We recently connected with Olivia Ganguzza and have shared our conversation below.
Olivia, appreciate you joining us today. What do you think Corporate America gets wrong in your industry? Any stories or anecdotes that illustrate why this matters?
Corporate can be very focused on traditional ways to generate revenue and can often miss the soft data related to getting there. During my time in corporate growth and commitment were pushed onto us employees and a better more effective way, would be to pull us using tactics like motivation and inspiration.
In my experience, feedback was not taken seriously, psychological safety was shaky, and professional development was scarce.
I think what was often missing was an environment filled with trust and comfort, so I could explore my potential growth and then work towards it. There is a mindset factor that is often overlooked in professional development plans and the equation to success. When I work with c-suites, executives, and leaders, I underpin growth strategy with mindset work to connect them with the clarity and confidence needed to achieve ideal outcomes.
Studies show that employee retention and satisfaction are linked company culture and a true investment in mindset growth. Here are just a few stats (from Clear Company):
92% more likely to develop novel products and processes,
52% more productive,
56% more likely to be the first to market with their products and services, and
17% more profitable than their peers.
84% of companies agree that a learning culture leads to a more resilient organization and a better workplace culture.
Olivia, 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 help my clients connect with the clarity and confidence needed to break-through challenging situations and meet their goals.
I have worked in marketing, communications, and people management for the past 15 years (with a focus in healthcare and pharmaceuticals).
Before the age of 30 I rose through the ranks and found myself in senior leadership at a creative agency. As I started to grow my family, the demands of work and life were at an all-time high. I found myself in a position where it felt like I needed to choose between my career and personal life. I was rushed to the hospital thinking my overdrive caused a stroke. This wasn’t sustainable!
I studied how to manage stress and juggle the pressure of life – I took courses, read books, worked with coaches – and was finally able to prioritize my time in a way that aligned to my values. I was clear and confident on how I could spend energy in the areas I love:
• Departmental organization, change management
• People management, mentorship, training
• Coaching, teaching
• Marketing, communications, branding, strategy, account/brand management, client services
• Being a mom, a wife, and advocate for things that matter the most
Along my journey, I have held various professional titles like, VP, Director of Client Services, Director or Operations, Sales Manager, Account Director, Brand Manager, Consultant, Trainer, Business Owner, Coach & Online Educator.
I love that I don’t have to be one thing, but certainly could be.
What I have learned for myself, I now funnel into my work.
My approach on all fronts taps into the strategies and tools pulled from both professional and personal experience, so those I work with can breakthrough the overwhelming noise that surrounds them to find a clear path forward. In the past few years, I have helped companies and clients:
• Refine business focus to secure successful outcomes
• Develop marketing strategies and executional plans
• Launch brands into new and existing markets
• Optimize operationally
• Restructure departments, fueling growth and retention
• Manage change with clarity, transparency & progress
• Train departments on account management and communication best practices
• Nurture professional growth
• Shift mindsets to increase productivity and connection to the work
• Get clear and confident on exactly what needs to change so they can live their best life
I now offer consultation, coaching and courses.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
My whole life I followed all the rules – do well in school, go to a good college, get a good job. And yet, when I had it “all” I still felt stressed, overwhelmed and unfulfilled. I had to unlearn listening to everyone else and start listening to myself. What I learned along my journey and what I teach others now is to connect with your most authentic self, so you can gain clarity and confidence in your next step.
There are 3 ways to connect with your intuition:
1.) Meditation
2.) Journaling
3.) Mindset
All of which can connect you with the clarity and confidence needed to achieve ideal outcomes.
Any advice for managing a team?
When building a team and keep them engaged its essential to focus on the following areas:
– Establish and reinforce core values
– Develop professional development plans
– Solicit feedback and then make adjustments accordingly
– Learn more about your employees/team and what inspires and motivates them
Contact Info:
- Website: www.livconnections.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livconnections/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LivConnections/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-ganguzza-livconnections/
Image Credits
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