We were lucky to catch up with Lee Watts recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Lee, thanks for joining us today. Do you wish you had waited to start your own firm or do you wish you had started sooner?

As a 50-something new CEO, I have always kicked myself for not starting my business sooner. Although I started my company as a side hustle in my 40s, I often wish I would have gone more fully into my business much sooner. Without my employer asking me to choose my path and career commitment, I believe that out of fear, I would have still continued to juggle a full-time career and my growing side business.

However, I was becoming more and more exhausted from doing both. I knew I wanted to show up more fully in one place and for one thing, therefore, I know God was working to force my decision. I knew it was time.

Although I sometimes wish I had started sooner, I know that all the experience and wisdom was needed right now. Starting and maintaining your own company takes a lot more than just knowing how to do something well. It requires a wealth of wisdom and keen self-awareness, among other things.

I believe in Divine Timing and know that I am always where I am supposed to be.

Lee, 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?

I am passionate about clarity. Whether helping ambitious professionals sort through their personal branding, marketing, or business development goals or speaking to groups about leadership or strategy, I get ecstatic with helping others position themselves for an impactful and meaningful brand.

I began my career in legal marketing and business development and climbed the ladder to the C-suite at a global law firm. However, I recently switched ladders and became the CEO and Founder of my own firm, ashby & co consulting where instead of solely helping attorneys, I now help solopreneurs, coaches, and authors looking to amplify their brand and business growth.

My approach and work are anchored on creating visibility, clarity, and messaging.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

As with most of us, we grew up learning the importance of hard work. My parents and former bosses enthusiastically encouraged the importance of working hard and giving your best. As I climbed the corporate ladder, I adopted a philosophy of working long hours and being “on and ready” at all times. Even on social media. I am sure we have all seen the cute social media memes and aspirational quotes that glamourize the “grind and hustle” culture. I have been guilty of engaging with many of those posts. I was all for it!

Working over 10 hours a day and being available for work and clients 24 hours a day and 7 days a week became my credo. Ironically when working in-house, I was always one of those that had a ton of vacation time left at the end of the day. However, as I am growing more into my role as a CEO, I am learning (and unlearning) the importance of mindfulness, well-being, and stillness as part of my growth and business strategy.

Without taking the time to pause, reflect, rest and recharge, we face the danger of burnout. We risk losing our creative edge. We also risk losing clients and customers because of a lack of energy and providing crisp and clean work.

In essence, I had to unlearn overworking. I had to learn to stop and trust the process. Trust that things are being done, even when I don’t see anything happening.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Two of the best pieces of professional advice I have received contributed to building my professional reputation. The first piece of advice is to network even when you don’t need to network; to not wait until you need it. For me, this meant building relationships with diverse groups of people and keeping in touch with others during busy times and slow seasons. When I was securely in my C-suite position, with no dreams of launching my business full-time, I still genuinely enjoyed meeting others and connecting with all types of people. Visibility and connection are key when building your reputation in a market or industry.

The second piece of great advice is to start from a place of “yes.” This is not always a popular opinion and has not always served me well. I have had to learn (and still learning) how to implement boundaries. However, when I have the mindset of starting with “yes” – I come with an energy of wanting to help, engage and try something new. I come from a place of “Yes, and…” There are times when I need to dial back and change my answer. But this mindset has helped to establish my reputation as being one that is eager and excited to engage and collaborate. This is important to me and has helped keep my creative juices flowing.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ashbyandwatts.com
• Instagram: @ashbywatts_consulting
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashbywattsconsulting
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leviticawatts/
• Twitter: @lywatts
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ashbyandcoconsulting

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