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The landscape of personal and professional growth is an intricate tapestry woven with myriad experiences and lessons, navigating the contours of human endeavor. It is within this dynamic framework that individuals like Michele Bolton, a leader whose journey embodies resilience and adaptability, find their place.<br>
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The only way to dogre wk is tolove what you do. - Steve Jobs
Editor’s VIEW The Entrepreneur's Dilemma oo many people start businesses for the wrong reasons—money, status, or an easy exit strategy. T But the cold, hard truth is that successfully building a company from scratch requires an obsessive level of passion and commitment that borders on unhealthy. If your main motivator is just turning a profit or having an exit plan, you simply won't have the stamina to survive the inevitable trials and tribulations. The line between work and life blurs into oblivion when you are obsessed with your business. You will find yourself living and breathing it every waking hour, pushing through countless challenges most would view as dead ends. The entrepreneurial journey is brutal; you will be spat on, beaten down, and constantly question why you started in the first place. An obsession is the only thing that will make you persist and plow forward when any sane person would quit. It has to be something you love so much that you will do it for free. If you view your business as just another job you can clock out of at 6 p.m., do yourself a favor and get a regular 9-to-5 instead. Entrepreneurship is all-consuming; do not start a business unless you are obsessed with the idea and ready to make your life's work. Highlighting such an entrepreneur, Michele Bolton, whose obsession gave birth to MY911 Inc, Insights Success brings forth an edition, The Most Influential Founder and CEO to Watch in 2024, underscoring her remarkable journey from obsession to success. Have a good read ahead!
Creds sales@insightssuccess.com June, 2024 Corporate Ofce Insights Success Media Tech LLC 555 Metro Place North, Suite 100, Dublin, OH 43017, United States Phone - (614)-859-2600 Email: info@insightssuccess.com For Subscription: www.insightssuccess.com www.twitter.com/insightssuccess Follow us on : www.facebook.com/insightssuccess/ We are also available on : RNI No.: MAHENG/2018/75953 Copyright © 2024 Insights Success Media and Technology Pvt. Ltd., All rights reserved. The content and images used in this magazine should not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission from Insights Success. Reprint rights remain solely with Insights Success.
Don't worry about failure; you only have to be right once. - Drew Houston www.insightssuccess.com
Story Photo Credit: Amanda Kopcic Photography & Videography
The Most Influen?al Founder and CEO to Watch in 2024 Bolton Reshaping Healthcare Narratives with Purpose- Driven Empowerment Initiatives Recognizing the significance of , self-investment, self-care, and self-belief attracts not only opportunities but also success.
Bridging Connections, Simplifying Solutions! Embrace every moment to amidst adversity., its fullest potential, for he landscape of personal and professional growth is an life’s essence lies in T intricate tapestry woven with myriad experiences and lessons, seizing opportunities navigating the contours of human endeavor. It is within this dynamic framework that individuals like Michele Bolton, a leader whose journey embodies resilience and large family, where she learned the played pivotal roles as a Team and adaptability, find their place. Rooted in values of faith, love, respect, work Relationship Manager, as well as an foundational principles of faith, love, ethic, cooperation, teamwork, Associate Investment Advisor, and accountability, Michele’s trajectory accountability, and sacrifice instilled by contributing to the growth and success traverses diverse industries, each her amazing parents. These of the team and the business. Despite chapter shaping her into the visionary foundational principles have continued the challenges posed by the evolving leader she is today. to shape her interactions and conduct nature of the business and industry in both personal and professional standards, Michele navigated them As the Founder & CEO of MY911 relationships. adeptly, ensuring a smooth client Inc., in CanadaMichele Bolton stands experience and fostering a cohesive at the helm of an innovative venture In her personal life, Michele cherishes team culture. poised to revolutionize healthcare her role as a mother to one daughter, management. Her journey is one who is now married, and as a She acknowledges the complexities of marked by personal struggle and grandmother to two wonderful managing a large practice, emphasizing realization, fueling