Interview of Gwen Riley, with NoviEdge

Episode Summary:

In the latest episode of the InPowered Women's Podcast, host Sharon Lee interviews Gwen Riley. Gwen gives an overview of what NoviEdge is: working with small business owners (2-50 employees) and helping them to overcome the overwhelm in business. NoviEdge helps in personal coaching and consulting so that they can gain the courage needed to run the business. 

With a background in business, Gwen gives insights on why it is important to leverage one’s background and use it as a value set to bring to the table. Additionally, she mentions the importance of having a plan and exit strategy while getting into business. She goes further to explain how she got started in business, and how she was able to grow a team, by leveraging on her previous experience running a business for many years, and the desire to share this experience with other business owners. 

People into business for the freedom it offers, be it financial, or time, and in the process, they get overwhelmed. NoviEdge steps in and helps business owners in the delegation and automation of processes. Finally, Gwen talks about the role mentorship played in her life by building her confidence and helping her get into business. 

 

Sharon Lee

Sharon Lee is an accomplished entrepreneur and marketing expert dedicated to empowering female leaders. With a diverse background in sales and marketing across industries like advertising, magazine publishing, and solar energy, Sharon's journey showcases her versatility and determination. As the principal of Pinnacle Strategic Advisors, she assists businesses in enhancing their marketing strategies. Sharon's entrepreneurial spirit led her to establish her own consulting firm, reflecting her commitment to excellence. Alongside her professional pursuits, Sharon co-founded the InPowered Women's networking group, fostering mentorship and support for women in business. Through the InPowered Women Podcast, Sharon will share stories of resilient female leaders with listeners encouraging them to pursue their aspirations fearlessly.

 

Gwen Riley Gwen Riley, based in Lexington, KY, US, is currently a Co-Founder at NoviEdge. Gwen Riley brings experience from previous roles at GreenBox Heating & Air. Gwen Riley holds a University of Kentucky. With a robust skill set that includes Fundraising, Management, Marketing Strategy, Public Speaking, Sales Management and more.

 

Insights from this episode:

• Gwen emphasizes the importance of leaning toward one’s background
• The importance of having a plan and exit strategy when one starts a business
• Gwen setting up her business by using people around her, understanding that you can't do something alone, and relying on people and what they can offer
• Gwen sheds light on selling her company after 11 years, and why it was important for her that the value set remained the same for the new acquisition
• Gwen gives a little background into starting NoviEdge, and how she has leveraged her experience in business to want to help other people
• The importance of delegating and how it allows your business to grow
• The role mentorship played in Gwen’s life by building her confidence, and how she got into business

 

Quotes from the show:

• “When you think about what value you bring to the company, you should always make sure that whatever your value set is that you are able to create space to bring that to the table. Whatever you do that no one else does, is where you should be spending your time” – Gwen Riley, InPowered Women, Episode #10 
• “When you get into business, you kinda wanna know how to get out, and I think