The C-Suite Mentor – Business Growth for Small Business Leaders with Theresa Cantley

Episode Description: Are you a leader who often thinks, “I already know this,” and “We’ve always done it this way,” or are you truly open to being a lifelong learner? Whether you realize it or not, lifelong learning might be the key to business success you’re missing. In this episode of The C-Suite Mentor, Theresa Cantley explores what it means to be a lifelong learner and how it can transform your leadership. She looks at the key traits of creativity, curiosity, and capacity, and how staying open to new ideas can help you lead with more impact. Theresa also shares practical advice on expanding your identity, influence, and impact as your business grows. Whether you're managing a team or scaling your business, this episode is full of insights to help you level up as a leader. Tune in and discover how embracing learning can take your leadership to the next level! Things to listen for: •How being open to new ideas helps you discover creative solutions •Why your capacity to manage your emotions matters for leadership success •What expanding your influence looks like in leadership •Why curiosity is crucial for business and leadership growth READY TO UNCOVER THE BLIND SPOT HURTING YOUR SMALL BUSINESS? Take this quiz to uncover what’s holding your business back from success: Click here to take the quiz!

We all know that the world is hurting. But so you ever think to yourself, “I’m just a small business. What can I do to help?” According to Theresa Cantley, you can do more than you realize to create global change.   In this episode of The C-Suite Mentor, Theresa Cantley shares how small businesses can create meaningful change, not just in their local communities, but globally. She explores how you as a small business leader can amplify your message, grow and adapt with a changing world, and make a real difference. Whether it’s supporting local organizations or connecting with people across the globe, this episode will inspire you to see the power of your small business and its potential for a better tomorrow.   Things to listen for: How small business leaders can do more to create worldwide change than they realize Why embracing diversity of perspectives in business is crucial for innovation and growth What small business owners can do to leave the planet better for future generations Why scaling isn't just about profits – it’s about amplifying your message to impact the world   READY TO UNCOVER THE BLIND SPOT HURTING YOUR SMALL BUSINESS? Take this quiz to uncover what’s holding your business back from success: https://theresacantley.lpages.co/quiz/

We’ve all heard the advice that we need to be delegating and handing off tasks. But what if doing everything in your business is actually a good thing? In this episode of The C-Suite Mentor Podcast, Theresa Cantley explores why wearing all the hats in your business, especially in the beginning, will build you into a stronger leader and help you scale faster. Theresa shares personal experiences from her corporate days of learning every aspect of the business, from customer service to operations, marketing, and inventory. Tune in to discover why doing everything in your business can give you the tools to scale faster, create a healthier work culture, and make better decisions. Things to listen for: Theresa’s journey of learning to do it all in a business Why having a deep understanding of every aspect of your business can make you a more powerful leader How doing it all in your business will set a solid foundation for your business to grow and scale How understanding the inner workings of your business will build respect with your team READY TO UNCOVER THE BLIND SPOT HURTING YOUR SMALL BUSINESS? Take this quiz to uncover what’s holding your business back from success: https://theresacantley.lpages.co/quiz/  

Have you ever sat in a meeting and thought, “Can we just finish this already?”    You’re not alone. Most leaders and business owners have been there. We love when things are complete, and we love the satisfaction of checking things off our to-do list and moving on. But today, Theresa Cantley is challenging that mindset and explaining how being okay with the incomplete is essential for growing your business and becoming a better leader.   Theresa explains how embracing change allows businesses to stay agile and innovative. You'll learn why nothing in business is ever truly "done" and how this perspective empowers leaders to adapt, embrace diverse ideas, and build more sustainable companies. Theresa also shares insights on how to foster creativity and new perspectives within your business. If you're ready to let go of the need for checking things off and start leading with agility and purpose, this episode is for you!   Things to listen for: Why functioning in the incomplete is essential for business and leadership growth How agility can make your business stronger What it means to empower your team through functioning in the incomplete Why allowing for diverse perspectives and collaboration are critical for business growth   READY TO UNCOVER THE BLIND SPOT HURTING YOUR SMALL BUSINESS? Take this quiz to uncover what’s holding your business back from success: https://theresacantley.lpages.co/quiz/

Has anyone ever told you to “just let it go”?   Letting go is easier said than done, but it’s vital for growing as a business and as a leader. As entrepreneurs, we often hang on to setbacks, missteps, and failures. We hold onto personnel and ways of doing things that no longer work—often without realizing it. Today, Theresa Cantley is shedding light on how you can reflect, let it go, and grow.   In this episode of The C-Suite Mentor Podcast, Theresa shares a vulnerable and profound conversation about one of the most challenging—and rewarding—lessons she has learned in her business journey: how to let go. As Theresa explains in this authentic conversation, it's through these difficult moments that you can discover valuable lessons and ultimately, reveal the leader and entrepreneur you were always meant to be.   Things to listen for: Why learning to let go is essential for growth How holding on to your past failures is limiting your potential What three days you need as an entrepreneur to allow innovation to flourish How listening to your inner voice will lead to clarity   READY TO UNCOVER THE BLIND SPOT HURTING YOUR SMALL BUSINESS? Take this quiz to uncover what’s holding your business back from success: https://theresacantley.lpages.co/quiz/

