We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Staci Kirk a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Staci, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Risk taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.
I took a risk because I had no other choice, I had to bet on myself! For 20+ years I worked in corporate America in high-ranking and high-paying executive positions. Unfortunately, my last two bouts with cancer took me out of those positions and I was left with no job and was the primary bread winner of my family. I had already started establishing myself as a Business and Life Coach but most of my programs were free. My heart was for women entrepreneurs and I wanted desperately for them to succeed. However, free was no longer an option so I officially started my coaching business. All of the things I learned from my time as an executive, I began pouring into my clients and it has been fruitful every since then.
Staci, 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 am a five-time Cancer Warrior, known to most as the Warrior Coach! Through coaching, classes, and consulting, I am able to reach women entrepreneurs everywhere to support their journey of walking in their purpose. I am also the founder of Stiletto Boss Foundation where our mission is to provide support, resources, and programs for cancer patients and their families, our youth, and women entrepreneurs (of course). I have worked with over 1,200 women in the last 4 years and that count continues to grow because my brand is built on authenticity. Let’s Win Sis Community of Women Who Win was born in 2020 in an effort to create connections during COVID-19 as well as support new women entrepreneurs with marketing, graphics, and other skills that could assist in their success.
I help women push through fear, self-doubt, imposter syndrome, societal pressures, and stereotypes, to realize their dreams and walk in their purpose. I have the ability to see them where they are and help them deal with the mess that has happened to them in their lives so they can build a firm foundation to build a successful business. Having dealt with cancer, divorce, racism in the workplace, sexism in the workplace, molestation and other traumas in my life, I am able to relate to their pain and support their healing.
I believe its YOU first and then the business. You can not have a successful business built on shaky ground; and in the world of entrepreneurship, you are your business!
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
Be authentic. Be transparent. Don’t just tell people who you are, show them. If being a people person isn’t your thing, don’t give the vibe that it is… people will eventually see right through it. Besides, being you just as you are is so much better than anything else!
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
I shared this earlier but when I was let go both times from high-paying jobs because I needed to be off longer than FMLA would allow for a cancer diagnosis. I had to get serious about my business and start charging my worth.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.stacipurposekirk.com and www.stilettobossfoundation.net
- Instagram: @brandingcoachstaci
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stacipurposekirk/
- Linkedin: Coach Staci
- Twitter: @brandingcoachstaci
Image Credits
Nisi Ezell Photography and Videography