We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Courtney Robinson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Courtney, appreciate you joining us today. What’s been one of the most interesting investments you’ve made – and did you win or lose? (Note, these responses are only intended as entertainment and shouldn’t be construed as investment advice)

Since my early 20s, I’ve had an entrepreneurial spirit and a strong desire to grow in business. Pursuing an MBA had been in the back of my mind for years. I believed it would be the catalyst for advancing my career, providing me with the tools and knowledge to excel in leadership roles. However, as I progressed in my career in clinical research, I found that an advanced degree wasn’t a requirement for climbing the corporate ladder. I achieved success and gained promotions based on my skills, experience, and dedication alone.

Despite my professional advancements, the aspiration to pursue an MBA never faded. In my mid-30s, I found myself at a pivotal point in my career. I had gained significant experience, yet I felt there was more to accomplish. I believed I had the potential to lead on a larger scale, and I knew that an MBA could help me solidify my leadership prowess. That’s when I decided to enroll in the Executive MBA program at Kenan-Flagler School of Business at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Balancing a full-time career while pursuing an MBA was no small feat. I joined a cohort of 49 other professionals, all with diverse backgrounds and expertise, to embark on this rigorous 24-month journey. My initial expectation was that the MBA would be my gateway to further corporate success. I envisioned myself moving seamlessly into higher leadership roles, equipped with newfound business knowledge and strategic thinking skills.

What I didn’t anticipate, however, was the profound impact the program would have on me personally, far beyond just business acumen. The MBA experience taught me so much more than the fundamentals of business. It instilled in me a newfound confidence, boldness, and self-assurance that I hadn’t fully realized I was lacking. Surrounded by equally driven and intelligent peers, I was challenged to speak up, share my ideas, and recognize the value I brought to the table. It was a period of immense personal growth, where I discovered my intelligence and capabilities in ways I hadn’t before.

There were moments of struggle, particularly in the beginning, where I questioned whether I would even finish. However, with perseverance and the support of my cohort, I completed the program. At the age of 38, I proudly received my Executive MBA. Shortly afterward, the degree began to bear fruit in my career. A former boss reached out with an opportunity to step into a managerial role, marking the beginning of a new trajectory in leadership for me. The confidence and skills I developed during the MBA played a crucial role in my ability to embrace these new challenges.

Looking back, the timing of this investment was perfect. Although I had initially wanted to pursue an MBA much earlier, I now realize that it happened at the right moment in my career. The program required a certain level of professional experience, which allowed me to contribute meaningfully to the cohort and truly benefit from the shared knowledge and perspectives.

The most valuable lessons from my MBA extend far beyond the business fundamentals. The unseen skills I gained—confidence, communication, strategic thinking—have been instrumental in every aspect of my life. Whether I’m guiding others as an author, speaker, or personal stylist, the insights and experiences from my time in the program continue to shape my approach and add immeasurable value to my work.

In essence, my Executive MBA was more than just an academic achievement; it was a transformative experience that empowered me to step into my true potential as a leader, mentor, and entrepreneur.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Courtney Robinson, and I’m passionate about empowering women to step into their true potential by aligning their inner values with their outward expression. As a Speaker and Champion of Purpose-Driven Style Empowerment, I guide women in discovering their authentic selves and help them project their power, purpose, and presence through a refined personal style.

How I Got Into My Industry

My journey into personal and professional development for women is deeply rooted in both my professional background and personal calling. With over 20 years of experience as a global leader in clinical research, where I led teams to meet regulatory standards in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries, I understand the importance of precision, detail, and strategy. But throughout my career, I noticed a recurring theme: the women I worked with, no matter how accomplished, often struggled with aligning their professional achievements with their image. I observed how a lack of confidence in one’s appearance could diminish a woman’s ability to command the respect and attention she deserved.

Inspired by my journey of embracing confidence and the power of presence through style, I decided to dedicate myself to helping women overcome these challenges. I wanted to create a space where professional, entrepreneurial, and executive women could explore their identity, embrace their unique beauty, and confidently express their worth through their wardrobe. This led me to launch my firm as a personal stylist and empowerment mentor, where I combine my strategic expertise with a passion for fashion and style to help women make a lasting impact.

What I Offer

I serve women by empowering and educating them through corporate keynotes, workshops, breakout sessions, and panel discussions. I specialize in leveraging fashion and style as powerful tools to help women showcase their intellect, influence, and impact in the workplace. Through my signature talks and interactive sessions, I share my unique framework that guides women in aligning their wardrobe with their purpose, enhancing their professional presence, and amplifying their visibility.

Whether I’m speaking at a corporate event, participating in a podcast, or leading a workshop, my goal is to equip women with practical strategies and insights that they can immediately apply to their careers and personal development. I also offer mentorship for women who desire to dive deeper into their personal brand, ensuring they have the support and guidance needed to make lasting transformations.

