October 2, 2025 • 42 mins
Discover the secrets to effective leadership with Vanessa Hopkins, who shares her expertise in global operations and strategic influence. Learn valuable business tips and success strategies that can help you become a better entrepreneur.
With a distinguished career leading global operations in Fortune 500 companies, VERNESSA HOPKINS has become a master architect of strategic influence. From her beginnings as a customer service representative to rising as Vice President of Operations at Prudential Insurance, Vernessa has consistently turned vision into execution. Her evolution was about understanding what truly moves people. That realization led to her creation of the Influence Equation, a dynamic blueprint for empowering leaders to communicate with precision, lead with empathy, and shape outcomes with intentional strategy. Her unique framework, rooted in self-awareness, emotional intelligence, persuasive communication, and practical action; has positioned her as a sought-after consultant, speaker, and mentor for professionals seeking to lead with both impact and integrity.
CONTACT DETAILS:
Company: VAH Consulting/The Influence Equation
Website: https: //www.consultwithvah.com/
Social Media Address
LinkedIN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/vernessahopkins/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/vernessahopkins
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/vernessahopkins/
Remember to SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss "Information That You Can Use." Share Just Minding My Business with your family, friends, and colleagues. Engage with us by leaving a review or comment. https://g.page/r/CVKSq-IsFaY9EBM/review Your support keeps this podcast going and growing.
Visit Just Minding My Business Media™ LLC at https://jmmbmediallc.com/ to learn how we can support you in getting more visibility on your products and services.
With a distinguished career leading global operations in Fortune 500 companies, VERNESSA HOPKINS has become a master architect of strategic influence. From her beginnings as a customer service representative to rising as Vice President of Operations at Prudential Insurance, Vernessa has consistently turned vision into execution. Her evolution was about understanding what truly moves people. That realization led to her creation of the Influence Equation, a dynamic blueprint for empowering leaders to communicate with precision, lead with empathy, and shape outcomes with intentional strategy. Her unique framework, rooted in self-awareness, emotional intelligence, persuasive communication, and practical action; has positioned her as a sought-after consultant, speaker, and mentor for professionals seeking to lead with both impact and integrity.
CONTACT DETAILS:
Company: VAH Consulting/The Influence Equation
Website: https: //www.consultwithvah.com/
Social Media Address
LinkedIN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/vernessahopkins/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/vernessahopkins
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/vernessahopkins/
Remember to SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss "Information That You Can Use." Share Just Minding My Business with your family, friends, and colleagues. Engage with us by leaving a review or comment. https://g.page/r/CVKSq-IsFaY9EBM/review Your support keeps this podcast going and growing.
Visit Just Minding My Business Media™ LLC at https://jmmbmediallc.com/ to learn how we can support you in getting more visibility on your products and services.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:02):
Welcome to Just Minded My Business Media LLC, where you
get information that you can use.
Speaker 2 (00:10):
I'm your host, Ida Crawford. But before we dive in, subscribe.
Speaker 3 (00:15):
To Just Minding My Business on YouTube.
Speaker 2 (00:18):
And wherever you get your podcasts. Shape Just Minded my
Business with your family, friends, and pile leaders. Engage with
us by leaving a review or comment. Your support keeps
this podcast going and growing. Visit our website at JMMB
mediac dot com to learn how we can support you
(00:42):
and get more visibility on.
Speaker 4 (00:44):
Your products and services.
Speaker 2 (00:46):
So grab a finer paper and get ready for information
that you can use.
Speaker 5 (00:56):
Are you a woman owned business ready to amplify your
voice and grow your business? Join assist as Circle Empowerment
Network and step into a community that truly supports you.
Boost your visibility with our SEO optimized platform and connect
in our vibrant LinkedIn group. Showcase your achievements in our
(01:17):
quarterly magazine and shine in live interviews. Want a broader platform.
Gain access to exclusive discounted opportunities to feature your brand
or insights on conversations that matter that airs on Roku
and fireTV. Join the collective of other women owned businesses
like yourself and let's soar together. Visit our website at
(01:40):
https colon slash slash asystocircle dot org. That's Asis tascircle
dot o RG. Don't hesitate, schedule a discovery session today.
Speaker 3 (01:55):
Welcome to just mond in my Business.
Speaker 1 (01:57):
I am so glad that you're here today, and I
am excited to bring to just Minding my Business Vanessa Hopkins,
who is a distinguished career leading global operations and Fortune
five hundred companies, and who has become a master architect
(02:18):
of strategic influence. From her beginnings as a customer service
representative to rising as vice president of Operations at Prudential Insurance,
Vanessa has consistently turned vision into execution. Wow, Welcome, Welcome,
(02:38):
Welcome made. I am so glad you are here, and
let's jump right in because one of the questions I
have is about the influence equation.
Speaker 4 (02:52):
How do you craft your path to impact your purpose? Wow?
Very excited to be here, Very happy to be on
your podcast. So I appreciate the opportunity. For sure, the
influence equation is my path because it's just my version
(03:13):
of school of hard knocks turned into a process to
help people work smarter and not harder. It's basically embracing
who you actually are, right, who your strengths are, what
you identify, and putting a strategy to that so that
you stay in your confidence and you can actually improve
(03:37):
in your life and business and career path. Wow.
Speaker 3 (03:42):
Okay, so that was a lot to dodges. So now
we need to know how do you do that?
Speaker 4 (03:53):
So it starts with being comfortable with what your strengths are. Right.
And when I say that, you know, first thing people
think of is, hey, I'm a great communicator, or you
know I listen well, or you know I am a
great uh. You know, I'm really comfortable with speaking. But
it's taking it another step further and really spending time
(04:16):
in the moment of why why are you a great communicator?
Why do you feel comfortable? What is the strength that's
driving the result that everyone sees that we can equate
to those those comfort words, right, And so going on
that journey and then trying to emulate that in situations
where you may not be comfortable, uh, is basically the
(04:38):
process so that it becomes a widget in your in
your tools and you know, so no matter what situation
you're in, you're yourself and confident that your strengths are
coming through and that people want to hear about it
or be your brand ambassador because of it.
Speaker 6 (04:57):
Good.
Speaker 1 (04:58):
Alrighty, So talk a little bit about controlling the narrative
and what's the strategy behind that.
Speaker 4 (05:08):
Controlling the narrative. Oh, we dream of that a lot, don't.
Speaker 6 (05:12):
Yes, we did.
Speaker 4 (05:15):
Oh it's we could, you know. And the concept is
that you can. You can control that by being influential
in the situation. So for example, it's it's kind of
if you're going to a networking group, right or if
you're meeting a group of people for the first time,
(05:37):
being confident of you know, having a game plan versus
just going in and shutting down because I'm going to
meet all these people that I don't want to do,
you know, and those type of things, you know, changing
in your mind and in your mindset of about I
have a job to do, I have a purpose, somebody
needs to hear my story. I can help someone here,
(05:58):
you know, And it's it's kind of flip being it around,
so it becomes you exemplify and empowered so that people
want to ask you more questions and you want to
be able to help other people grow their businesses or
grow in that networking or friendship as well.
Speaker 1 (06:16):
And that makes sense, you know, I mean because using
that example, you're going to a networking event. You're that
to meet people, to be able to share your your
whatever it is you're doing. So why wouldn't you walk
in with confidence right and embrace.
Speaker 4 (06:40):
That sometimes you're gonna win your best actor award, right,
Sometimes that's what it's going to be. But that is
the purpose of being there. I can't tell you how
many times I've gone to an event like I don't
think this is for me and have come out with
the most unique partnerships or relationships or friendships because I listened, right.
