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

Mindy , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Almost all entrepreneurs have had to decide whether to start now or later? There are always pros and cons for waiting and so we’d love to hear what you think about your decision in retrospect. If you could go back in time, would you have started your business sooner, later or at the exact time you started?

I began my adult career journey in education. After about 8 years, I knew that I needed to make a change. There was just a nudge that I attribute to my strong faith that made me take a leap. I began working with an organization building and structuring volunteer teams. Early on, after some incredible insight from mentors, I realized I could not do it on my own and needed to give away as much of my job as I could. Also, as those teams grew, structuring them in such a way that everyone felt cared for, needed, and known was essential. It is difficult to feel that when you are part of a huge team! So, as I began structuring teams, encouraging a healthy culture, etc. there were many opportunities I had to consult others. This sparked the idea to begin my own business, I realized that tools I have picked up and have been developed by those that have lead me, or simply by trial and error have built a great opportunity to help businesses and individuals accomplish their goals.

I believe I started my business right on time. Some people say “I wish I would have started earlier,” or “I should have waited.” I truly feel that this timing is perfect. The wisdom that I gained leading up to starting my own business couldn’t have been rushed. I am grateful for every experience that I have had. The horizon is bright and there are endless possibilities ahead.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I have a passion for people to grow as individuals and leaders. There is a place for everyone, so long as there is creativity, confidence, and clear vision.
​I have had the opportunity to dedicate over a decade of invaluable experience in leadership and team development with care at the core. My expertise has consistently been demonstrated in fostering team growth, cultivating strong leaders, and creating a vibrant and enjoyable work culture. Throughout my career, I have amassed a proven track record of success, showcasing my ability to not only expand teams but also to enhance their collective potential. My passion for nurturing skills in others and building effective leaders has contributed significantly to the success of the organizations I have been a part of. My drive to help individuals grow and develop has also opened doors for Artist Management opportunities in the Music Industry. This pulls in creativity, support, drive, and a passion for others to win. A unique blend of empathy and strategic thinking is my style! I truly understand the importance of a positive and engaging work environment, believing that a fun and supportive culture is essential for both professional and personal growth.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

Managing a team while maintaining a high morale culture is essential if you would like the organization you are a part of to thrive for a long period of time. There are 3 keys that are so important to me. A healthy channel of communication, ownership, and fun! When there is space for clear expectations, feedback, and regular check-ins, it ensures each person feels valued and heard. One of the best quotes I have ever heard is “You can have control or growth, but you can’t have both.” When you allow people on your team to take ownership of things, it gives you space to focus on moving everything forward and allows your team to use individualized skills that they have, and they may be better at those tasks than you are anyways! Lastly, having a culture filled with fun and celebration is essential for any team. Something as small as going to lunch together, getting your team a surprise coffee, or even celebrating a small win creates an encouraging environment that people want to be a part of.

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

Rather than a rapid growth, it is a mixture of successes and failures over a significant period of time that builds a good reputation. All successes must be replicated, expanded, and shared in a clear way. When failures take place, as they do, people are watching to see the reaction of a leader and what it looks like to pivot. There are moments of vulnerability that take place in those spaces. There will be a record of wins, behaviors, and systems that line out who you are as a leader. This reputation also bleeds out into the team that you lead. I believe that the flexibility to try new things, fail, and try again allowed me to build confidence in the recruiting and team culture space.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mindymccombs.com
• Instagram: @mm_coach
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mindy-mccombs-2447331b/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MindyMcCombs

Image Credits

William King Photography