We recently connected with Winter Harris and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Winter thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s go back in time a bit – can you share a story of a time when you learned an important lesson during your education?

During my junior year of college, I was taking a course on organizational behavior. The professor, Dr. Reynolds, was known for his unconventional teaching methods. One day, he divided the class into groups and tasked us with creating a business plan for a new product. Our group was assigned to develop a plan for a sustainable water bottle.

Initially, we were excited. We brainstormed ideas, researched the market, and began drafting our plan. However, as the project progressed, conflicts emerged. Two of our group members had clashing ideas about the bottle’s design, and another member was consistently missing deadlines. Frustrations mounted, and our progress stalled.

One afternoon, during a particularly heated debate, Dr. Reynolds walked into the room. He observed our interaction for a few minutes, then asked us to stop. He told us a story about his own experience in the corporate world, where he had witnessed countless projects fail due to team dysfunction. He emphasized the importance of communication, collaboration, and compromise.

Dr. Reynolds then gave us a new assignment. He asked us to put aside our individual agendas and focus on finding common ground. He encouraged us to listen to each other’s perspectives, acknowledge each other’s strengths, and work together to find solutions.

The following day, we reconvened with a renewed sense of purpose. We had open and honest conversations, listened to each other’s ideas, and started making progress. We eventually created a business plan that we were all proud of.

The lesson I learned that day has stayed with me throughout my academic and professional journey. I realized that even the most brilliant ideas can fail if there is no teamwork. The ability to collaborate effectively, communicate openly, and resolve conflicts is essential for success in any endeavor. This lesson has been instrumental in my leadership roles, where I strive to foster a collaborative and inclusive environment. It has also helped me to build strong relationships with colleagues, clients, and partners. I am grateful to Dr. Reynolds for teaching me this invaluable lesson, and I continue to apply it in all aspects of my life.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My journey began with a deep-seated desire to make a difference. After completing my MBA, I launched my entrepreneurial career, focusing on coaching and mentoring women in business. This led to opportunities in writing, speaking, and eventually, reality television.

Today, I offer a variety of products and services that cater to personal and professional development. I’ve written nine books covering topics like entrepreneurship, personal finance, and self-care. I also offer coaching and consulting services to individuals and businesses seeking guidance in these areas. My speaking engagements focus on empowering women, promoting mental health awareness, and sharing my experiences as a multi-passionate entrepreneur.

What sets me apart is my authenticity, vulnerability, and unwavering commitment to empowering others. I believe in leading by example, sharing my successes and failures, and creating a safe space for others to grow. I’m passionate about helping people discover their purpose, overcome challenges, and live fulfilling lives.

I’m most proud of the community I’ve built, a supportive network of women who lift each other up and celebrate each other’s wins. It’s a testament to the power of connection and collaboration.

Have you ever had to pivot?

8 years ago, my life took an unexpected turn when my 15-year marriage ended in divorce. It was a challenging period, filled with emotional turmoil and uncertainty. But it also became a catalyst for a significant pivot in my life.

The divorce forced me to re-evaluate my priorities, my goals, and my identity. I realized that I had been living a life that no longer aligned with my true desires. I had been so focused on being a wife and a mother that I had neglected my own needs and dreams.

So, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery. I took time to reflect on what truly mattered to me, what I wanted to achieve, and how I wanted to live my life. I sought guidance from therapists, coaches, and mentors, and I immersed myself in personal development books and courses.

Through this process, I rediscovered my passion for empowering and inspiring others. I realized that my own experiences, both the successes and the failures, could serve as valuable lessons for others. I decided to channel my energy into building a platform where I could share my story, my knowledge, and my insights.

I started writing more, speaking more, and connecting with other women who had gone through similar experiences. I launched new programs and services that focused on personal empowerment, self-care, and financial independence.

This pivot wasn’t easy. It required me to step outside of my comfort zone, to confront my fears, and to embrace uncertainty. But it was also incredibly liberating. I felt a renewed sense of purpose, passion, and joy.

Today, I’m proud of the woman I’ve become. I’m a stronger, more resilient, and more authentic version of myself. I’ve built a thriving business, a supportive community, and a life that I love. And I’m grateful for the divorce that forced me to pivot and to create a new path for myself.

This experience taught me that even the most challenging situations can lead to incredible growth and transformation. It taught me to trust my intuition, to embrace change, and to never give up on my dreams.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Building my audience on social media has been an evolving journey, filled with both triumphs and lessons learned. Initially, I focused on sharing my personal experiences and insights as a businesswoman and mother, hoping to connect with others who could relate to my journey. I quickly realized that authenticity was key. Sharing my vulnerabilities, failures, and challenges resonated with people far more than showcasing only my successes.

I also learned the importance of consistency. Regularly posting valuable content, engaging with my followers, and participating in relevant conversations helped me build a loyal community. I utilized various platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, each with its unique strengths and audience demographics.

One turning point was when I started using live videos to connect with my audience in real-time. This allowed me to create a more personal connection, answer questions directly, and showcase my personality in a more dynamic way.

Another significant factor was collaborating with other influencers and brands. By partnering with like-minded individuals, I was able to tap into their audiences and expand my own reach. I also participated in relevant challenges and trends, which helped increase my visibility.

My advice for those starting to build their social media presence:

Be Authentic: Share your true self, your passions, and your experiences. People connect with genuine content.
Be Consistent: Post regularly and engage with your followers. Create a content calendar to help you stay organized.
Be Patient: Building an audience takes time and effort. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately.
Be Valuable: Offer something of value to your audience, whether it’s information, inspiration, or entertainment.
Be Social: Engage in conversations, participate in challenges, and collaborate with others.

Remember, social media is about building relationships and connecting with others who share your interests. Be yourself, be consistent, and be patient. With dedication and authenticity, you can build a thriving community on social media.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.simplywinter.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imsimplywinter
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simplywinter
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simplywinter/
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/imsimplywinter
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@imsimplywinter

Image Credits

Rodger Polk Photography