We were lucky to catch up with Kara Duffy recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Kara, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear from you about what you think Corporate America gets wrong in your industry and why it matters.

The biggest mistake I see Corporate America making is letting sales teams or operational teams lead the direction of a creative company. We know revenues and cash flow are required for business – it’s what separates a business from a hobby. We know we need efficiencies and processes to keep everything moving forward. However, chasing the money and gantt chart should never be “why” a company does anything. Often because sales & operations have so much data behind them, the creative, customer focused teams can be bullied into where the company or brand should go simply based upon who has better data and charts. So many companies plateau in their growth, are unable to attract top talent or even connect as they used to with their ideal customers because they chased the dollars or the process instead of the prioritizing what made the brand work – creative direction, vision, and a deep understanding of their customer. I’ve seen it happen so many times with companies I’ve worked for and for clients who have called me for help. I wish companies remembered that it’s the responsibility of a sales or operational team to enhance and optimize the creative vision, the products, the marketing and the customer relationships. Leaning in on what makes your brand and product unique, leaning in on knowing your customer, and lean in on having a true vision and you will create a magnetic effect to your brand. Authentic alignment to the brand values and customers is the fastest way to increase sales. So stop crushing and over ruling the customer first creatives.

Kara, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m a business coach, consultant, speaker who helps my clients find more money, freedom, purpose and impact through my Have it All Method ™ and by helping them design A Ridiculous & Extraordinary Life ™. I am also an entrepreneur running three business of my own Powerful Ladies Media, Kara Duffy Coaching & Consulting and a new venture with my business partner Olivia Barrett, Olivet.

I’ve been an entrepreneur since 9 years old and I also worked simultaneously in footwear & apparel for 20 years creating new brands, new products, opening new markets, leading brands and more. My approach is creative from the beginning working with clients. We throw out all the rules and really choose what’s going to work best for each company. We always will borrow from successful best practices and it’s more important to do what you know is right vs what you think you should be doing.

I give people the permission to create businesses on their terms so they can do the work they’re put here to do.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

My reputation as a business coach and consultant is 100% based upon how I’ve treated each client and what I’ve given them access to achieve. I’m honest. I’m direct. I listen to clients from what they’re committed to. I give practical solutions to achieve their goals. I believe in them and can often see what’s possible for them way before they’ll even entertain believing it themselves. I truly care about my clients. My rule is that I don’t want a client who I wouldn’t want to go on vacation with. At Kara Duffy Coaching & Consulting, we’re a business family. I’m proud that my clients trust me and enjoy working with me so much that they refer their family members and close friends. I’ve never paid to market my private business coaching. It’s all be word of mouth. Proof that doing the work is more important than having a website or social media!

Any advice for managing a team?

Stop being a manager! Really!! Managing people is small. Be a leader. Be a coach. When we step into the role of manager, we automatically make ourselves bigger, better, smarter or more capable than whomever we’re managing. That’s just nonsense. Similarly no one ever actually wants to manage people, so stop doing it. Instead, be a leader who is looking for collaborators. Be a leader who is asking for those around you to rise up. Be a stand for excellence and working together. Think of yourself as the team coach or captain who is helping lead the whole team to success and there will be an automatic shift. Tell people early you will be giving them feedback, to ask for feedback and to give feedback. If you’re creating a team of people who are here to learn and improve, they will become eager for the coaching.
Leaders and coaches have high expectations. We have to hold our teams accountable and more importantly we need to prepare our teams for success. Where do they need practice? Where do they need support or tools or access? How can you do everything to clear the path for your team to step into their greatness?
High morale comes from being seen, having purpose, being respected and making an impact. Give your team members those things and you won’t have to worry about managing anyone.

Contact Info:

• Website: karaduffy.com + thepowerfulldies.com + shopolivet.com
• Instagram: @kara_duffy + @powerfulladies + @shopolivet
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karawduffy
• Linkedin: linkedin.com/karawduffy
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/karaduffy
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kara_duffy

Image Credits
Talia Friesen