(07:05):
So it's not even about going in there to make
sure you talk to everybody. It's about going in there
and listening to see is there an opportunity for me
to help someone with the influence equation, we also kind
of focus on what are one or two home questions
I like to call them, like that'll keep you in
your safe zone, right right in your block, like win
(07:27):
in doubt, pull these bad boys out right, and that
allows you to remain approachable and in control of your conversation.
And sometimes it's as easy as the weather, because granted,
no matter where you are in this world, weather's crazy, right,
(07:47):
So that's your safe base. But also about what brings
you here? You know, that question allows someone to feel
comfortable enough that I really just want to know why
you're here, you know, And it's just a different approach
versus you know, what do you do? You know what
brought you here today? What do you like? You know?
(08:08):
What do you what do you have? And then you
are open to your your tagline and those type of things.
And but you're in your confidence because you can take
that minute because the other person is talking, and I
guarantee you're always going to to learn something and and
have that goal of well, I got up, I got dressed,
I'm here, and now I'm going to leave with something guaranteed.
Speaker 3 (08:30):
Yes, yes, And now I've liked that approach. It's comfortable, right.
Speaker 4 (08:36):
And you know, one of my concepts is embrace your
comfort zone. And I know that's a you know, everybody
goes get out of your comfort zone. Do you know
anybody that actually ever does so? Like we may not
like push it as much, but it's our comfort zone
(08:57):
because that's where we're comfortable. If we again take a
minute and understand why is it our comfort? So what
does it feed? And then we put a strategy of
that to bring that with us in those uncomfortable situations.
It's now fuel, it's now your strength, you know. So
if you're imagining yourself on the beach with the water
(09:20):
and that's your your uh, you know that's where you
find comfort, or you know, working at your desk like
early in the morning, why is that your comfort? Because
you're more synergized. Right, So if you can take that example,
how do I get more synergized in this situation where
everybody's looking at me and and wants to talk, Well,
you start picturing. You know how they used to say
(09:41):
picture and look at people's heads. You picture. Once I've
done this, I get to go sit on that beach.
So let me have my two go to questions where
I can get this done and get back to where
I need to be. So it's not about changing yourself,
enhancing what's already great about you and using it as
(10:04):
a strategic influencer and a and a brand ambassador for yourself.
Speaker 1 (10:09):
Yes, yes, and I like that and it's probably something
that's I guess at first, you kind of hesitate because
you don't really know how to structure it.
Speaker 4 (10:24):
Right, it's overwhelming.
Speaker 6 (10:26):
Yeah, So.
Speaker 4 (10:30):
The best practice I have and you can even find
this on my website, the five Whys I call it,
and it departments sometimes use it to troubleshoot problems, and
I use it to troubleshoot me. You know, if we
if we go back to how we started, we were
talking about, you know, maybe a strength could be your
(10:52):
good communicator, ask yourself that question why five times? Why
do you think it's it's a benefit? Why do you
think it's important? Why? Why is that important?
Speaker 6 (11:05):
You know?
Speaker 4 (11:05):
What is it feedback? Why? Why does that help you
be at your strength? You start getting very uncomfortable with
how you're answering that why because you're digging deeper and
you know, humans are not built to talk proud about ourselves, right,
It's called being you know, cocky, and you know you're
(11:25):
m But if you don't understand what makes you take
you don't understand your strength, how do you expect anyone
else to embrace it? Right? So when you can get raw,
I have a great communicator because when I'm done, I'm
always going to have the words that you need because
(11:49):
I'm going to keep going until I see that alhol moment.
That's your strength, that you have a strategy that you
can you know, read people's faces to have that communication
go effective. Now, imagine if we can put like one
or two questions to that so that you do it
quicker and more effective versus you keep going and going
(12:11):
and you lose half the audience that you want even
though it's your strength. So it's about Okay, I am
going to dig until I get to that I see
that response from people. But once I see I need it,
here's the one two things that I can do that's
going to help me get there faster and make it
a more interactive type of relationship and opportunity. Wow, I
(12:32):
love that.
Speaker 3 (12:34):
So let me ask you, if people want to work
with you and develop all of this good stuff, how
do they do?
Speaker 2 (12:40):
So?
Speaker 4 (12:42):
I obviously love what I do, right So, I love
being a motivational speaker. I love working in groups. I
do group sessions on the influence equation. I also do
group training for sales, change management and those type of
things with my website at www dot unlock your influence
(13:05):
dot com. That's where all my information about the influenced
equation and about all the training and support that I do.
I'm a certified life coach and career coach, so I
don't separate the two. It's the same person last time
I checked, so we kind of put it all together.
But also, you know, I'm a phone call away to
(13:27):
six seven three seven four six five seven four, and
I just really look forward to helping. I also have
some podcast information and some blog information on that website
as well.
Speaker 1 (13:40):
Now, wow, so let's talk a little bit about the
sales side of things, because I think and a lot
of businesses is that's.
Speaker 4 (13:51):
Like the task.
Speaker 3 (13:53):
How do I make sales? How do I attract people
to want to buy.
Speaker 2 (13:58):
What I have?
Speaker 4 (14:00):
Right? And the biggest hurdle for people to think that
way is that they believe it's sales. I call it education.
If I don't know that your product can help me
do this, who's at a disservice? Right, So sales is
(14:24):
about marketing a product, and sometimes you have to create
the need or educate the need, or sometimes the need
is there. Take water, Water is here, water is that
water fountains, water is coming out of the sea. Yet
there is a billion trillion dollar industry on bottled water
(14:44):
because they've decided to educate us on the benefit of
having this water versus that water and the necessity of
it all right, So it's not necessarily a matter of oh,
is this the need or is this a requirement. It's
about if you can focus yourself on the education of
what you bring to the table and what you can support.
(15:08):
That is the power of becoming a widget and assessing
the audience that you're talking to on the why for
them or for their clients. If your business to business
is the effectiveness of really investing in sales development. There
is a difference between sales development and customer experience, and
(15:28):
sometimes we want to try to mix those two together.
And that's where you have people that don't feel comfortable
with sales, right because their strength is more about that
empathy and conversation through client care and client management. Sales
is about let me educate you on this product because
you want this to be part of it, and let
(15:49):
me understand what your need is to help elevate you
as well as help growld the business. And you have
to be okay with saying that because that's what it is.
Speaker 1 (16:01):
Yeah, And that's to be exactly I mean, because I
mean here you are with the product.
Speaker 3 (16:06):
Maybe people haven't never heard of you or your.
Speaker 4 (16:10):
Product, right, that's true. And and and you know that's
what social media is about, right, That's what influencers about.
That is what the conversation is about. And if you
ignore that part of the business, how do you grow up?
If you sacrifice your your costs, revenue, and your distribution
(16:30):
because you just really want to help, that's great, but
it's not business. Right. So when you go into a
CBS or Walgreens or any you know type of business
and you go to the counter with your product, do
they go, you know, you look so nice today. I
think I'm gonna give you a little bit more money
off or they or do they scan that bad boy
(16:54):
at the price that you picked up and you you're
going out the door?
Speaker 2 (16:58):
You know.
Speaker 4 (16:59):
So there there's that understanding of you know, if I
did my homework, if I looked into what the cost
needs to be for me to maintain this business and
help supply a need, then be confident in what that
is and stick to educating people of the value it brings.
And then that is sales that is sustainable and will
(17:23):
help your business grow and help you pick candidates that
have the aptitude to help you achieve that goal.
Speaker 6 (17:32):
Wow.
Speaker 1 (17:33):
Wow, Wow, that's a really good way to think of it,
because I like the example you used.
Speaker 3 (17:41):
You know, any store you walk into, it's what the
price is. There's no negotiation.