her commitment to grandchildren. She also values the the importance of balancing address the shortcomings of the diverse circle of supportive friends intelligence quotient (IQ) with healthcare system. Through her who enrich her life with their various emotional intelligence (EQ) to company, Michele seeks to streamline interests and skill sets, particularly effectively lead and communicate healthcare information and provide those who share her passion for within the team. Michele’s journey personalized solutions, driven by a business and enjoyment of life’s underscores the significance of fervent desire to empower individuals offerings. adaptability, skillful leadership, and facing medical uncertainties. effective communication in driving Michele’s career trajectory began in business growth and maintaining a MY911 Inc. emerges as a beacon of agriculture, where she co-created and strong organizational culture. hope amidst the tumult of healthcare expanded ventures alongside the challenges, embodying Michele’s family farming enterprise. While Navigating Healthcare Challenges unwavering dedication to effecting managing multiple roles in this field, positive change. Founded upon the she gradually transitioned into finance, The genesis of MY911 Inc. emerged bedrock of personal experiences and particularly focusing on investments from a pivotal moment of personal entrepreneurial serendipity, the and wealth management and later into struggle and realization for Michele. company symbolizes Michele’s ethos healthcare. Her entry into the Confronted with healthcare challenges of embracing opportunity amidst investment sector stemmed from the throughout her twenties, Michele’s adversity. By building bridges and recognition of her potential by clients journey took a critical turn when she simplifying solutions, MY911 Inc. from the agricultural realm, leading to faced mortality at age 30, which later epitomizes Michele’s vision of her role as a Branch Administrator and prompted a reevaluation of the leveraging innovation to enhance lives subsequent advancement within the healthcare system’s shortcomings. and foster a brighter future for all. industry. In July 2018, amidst medical Let’s delve in to learn more: Throughout her tenure in wealth frustrations and a recurrence of health management, Michele dedicated issues, Michele encountered glaring Navigating Personal and herself to professional development, gaps in the healthcare system during Professional Growth earning various designations from the successive appointments. Canadian Securities Institute. She Michele reflects on her upbringing in a
Story Photo Credit: Amanda Kopcic Photography & Videography
Story Photo Credit: Amanda Kopcic Photography & Videography
The repetitive questioning and For Michele, clarity and direction are convenience, and peace of administrative hurdles compounded anchored by her guiding principle, her mind—evokes a deep sense of her anxiety and underscored the need North Star. While remaining receptive fulfillment. for a more streamlined and to evolving opportunities and personalized approach to healthcare challenges, she underscores the Michele’s journey from information management. necessity of staying true to one’s goals conceptualizing a seemingly “simple and objectives. By embracing idea” to actualizing it into a Inspiration struck when Michele adaptability and maintaining a transformative service that empowers learned of friends encountering similar steadfast focus on her vision, Michele individuals is a source of profound healthcare dilemmas while abroad, navigates the dynamic landscape of gratification. By offering a solution that leading to the conceptualization of entrepreneurship with resilience and grants people greater control over their MY911 Inc. Recognizing the universal purpose. medical information, MY911 Inc. need for a comprehensive solution to equips them with a powerful tool to navigate medical emergencies and Embracing Entrepreneurial navigate life’s uncertainties with streamline healthcare information, Serendipity confidence and agency. Michele devised the prototype for the company’s signature customized wallet Michele reflects on her entrepreneurial Seizing Opportunity Amidst Crisis cards. journey with a robust appetite for business. While she didn’t initially Amidst the onset of the COVID-19 Driven by her firsthand experiences have a specific industry or sector in pandemic, Michele was then employed mind, Michele’s career path unfolded and fueled by a desire to alleviate the in wealth management and adeptly frustrations shared by many, Michele’s organically, with each opportunity navigated the shift to remote work. innovative solution evolved into the presenting itself unexpectedly. Recognizing the potential for growth foundation of MY911 Inc. The amidst the crisis, Michele seized the