Lessons I Learned from Carrie Kerpen: Insights on Business, Identity, and Empowerment
Over the years, Iโve come across some incredible entrepreneurs whose wisdom has shaped my journey. One of the most influential voices for me has been Carrie Kerpen. Her journey, from co-founding Likeable Media to her current work with The Whisper Group, is full of lessons that every entrepreneur, especially women, can benefit from. Here are a few lessons Iโve learned from Carrieโs insights: 1. ๐๐๐ ๐๐ข๐ฅ๐ค๐ง๐ฉ๐๐ฃ๐๐ ๐ค๐ ๐ฝ๐ช๐๐ก๐๐๐ฃ๐ ๐ ๐๐ง๐๐ฃ๐จ๐๐๐ง๐๐๐ก๐ ๐ฝ๐ช๐จ๐๐ฃ๐๐จ๐จ Carrie has taught me the value of creating a business that doesnโt rely solely on the CEOโs day-to-day involvement. By building strong systems, delegating effectively, and empowering teams, you can scale your business and make it sellable. This insight has encouraged me to focus on building a sustainable and independent business model. 2. ๐๐๐๐ค๐ฃ๐ฃ๐๐๐ฉ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐ฌ๐๐ฉ๐ ๐๐ค๐ช๐ง ๐๐ง๐ช๐ ๐๐๐ก๐ Carrieโs TED Talk resonated deeply with me. She spoke about spending years focusing on external validation and how that led her away from her true desires. To get back on track, Carrie reconnected with her values and passions. This has reminded me to always check in with myself and ensure that my goals align with what truly lights me up inside. 3. ๐๐๐ซ๐๐๐๐ฉ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐ฉ๐๐ ๐พ๐๐๐ก๐ก๐๐ฃ๐๐๐จ ๐ค๐ ๐ฝ๐๐๐ฃ๐ ๐ผ๐๐ฆ๐ช๐๐ง๐๐ Carrie shared the emotional and professional challenges of being acquired. It's not just about the business transition; itโs also about the loss of control and identity. This lesson helped me understand the importance of preparing mentally and emotionally for major changes in business and life. 4. ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ฎ ๐ฉ๐ค ๐ฝ๐ช๐๐ก๐๐๐ฃ๐ ๐ ๐๐๐ก๐ก๐๐๐ก๐ ๐ฝ๐ช๐จ๐๐ฃ๐๐จ๐จ Carrieโs advice on building a sellable business was invaluable. Focus on key performance indicators (KPIs) like revenue growth, customer loyalty, and profitability. Creating a business that runs smoothly without you at the helm is crucial. This advice has helped me shape my own business with long-term value in mind. 5. ๐ฆ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ ๐ฆ๐บ๐ฎ๐น๐น, ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ป ๐๐ถ๐ด For those just starting out, Carrie suggests seeking internships or experiences that offer exposure to different aspects of business. This will allow you to build a diverse skill set and make valuable connections. It's a reminder to never stop learning and to seek mentorship from those who inspire you.