Speaker 4 (17:49):
Nothing might be a coupon, but there's already been fact
how many times you use a coupon and until the
price went up twenty percent? Actually, or now you're gonna
buy in bulk. You know, like, there's a cause assessment
that should be should have been done and tested so
that even when you're talking about it, you can talk
(18:09):
about with confidence. I know what my margin is. This
is the least amount that I can afford to take
and still be in business. And here's here's you know
the plus, here's how many can it? And you know
how money I need to sell in order to do that.
And if you don't do that due diligence and homework,
that's where a lot of us get stuck in that
(18:30):
head over heart right mm hmm. Right. So this is
not to say you can't adjust and allocate for others,
but there has to be a cutoff that you know
of so that you can be here for the next
month and you can be here for the next person
because it is a business that is feeding you.
Speaker 3 (18:51):
Yes, yes, absolutely, Wow, that was deep.
Speaker 1 (18:57):
That was really deep and well said, you know, and
it's definitely something for people to summer on and understand,
you know, what they have to do just stay in business.
Speaker 3 (19:09):
Most get it, but they especially the newbies, you know,
they're passionate. They love what they.
Speaker 1 (19:16):
Did, they you know, but then the fear of asking
for the money steps up.
Speaker 3 (19:22):
They kind of like second guess.
Speaker 1 (19:25):
Themselves, and once they hear a couple of nose then
it's like.
Speaker 4 (19:31):
Oh, maybe I'm over the price.
Speaker 3 (19:33):
Maybe this No, you're just not talking to the right person.
Speaker 4 (19:38):
Absolutely, And it's also you know, you can do that check.
I did my homework, I did my research, I checked
on this price. And then there's some where you go
they charge so much money. I'm not going to charge
that much because that's just too much profit. That happens, right, yeah,
(19:58):
And I go, okay, but what kind of clientele are
you going to attract because of your sacrifice? We are
in a world where sometimes sometimes you know, if you're
way below the average price, something's wrong. Nope, I'm gonna
trust that one over there, because something's wrong. With that delineation,
(20:20):
you know, and you don't even realize it, Like, are
you kidding, I'm giving even better at a lower price guys, Nope, something,
you can't win that. So it's about doing your homework
of what the average cost is, what is your costs
because sometimes you're comparing apples to apples, excuse me, apples
to oranges on what their overhead cost is versus yours,
(20:44):
you know, and like there's so many different factors. So
you have to be comfortable with what your factors are
in comparison to the market. What do you need to
sustain and grow to pay yourself for pay yourself? You know,
(21:06):
that's the thing, you know, to grow and when you
can get through that hurdle of you know, and that
just makes you a beautiful person. I'm not saying it doesn't,
you know it doesn't, but a business beautiful person is
even more exciting. I'm telling you. I'm not telling you
it's great.
Speaker 3 (21:28):
So people can get all of that from your trainings.
Speaker 4 (21:32):
Yes, I have an online and then I also do
a virtual or in person for the Influence Equation. We
start by breaking down customizing what your strengths are so
that you know you don't have to do that journey alone.
We kind of go through it with you. Even on
the online one, I do a one on one session
and along with that module, and then once we have that,
(21:56):
then we work on developing what are your strategy you
questions or your strategy approach to continue to be influential,
and we really target like what are one or two
instances like yeah, this is happening tomorrow, I need help,
you know, So we really hone in on if you
have a networking event that you need to go to
let's put this stuff into action, or a family reunion
(22:21):
that's just as bad, that's just as challenging sometimes, or
you know, in a new city connecting with friends, or
in a new career path right not sure or what
you want to go with. Knowing what you need sixty
percent of your role to be is priceless on you
being successful and whatever that new adventure is. And then
(22:42):
we kind of go through and role play continuing to
help you have those safe spaces to come through. Maximizing
your comfort zone in those situations, maximizing your strengths and
making brand ambassadors is one of the modules as well,
because it's your small powerful of how people talk about
you when you leave the growth. So making that influence
(23:06):
so that that is the case. You know, I just
did it speaking where I did empower your Presence training
and you know it touched me where four or five
people showed up just to support me. I didn't even
tell them I was doing it, you know, and they
showed up. And you know, but what is our human fucka?
(23:30):
Oh now I really have to make sure you know,
oh my goodness versus And then because I have my
defaults that kind of helped me get out of that run.
You know, I have my two statements that I have
to say to myself, like, well, they're here, now what
are you going to do because it's game on and
you're going to make sure that they're not you know.
And I have to do my own mantras to kind
(23:53):
of get past that human challenge, you know, And that
is is what this enables you. So it's not just
one side of you. We have work dynamic. We're fearfully
and wonderfully made. But you know, understanding and embracing that
to use it to elevate your career and elevate your
interactions is what it's about.
Speaker 1 (24:17):
Yes, Yes, and speaking and is an already nervous situation
in its own speaking to any crap, I don't care
if you've done it one hundred times. That first movement
to that stage when you first have to open your mouth,
(24:41):
it's like, okay, let this come out, Lord, let this
come out right.
Speaker 4 (24:48):
And you're looking like, oh my goodness, and having to
switch to okay, what is your audience? Like, our brains
are designed that you can only think about one thing
at a time. It feels like you're doing fifty things,
but no matter what, one thought is dominating at that
time and you get to control it. Right, So when
(25:12):
you start going down that rabbit hole, it's about okay, brain,
something as easy as look at this pencil, I wonder
how it grab something, and just change that thought and
then come back, because that's what's going to allow you
to reset and refocus. You know. Some people go reset
(25:33):
by you know, breathing and then you know, then you know,
think about the positive. Well, if I could do that,
I would have started there, you know. So sometimes it's
just survival, right, and the fastest thing is just pick
up something a pencil. Okay, this pencil is wood, and yeah,
(25:54):
we don't even use pencils anymore, do we You see
how your brain just went, Your shoulders will come down.
I promise you you will be able to reset and
refocus and then you can get right back into it.
You know, I say you let those challenges have a moment,
not a day.
Speaker 3 (26:12):
I'm writing now.
Speaker 1 (26:13):
I heard that and I like how you approach it.
Speaker 3 (26:18):
It's like, you know simple strategies that most of us
don't even think.
Speaker 4 (26:26):
About, right, And it's my challenge, you know, from growing
up the School of Hard Knocks was a lot of
you just had to figure out yourself. And I have
all my degrees, but keep it simple because I need
(26:46):
to be able to remember it and be able to
articulate it in the moment. I'm in here already help
me and I found I can give you a structured
process because the structure is good, But anybody knows me,
structure with a spicy little sauce on the side is
(27:06):
where I'm going to come in, you know, right. So
what can I get and grab that I'm going to
use again? And that's where it's important to customize to
what your strengths are. We are all different. If we
put it strategically together, unstoppable you know. So that's that's
(27:27):
where that absolutely comes from, of just embracing I'm quiet,
embracing I don't want to be No one says I'm quiet,
but they say that about you know, you know, I'm quiet. No,
you're probably thinking and assessing. So it's about you can
(27:48):
be quiet, but what does your face say? Right, because
the first thing people go by is what they see,
So it's okay to be quiet and not want to
be there. But you're just yes, you know, and you're
winning your Best Actor award and that is going to
get you where you're actually trying to go every time.
Speaker 1 (28:13):
Alrighty, then, so let's talk about personal values and how
they show up in the leadership decisions.
Speaker 4 (28:24):
Oh so much, oh so much. I think the challenge
for leaders and the success for leaders is them respecting
where they came from. But understanding what got you here
won't keep you keeping right. So your values have to
(28:45):
switch to your responsibilities, right, So they really shouldn't be
too far off. But sometimes you get lost in that
transition of responsibility where it seems that you must sacrifice
values in order to achieve greatness. And that's what delineates
(29:06):
where you become a leader. Or a manager, people follow
you or your check clears right. So it's really about
embracing values. Values are your strengths. Values are what make
you you, you know, and that's when I know I
(29:27):
need to go somewhere. If you take my smile, I
gotta go right. You took my smile, Gotta go right.