The Problems I Solve

The women I work with are often high-achieving professionals who feel that their external image doesn’t fully reflect their internal power. They might struggle with self-doubt, stress, and the feeling of being overlooked despite their accomplishments. My role is to help them shed the fear of invisibility, overcome these barriers, and step boldly into their God-given worth. I address the disconnect between how they see themselves and how they present themselves, ensuring that their image aligns with their purpose and the message they want to communicate to the world.

What Sets Me Apart

What sets me apart is the deeply personalized and values-driven approach I take with each of my clients. I don’t just focus on what looks good—I focus on what feels right and what truly represents the essence of who they are. My four pillars—purpose, poise, passion, and presence—form the foundation of my work, guiding women to create a cohesive, purpose-driven personal brand that speaks to their strengths and values.

I’m most proud of the transformations I witness in the women I work with. Seeing them light up with confidence, command their presence in every setting, and embrace their true selves is incredibly rewarding. These are not just surface-level changes; they’re deep, lasting shifts that impact every aspect of their lives.

What I Want You to Know

If there’s one thing I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know, it’s that my work is about helping you amplify your visibility, influence, and impact through a wardrobe that is uniquely yours. I believe that every woman deserves to feel powerful and beautiful, and I’m here to guide you in curating a personal style that aligns with your purpose and elevates your presence. Together, we’ll awaken the confidence that comes from knowing you are dressed in a way that truly reflects who you are and the message you want to share with the world.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Resilience has been a defining theme in my journey, particularly through the lens of my personal health struggles. Several years ago, I faced significant challenges when I was diagnosed with brain tumors, which led to brain surgery. The road to recovery was far from straightforward, as I also experienced strokes during this time. These health crises not only threatened my physical well-being but also tested my ability to continue pursuing my professional and personal aspirations.

Despite these daunting obstacles, I was determined not to let my health define or limit me. I made the conscious decision to confront these struggles head-on, seeking the right medical care, and embracing a lifestyle that prioritized my well-being while continuing to pursue my goals. It was a delicate balance—navigating the demands of a corporate career alongside building my entrepreneurial path.

In those moments of uncertainty and pain, I discovered an inner resilience I hadn’t fully tapped into before. I learned to listen to my body, honor its needs, and adapt my ambitions to align with my health. There were days when the weight of it all felt overwhelming, but through it all, I remained committed to my vision—to empower women to project their intellect, influence, and impact through their personal style and presence.

This experience profoundly shaped the work I do today. It deepened my empathy and understanding of the challenges others face, reminding me that resilience is not about being unbreakable but about rising each time we fall. It’s about finding strength in vulnerability and continuing to move forward, even when the path is steep.

The lessons I learned during those challenging years have become integral to the way I serve my clients. I don’t just help women craft a powerful image; I help them build the resilience to navigate life’s challenges with grace, confidence, and an unwavering sense of self-worth. My journey through brain tumors, brain surgery, and strokes taught me that true power comes from within, and it’s this resilience that I strive to instill in every woman I work with.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the most profound lessons I had to unlearn was the habit of second-guessing myself, especially when it came to my vision, purpose, and the unique way I serve women. As a business owner, I knew that seeking coaching and mentorship was essential for growth. However, what I didn’t initially realize was how crucial it is to find the right kind of support—coaches, and mentors whose methodologies, values, and approaches align with my own.

In the beginning, I was fortunate to work with some great coaches who provided valuable guidance. But as I continued on my journey, I made some choices that, in hindsight, weren’t fully aligned with where I was in my business or how I needed to be supported. These choices often led me to question my instincts and defer to others’ strategies and methods, even when they didn’t resonate with my core values or the way I wanted to serve my clients.

What I came to understand is that no matter how experienced or well-meaning a coach or mentor may be, if their approach doesn’t align with your intrinsic values and vision, the guidance you receive won’t be as effective or impactful. It was a hard lesson to learn, but it taught me the importance of trusting my intuition and being discerning about whose advice I take to heart.

Ultimately, I realized that while coaching and mentorship are invaluable, they must complement—not overshadow—my own understanding of my purpose and the unique way I’m meant to serve. I had to unlearn the notion that others knew better than I did about the direction I should take and relearn to trust the knowledge, intuition, and values that have guided me thus far.

This unlearning process has empowered me to build a more authentic and powerful brand, one that is true to who I am and how I’m called to serve. It’s a reminder that in the journey of entrepreneurship, the most important voice to listen to is often your own.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://imagebycourtney.com/image-by-courtney
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imagebycourtney/
• Facebook: ttps://www.facebook.com/imagebycourtney/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/imagebycourtney
• Twitter: https://x.com/imagebycourtney
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@imagebycourtney2023
• Other: https://linktr.ee/imagebycourtney

Image Credits

Jasmine Hutcherson of JLaviiPhotography