Today we’d like to introduce you to Issata Oluwadare.
It’s an honor to speak with you today. Why don’t you give us some details about you and your story. How did you get to where you are today?
As a first-generation immigrant, I watched my parents struggle to make sense of life in the United States. They were both incredibly hard workers, but being immigrants placed them at a disadvantage regarding understanding and accessing resources for us as a family and them as business owners. Nevertheless, as a child, I always listened in on their conversations. I paid attention to how my mother managed my father’s art gallery and properties and all the challenges they encountered. I didn’t realize it then, but my mother taught me resourcefulness through role-modeling excellence in the small things, decision-making, and strategic planning. I was like a sponge as a child; later on, that same curiosity would lead my husband and me down the same path of entrepreneurship. Much like my parents, we encountered many obstacles. Equipped with our mother’s resourcefulness, courage and college degrees, we studied and applied what we learned in our business. The strategies we implemented helped us through hard times, and I am now motivated to be a resource for other first-time entrepreneurs.
I’m sure your success has not come easily. What challenges have you had to overcome along the way?
Contracts, contracts, Contracts! We found solutions to most of the challenges we faced by reading our contracts, doing our best to understand the law, and seeking legal counsel when we ran into issues. It wasn’t always easy being the little guy. Industry jargon would easily overwhelm us until we perfected the system of seeking knowledge, finding quality mentors, and making decisions from a mindset of abundance.
Let’s talk about the work you do. What do you specialize in and why should someone work with you over the competition?
I specialize in helping women in business identify their unique niche, find the pockets in their systems and processes, and provide a detailed strategy to strengthen their brand, helping them get in front of their ideal clients. I also help independent authors get published. Three of my books have gone number one and so have several clients. While we do not guarantee these results, we have a solid foundation to ensure our clients achieve maximum reach and impact!
What’s your best piece of advice for readers who desire to find success in their life?
Start with why. Money is not a strong enough “why,” nor is popularity. To succeed in business and make a positive impact, your reason for starting your business must be bigger than you. For me, watching those around me grow is enough reason to keep going when times get tough. Knowing I had even a minor role in helping someone increase revenue and make a positive impact gives me all the fuel I need as a business coach.
Speaking of success, what does the word mean to you?
If I am the only benefiting, then it is not success. If I cannot duplicate it in the lives of others, then it is not success. If I cannot successfully motivate and coach those around me to want more, to be more, then my friend, that is still no success. Success is building a legacy that outlives your years and can continue even after you have stepped out of the room. It is teaching others how to fish.
What’s next for you?
I plan to take my coaching skills to urban super-centers like Newark, NJ, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, & Philadelphia, supporting entrepreneurs like me as they prepare for the next level.
Finally, how can people connect with you if they want to learn more?
The best way to connect is to email me via my website at www.issatao.com and setup a 30-minute consultation. Let’s get you ready for the next level of income and social impact toward the betterment of humanity!