Nobody takes this, you know. So the values for a
leader is about being able to listen better than anybody
in normal and then in power the people that are
in the room, because that is why your group or
(29:51):
department or organization is going to be successful. Because if
you're the leader, are you really doing the work that
needs to be done? Are you empowering people to help
elevate them so that you have that success? You know,
what defines success as a leader are the people who
want to follow them and the people that you nurture
to have more potential within the organization to grow.
Speaker 3 (30:15):
Yes, And that's so true.
Speaker 1 (30:17):
That is so true because if people don't want to
follow you, they don't want to they're not going to
do the work. They're just going to do the bare
minimum until something else happens.
Speaker 4 (30:30):
Right, The key part of change management is to accept
that five percent are going to be resistant to change. Right,
there's that five percent that is going to be resistant
to change. There's that middle percent where they need that
guidance and nurturing and support, and then there's the other
(30:51):
ones where you're just grooming and they're ready to go,
right and being able to balance your team so that
you have different thoughts and prospects, but an open space
for them to talk is enough work to keep you
busy forever, forever, you know, because you know, I used
(31:16):
to tell my managers when they would present their you know,
their team's results, I'd go, who buy who?
Speaker 2 (31:24):
Who?
Speaker 4 (31:25):
Who is that person? And then what did we set
them up for for success? You know? What other department
do they need to visit because they can bring that
information back and we can watch them grow. You know,
my retention rate had to be attrition excuse my attrition
rate had to be higher for internal promotions versus external
(31:47):
That was my expectation, you know, And those are the
things that allowed leaders to start thinking a little differently.
I don't want to hear about you. I want to
hear about the people under you and what you're doing
for them. Right, That's the value that a leader, you know,
helps someone because someone helped you, someone helped you get
(32:08):
to where you are and what's going to get you
now because you're less in the day to day, you're
more in the strategic vision, You're more in the growth
of the organization. So you have to change that mindset
to make sure that that's a part of it. So
your values are the core of it, but it's understanding
how you tick and how you can influence others to
(32:29):
be as their fullest potential. That's a successful leader, in
my opinion, because the business growth and financial growth comes
with all of that.
Speaker 1 (32:37):
Yes, absolutely, So tell me the last time you had
a self reflection that changed the course of your professional path?
Speaker 4 (32:48):
Oh five minutes ago. Now, I have to say the
biggest one I had a couple, but from a professional
perspective is when I actually went through my life coaching certification.
(33:08):
That was the That was the best hardest thing I've
ever done, because that self reflection helped me reassess resetting
myself to be in that mode that they use where
you put the on the airplane, you put the mask
on first before you help someone else. You know, too
many times it was the other way around, And I'm
(33:29):
thinking I'm helping and you know I'll carry you. Come on,
let's go. Where there needed to be a balance. There
need to be a delineation so that I could have
that structure that I have to force in my life,
you know, so I could be there with a better
(33:50):
work life balance, so I could be there fully attentive
to my consulting and to my other businesses, you know,
the other businesses that I have. And that self reflection
was I'm spinning because I'm trying to do everything, and
I needed to focus on what is it that really
(34:10):
feeds you back? What is it that really you're you're
going to be able to give quality to And you know,
that helped me redirect where it's not just life coaching,
it's not career in business coaching, it's that is that
holistic view, you know, for leadership development, it's who I
am and what I am in it, and you know,
(34:34):
target and have continuity to the approach. And that's where
the influence equation evolved from, you know, what is this,
what am I talking about? What am I referring to?
And then that's kind of where that grew from. So
sitting down in and holding myself accountable, which Oh, it's
a hard thing to do, but what you do with
(34:56):
it is the harder part, Like okay, yes, I'll be better.
What does that mean? Like, well, how do I incorporate
that in? So I had to make myself regiment it
for me and I do a self check check on
that now and you know, even tell my husband, Nope,
I needed that, I need I need to go do
(35:17):
this for me. You know, I never would have been
like I would have been like, okay, acquiesced to you know,
whatever we're doing or whatever we're growing and stuff like that.
So I think I pride myself more in that self
reflection a little bit more frequently now to either validate
or go yeah, a nice try you feel right off
(35:38):
that boat, get back on, get back get back on there?
Where are you going?
Speaker 1 (35:44):
Yeah, So that's a hard thing to do to really
connect with yourself and be able to say you didn't
get that right.
Speaker 4 (35:56):
Mm hmmm.
Speaker 1 (35:57):
Back to the drawing board for you, my dead that's
a hard, difficult thing to do.
Speaker 4 (36:03):
Yeah, And your clients will come to you and go
can you you know, and you want to say yes,
And you know, I do better job of going CVS, CVS,
And I go I cannot. But here's what I here's
what we can accommodate. You let me know your thoughts,
(36:24):
you know, and there's all a way in how you
say it, and that allows me to have grace for myself, right,
And it is a hard thing to do when Yeah,
I call it that head heart balance again, you know,
thinking with this more with this where it just needs
(36:45):
to be a good balance and I'll be okay, It'll
be okay. Then they'll know you still care. They know
you're going to do everything you can to help them
have that aha moment, but it's their moment, A moment
is making sure you gave them the tools for success.
Speaker 1 (37:04):
Yes, absolutely So one other question for you, what's one
of the blind spots that once you uncovered it expanded
your ability to lead?
Speaker 5 (37:17):
Wow?
Speaker 4 (37:21):
So many uh to find out that I had more
than I thought of blondes. But I think I think
the biggest one I probably learned from the worst boss
I've probably ever had, right, and it was that everyone
(37:44):
doesn't need to be your friend. It's okay for them
to be your queen's and it's okay for them to
just coexist. You know, everyone is not going to you know,
be on the same way with you. And that was
devastating for me because I'm going, oh, on mine, what
are you worried about? We can all get along, you know.
(38:09):
Competition is just not a high score for me on
those assessment tests, right, going what's the big already? Move
over here you go? You know, you know, and in
certain aspects, that's not that's a blind spot. That's that's
something that exposed exposed me and and it cost me,
(38:32):
you know, and it and it costs my my psyche,
it costs my feelings, it costs my anger, you know,
and my frustration. And then you don't think you're feeding
it or giving that power, and you absolutely are by
saying I'm not feeding it and I'm not giving it up.
You're talking about it, you know. So it was a
(38:53):
it was a that was a that is you know,
and sometimes it still is a blind spot for me
because I just don't think that way, right. But what
I do know is I cut that cord a lot
faster than I have in the past and know and
I know that I'm going to be okay. I know
I'm going to have a tournique for it. And it's
(39:13):
about again be coming back to set things or mantras
that I say to myself, did I do my brand?
Did I come authentically me? What did I need to
do better? Because that's there too, you know. And then
what's the next step, because we're not going to do
(39:34):
the same thing we did before, you know. So so
those are the things that I have to purposely. It's
not going to happen or automatic for me, you know,
but I purposely have to do that. And then I
can go okay, all right, and then I allow it
to be your issue and you're a blind spot versus mine.
Speaker 3 (39:56):
Yes, and it's always better than all the chord, not yours.
Speaker 4 (40:07):
Right, and I I'm good, But what I won't do
is expose myself to that again. So we're good. But
I'm gonna be over here and know that, you know,
there's no need for negative there's because that's not me.
That's me feeding your balance, right. That takes practice sometimes,
(40:29):
but but you know that's where give yourself a cheat
sheet to make sure that you're enjoying your day and
empowering yourself and you're gonna be okay, you know. Again,
back to only a moment, not a day.
Speaker 1 (40:45):
Love it, love it, love it, Wow And I said,
this has been thebomb dot com the state of the least.
Speaker 3 (40:51):
Like geh, how did people connect with fear?
