Over time, the idea of leadership has exponentially evolved. And although both men and women have made contributions to this, women have excelled. They have broken several glass ceilings and achieved advances in a variety of fields, including technology, fashion, and science. They have built incredible enterprises, brands, and eventually a legacy for themselves. These women exist in every industry, and everyone is curious about their secrets. How it was all done. How it may be done by others. For our captivating edition, “Inspiring Fempreneurs of a Modern Era- 2023,” we have focused on powerful female role models that have achieved a number of milestones through sheer will, determination, and confidence.
After sifting through a lengthy list of rising stars and seasoned experts, we stumbled onto the life story of Concrete Blonde Consulting’s founder, Lindsey Myers. Her path serves as an example of how, if you begin working towards your goals, they will eventually come true. All you need to do is have conviction in yourself and move forward. In an open interview with Business Talk, Lindsey talked openly about her chosen journey and how she built a name for herself. So what makes Lindsey such an inspiration? Let’s find out.
MANIFESTING AS A SOLOPRENEUR
When she was a little child, Lindsey had inherited the spirit of entrepreneurship or, more aptly, leadership. She used to play CEO as a young child by sitting at her grandfather’s desk! As time went on, Lindsey grew increasingly interested in communications and ultimately earned a degree in communication with a PR emphasis from Boston University. She spent over ten years honing her craft after starting out as an intern at a small East Hampton PR firm. She chose a startup to begin her career because she enjoyed entrepreneurship, and she eventually rose the ranks to become an equity partner. She then travelled to Manhattan and opened a new subsidiary of that company in New York City.
Her thirst for entrepreneurship rekindled a few years later. She believed she had reached a plateau and had little room to move on after more than ten years. “The best option for me to advance was to strike out on my own and launch my own company,” she claims. She had the knowledge and great mentors who invested the time to coach her in business fundamentals. Consequently, Lindsey founded Concrete Blonde Consulting in 2016 and set out on her quest to cultivate reputations and generate income using business marketing tactics.
By rising to the position of Ceo of a consulting PR firm, Lindsey disproved the stereotype that men predominate in consulting business. She now works in NYC and the upscale Hamptons market as a communications specialist and “solopreneur” for businesses in a variety of sectors, including consumer goods and services, tech, lifestyle, hospitality, and non-profit organisations.
A BROAD PICTURE OF HER FIRM
Concrete Blonde Consulting is a full-service consulting firm that specialises in unique marketing solutions for business success and growth. While maintaining an emphasis on customised services, it analyses clients’ company development pipelines, looks into new potential growth areas, and offers tactics for maximising current opportunities. Additionally, it streamlines marketing initiatives, offers competitive media analytics, and creates new revenue streams. The business is continually leveraging the influencer and interactional power because it is aware of the shifting dynamics of communication. It provides a range of tools, such as social influencer campaigns and third-party PR endorsements, to reach customers and increase sales.
The firm adheres to a standard business model. Clients must pay a retainer up front, and then the firm works on a time-and-fee basis, just like a lawyer, until the money runs out. This indicates accountability and how the firm sees itself as vital for the growth of its clients. The firm is full of creative people who perform a variety of duties, including white-labelling services. The firm recognises the distinctiveness of each customer and develops custom marketing strategies with benchmarks to track its progress and focus its efforts. According to Lindsey, “We make sure we are sensitive to their needs as well as the always evolving environment in which they operate.” She is in charge of every element of the client relationship.
IN TUNE WITH CHANGING TIMES
Entrepreneurship is a less travelled path. It’s a route replete with ambiguities and difficulties that could drive someone to the brink. It was harsh, even for someone as seasoned as Lindsey. Creating a brand was one of the earliest difficulties. This was quite typical given how volatile the marketing industry is. But her commitment to her goals kept her motivated and moving forward. “I worked out every day at 5 a.m., then I started scheduling meetings with anybody who would meet with me until my schedule was jam-packed back-to-back. I would then work pretty much nonstop until after nine at night,” she said. ” She was on a “rest and repeat” routine until she and her team crafted a thoughtful portfolio with an emphasis on client acquisition.
Dealing with macroeconomic dangers like COVID-19 was another challenge. It was challenging to generate leads because so many industries were directly impacted. In situations like those, people frequently slash marketing as their first priority in order to survive the storms. As the situation demanded, Lindsey made specific choices to preserve her business. She looked after all of their prized customers first and foremost. She and her crew were always trying to grow the company and clinch deals. They were moving towards sectors of the economy that might prosper under these circumstances. Although difficult, Lindsey and her crew were able to see the end of the tunnel. This was mostly made possible by Lindsey’s enthusiasm for entrepreneurship. It made her confront issues head-on and move beyond of her comfort zone, which sped up their progress.