company’s inception underscores Unlike her previous ventures, MY911 opportunity to leverage her time Michele’s commitment to transforming Inc. held a distinct allure for outside traditional work hours to personal challenges into opportunities Michele—it seemed to choose her. advance her entrepreneurial pursuits. for impactful change within the Drawing upon her diverse work history healthcare landscape. and accumulated experience, Michele While fulfilling her professional found that the skills acquired along the obligations remotely, Michele Striking Life’s Balance way proved invaluable in the dedicated her evenings and weekends establishment and management of the to pursuing her Family Enterprise Maintaining a balance between company. Advisor (FEA) designation and personal and professional advancing the development of MY911 commitments requires Michele to Empowering Lives Through Purpose Inc. Embracing the adage that crisis cultivate a disciplined mindset, breeds opportunity, Michele channeled organizational prowess, and a positive Michele finds her driving force in the her energies into maximizing outlook. Having confronted her profound essence of life itself—an productivity during this tumultuous mortality at a young age, Michele ethos centered on embracing every period. emphasizes the paramount importance moment to its fullest potential. of prioritizing holistic health Rejecting the notion of mere existence, Through a meticulous balance of work encompassing physical, emotional, Michele fervently believes in the commitments, educational pursuits, spiritual, and mental well-being. inherent purpose and significance and entrepreneurial endeavors, Michele imbued within each individual, harnessed the challenges posed by the Following a life-altering experience, resonating with the conviction to effect pandemic to further her knowledge and Michele’s perspective on life positive change. accelerate the progress of MY911 Inc. underwent a profound transformation, instilling in her a heightened For her, the realization of her purpose Building Bridges, Simplifying appreciation for every moment and an crystallized through the establishment Solutions even deeper sense of compassion. She of MY911 Inc., a venture dedicated to recognizes the significance of serving others and making a tangible Michele attributes a significant portion embracing gratitude and seizing each difference in their lives. Witnessing the of her success to her innate ability to day as an opportunity for growth and tangible impact of the company’s establish genuine connections and connection. services on its members—providing foster trust with others. She finds them with heightened awareness, fulfillment in actively listening to
Story Photo Credit: Amanda Kopcic Photography & Videography
individuals, valuing their narratives, these hurdles to bring MY911® to potential for mutual growth and and drawing insights from their diverse fruition remains profoundly rewarding learning. Self-development takes on experiences and perspectives. As a for Michele. many forms for Michele, ranging from critical thinker, Michele approaches reading, attending online courses, situations with a comprehensive Academic: Michele takes pride in her listening to podcasts and interviews, to outlook, recognizing the multitude of academic accomplishments in wealth attending seminars and conferences viewpoints that contribute to a holistic management, which she achieved that promote business entrepreneurship understanding. She thrives in the while balancing full-time employment. and success, such as Grant Cardone’s creative realm of business, relishing in Returning to academic pursuits after 10X Business System and annual 10X the process of innovation and problem- decades outside the education system Growth Conference. Grant and his solving. posed its challenges. Nevertheless, team provide a positive and inspiring Michele successfully acquired environment to network, learn, thrive While Michele acknowledges her numerous designations over a decade, and succeed, creating an energy that’s meticulous attention to detail as a fostering personal growth and second to none! strength, she also identifies it as a benefiting both her business endeavors potential weakness, recognizing and clientele. Fostering Positive Leadership moments where she may become overly immersed in minutiae. To Embracing Life’s Journey Throughout Michele’s career, counterbalance this tendency, she numerous experiences have proactively shifts her focus to a Michele underscores the fleeting and underscored her leadership prowess, broader perspective, ascending to a unpredictable nature of life, but one particularly gratifying higher vantage point to streamline emphasizing the paramount importance affirmation came unexpectedly when decision-making processes and of prioritizing health. Having