Speaker 4 (40:55):
I am waiting to connect with everyone, So feel free
to reach out to me of either my website at
Unlockyourinfluence dot com. My number is two sixty seven three
seven four six five seven. But reach out to me please.
You know, like my page your Instagram, it's Vanessa Hopkins,
(41:16):
you'll find it be e r any ssa. But you
know I have some tools and tips on there as well,
and then any of my workshops are virtual and in person.
I'd love to have you join.
Speaker 3 (41:29):
Absolutely.
Speaker 1 (41:30):
I can't wait to the ten to one myself because
I'm enjoying this conversation and learning some things I need
to deal with as well. So I hope that audience
that you picked up some things as well, and definitely
reach out to Vanessa because we.
Speaker 4 (41:47):
All need help.
Speaker 3 (41:50):
No no one is above help, no.
Speaker 4 (41:55):
One, and if you are, that's the help you need.
Speaker 1 (42:00):
Absolutely, So thank you so much Vanessa for taking time
out of your day, and thank you audience for tuning in.
Speaker 4 (42:07):
We appreciate you as well.
Speaker 6 (42:09):
All right, thanks for the opportunity again, absolutely, thank you
to our guests, and you our values, audience.
Speaker 4 (42:20):
Let's stop you live.
Speaker 2 (42:22):
We truly appreciate you. Many blessings to you and yours
Welcome to Just Minded My Business Media LLC, where you
get information that you can use.
Speaker 2 (00:10):
I'm your host, Ida Crawford. But before we dive in, subscribe.
Speaker 3 (00:15):
To Just Minding My Business on YouTube.
Speaker 2 (00:18):
And wherever you get your podcasts. Shape Just Minded my
Business with your family, friends, and pile leaders. Engage with
us by leaving a review or comment. Your support keeps
this podcast going and growing. Visit our website at JMMB
mediac dot com to learn how we can support you
(00:42):
and get more visibility on.
Speaker 4 (00:44):
Your products and services.
Speaker 2 (00:46):
So grab a finer paper and get ready for information
that you can use.
Speaker 5 (00:56):
Are you a woman owned business ready to amplify your
voice and grow your business? Join assist as Circle Empowerment
Network and step into a community that truly supports you.
Boost your visibility with our SEO optimized platform and connect
in our vibrant LinkedIn group. Showcase your achievements in our
(01:17):
quarterly magazine and shine in live interviews. Want a broader platform.
Gain access to exclusive discounted opportunities to feature your brand
or insights on conversations that matter that airs on Roku
and fireTV. Join the collective of other women owned businesses
like yourself and let's soar together. Visit our website at
(01:40):
https colon slash slash asystocircle dot org. That's Asis tascircle
dot o RG. Don't hesitate, schedule a discovery session today.
Speaker 3 (01:55):
Welcome to just mond in my Business.
Speaker 1 (01:57):
I am so glad that you're here today, and I
am excited to bring to just Minding my Business Vanessa Hopkins,
who is a distinguished career leading global operations and Fortune
five hundred companies, and who has become a master architect
(02:18):
of strategic influence. From her beginnings as a customer service
representative to rising as vice president of Operations at Prudential Insurance,
Vanessa has consistently turned vision into execution. Wow, Welcome, Welcome,
(02:38):
Welcome made. I am so glad you are here, and
let's jump right in because one of the questions I
have is about the influence equation.
Speaker 4 (02:52):
How do you craft your path to impact your purpose? Wow?
Very excited to be here, Very happy to be on
your podcast. So I appreciate the opportunity. For sure, the
influence equation is my path because it's just my version
(03:13):
of school of hard knocks turned into a process to
help people work smarter and not harder. It's basically embracing
who you actually are, right, who your strengths are, what
you identify, and putting a strategy to that so that
you stay in your confidence and you can actually improve
(03:37):
in your life and business and career path. Wow.
Speaker 3 (03:42):
Okay, so that was a lot to dodges. So now
we need to know how do you do that?
Speaker 4 (03:53):
So it starts with being comfortable with what your strengths are. Right.
And when I say that, you know, first thing people
think of is, hey, I'm a great communicator, or you
know I listen well, or you know I am a
great uh. You know, I'm really comfortable with speaking. But
it's taking it another step further and really spending time
(04:16):
in the moment of why why are you a great communicator?
Why do you feel comfortable? What is the strength that's
driving the result that everyone sees that we can equate
to those those comfort words, right, And so going on
that journey and then trying to emulate that in situations
where you may not be comfortable, uh, is basically the
(04:38):
process so that it becomes a widget in your in
your tools and you know, so no matter what situation
you're in, you're yourself and confident that your strengths are
coming through and that people want to hear about it
or be your brand ambassador because of it.
Speaker 6 (04:57):
Good.
Speaker 1 (04:58):
Alrighty, So talk a little bit about controlling the narrative
and what's the strategy behind that.
Speaker 4 (05:08):
Controlling the narrative. Oh, we dream of that a lot, don't.
Speaker 6 (05:12):
Yes, we did.
Speaker 4 (05:15):
Oh it's we could, you know. And the concept is
that you can. You can control that by being influential
in the situation. So for example, it's it's kind of
if you're going to a networking group, right or if
you're meeting a group of people for the first time,
(05:37):
being confident of you know, having a game plan versus
just going in and shutting down because I'm going to
meet all these people that I don't want to do,
you know, and those type of things, you know, changing
in your mind and in your mindset of about I
have a job to do, I have a purpose, somebody
needs to hear my story. I can help someone here,
(05:58):
you know, And it's it's kind of flip being it around,
so it becomes you exemplify and empowered so that people
want to ask you more questions and you want to
be able to help other people grow their businesses or
grow in that networking or friendship as well.
Speaker 1 (06:16):
And that makes sense, you know, I mean because using
that example, you're going to a networking event. You're that
to meet people, to be able to share your your
whatever it is you're doing. So why wouldn't you walk
in with confidence right and embrace.
Speaker 4 (06:40):
That sometimes you're gonna win your best actor award, right,
Sometimes that's what it's going to be. But that is
the purpose of being there. I can't tell you how
many times I've gone to an event like I don't
think this is for me and have come out with
the most unique partnerships or relationships or friendships because I listened, right.
(07:05):
So it's not even about going in there to make
sure you talk to everybody. It's about going in there
and listening to see is there an opportunity for me
to help someone with the influence equation, we also kind
of focus on what are one or two home questions
I like to call them, like that'll keep you in
your safe zone, right right in your block, like win
(07:27):
in doubt, pull these bad boys out right, and that
allows you to remain approachable and in control of your conversation.
And sometimes it's as easy as the weather, because granted,
no matter where you are in this world, weather's crazy, right,
(07:47):
So that's your safe base. But also about what brings
you here? You know, that question allows someone to feel
comfortable enough that I really just want to know why
you're here, you know, And it's just a different approach
versus you know, what do you do? You know what
brought you here today? What do you like? You know?
(08:08):
What do you what do you have? And then you
are open to your your tagline and those type of things.
And but you're in your confidence because you can take
that minute because the other person is talking, and I
guarantee you're always going to to learn something and and
have that goal of well, I got up, I got dressed,
I'm here, and now I'm going to leave with something guaranteed.
Speaker 3 (08:30):
Yes, yes, And now I've liked that approach. It's comfortable, right.
Speaker 4 (08:36):
And you know, one of my concepts is embrace your
comfort zone. And I know that's a you know, everybody
goes get out of your comfort zone. Do you know
anybody that actually ever does so? Like we may not
like push it as much, but it's our comfort zone
(08:57):
because that's where we're comfortable. If we again take a
minute and understand why is it our comfort? So what
does it feed? And then we put a strategy of
that to bring that with us in those uncomfortable situations.
