We recently connected with Renata Bass and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Renata thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your business sooner or later

I believe I started this business exactly when I should have. If sooner, I would not have learned all of the lessons and skills necessary to be great at what I’m doing now. If later, I would still be unhappy in the rat-race of it all, hoping to find my next great gig. None of my years in corporate were wasted. It was time well spent. I am now primed, ready and fully equipped for such a time as this.

Renata, 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?

With over 15 years of experience leading and developing early-career teams, I have firsthand knowledge of the challenges both young professionals and their employers face—from communication and leadership gaps to workplace integration, retention, and long-term engagement struggles. As Gen Z enters the workforce in large numbers, employers are facing a growing “skills crisis”—a gap between the expectations of the modern workplace and the abilities many early-career professionals bring to the table. While Gen Z is highly tech-savvy, innovative, and socially conscious, many lack critical soft skills that drive success in professional environments. The skills crisis isn’t just a challenge for Gen Z—it’s a major concern for employers, affecting team dynamics, productivity, and long-term leadership pipelines. Organizations that fail to address this gap risk high turnover, disengaged employees, and reduced innovation.

Bridging this gap requires intentional investment in leadership development programs that equip Gen Z with the soft skills, adaptability, and confidence needed to succeed. By providing structured training, mentorship, and real-world skill-building opportunities, companies can transform Gen Z employees into engaged, high-performing leaders who drive business success. That’s where RNB Leadership Consulting comes in!

At RNB Leadership Consulting, we are committed to closing the gap between academic learning and professional success, ensuring that early-career Gen Z professionals enter the workforce prepared, confident, and equipped with the essential leadership and soft skills needed to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving workplace.

Our mission is to empower young professionals with the tools, strategies, and mindset to transition seamlessly into leadership roles, drive impact, and contribute meaningfully to their organizations. We recognize that while Gen Z brings innovation, adaptability, and digital fluency to the workforce, many struggle with soft skills, professional communication, and leadership readiness—which can hinder career growth and workplace cohesion.

RNB Leadership Consulting provides high-impact, results-driven training programs designed to unlock leadership potential, strengthen workplace adaptability, and accelerate career success.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I had to pivot within the first 9 months of starting my business because I was trying to do too much at one time. This can happen so easily when you are a multi hyphenate. However, once I recognized the issue, I sought help from a coach and was able to narrow down my focus and laser point my expertise so that it would be more clear to my potential partners what I was an expert at. It can be difficult to be this hyper focused, but if you don’t get clarity on what you offer and why, you’ll only confuse potential clients and make selling so much harder.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

What continues to help me build my reputation is doing good work and staying on message about what it is I do. Again, that clarity is so important. I stay on top of research and articles related to the industry I am in, and I often post articles along with my commentary on the subject matter. This builds credibility and your knowledge-base. It keeps me abreast of what the trends are so that I can stay relevant as well. Furthermore, posting as consistently as possible also serves to build your reputation and credibility. It keeps you “top-of-mind” and gives you the opportunity to cultivate your brand. As long as your work & outcomes match your content & messaging, you’ll have good footing.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.rnbleadershipconsulting.com
• Instagram: @rnbleadership
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/renatabass/

Image Credits

All photos by Amanda Mae Steele except keynote photo.