee experiences through the lens of inclusion and Universal Design.
What Sets Us Apart
What makes my approach different than some is an unwavering commitment to radically including people. It starts with understanding the individual and working outward, whether it’s creating programs that align with their goals or helping companies design systems that include and empower everyone. I put the focus on practical solutions that make a real difference in people’s lives.
This rootedness in Universal Design principles, means I focus on anticipating and embracing differences rather than the standard approach of focusing on the accommodations as “extra”. This perspective helps us (the client is always the center of the process) create environments where everyone has the tools they need to succeed, whether they’re neurodivergent, facing systemic barriers, or simply looking for clarity in their next steps individually.
What I’m Most Proud Of
What I’m most proud of is the ripple effect of empowerment. When a new employee feels prepared and supported during onboarding, it creates confidence that spills into their work and the team. When a student discovers their strengths and aligns them with a career path, it sets the stage for a fulfilling future. When a business builds a truly inclusive culture, they not only attract diverse talent but also unlock the full potential of their workforce. Each of these moments contributes to a bigger impact, and knowing I get to play a role in that is deeply rewarding.
What I Want You to Know
At the heart of my work is a belief in the power of human connection and the importance of creating systems that support people where they are. Whether it’s a workshop, a training program, or a career-planning session, everything I do is about empowering people and businesses to reach their potential in ways that are meaningful and sustainable. I believe that when we focus on setting people up for success, the results speak for themselves.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Resilience is one of those qualities we all hope we have but never truly know until it’s tested. As an entrepreneur, I’ve learned that resilience isn’t just about bouncing back—it’s about adapting, learning, and keeping your eyes on the horizon, even when the path ahead changes. One of the biggest tests of my resilience came early in my consulting journey.
At the time, I was working closely with a colleague in a collaborative partnership that felt like the perfect fit. We shared a vision, and it seemed only natural to take the next step and build a business together under one name. We were excited and committed, pouring our energy into creating shared systems, reshaping our processes, and seeking advice to bring everything together. It felt like the future was set, and we could see the path ahead clearly.
But as often happens, life had other plans. Due to unforeseen circumstances, we had to pivot—and fast. The partnership we envisioned couldn’t move forward as planned, and I found myself needing to completely rebrand, rebuild my website, and restructure my materials and operating systems. And if that wasn’t enough, all of this happened just as I was preparing to travel out of state to be with my daughter for the arrival of her baby (yes, I’m a grandma!).
It was a whirlwind of emotions—disappointment, uncertainty, and admittedly, some moments of exhaustion. But looking back, it was also a time of incredible growth. Despite the challenges, I maintained my relationship with my collaborative partner, which was important to me. With some long days (and nights) and support from people I trust, I managed to rebuild in three months what had originally taken me eight to create. The rebranding came together, new colors and designs took shape, and I even learned a lot about website development in the process.
What I discovered is that resilience isn’t just about weathering the storm—it’s about focusing on what truly matters. For me, that meant keeping my dream and mission intact while finding a new way to move forward. I focused on the essentials, made decisions that aligned with my goals, and leaned on those around me for advice, encouragement, and the occasional listening ear.
This experience also reinforced a mindset that has been invaluable: focusing on the Gain. Inspired by Benjamin Hardy’s book The Gap and The Gain, I started to reflect not on what I had lost, but on how far I had come and what I had accomplished. By keeping this perspective, I was able to channel my energy into what was ahead instead of dwelling on what could have been.
Resilience is about adjusting your course without losing sight of your destination. That season of rebuilding taught me not just to persevere, but to embrace change as part of the journey. I’m proud of the path I’ve taken, and I know those steps—no matter how challenging—have brought me closer to fulfilling my mission of empowering others.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
Absolutely. Several books and resources have had a profound impact on my management and entrepreneurial thinking, shaping not just my approach to business but also how I view life and leadership as a whole. They’ve guided me in creating systems and practices that align with my mission to empower individuals and organizations while staying grounded and intentional.
One of the most influential books for me has been Essentialism by Greg McKeown. It helped me focus on what truly matters by eliminating the unnecessary and prioritizing the essential. Along with McKeown’s follow-up book, Effortless, I’ve learned to approach growth and problem-solving in ways that reduce unnecessary struggle while maximizing impact. These principles have been pivotal in both my personal life and in managing the moving parts of my business.
Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself by Joe Dispenza is another resource that has deeply influenced me. It explores how our thoughts shape our actions and realities, which is something I reflect on daily. This book has inspired me to integrate reflection and intention-setting into my routine, ensuring that my work stays aligned with my goals and values.
When it comes to workplace culture and team dynamics, The Hive Mind at Work by Siobhan McHale has provided valuable insights into how culture drives outcomes. This perspective has been crucial in my work with organizations, especially in helping them create inclusive and collaborative environments.
The Gap and The Gain by Dan Sullivan and Benjamin Hardy has had a lasting impact on how I approach challenges and celebrate progress. Its central idea—focusing on what you’ve achieved rather than what’s missing—has been a game-changer for me. It’s a mindset I return to often, particularly during high-pressure times like rebranding my business or launching new programs.
Books like Helping People Win at Work by Ken Blanchard and Gary Ridge have shaped how I think about leadership and empowerment. They remind me that the best leaders create environments where people can thrive and grow, which is at the heart of the work I do with clients.
Through my teaching role at the Institute for Professional Excellence at Davenport University, I’ve also drawn heavily on resources like Simon Sinek’s Start with Why and John Maxwell’s Developing the Leader Within You. These books consistently reinforce the importance of purpose-driven leadership and personal development, ideas that resonate deeply with me as both an entrepreneur and a coach.
In my inclusivity-focused work, The Power of Neurodiversity by Thomas Armstrong has been incredibly impactful. It’s helped me better understand the value of embracing diverse ways of thinking and has informed my programs on building inclusive workplaces, from hiring practices to team culture.
Finally, I’ve embraced tools like audiobooks to keep learning accessible and consistent. Whether it’s a walk, a drive, or a quiet moment between meetings, I use these opportunities to explore new ideas, reflect on lessons, and stay inspired.
Each of these resources has played a part in shaping my entrepreneurial and management philosophy. They remind me that growth, intention, and alignment are critical not only in business but in creating a meaningful and balanced life. These lessons allow me to empower others with the same focus and care I’ve strived to cultivate for myself.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.batts-associates.comchat
- Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/beth-batts-b489a514
- Other: BuzzSprout: https://prospeaking.buzzsprout.com
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