It's now fuel, it's now your strength, you know. So
if you're imagining yourself on the beach with the water
(09:20):
and that's your your uh, you know that's where you
find comfort, or you know, working at your desk like
early in the morning, why is that your comfort? Because
you're more synergized. Right, So if you can take that example,
how do I get more synergized in this situation where
everybody's looking at me and and wants to talk, Well,
you start picturing. You know how they used to say
(09:41):
picture and look at people's heads. You picture. Once I've
done this, I get to go sit on that beach.
So let me have my two go to questions where
I can get this done and get back to where
I need to be. So it's not about changing yourself,
enhancing what's already great about you and using it as
(10:04):
a strategic influencer and a and a brand ambassador for yourself.
Speaker 1 (10:09):
Yes, yes, and I like that and it's probably something
that's I guess at first, you kind of hesitate because
you don't really know how to structure it.
Speaker 4 (10:24):
Right, it's overwhelming.
Speaker 6 (10:26):
Yeah, So.
Speaker 4 (10:30):
The best practice I have and you can even find
this on my website, the five Whys I call it,
and it departments sometimes use it to troubleshoot problems, and
I use it to troubleshoot me. You know, if we
if we go back to how we started, we were
talking about, you know, maybe a strength could be your
(10:52):
good communicator, ask yourself that question why five times? Why
do you think it's it's a benefit? Why do you
think it's important? Why? Why is that important?
Speaker 6 (11:05):
You know?
Speaker 4 (11:05):
What is it feedback? Why? Why does that help you
be at your strength? You start getting very uncomfortable with
how you're answering that why because you're digging deeper and
you know, humans are not built to talk proud about ourselves, right,
It's called being you know, cocky, and you know you're
(11:25):
m But if you don't understand what makes you take
you don't understand your strength, how do you expect anyone
else to embrace it? Right? So when you can get raw,
I have a great communicator because when I'm done, I'm
always going to have the words that you need because
(11:49):
I'm going to keep going until I see that alhol moment.
That's your strength, that you have a strategy that you
can you know, read people's faces to have that communication
go effective. Now, imagine if we can put like one
or two questions to that so that you do it
quicker and more effective versus you keep going and going
(12:11):
and you lose half the audience that you want even
though it's your strength. So it's about Okay, I am
going to dig until I get to that I see
that response from people. But once I see I need it,
here's the one two things that I can do that's
going to help me get there faster and make it
a more interactive type of relationship and opportunity. Wow, I
(12:32):
love that.
Speaker 3 (12:34):
So let me ask you, if people want to work
with you and develop all of this good stuff, how
do they do?
Speaker 2 (12:40):
So?
Speaker 4 (12:42):
I obviously love what I do, right So, I love
being a motivational speaker. I love working in groups. I
do group sessions on the influence equation. I also do
group training for sales, change management and those type of
things with my website at www dot unlock your influence
(13:05):
dot com. That's where all my information about the influenced
equation and about all the training and support that I do.
I'm a certified life coach and career coach, so I
don't separate the two. It's the same person last time
I checked, so we kind of put it all together.
But also, you know, I'm a phone call away to
(13:27):
six seven three seven four six five seven four, and
I just really look forward to helping. I also have
some podcast information and some blog information on that website
as well.
Speaker 1 (13:40):
Now, wow, so let's talk a little bit about the
sales side of things, because I think and a lot
of businesses is that's.
Speaker 4 (13:51):
Like the task.
Speaker 3 (13:53):
How do I make sales? How do I attract people
to want to buy.
Speaker 2 (13:58):
What I have?
Speaker 4 (14:00):
Right? And the biggest hurdle for people to think that
way is that they believe it's sales. I call it education.
If I don't know that your product can help me
do this, who's at a disservice? Right, So sales is
(14:24):
about marketing a product, and sometimes you have to create
the need or educate the need, or sometimes the need
is there. Take water, Water is here, water is that
water fountains, water is coming out of the sea. Yet
there is a billion trillion dollar industry on bottled water
(14:44):
because they've decided to educate us on the benefit of
having this water versus that water and the necessity of
it all right, So it's not necessarily a matter of oh,
is this the need or is this a requirement. It's
about if you can focus yourself on the education of
what you bring to the table and what you can support.
(15:08):
That is the power of becoming a widget and assessing
the audience that you're talking to on the why for
them or for their clients. If your business to business
is the effectiveness of really investing in sales development. There
is a difference between sales development and customer experience, and
(15:28):
sometimes we want to try to mix those two together.
And that's where you have people that don't feel comfortable
with sales, right because their strength is more about that
empathy and conversation through client care and client management. Sales
is about let me educate you on this product because
you want this to be part of it, and let
(15:49):
me understand what your need is to help elevate you
as well as help growld the business. And you have
to be okay with saying that because that's what it is.
Speaker 1 (16:01):
Yeah, And that's to be exactly I mean, because I
mean here you are with the product.
Speaker 3 (16:06):
Maybe people haven't never heard of you or your.
Speaker 4 (16:10):
Product, right, that's true. And and and you know that's
what social media is about, right, That's what influencers about.
That is what the conversation is about. And if you
ignore that part of the business, how do you grow up?
If you sacrifice your your costs, revenue, and your distribution
(16:30):
because you just really want to help, that's great, but
it's not business. Right. So when you go into a
CBS or Walgreens or any you know type of business
and you go to the counter with your product, do
they go, you know, you look so nice today. I
think I'm gonna give you a little bit more money
off or they or do they scan that bad boy
(16:54):
at the price that you picked up and you you're
going out the door?
Speaker 2 (16:58):
You know.
Speaker 4 (16:59):
So there there's that understanding of you know, if I
did my homework, if I looked into what the cost
needs to be for me to maintain this business and
help supply a need, then be confident in what that
is and stick to educating people of the value it brings.
And then that is sales that is sustainable and will
(17:23):
help your business grow and help you pick candidates that
have the aptitude to help you achieve that goal.
Speaker 6 (17:32):
Wow.
Speaker 1 (17:33):
Wow, Wow, that's a really good way to think of it,
because I like the example you used.
Speaker 3 (17:41):
You know, any store you walk into, it's what the
price is. There's no negotiation.
Speaker 4 (17:49):
Nothing might be a coupon, but there's already been fact
how many times you use a coupon and until the
price went up twenty percent? Actually, or now you're gonna
buy in bulk. You know, like, there's a cause assessment
that should be should have been done and tested so
that even when you're talking about it, you can talk
(18:09):
about with confidence. I know what my margin is. This
is the least amount that I can afford to take
and still be in business. And here's here's you know
the plus, here's how many can it? And you know
how money I need to sell in order to do that.
And if you don't do that due diligence and homework,
that's where a lot of us get stuck in that
(18:30):
head over heart right mm hmm. Right. So this is
not to say you can't adjust and allocate for others,
but there has to be a cutoff that you know
of so that you can be here for the next
month and you can be here for the next person
because it is a business that is feeding you.
Speaker 3 (18:51):
Yes, yes, absolutely, Wow, that was deep.
Speaker 1 (18:57):
That was really deep and well said, you know, and
it's definitely something for people to summer on and understand,
you know, what they have to do just stay in business.
Speaker 3 (19:09):
Most get it, but they especially the newbies, you know,
they're passionate. They love what they.
Speaker 1 (19:16):
Did, they you know, but then the fear of asking
for the money steps up.
Speaker 3 (19:22):
They kind of like second guess.
Speaker 1 (19:25):
Themselves, and once they hear a couple of nose then
it's like.
Speaker 4 (19:31):
Oh, maybe I'm over the price.
Speaker 3 (19:33):
Maybe this No, you're just not talking to the right person.
Speaker 4 (19:38):
Absolutely, And it's also you know, you can do that check.