she received random phone calls from maintain simplicity in her approach. undergone numerous emergency individuals inquiring about surgeries at a young age, Michele opportunities to join her team. These Achievements Across Domains advocates for embracing the journey inquiries stemmed from word-of- and extracting lessons from life’s mouth endorsements praising the Personal: Michele cherishes her experiences rather than solely fixating exceptional working environment daughter, Amanda, as her greatest on reaching destinations. under Michele’s leadership. personal achievement, considering her a miracle in her life. Michele expresses Encouraging introspection, Michele Managing a large, dynamic team profound gratitude for Amanda’s urges individuals to contemplate their demands a delicate balance of presence and takes pride in her intrinsic purpose and how they can intelligence quotient (IQ) and personal and professional growth. leverage their unique talents to make emotional quotient (EQ). Michele’s Amanda serves not only as a close meaningful contributions to the world. leadership style, characterized by friend but also as an inspiration and She emphasizes the significance of respect, compassion, understanding, mentor to Michele. Recognizing the recognizing one’s special gifts, finding and effective communication, has value of diverse perspectives, Michele genuine happiness, and contemplating yielded remarkable results. The acknowledges the importance of the legacy one wishes to leave behind. positive feedback from individuals having mentors from various age Michele stresses that everyone’s eager to join her team serves as a groups, enabling her to understand message and legacy hold significance, humbling validation of Michele’s different generational perspectives and underscoring the importance of approach to leadership. needs. cultivating a purposeful existence. For Michele, leadership is Professional: Michele’s professional Continuous Learning and Self- fundamentally about serving the people journey encompasses roles such as an Investment under her charge and empowering Associate Investment Advisor, them to realize their full potential. By contributing to the success of a thriving She advocates for a lifelong leading through example and providing wealth management practice. However, commitment to learning and avenues for growth, Michele fosters a she views the establishment of MY911 maintaining a curious mindset. culture of positivity and enables both Inc. as her most significant Encouraging individuals to appreciate the team and the business to flourish. professional accomplishment. the diverse array of people they Transitioning from a simple idea to a encounter in both personal and www.my911.ca marketable solution presented professional spheres, Michele believes formidable challenges, yet overcoming that every interaction holds the
Chase the vision, not the money; the money will end up following you - Warren Bennis
CEO Strategies forScaling a Busine?
Lessons from the Top caling a business is one of the what to do." Hiring individuals who most challenging yet rewarding bring diverse perspectives and S endeavors a CEO can undertake. expertise can propel the company It requires a delicate balance of vision, forward. strategy, execution, and adaptability. Drawing lessons from some of the Foster a Culture of Accountability most successful CEOs can provide invaluable insights into this complex Building a strong leadership team also process. Here are key strategies for means fostering a culture of scaling a business, inspired by leaders accountability. Leaders should be at the top. empowered to make decisions and be held responsible for their outcomes. 1. Develop a Clear Vision and This approach not only drives Strategy performance but also creates a sense of ownership and commitment among the Articulate a Compelling Vision team. One of the foremost lessons from successful CEOs is the importance of a 3. Focus on Customer Experience clear, compelling vision. This vision acts as the North Star for the company, Prioritize Customer Feedback guiding decision-making and aligning the team towards common goals. For Understanding and prioritizing instance, Jeff Bezos, the founder of customer needs is crucial for scaling. Amazon, envisioned a customer- Successful CEOs invest in gathering centric company long before it became and analyzing customer feedback to a reality. His relentless focus on improve products and services customer satisfaction has driven continuously. Tony Hsieh, the late Amazon's exponential growth. CEO of Zappos, emphasized delivering exceptional customer service as a core part of the company's culture, which Craft a Scalable Strategy played a significant role in its success. Having a vision is not enough; it must be supported by a well-thought-out strategy. This involves