Cheryl Contee

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Imposter syndrome afflicts many founders, especially those who have historically faced challenges. It’s natural to think to oneself: who am I to pursue this dream?

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Don't be afraid to get out of your comfort zone and take the next step to increase your personal connections.  Whether you consider yourself an introverted or extroverted business person, it's always key to find a way to expand your network if you want to elevate your professional reputation and knowledge base. It can help you become more engaged in the industry or community you represent and share with others who are not inside your immediate circle. Below, 14 Fast Company Executive Board members discuss their ideas on how colleagues can become open to developing a new mindset and potentially provide resources for those in need through partnerships with other peers.

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Embrace the opportunity to grow the surround sound of support for your business as it grows with a rock-star board of directors!

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Here's how to write winning word copy that encourages a call to action. Creating compelling content is a lot easier if you're already developing quality products and services.  Standing confidently in what your brand represents and delivering an authentic copy message backed up by tangible results will make a difference to your target customer.  To engage your audience even further through a broader range of platforms, it's beneficial to speak directly to their needs and provide them with the expert information they are seeking to overcome business challenges and improve their client success rates. If you dread the copywriting aspects of your business, 14 Fast Company Executive Board members are here to help you get started, whether you're writing content for your website, social media platforms, email marketing, or advertising.

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Tune out the industry naysayers and lean into solving your target market's pain points. When you're a brand disruptor who aims to provide innovative solutions in an established "business as usual" marketplace, your company and its leadership are bound to ruffle some feathers. To overcome any negativity, continue to stay above the fray and let the data speak for itself. By proactively educating the underserved market of consumers and staying truthful about your business intentions, you'll mobilize a community of ambassadors in no time, who are willing to support your organization's potential and share their personal testimonials.  As you begin to strengthen your client base, remember to put their needs first. But it's also imperative to build bridges by keeping your competitors even closer. At the end of the day, feedback, whether good or bad, fuels inspiration and innovation. This puts your company in a much better position to address concerns, defend its own progress, and defeat the status quo mentality of other colleagues in the field. Below, 16 Fast Company Executive Board members share tips to maintain your clients' confidence in your new establishment and develop loyal partnerships that will last a lifetime.

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13 techniques to maintain productivity and work-life balance. While everyone on the planet is dealt the same 24 hours to get things done, it can still be tricky at times to find the right work-life balance habits. Measuring the minutes and hours spent on a daily activity is one way to evaluate how to reduce typical workweek hours and delegate some of the workload. When it comes to setting up boundaries so you can focus on the areas that really need your attention and talent, no one is better suited to protect (and respect) your time but you. In the end, this approach will lead you on the path of professional and personal growth. To transform a 60-hour workweek to 30 to 40 hours, try these tried and true techniques from 13 Fast Company Executive Board members.

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A great business partner can transform your entrepreneurial journey, but how do you find the right person or people? Here are three ways to accelerate your path to partnership.

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Remote and hybrid workplace environments are here to stay. Prior to the COVID-19 global pandemic, most executive leaders were accustomed to managing their employees in-office on a daily basis. Now, in the new and ever-changing virtual work world, some leaders are struggling to maintain culture and team growth like they once did.  In a candidate-driven market and with the “Great Resignation” still looming, many company heads understand that offering more job flexibility, real work-life balance, and substantial growth opportunities are key to staying ahead of the competition and attracting the best talent.  To help supervisors and staff gain confidence as they continue to navigate a growing remote or hybrid business environment, 16 Fast Company Executive Board members share strategies remote managers can use to help their virtual talent develop a thriving career and stay connected with one another.

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While it’s hard to become a good leader, it’s even harder to stay a good leader.

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Many people are intimidated by public speaking, but by following a few simple tips, you can calm your nerves and engage your audience. Presentations, whether virtual or in-person, are a part of the day-to-day work of many professionals. This is especially true for entrepreneurs and company leaders, who frequently have to present to employees, clients, board members, the media, and other stakeholders. However, if you're new to public speaking, you may not be sure how to prepare your remarks, structure your presentation, or—most importantly—settle your nerves. Getting tips from a seasoned speaker can help you get ready to effectively engage and educate your audience. No strangers to giving presentations themselves, the members of Fast Company Executive Board have learned ways to prepare and give presentations that make a lasting impression. Below, 15 of them share their best tips to help novice speakers successfully find their voices and hone their skills as presenters.

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