From Reluctant Entrepreneur to Expert Advisor: A Journey of Collaboration and Growth

Wendy Brookhouse, CEO, BlackStar Wealth

Starting a business can be a daunting prospect, and for many, it may not be the path they envisioned for themselves. However, for some, entrepreneurship can become a fulfilling and rewarding journey that can bring about personal and financial growth.

I was one of those who initially had doubts about becoming an entrepreneur. It didn’t look like a viable path to me but after the tech crash in 2002 I took the leap and started my own business. Little did I know that my journey as an entrepreneur would lead me to where I am now – an expert advisor for entrepreneurs building their wealth and their business.

Along the way, I have learned the value of collaboration and the power of having a partner who shares your vision and passion. My spouse joined me over a decade ago to help me grow the business. He has helped set up relationships and the technology infrastructure that have been key to the growth of the business, and his support has been invaluable.

Collaboration has been crucial in our journey as entrepreneurs. Running a business can be a lonely and challenging road, but having someone to bounce ideas off of and to strategize with can make all the difference. It has allowed us to see things from different perspectives and identify blind spots that we may not have been aware of.

Personality assessments and communication coaching have also been essential tools that have helped us in our journey. We both understand each other’s communication styles and strengths and use this to our advantage. Clear communication has helped us avoid misunderstandings and stay aligned with our goals.

Being a woman in business can sometimes be challenging, and it’s not always easy to break into the old boys club. However, having my spouse on my side has helped. He can enter and form those relationships that I may not have been able to, which has been beneficial for the business. It might still aggravate me that this strategy is necessary, but we also believe in divide and conquer – he goes off to one thing, and I go to the other. Making sure we are using our unique strengths to reach our common goals.

Working with your spouse is becoming more and more common. Our recent survey had 90% of those working with their spouses require specialized financial advice when it comes to their wealth accumulation. As part of an Entrepreneurial Couple, I actively bring the lessons learned along the way, the best practices that have accelerated our business and wealth growth to the table with our clients.

In conclusion, entrepreneurship can be a challenging but rewarding journey. Collaboration and having a partner who shares your vision and passion can make all the difference. Personality assessments, communication coaching, and clear communication are essential tools that can help entrepreneurs navigate the challenges and stay aligned with their goals. As we continue to grow our business and help others build theirs, we are grateful for the journey and the lessons we have learned along the way.