understanding Innovate Based on Customer market dynamics, identifying growth Insights opportunities, and setting achievable milestones. Microsoft’s Satya Nadella Innovation should be driven by redefined the company’s strategy by customer insights. By understanding focusing on cloud computing, which pain points and unmet needs, has been a significant driver of businesses can develop innovative Microsoft's resurgence and growth. solutions that resonate with their target audience. Apple’s continuous 2. Build a Strong Leadership Team innovation in its product line, heavily influenced by user feedback, has kept it Hire the Right People at the forefront of the technology industry. A CEO cannot scale a business alone. It requires a strong leadership team that 4. Leverage Technology and Data can execute the vision and strategy effectively. Steve Jobs famously said, Invest in Scalable Technology "It doesn't make sense to hire smart people and tell them what to do; we Technology is a critical enabler of hire smart people so they can tell us scale. Investing in scalable technology
infrastructure ensures that the business Secure Adequate Funding 8. Maintain a Long-Term can handle increased demand without Perspective compromising on quality or Scaling a business requires significant performance. Netflix, under Reed financial resources. CEOs must ensure Focus on Sustainable Growth Hastings, invested heavily in its they have access to adequate funding, streaming technology and content whether through venture capital, loans, Sustainable growth is more valuable delivery network, which has been or other financing options. Having a than rapid, short-term gains. Successful pivotal to its global expansion. robust financial plan that outlines how CEOs prioritize long-term value the funds will be used to drive growth creation over quick wins. They focus is crucial. on building a strong foundation that Utilize Data-Driven Decision Making can support continued growth. Jeff Weiner, former CEO of LinkedIn, Data is a powerful tool for making Maintain Financial Discipline consistently emphasized long-term informed decisions. Successful CEOs strategic goals over immediate profits. leverage data analytics to gain insights While securing funding is important, into market trends, customer behavior, maintaining financial discipline is and operational efficiencies. Google's equally critical. Successful CEOs keep Balance Vision and Execution Sundar Pichai has emphasized the a close eye on cash flow, manage importance of data and AI in driving expenses judiciously, and ensure that Balancing vision with execution is the company's strategy and growth. crucial for sustained growth. While it’s the company remains financially important to have a forward-looking healthy. Warren Buffett's prudent vision, effective execution of day-to- financial management at Berkshire 5. Adapt and Innovate Continuously day operations is what brings that Hathaway has contributed to its long- vision to life. Indra Nooyi, former term success. Embrace Change CEO of PepsiCo, effectively balanced long-term strategic vision with Scaling a business requires continuous 7. Build Strategic Partnerships operational excellence, driving the adaptation and innovation. Markets company’s growth. evolve, and so must businesses. CEOs Collaborate for Growth who embrace change and are willing to pivot their strategies tend to succeed. Strategic partnerships can be a In conclusion, scaling a business is a Mark Zuckerberg’s decision to pivot powerful lever for scaling. multifaceted challenge that requires Facebook towards a mobile-first Collaborating with other businesses visionary leadership, strategic strategy when he realized the shift in can provide access to new markets, planning, and relentless execution. By user behavior is a prime example. technologies, and customer bases. Tim learning from top CEOs and their Cook’s strategic partnerships with proven strategies, aspiring leaders can other technology companies have navigate the complexities of scaling Encourage a Culture of Innovation played a significant role in Apple’s and achieve sustainable success. ecosystem growth. Fostering a culture of innovation within the organization is equally important. This involves encouraging Leverage Network Effects experimentation, allowing for failure, and rewarding creative solutions. Elon Network effects, where the value of a Musk’s approach at Tesla and SpaceX, product or service increases as more where innovation and risk-taking are people use it, can accelerate scaling. part of the company’s DNA, has led to CEOs who understand and leverage groundbreaking advancements. network effects can create exponential growth. LinkedIn’s Reid Hoffman built the platform with network effects in 6. Manage Finances Prudently mind, leading to its widespread adoption and success.
