Many of us have heard of Goldman Sachs, whether due to its position in the arena of global finance or its commitment to fostering entrepreneurship through its 10,000 Small Businesses, 10,000 Women or One Million Black Women: Black in Business initiatives. I recently had the privilege of participating in Cohort 5 of One Million Black Women in Business. From my acceptance, I committed to giving OMBW a full “yes.”
OPEN TO LEARNING
The opportunity couldn’t have been better timed, as technological advancement was once again shifting my business due to the integration of AI into every software that I use professionally. As I vacillated over how to incorporate AI and honor creatives, as well as the integration or separation of my personal brand from my digital marketing business, I welcomed the time to think critically with someone more objective.
OMBW provided that through Sheronde Glover, who served as my business advisor. She critiqued my homework weekly and let me know when my goals weren’t as clear on paper as I thought. Her honesty was an asset. Since the goal was growth not comfort, I entered the process open to learning. That allowed me to receive.
MAXIMIZING MOMENTS
The learning modules were led by New York University Stern School of Business professors, who encouraged us to rethink the path of our endeavors — which, with solid planning, could become enterprises. Since I didn’t finish my first master’s degree at Tisch School of the Arts, I was determined to get everything I could out of this experience while I had access to this stellar slate of teachers. That meant giving the program the time required to do all the assignments and attending sessions, even if that could only be accomplished by sitting in my car with my laptop on the middle console or borrowing an office.
GETTING CLARITY
One of the hardest things for entrepreneurs to do is work on their business while working in their business. Being cognizant of the brevity of this program, I chose to pause my product development and efforts to acquire additional contracts so I could focus on the coursework. The decision gave me clarity.
Now I have an expanded community of support, a monthly accountability group, an 18-month growth plan and a library of tools. If you decide to participate in a program like this, which is designed to help you grow, give it and yourself the benefit of a full “yes.”
LaShaundra McCarty is the National Speakers Association New Orleans chapter president and American Advertising Federation Gulf Coast president elect/vice president of fundraising. Reach her at lashaundramccarty@gmail.com.