I did my homework, I did my research, I checked
on this price. And then there's some where you go
they charge so much money. I'm not going to charge
that much because that's just too much profit. That happens, right, yeah,
(19:58):
And I go, okay, but what kind of clientele are
you going to attract because of your sacrifice? We are
in a world where sometimes sometimes you know, if you're
way below the average price, something's wrong. Nope, I'm gonna
trust that one over there, because something's wrong. With that delineation,
(20:20):
you know, and you don't even realize it, Like, are
you kidding, I'm giving even better at a lower price guys, Nope, something,
you can't win that. So it's about doing your homework
of what the average cost is, what is your costs
because sometimes you're comparing apples to apples, excuse me, apples
to oranges on what their overhead cost is versus yours,
(20:44):
you know, and like there's so many different factors. So
you have to be comfortable with what your factors are
in comparison to the market. What do you need to
sustain and grow to pay yourself for pay yourself? You know,
(21:06):
that's the thing, you know, to grow and when you
can get through that hurdle of you know, and that
just makes you a beautiful person. I'm not saying it doesn't,
you know it doesn't, but a business beautiful person is
even more exciting. I'm telling you. I'm not telling you
it's great.
Speaker 3 (21:28):
So people can get all of that from your trainings.
Speaker 4 (21:32):
Yes, I have an online and then I also do
a virtual or in person for the Influence Equation. We
start by breaking down customizing what your strengths are so
that you know you don't have to do that journey alone.
We kind of go through it with you. Even on
the online one, I do a one on one session
and along with that module, and then once we have that,
(21:56):
then we work on developing what are your strategy you
questions or your strategy approach to continue to be influential,
and we really target like what are one or two
instances like yeah, this is happening tomorrow, I need help,
you know, So we really hone in on if you
have a networking event that you need to go to
let's put this stuff into action, or a family reunion
(22:21):
that's just as bad, that's just as challenging sometimes, or
you know, in a new city connecting with friends, or
in a new career path right not sure or what
you want to go with. Knowing what you need sixty
percent of your role to be is priceless on you
being successful and whatever that new adventure is. And then
(22:42):
we kind of go through and role play continuing to
help you have those safe spaces to come through. Maximizing
your comfort zone in those situations, maximizing your strengths and
making brand ambassadors is one of the modules as well,
because it's your small powerful of how people talk about
you when you leave the growth. So making that influence
(23:06):
so that that is the case. You know, I just
did it speaking where I did empower your Presence training
and you know it touched me where four or five
people showed up just to support me. I didn't even
tell them I was doing it, you know, and they
showed up. And you know, but what is our human fucka?
(23:30):
Oh now I really have to make sure you know,
oh my goodness versus And then because I have my
defaults that kind of helped me get out of that run.
You know, I have my two statements that I have
to say to myself, like, well, they're here, now what
are you going to do because it's game on and
you're going to make sure that they're not you know.
And I have to do my own mantras to kind
(23:53):
of get past that human challenge, you know, And that
is is what this enables you. So it's not just
one side of you. We have work dynamic. We're fearfully
and wonderfully made. But you know, understanding and embracing that
to use it to elevate your career and elevate your
interactions is what it's about.
Speaker 1 (24:17):
Yes, Yes, and speaking and is an already nervous situation
in its own speaking to any crap, I don't care
if you've done it one hundred times. That first movement
to that stage when you first have to open your mouth,
(24:41):
it's like, okay, let this come out, Lord, let this
come out right.
Speaker 4 (24:48):
And you're looking like, oh my goodness, and having to
switch to okay, what is your audience? Like, our brains
are designed that you can only think about one thing
at a time. It feels like you're doing fifty things,
but no matter what, one thought is dominating at that
time and you get to control it. Right, So when
(25:12):
you start going down that rabbit hole, it's about okay, brain,
something as easy as look at this pencil, I wonder
how it grab something, and just change that thought and
then come back, because that's what's going to allow you
to reset and refocus. You know. Some people go reset
(25:33):
by you know, breathing and then you know, then you know,
think about the positive. Well, if I could do that,
I would have started there, you know. So sometimes it's
just survival, right, and the fastest thing is just pick
up something a pencil. Okay, this pencil is wood, and yeah,
(25:54):
we don't even use pencils anymore, do we You see
how your brain just went, Your shoulders will come down.
I promise you you will be able to reset and
refocus and then you can get right back into it.
You know, I say you let those challenges have a moment,
not a day.
Speaker 3 (26:12):
I'm writing now.
Speaker 1 (26:13):
I heard that and I like how you approach it.
Speaker 3 (26:18):
It's like, you know simple strategies that most of us
don't even think.
Speaker 4 (26:26):
About, right, And it's my challenge, you know, from growing
up the School of Hard Knocks was a lot of
you just had to figure out yourself. And I have
all my degrees, but keep it simple because I need
(26:46):
to be able to remember it and be able to
articulate it in the moment. I'm in here already help
me and I found I can give you a structured
process because the structure is good, But anybody knows me,
structure with a spicy little sauce on the side is
(27:06):
where I'm going to come in, you know, right. So
what can I get and grab that I'm going to
use again? And that's where it's important to customize to
what your strengths are. We are all different. If we
put it strategically together, unstoppable you know. So that's that's
(27:27):
where that absolutely comes from, of just embracing I'm quiet,
embracing I don't want to be No one says I'm quiet,
but they say that about you know, you know, I'm quiet. No,
you're probably thinking and assessing. So it's about you can
(27:48):
be quiet, but what does your face say? Right, because
the first thing people go by is what they see,
So it's okay to be quiet and not want to
be there. But you're just yes, you know, and you're
winning your Best Actor award and that is going to
get you where you're actually trying to go every time.
Speaker 1 (28:13):
Alrighty, then, so let's talk about personal values and how
they show up in the leadership decisions.
Speaker 4 (28:24):
Oh so much, oh so much. I think the challenge
for leaders and the success for leaders is them respecting
where they came from. But understanding what got you here
won't keep you keeping right. So your values have to
(28:45):
switch to your responsibilities, right, So they really shouldn't be
too far off. But sometimes you get lost in that
transition of responsibility where it seems that you must sacrifice
values in order to achieve greatness. And that's what delineates
(29:06):
where you become a leader. Or a manager, people follow
you or your check clears right. So it's really about
embracing values. Values are your strengths. Values are what make
you you, you know, and that's when I know I
(29:27):
need to go somewhere. If you take my smile, I
gotta go right. You took my smile, Gotta go right.
Nobody takes this, you know. So the values for a
leader is about being able to listen better than anybody
in normal and then in power the people that are
in the room, because that is why your group or
(29:51):
department or organization is going to be successful. Because if
you're the leader, are you really doing the work that
needs to be done? Are you empowering people to help
elevate them so that you have that success? You know,
what defines success as a leader are the people who
want to follow them and the people that you nurture
to have more potential within the organization to grow.
Speaker 3 (30:15):
Yes, And that's so true.
Speaker 1 (30:17):
That is so true because if people don't want to
follow you, they don't want to they're not going to
do the work. They're just going to do the bare
minimum until something else happens.
Speaker 4 (30:30):
Right, The key part of change management is to accept
that five percent are going to be resistant to change. Right,
there's that five percent that is going to be resistant
to change. There's that middle percent where they need that
guidance and nurturing and support, and then there's the other
(30:51):
ones where you're just grooming and they're ready to go,
right and being able to balance your team so that
you have different thoughts and prospects, but an open space
for them to talk is enough work to keep you
busy forever, forever, you know, because you know, I used
(31:16):
to tell my managers when they would present their you know,
their team's results, I'd go, who buy who?
Speaker 2 (31:24):
Who?
