Ep. 252 - Lisa Bentson is the former CEO and Chief Visionary Officer of Leads Club, an international business networking organization founded in 1978. She uses her 35+ years of experience and expertise to help people starting their own businesses and those who want to take their existing businesses to the next level. As my SCORE coach, Lisa has been a great help to me in thinking things through strategically. She sold her business and volunteers for the Small Business Administration as one of their coaches.
In this episode, Lisa explains the benefits of coaching for people transitioning in their lives, plus pivotal questions people should ask themselves. Listen in to learn the power of having a coach to help and support you through your journey as a new business owner. You will also learn how to explore your value and let go of fear to start a new chapter of your life after age 65.
Key Takeaways:
- The importance of having an accountability partner/coach to support you in your business
- How a coach can help you take your life to the next level and solve problems without judgment
- The importance of allowing your brain rest as a woman over 65 even as you try new things
- Give yourself the gift of quiet time and introspection to find the answers you’re looking for
"A coach is not a therapist; they are very different entities, and someone could go to one or the other or both at the same time.”- Lisa Bentson
In this episode you will learn:
Lisa on her experience trying and eventually selling a business her mother had started [1:13]
How member organizations have evolved to now thrive under the subscription model [2:24]
She explains how she was able to grow her membership organization by word of mouth [5:03]
Why companies are going to struggle with post-covid transition in the next 3 years [6:32]
Understanding what a coach does and the power of having one to support your business [8:12]
Lisa explains how coaching has benefitted her and helped her appreciate her work more [11:54]
The 3 questions she asks her clients to allow them to explore and let go of their fears [13:27]
How to transition from career to business with the help and support of a coach [16:36]
The SCORE platform and how you can join for free mentorship as a new business owner [18:19]
She answers her defining questions and what she’s learning about diversity, equity, and inclusion [22:00]
The positive changes that came with the pandemic and how they’re benefitting people [25:44]
How to navigate life challenges after age 65 and still live your best life [30:11]
How to give yourself quiet time, believe in yourself, and don’t let fear control you [33:36]
CAREER
Lisa Bentson is the former CEO and Chief Visionary Officer of Leads Club, an international business networking organization that was founded in 1978.
Lisa took over the business when her mother died of breast cancer. Her mother was a Trailblazer herself. Not only did she start and run the Leads Club, during WW II she was in the Navy and worked with pilots teaching them how to jump out of airplanes. In those days it was unique enough to be a woman in the armed forces, much less to specialize in such a totally male dominated part of the Navy. I wonder what she would think of social media today!
Lisa eventually sold her business and today she uses her 35+ years of experience and expertise to help people who are starting their own businesses as well as those who want to take their existing businesses to the next level.
She explains coaching as, "Coaching is an effective, personalized relationship to support you to take action toward your personal and professional desires and goals. As a Mindful Change coach, I employ proven methods to expand awareness, reveal options, overcome obstacles, attain results, and encourage lasting change."
Lisa is a Certified Mindful Coach, helping people who are starting their own business as well as those who want to take their existing business to the next level.
She is the author of the book, Focused Networking: The Eight Principles of 21st Century Marketing, and is a sought-after speaker.
AFFILIATIONS
She volunteers for the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), supporting first responders in case of disaster or emergency.
She is a member of CalSAE, where association professionals at all levels come to meet their personal and professional needs.
Lisa is a Certified Mentor for the greater Portland chapter of SCORE, a resource partner of the Small Business Association (SBA).