Pamela Slim has spent more than two decades as a business consultant, working on what she calls the “human side of business.” Have you ever thought about the impact building a community can have on your business? Let Pamela share her expertise and transform how you live and work. Read on to find out how she’s inspiring the change at this year’s National Women’s Business Conference hosted by NAWBO next week.
Q: Tell us a little bit about you.
I am a business consultant and author, with two decades of experience working on the human side of business. I spent 10 years as a consultant to large organizations, like Cisco Systems, Charles Schwab and Hewlett-Packard, then 10 years working with hundreds of early stage start-ups. My passion is helping companies build community that drives not only business success, but also broader social and economic well-being. I wrote two books with Penguin Portfolio: Escape from Cubicle Nation and Body of Work.
Q: What’s next for you and your business, and how will you get there?
I am narrowing my focus to companies that work with the small business market. I am helping them build their markets by teaching them how to build community. This summer, I am working on the proposal for my next book, which will be about this new business focus. I am also doing a cross-country tour teaching workshops on building business community. I will get there by leveraging my wonderful community and connections, by creating and sharing new content for this part of my body of work and by working hard.
Q: What are some things you’d like to see changed for women entrepreneurs?
I would love to see women entrepreneurs thinking of themselves as entrepreneurs first, who happen to be women. We have some clear structural discrepancies that relate to gender inequality, but the fundamental way that we will become better businesspeople is by expanding our circles of peers, mentors and customers.
Q: We live and work in an environment of constant change…how have you learned to embrace change?
After 19 years in business, I know that it is my job to constantly adjust my plans and priorities. I have learned to prepare myself for change by having a very engaged peer mentor network, by using my coaching tools on myself and by not letting myself settle in a rut or negative pattern. For me, change brings personal growth, innovation and contribution, all of which are strong personal values.
Q: What’s one change you’ve recently made or been part of, and how have you been positively impacted by it?
I have been actively involved with my friends of color in the movement to recognize and dismantle structures of privilege and discrimination. I am a vocal advocate for equality, and I use my platform and connections to elevate the voices of so many smart people who are often overlooked. This has been positive in every way—I like to work toward an equal and just society, my personal circles of friends and partners have expanded and I have seen opportunities and growth result for us all.
Q: Why is a conference like this one for women entrepreneurs critical?
We need to surround ourselves with strong, positive, capable women who will support our growth and development. It is so encouraging to meet people who have faced, and overcome, our current business challenges.
Q: If women walk away from your presentation with one thing, what do you want it to be?
Don’t think you have to build your business alone. Community is the key to success.
You won’t want to miss Pamela and all the other amazing speakers who will be at the National Women’s Business Conference, September 27-29 (Leadership Boot Camp on the 27th and the Conference on the 28th-29th), in San Antonio, Texas.
View complete conference agenda here.