www.insightssuccess.com The risk is not taking any risk. In a world that’s changing really quickly, the only that is guaranteed to fail is not taking risks. - Mark Zuckerberg
Practical Tips for Productivity & s a founder or entrepreneur, blend the two spheres in a way that the lines between work and suits your lifestyle and values. A personal life can often become blurred. The relentless pursuit of 2. Prioritize Self-Care success and the drive to build a profitable business can lead to burnout, As a founder, it’s easy to get caught up stress, and an overall imbalance in life. in the demands of your business and However, striking a harmonious neglect your personal well-being. balance between work and personal However, prioritizing self-care is well-being is not only essential for crucial for maintaining energy, focus, your mental and physical health but and resilience. Make time for activities also for the long-term sustainability of that nourish your mind, body, and soul, your venture. such as exercise, meditation, hobbies, or spending quality time with loved In this article, we explore practical tips ones. When you take care of yourself, and strategies to help busy founders you’re better equipped to tackle the achieve work-life integration, maintain challenges of entrepreneurship. productivity, and nurture their overall well-being. 3. Set Boundaries and Respect Them 1. Redefine Work-Life Balance While work-life integration promotes flexibility, setting boundaries is still The traditional concept of work-life essential. Establish clear guidelines for balance, which separates work and when you will and won’t work, and personal life into distinct worlds, may communicate these boundaries to your not be practical or desirable for many team, partners, and clients. Respect founders. Instead, aim for work-life your boundaries, and don’t allow work integration, where the boundaries to encroach on the time you’ve set between work and personal life are aside for personal activities or rest. more fluid and seamless. This approach This discipline will help you maintain acknowledges that work is an integral a healthy balance and avoid burnout. part of your life, and it allows you to
4. Leverage Technology Smartly present moment. Cultivate mindfulness align with your evolving needs and by practicing techniques such as circumstances. Technology can be both a blessing and meditation, deep breathing exercises, a curse for busy founders. On one or simply taking regular breaks to In conclusion, achieving work-life hand, it enables remote work, collabo- ground yourself in the present. This integration as a busy founder requires a ration, and increased productivity; on practice can help you manage stress, multifaceted approach that combines the other, it can lead to constant increase focus, and appreciate the practical strategies, mindset shifts, and distractions and an inability to journey rather than solely focusing on a willingness to adapt. By prioritizing disconnect. Leverage technology the destination. self-care, setting boundaries, leverag- wisely by using productivity tools, ing technology wisely, and cultivating automating tasks, and setting bound- 8. Embrace Flexibility and Adaptabil- a support system, you can maintain aries around your digital usage. ity productivity while nurturing your Consider implementing “digital detox” overall well-being. Remember, your periods where you unplug from work- As a founder, your work and personal success as an entrepreneur is intrinsi- related technology to recharge and life will inevitably experience changes cally tied to your ability to sustain a reconnect with the present moment. and flows, and it’s essential to embrace healthy and balanced life, so prioritize flexibility and adaptability. There may work-life integration as a key ingredi- 5. Delegate and Empower Your Team be periods when you need to dedicate ent in your journey toward personal more time and energy to your business, and professional fulfillment. As a founder, it’s tempting to try to do and others when you can prioritize everything yourself, but this approach personal pursuits. Adjust your schedule is unsustainable and can lead to and routines accordingly, and don’t be burnout. Learn to delegate tasks and too rigid in your approach to work-life responsibilities to your team members, integration. empowering them to take ownership and grow within their roles. This not 9. Celebrate Small Wins only frees up your time and mental bandwidth but also fosters a culture of Entrepreneurship is a marathon, not a trust and accountability within your sprint, and it’s essential to celebrate the organization. small wins along the way. Recognizing and acknowledging your accomplish- 6. Cultivate a Support System ments, no matter how modest, can provide a sense of satisfaction and Building a successful business can be a motivation to keep pushing forward. lonely journey, and it’s essential to Whether it’s closing a big deal, hitting have a strong support system in place. a milestone, or simply taking a much- Surround yourself with mentors, needed break, celebrate your successes advisors, and fellow entrepreneurs who and allow yourself to feel a sense of understand the challenges you face and accomplishment. can offer guidance and encouragement. Additionally, don’t underestimate the 10. Continuously Evaluate and Adjust importance of maintaining close relationships with family and friends, Work-life integration is an ongoing who can provide emotional support process, and what works today may not and a sense of grounding. work tomorrow. Continuously evaluate your approach and make adjustments 7. Practice Mindfulness and Presence as and when needed. Seek feedback from your team, loved ones, and In the fast-paced world of entrepre- trusted advisors, and be open to trying neurship, it’s easy to get caught up in new strategies or techniques that better the constant hustle and lose sight of the
The only limit to realizi our of tomorrow will be our doubts of today. - Franklin D. Roosevelt www.insightssuccess.com
Leadership is not about being in charge, Its about taking care of those in your charge. - Simon Sinek
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