Listening Skills, Assertiveness, and Entrepreneurship Strategies

How important is quick decision-making and confronting uncomfortable situations for personal and professional growth?

From her beginnings in athletics at the University of Washington to earning a Ph.D. in adult learning and leadership development, Dr. Carrie Graham's journey is both inspiring and instructive. She opens up about her transition from a shy individual to an assertive professional in elite athletics, and how those experiences shaped her ability to make quick decisions and confront challenges head-on.

Dr. Graham delves into the disconnect between company missions and practices, stressing the importance of validated research in training programs. She also shares her personal and professional growth, the empowering realization of not needing external validation, and her pivot to entrepreneurship amid the COVID pandemic.

Plus, hear practical advice for small business owners looking to improve their training programs and employee onboarding.

The Disconnect Between Mission Statements and Reality: "It's a business who, in their mission statement, they say that they value their employees, and they talk about how great their employees are to their business the success of their business. But when you look inside of that business, the employees don't feel that way." — Dr. Carrie Graham 

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Empowering Moments

05:44 University professor and Division 1 athletics experience.

07:15 Education, athletics, family, teaching, motivation, PhD pursuit

13:05 Enduring adversity shapes the strength to endure.

17:48 Black woman asserts autonomy in professional decisions.

25:19 Learned from many, put it together yourself.

29:26 Business claims to value employees, but doesn't.

33:30 Businesses lack knowledge of effective training practices.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Copyright 2025 Glenn Harper

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