Have you heard of succession planning and just assumed it wasn’t for you?  Maybe you're a small business owner or lead a mid-sized company, and you thought your business wasn't big enough for that. Or maybe you thought succession plans were only for handing off ownership of the business. Theresa Cantley challenges that idea, and emphasizes that if businesses want to continue to thrive and be productive through leadership changes, staff shifts, or anything unexpected, they need to have plans in place for their business – and that includes succession plans. In this episode of The C-Suite Mentor Podcast, Theresa breaks down three essential types of succession plans every business needs and explains why creating them now is more important than ever. She also shares strategies to develop strong leaders, retain top talent, and prepare your business for any unexpected changes. This is a fantastic episode to future-proof your business and keep growth moving forward, no matter the challenges you face. Things to listen for: Why succession planning isn't just for ownership transitions – and why you need one in your small business How developing leaders within your business fosters innovation and employee retention What establishing clear development plans can do to keep your team motivated and future-focused 3 simple steps to get started with succession planning today READY TO UNCOVER THE BLIND SPOT HURTING YOUR SMALL BUSINESS? Take this quiz to uncover what’s holding your business back from success: https://theresacantley.lpages.co/quiz/  

In today’s chaotic economic and societal climate, how do you lead your business to success? Many businesses will make major cuts, even at the expense of its employees and marketing. Theresa Cantley challenges this norm and offers a better way. In this episode of The C-Suite Mentor Podcast, Theresa looks at the challenges businesses face with economic uncertainties and social divides. She emphasizes the need for business owners and leaders to shift their focus from surviving, to reigning in the chaos to allow room for innovation and business success. Things to listen for: How the current climate of chaos is affecting businesses and leaders What you can learn from past recessions and crises to lead your business better Why focusing on processes can give employees space for creative thinking and innovation How you can ensure team members are in the right roles and working as a team toward long-term goals READY TO UNCOVER THE BLIND SPOT HURTING YOUR SMALL BUSINESS? Take this quiz to uncover what’s holding your business back from success: https://theresacantley.lpages.co/quiz/

How do you deal with challenges and obstacles in your business? Do you approach them as something that stops you from finding success, or do you view them as opportunities for growth and learning? In this powerful and personal episode of The C-Suite Mentor Podcast, Theresa shares about her life-changing experience with a traumatic brain injury. Drawing from her experience, Theresa reflects on how challenges in business are opportunities for growth, not setbacks, and offers her insight on how to embrace change and growth in the face of adversity. Things to listen for: ● Theresa’s journey of recovery and resilience after two traumatic brain injuries ● How learning to pivot and adjust your mindset is crucial for overcoming obstacles ● Why balance is essential for maintaining well-being, especially when facing challenges ● How resilience on the other side of obstacles makes you a more effective and empathetic leader

The term "work ethic" has been talked about for decades. But what if instead of approaching work ethic through the lens of someone’s effort and productivity, business owners took a more human-centered approach? In this episode of The C-Suite Mentor Podcast, Theresa Cantley challenges the traditional concept of "work ethic" and its focus on effort and productivity. She shares how work ethic varies based on individual values, and explores the importance of connection, alignment, intention, and harmony in the workplace.    Things to listen for: How understanding each team member’s core values is essential to the business’s success What alignment looks like, so you can ensure team members are in roles that match their strengths and align with the business needs Why focusing on how team members show up can help address underlying frustrations or obstacles Why fostering harmony will support employee well-being, boosting engagement and business success  

With these trying times in the business world and in the economy, there is much uncertainty when it comes to business.  Your team is anxious, the economy is unpredictable, and the challenges keep piling up.  As a leader, you know your next move is crucial. In this episode of the C-Suite Mentor, Theresa reveals the leadership strategies every CEO and entrepreneur needs to navigate in today's unpredictable business landscape. As businesses face unprecedented challenges, Theresa emphasizes the power of transparency, clear communication, and co-creation to keep teams engaged and aligned. Discover how to rebuild trust between leadership and employees, and learn actionable steps to foster a culture of collaboration that drives sustainable growth.  Things to listen for:  How being transparent about your business’s current state can build trust and align your team with your goals.  The importance of clearly communicating expectations to prevent confusion and keep your team focused. Understand how providing clear direction and involving your team in co-creating solutions can drive your business forward.  How to bridge the gap between leadership and employees by fostering a culture of transparency, communication, and mutual respect.  As you step back into your role as a leader, remember that the journey to building a resilient and thriving business starts with the choices you make today.  READY TO UNCOVER THE BLIND SPOT HURTING YOUR SMALL BUSINESS? Take this quiz to uncover what’s holding your business back from success: https://theresacantley.lpages.co/quiz/