Your background includes a career in psychology and a MSW. How has that set you up and inspired your move into personal development?
When I was pursuing psychology, I always had the goal of using the knowledge to help people better themselves and even better myself in the process. Counseling is all about improving your mindset and putting it to work through action. It’s hard to do in general and not just for the realm of mental health, but overall as a person and how we pursue anything in life.
I felt the skills and knowledge I had in this field could transcend normal boundaries and the scope of practice on a much larger scale. I think it not only helps me in the success I have had in my business, it’s also been helpful in leading a large team of people and their various personalities, goals, etc. because it is relationship based.
My degree includes administration and professional development as well, which has helped me blend the two practices together to be person-centered — when speaking about my clients as well as my partners. Approaching everything with a person-centered mindset helps us to better serve others, which is what my business is all about.
Have you always been entrepreneurial? What led you to taking the first step to developing TheCourtneyRogers.com?
I don’t know if I would say I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit, but I have definitely always taken initiative to transcend normal boundaries in my role within a workplace. I also monetized any skill I had, as a means of getting better at that skill. When people are paying you for something, you have an obligation to turn out the best product.
When I started my business, the vision I had in mind was very small. It took on a life of its own as it grew, my dreams came to life, and I saw the potential in the opportunity given. I broadened that vision to include something bigger, and everyday I try to expand on that more. My goal is to work with businesses and entrepreneurs/teams in a virtual setting to improve morale, productivity, and shift mindsets toward goal-oriented and problem solving. Each day I work on this skill and broaden my scope of practice to include something BIGGER.
I think perhaps there may be an entrepreneurial spirit, but I never sought it out purposefully. However, maybe that’s how the best visions come to life — accidentally pursuing something because its lead by the passions of the heart and not the logic of the head.
What do you feel are the most important things to progressing as a female business owner?
I think “owning it,” in every sense of the word. Owning your vision because sadly, a lot of people won’t take you seriously and will think it’s a fleeting “whim.” When you own it, stepping into your own power and vision with confidence, other people can’t help but follow. I think in anything you do as a woman, be unapologetic; don’t explain, rationalize, or justify what you’re doing — just own it.
Stop looking for or needing the approval of others to do what you want to do. Don’t suffocate your vision because people mock you, don’t believe in you, or criticize you. That’s silly. Why would you ever allow the opinions of others to dictate your life and path? The only person you need to prove anything to is the person you were yesterday. Nobody else.
What challenges have you experienced as a women in business during your career? What is the most important single piece of advice you can give to other women attempting similar goals?
I have experienced a lot of criticism from almost everyone around me. And doubt – a lot of doubt, even from my spouse. Despite being successful in nearly everything I did, it seemed somehow I still garnered doubt from just about everyone in my life. It was hard to overcome while overcoming other obstacles in my business. It was hard to dodge that 1,2 punch!
I experienced natural failures and typical setbacks business owners do, then received “I told you so” and judgement from my doubters. It was like a double whammy, but I buckled down and clung to the mindset of OWNING IT, knowing I didn’t owe anything to anyone besides myself. I didn’t have to prove myself.
When we live for approval of others, we die by their lack of approval. What I mean by that is: if you’re living for the approval of others, you’re placing too much in their hands. When that approval is not there – your dreams, visions, goals, and ultimately your motivation, die and its giving way too much power to other people. It’s having one source of life come from something you can’t control. That’s a dangerous place. If the source decides to stop supplying, you starve and die. Nothing kills your dreams faster than that.
“Live simple. Live well. Live today.” is the headline of your site. What does this mean to you and the mission for TheCourtneyRogers.com?
It is the mantra of everything I have said. It’s about simplifying life and not overthinking or over analyzing — just doing. It means take care of yourself and give yourself permission to put YOU first. I have always been a big believer that you cannot give from an empty vessel. Caring for yourself IS essentially caring for others. You deserve to be the best version of yourself and that’s what others in your life deserve as well. Stop putting other things first, leaving yourself depleted and broken, you’re of no use to anyone that way. Simply put – get out of your own way in every sense possible. Stop blocking your own blessings. Own it. Take back you.