DILLIGENT IN THE FACE OF STRUGGLES
Though it has been tough to overpower difficult situations, Lindsey has been mastering this “craft” from her days as a fledging. During a meeting in early days of her career, she had an incident that played an integral role in her entrepreneurial career. Rephrasing the story, she says, ““I had a meeting at a Fortune 500 Company and as I stepped into the board room, the CEO glanced at me and said, “That’s Alright hun, we don’t need any coffee” — I answered by glancing around the room (where I was the only female) and then informing him that “I’d enjoy a cup of coffee with cream and no sugar”. Following that, I led the conversation all through meeting and was in charge of developing the majority of their business strategy. He shook my hand and said, “You look like a charming sweet little blonde girl, but in reality, you’re a concrete blonde,” as the meeting wrapped up. I thought it was a little unusual and decided to keep it in my back pocket and use it as my badge of honour someday.””
Also, there were other occasions when people mistook her benevolence for weakness. “There is still workplace discrimination, and many women suffer unequal access to the assets they need to start and expand their enterprises,” she adds. But overcoming these situations with a clever mentality has helped her chart an upward career trajectory. She is now a renowned strategic leader who offers advice to Fortune 500 customers on how to boost sales, manage brand reputations, and expand market share. She can take ownership of her clients’ businesses and provide support due to her innovative energy and grasp of consumer influence. Her mobility enables her to adjust to the changing environment around her and her clients.
WHAT FUELS HER INSPIRATION
Lindsey has effectively demonstrated her ingenuity, diligence, and every other trait a modern leader has to possess. She also looks for inspiration, though, and she finds it in books and in those who have gone before her in pushing boundaries. She reads a lot of fiction, like Shantaram and Atlas Shrugged. On the other side, she admires Oprah Winfrey and adopts her principles and guidance for others.
She also has close friends who run PR agencies and who act as excellent mentors for her. She like to be on an equal footing rather than competing. Everyone has adequate business, and everyone of them is distinctive since they have a separate area of specialisation. She asserts that by getting to know and sharing with one another, we may all benefit more.
WIDELY RECOGNIZED AND PRAISED
Lindsey is on a highway to glory and already have earned many accolades. After she became partner in WordHampton Public Relations, the company was ranked by Jack O’Dwyer’s as one of the country’s “Top 100 Independent PR firms.” When she founded Concrete Blonde Consulting in 2016, her company has been named one of the “Top 15 PR Agencies in New York” by The Manifest and one of the “Top 10 Best PR Agencies” by Web Surf Media. And in 2018, Insights Success magazine named her one of the “30 Most Innovative CEOs” of the year.
Together with that, she has experience counselling Fortune 500 organisations like NAPCO Security Inc. Throughout the course of her career, her leadership and competence have garnered her a number of honours, including the PRSA Big Apple Award, PRSA Bronze Anvil Award, eight MarCom Awards, nine Fair Media Council Folio Awards, Communicator Award, SABRE Award, and an Excellence in Communications Award.
In addition to this, she has given guest lectures at a number of universities, including Hofstra University and Saint Joseph’s University. She has an alluring presence that leaves an impression on many. She also engages in charity work, serving on nonprofit organisation boards and taking on pro bono clients.
VISION FOR THE YEARS AHEAD
“Direction is more important than speed.”
Although Lindsey has had a long journey overcoming obstacles and adapting to shifting circumstances, she is headed in the right way. She also has a lot planned for the upcoming years. She strives to take each day as it comes and believes in being open to new opportunities. “We never know what life has in store for us, and I stay determined to deliver the best outcome for every client I’m now fortunate to deal with on a daily basis,” she continues. She plans to advance in the areas of aerospace, healthcare, and the environment in the upcoming years. They will be able to participate in shaping the world through these industries, which have a significant role to play in advancing the global community.
FEW TIPS FOR ASPIRING WOMEN
“Find a good accountant and lawyer before you start your business. Take out a line of credit with your bank of choice. And make sure that you use a local website designer who is accessible for updates and will grow with your business!”
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Business Talk is a digital business magazine that caters to CEOs, Entrepreneurs, VC, and Corporates. While working with entrepreneurs and business executives, we focus not only on their achievements. Our mission is to shed light on business entities, including their innovations, technological benchmarks, USPs, and milestones/accolades.