Speaker 4 (31:25):
Who is that person? And then what did we set
them up for for success? You know? What other department
do they need to visit because they can bring that
information back and we can watch them grow. You know,
my retention rate had to be attrition excuse my attrition
rate had to be higher for internal promotions versus external
(31:47):
That was my expectation, you know, And those are the
things that allowed leaders to start thinking a little differently.
I don't want to hear about you. I want to
hear about the people under you and what you're doing
for them. Right, That's the value that a leader, you know,
helps someone because someone helped you, someone helped you get
(32:08):
to where you are and what's going to get you
now because you're less in the day to day, you're
more in the strategic vision, You're more in the growth
of the organization. So you have to change that mindset
to make sure that that's a part of it. So
your values are the core of it, but it's understanding
how you tick and how you can influence others to
(32:29):
be as their fullest potential. That's a successful leader, in
my opinion, because the business growth and financial growth comes
with all of that.
Speaker 1 (32:37):
Yes, absolutely, So tell me the last time you had
a self reflection that changed the course of your professional path?
Speaker 4 (32:48):
Oh five minutes ago. Now, I have to say the
biggest one I had a couple, but from a professional
perspective is when I actually went through my life coaching certification.
(33:08):
That was the That was the best hardest thing I've
ever done, because that self reflection helped me reassess resetting
myself to be in that mode that they use where
you put the on the airplane, you put the mask
on first before you help someone else. You know, too
many times it was the other way around, And I'm
(33:29):
thinking I'm helping and you know I'll carry you. Come on,
let's go. Where there needed to be a balance. There
need to be a delineation so that I could have
that structure that I have to force in my life,
you know, so I could be there with a better
(33:50):
work life balance, so I could be there fully attentive
to my consulting and to my other businesses, you know,
the other businesses that I have. And that self reflection
was I'm spinning because I'm trying to do everything, and
I needed to focus on what is it that really
(34:10):
feeds you back? What is it that really you're you're
going to be able to give quality to And you know,
that helped me redirect where it's not just life coaching,
it's not career in business coaching, it's that is that
holistic view, you know, for leadership development, it's who I
am and what I am in it, and you know,
(34:34):
target and have continuity to the approach. And that's where
the influence equation evolved from, you know, what is this,
what am I talking about? What am I referring to?
And then that's kind of where that grew from. So
sitting down in and holding myself accountable, which Oh, it's
a hard thing to do, but what you do with
(34:56):
it is the harder part, Like okay, yes, I'll be better.
What does that mean? Like, well, how do I incorporate
that in? So I had to make myself regiment it
for me and I do a self check check on
that now and you know, even tell my husband, Nope,
I needed that, I need I need to go do
(35:17):
this for me. You know, I never would have been
like I would have been like, okay, acquiesced to you know,
whatever we're doing or whatever we're growing and stuff like that.
So I think I pride myself more in that self
reflection a little bit more frequently now to either validate
or go yeah, a nice try you feel right off
(35:38):
that boat, get back on, get back get back on there?
Where are you going?
Speaker 1 (35:44):
Yeah, So that's a hard thing to do to really
connect with yourself and be able to say you didn't
get that right.
Speaker 4 (35:56):
Mm hmmm.
Speaker 1 (35:57):
Back to the drawing board for you, my dead that's
a hard, difficult thing to do.
Speaker 4 (36:03):
Yeah, And your clients will come to you and go
can you you know, and you want to say yes,
And you know, I do better job of going CVS, CVS,
And I go I cannot. But here's what I here's
what we can accommodate. You let me know your thoughts,
(36:24):
you know, and there's all a way in how you
say it, and that allows me to have grace for myself, right,
And it is a hard thing to do when Yeah,
I call it that head heart balance again, you know,
thinking with this more with this where it just needs
(36:45):
to be a good balance and I'll be okay, It'll
be okay. Then they'll know you still care. They know
you're going to do everything you can to help them
have that aha moment, but it's their moment, A moment
is making sure you gave them the tools for success.
Speaker 1 (37:04):
Yes, absolutely So one other question for you, what's one
of the blind spots that once you uncovered it expanded
your ability to lead?
Speaker 5 (37:17):
Wow?
Speaker 4 (37:21):
So many uh to find out that I had more
than I thought of blondes. But I think I think
the biggest one I probably learned from the worst boss
I've probably ever had, right, and it was that everyone
(37:44):
doesn't need to be your friend. It's okay for them
to be your queen's and it's okay for them to
just coexist. You know, everyone is not going to you know,
be on the same way with you. And that was
devastating for me because I'm going, oh, on mine, what
are you worried about? We can all get along, you know.
(38:09):
Competition is just not a high score for me on
those assessment tests, right, going what's the big already? Move
over here you go? You know, you know, and in
certain aspects, that's not that's a blind spot. That's that's
something that exposed exposed me and and it cost me,
(38:32):
you know, and it and it costs my my psyche,
it costs my feelings, it costs my anger, you know,
and my frustration. And then you don't think you're feeding
it or giving that power, and you absolutely are by
saying I'm not feeding it and I'm not giving it up.
You're talking about it, you know. So it was a
(38:53):
it was a that was a that is you know,
and sometimes it still is a blind spot for me
because I just don't think that way, right. But what
I do know is I cut that cord a lot
faster than I have in the past and know and
I know that I'm going to be okay. I know
I'm going to have a tournique for it. And it's
(39:13):
about again be coming back to set things or mantras
that I say to myself, did I do my brand?
Did I come authentically me? What did I need to
do better? Because that's there too, you know. And then
what's the next step, because we're not going to do
(39:34):
the same thing we did before, you know. So so
those are the things that I have to purposely. It's
not going to happen or automatic for me, you know,
but I purposely have to do that. And then I
can go okay, all right, and then I allow it
to be your issue and you're a blind spot versus mine.
Speaker 3 (39:56):
Yes, and it's always better than all the chord, not yours.
Speaker 4 (40:07):
Right, and I I'm good, But what I won't do
is expose myself to that again. So we're good. But
I'm gonna be over here and know that, you know,
there's no need for negative there's because that's not me.
That's me feeding your balance, right. That takes practice sometimes,
(40:29):
but but you know that's where give yourself a cheat
sheet to make sure that you're enjoying your day and
empowering yourself and you're gonna be okay, you know. Again,
back to only a moment, not a day.
Speaker 1 (40:45):
Love it, love it, love it, Wow And I said,
this has been thebomb dot com the state of the least.
Speaker 3 (40:51):
Like geh, how did people connect with fear?
Speaker 4 (40:55):
I am waiting to connect with everyone, So feel free
to reach out to me of either my website at
Unlockyourinfluence dot com. My number is two sixty seven three
seven four six five seven. But reach out to me please.
You know, like my page your Instagram, it's Vanessa Hopkins,
(41:16):
you'll find it be e r any ssa. But you
know I have some tools and tips on there as well,
and then any of my workshops are virtual and in person.
I'd love to have you join.
Speaker 3 (41:29):
Absolutely.
Speaker 1 (41:30):
I can't wait to the ten to one myself because
I'm enjoying this conversation and learning some things I need
to deal with as well. So I hope that audience
that you picked up some things as well, and definitely
reach out to Vanessa because we.
Speaker 4 (41:47):
All need help.
Speaker 3 (41:50):
No no one is above help, no.
Speaker 4 (41:55):
One, and if you are, that's the help you need.
Speaker 1 (42:00):
Absolutely, So thank you so much Vanessa for taking time
out of your day, and thank you audience for tuning in.
Speaker 4 (42:07):
We appreciate you as well.
Speaker 6 (42:09):
All right, thanks for the opportunity again, absolutely, thank you
to our guests, and you our values, audience.
Speaker 4 (42:20):
Let's stop you live.
Speaker 2 (42:22):
We truly appreciate you. Many blessings to you and yours
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
The Breakfast Club
The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!