Founder's Story: Transition from Corporate Exec to Empowered Entrepreneur & Transform Your Future with Erika Glenn | Ep. 184

Host/Author: IBH Media
Release Date: March 9, 2025

Introduction to Erika Glenn

In Episode 184 of "Founder's Story," host IBH Media welcomes Erika Glenn, an award-winning C-suite growth and healthcare executive, business consultant, and co-founder of Glenn Professional Services. Erika's profound journey from a corporate executive to a thriving entrepreneur serves as the cornerstone of this episode. Her TEDx talk, which has garnered over 500,000 views, exemplifies her expertise and the impact of her entrepreneurial insights.

From Corporate to Entrepreneurship

Host: "[02:02] Hey everyone, welcome back to Founders Story. Today we have Erica Glenn... I'm excited to have you on and I really think it's great to start off with your story and how you went from executive to business owner."

Erika Glenn: "[02:45] ...I went from a provider system in healthcare to a payer and PBM, and then over to a digital health startup. In the process of learning about business, I reached a point where I wanted to branch out on my own to apply these principles and help others solve different business challenges."

Transitioning from a secure corporate environment to the uncertainties of entrepreneurship can be daunting. Erika emphasizes the importance of financial preparedness and self-investment to navigate this leap successfully.

Erika Glenn: "[03:47] ...save ahead of time so that you have a little bit of coverage... Investing in yourself, you'll never lose."

Building a Personal Brand While Employed

The discussion shifts to the significance of cultivating a personal brand even while working for someone else, a strategy often overlooked by many professionals.

Erika Glenn: "[04:45] ...starting with branding more broadly... even when employers don't support it, your brand will help you negotiate better and bring great candidates to your business."

Erika underscores that a strong personal brand not only enhances individual reputation but also benefits the organizations one works for by elevating their market presence.

The Role of Mentorship and Coaching

Erika shares her transformative experience with mentorship, highlighting how pivotal guidance can shape one's career trajectory.

Erika Glenn: "[05:40] ...I started working with Heather Monahan, my executive coach, who pushed me to focus on branding... finding someone that can give you feedback and being open to it."

She advises seeking mentors who have no hidden agendas and can provide unbiased advice, ensuring that individuals receive valuable and actionable insights.

Overcoming Fear and Embracing Risk

Moving forward, the conversation delves into overcoming the fear associated with leaving corporate security and embracing the risks inherent in entrepreneurship.

Erika Glenn: "[06:29] ...you have to be willing to take risk... transitioning roles from IT to sales leader to general manager taught me to embrace change and build confidence for entrepreneurship."

She recounts her own hesitations before leaving a stable position at CVS to join a startup, which ultimately fortified her confidence to start her own business.

Misconceptions About Scaling and Sales

Erika addresses common misconceptions around scaling a business and building an effective sales team.

Erika Glenn: "[08:39] ...people think they can just go out and sell, but sustainable sales require trained teams and repeatable processes."

She emphasizes the necessity of systematic training and establishing robust sales processes to ensure long-term success, rather than relying on sporadic sales efforts.

Personal Growth and Leadership Adaptation

The episode explores Erika’s personal evolution in leadership style, transitioning from a dominant approach to a more collaborative one.

Erika Glenn: "[10:07] ...I had to tune up my feminine energy to focus on the team’s strengths and collaborate effectively, rather than just enforcing my directives."

This shift not only improved team dynamics but also enhanced overall productivity and employee satisfaction.

Effective Go-to-Market Strategies

Erika shares her approach to launching new products and entering competitive markets, underscoring the importance of thorough market research and strategic planning.

Erika Glenn: "[16:48] ...understand the product fit, scale it effectively, and ensure alignment between sales and marketing teams. This approach led to a 300% sales increase in one year."

Her methodical strategy, involving comprehensive market analysis and iterative pitching, illustrates the critical steps necessary for successful market penetration and product adoption.

Building and Hiring a High-Performing Sales Team

Hiring the right sales executives is crucial for business growth, and Erika provides insightful strategies for identifying and cultivating top talent.

Erika Glenn: "[19:28] ...look for emotional intelligence and the ability to complement team dynamics. Implementing team-based incentives can amplify sales performance."

She advocates for a team-selling approach and suggests practical methods to test and evaluate potential hires before fully integrating them into the team.

Authenticity in Branding

Authenticity stands out as a key component of effective personal and business branding.

Erika Glenn: "[13:33] ...be authentic in your social media presence; people can sense genuineness and value honesty."

Her emphasis on authenticity ensures that brands resonate more deeply with audiences, fostering trust and loyalty.

Future Endeavors and Ongoing Impact

Looking ahead, Erika outlines her upcoming engagements and continued efforts to inspire and empower others through speaking engagements and coaching.

Erika Glenn: "[15:53] ...heading to Paris for International Women's Day and Boca Raton for Women's Month events, along with upcoming podcasts and interviews."

Her proactive approach highlights her commitment to influencing and supporting the entrepreneurial community on a global scale.

Conclusion: Embracing Failure and Strategic Resilience

The conversation concludes with Erika’s perspective on failure as an inevitable aspect of business and the importance of strategic resilience.

Erika Glenn: "[28:09] ...always go to the numbers first, analyze financials, and understand operational efficiencies to navigate and turn around struggling businesses."

Her pragmatic approach to failure encourages entrepreneurs to focus on data-driven decisions and maintain a resilient mindset to overcome challenges.

Contact and Further Information

For those interested in Erika Glenn’s coaching and consulting services, she is accessible via her website erica-glenn.com and active on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Notable Quotes:

• Erika Glenn [03:47]: "Investing in yourself, you'll never lose."
• Erika Glenn [04:45]: "Your brand will help you negotiate better and bring great candidates to your business."
• Erika Glenn [10:07]: "I had to tune up my feminine energy to focus on the team’s strengths and collaborate effectively."
• Erika Glenn [13:33]: "Be authentic in your social media presence; people can sense genuineness and value honesty."
• Erika Glenn [28:09]: "Always go to the numbers first, analyze financials, and understand operational efficiencies to navigate and turn around struggling businesses."

Transform Your Future with Erika Glenn

Erika Glenn’s journey exemplifies the transition from corporate executive to empowered entrepreneur. Her insights on personal branding, mentorship, strategic planning, and authentic leadership offer invaluable guidance for aspiring entrepreneurs aiming to make a significant impact in their respective industries. Tune in to "Founder's Story" to uncover the heart of entrepreneurship through Erika’s compelling narrative.