E280: Shirelle Francis - Ignite the spark of transformation

Learn more about Shirelle at:  www.ileapgroup.com

1. Diversity of Experience & Breaking Stereotypes

• Shirelle’s Personal Story:
• Her fashion choices (such as a standout outfit) initially led others to assume they were selling clothes, rather than running a successful IT and cybersecurity business. This was a pivotal moment where she realized that assumptions based on appearance (race, gender, etc.) don't always align with reality. She was able to turn this situation into an opportunity to connect with a key business partner, emphasizing the importance of diversifying one’s thinking and not allowing past negative experiences to shape future interactions.
• There is a huge power in the diversity of thought—both in business and in how one perceives others. A mindset shift can lead to opportunities rather than barriers.

2. The Role of Mindfulness and Self-Talk

• Leticia's Wisdom:
• Leticia introduces the concept of “telling ourselves our own stories: why mindfulness teachings, thoughts, and choosing the story we tell ourselves is important. When people experience challenges or negative assumptions, the inner narrative they create can either fuel suffering or open the door to more productive thinking and action.
• The message is clear: our mindset and self-talk can shape our experiences and either limit us or open new possibilities.

3. Business Ownership: Passion vs. Profit

• On Business Ownership:
• Shirelle explains why separating passion from profitability is a game changer: While passion can fuel a sense of purpose, it doesn’t always lead to immediate financial success. Entrepreneurs should focus on solving real problems (business problems) while maintaining their passion on the side, ensuring it doesn’t become a source of frustration if it doesn’t directly lead to revenue.
• Understanding business operations is crucial for business owners, particularly financial elements like Profit and Loss sheets, cash flow, and systems for managing growth. Without this infrastructure, passion alone won't sustain a business.

4. Systems and Processes in Small Business

• Efficiency & Operations:
• The power of systems and operations in small business ownership: While it’s tempting to focus solely on passion and product/service quality, a sustainable business requires attention to financial management, organizing workflows, and streamlining operations. Having clear systems in place for managing cash flow and delegating tasks, so that the entrepreneur can focus on the core functions of their business.
• Using tools like Loom or Zoom to record processes is practical advice for anyone looking to grow their business by ensuring that workflows and knowledge are shared efficiently within a team.

5. Cybersecurity’s Role in Business

• Shirelle passion for cybersecurity:  a high percentage of small businesses face cyberattacks. Their work in cybersecurity is both a business solution and a way to protect other businesses, allowing them to pursue their passion while addressing a critical issue.
• Cybersecurity becomes a symbol of responsibility and security. Entrepreneurs can weave their expertise into their mission of protecting and empowering others.

6. Finding Momentum & Inspiration

• Leticia's Podcast and Message of Patience:
• Leticia shares her own journey of producing a podcast for five years without direct monetary rewards, underscoring the importance of patience and commitment to passion. The rewards often come in the form of impact and fulfillment, not just financial compensation. She talks about the urgency she felt to release content, especially the interview with Dr. Gladys McCormick, a woman who introduced holistic medicine to the U.S. and passed away shortly after the interview.
• Sometimes external events can serve as a signal or a reminder to move forward with projects that are meaningful, even when they seem to have no immediate financial return.

7. Breaking News and Exciting Business Milestones

• Shirelle announces an exciting business achievement: closing a deal with a Historically Black College/University (HBCU) for a digital transformation and cybersecurity project. This includes providing jobs and opportunities for students, which ties back to their passion for empowering underserved and underrepresented groups.
• The significance of this project lies not only in the technical aspects of cybersecurity but also in the social impact—creating pathways for young people to enter the tech field while benefiting from education and mentorship.

8. Gratitude and Giving Back

• We should always express gratitude for life, work, and the opportunities that come with it. Maintaining a sense of purpose and using one’s position to help others, particularly marginalized groups or communities that may not have the same opportunities is so powerful and humane.

Key Messages from the Episode:

• Mindset matters: The mindset plays a crucial role in navigating business and life challenges. Choosing a more empowering narrative can turn obstacles into opportunities.
• Passion and business: Your passion doesn’t have to be profitable or business-connected. But your business needs to solve problems. Passion doesn’t always equate to immediate profitability, but when coupled with problem-solving and business strategies, it can lead to long-term success.
• Systems are essential for every business owner: Having strong operational systems in place is crucial for running a business smoothly. This includes managing cash flow, creating efficient workflows, and being ready for delegation.
• Cybersecurity and social impact: There’s a significant need for cybersecurity services, particularly for small businesses. By combining technical expertise with a mission to empower underserved groups, businesses can make a social impact while ensuring growth and security.
• Patience and persistence: Leticia’s story about her podcast emphasizes the need for patience and persistence in pursuing passions that may not yield immediate financial returns. Success and fulfillment come from the impact one makes, not just the financial rewards.

Key Topics:

Sherelle’s early influences: The impact of her grandfather’s lessons in global citizenship, work ethic from her mother, and dreaming without limits.

The role of exposure in youth development: Traveling, learning new languages, and interacting with diverse cultures.

Career origin story: Sherelle’s transition from law aspirations to a career in tech and IT, driven by an innate interest in process optimization and technology.

"Choosing the right rooms": The importance of being in spaces that align with personal values and goals, rather than conforming to societal expectations.

Legacy vs. fame: Sherelle's desire to leave a lasting impact, particularly on future generations, through her work in leadership, tech, and community empowerment.

Empowering underserved communities: Sherelle's work through I Lead Group and I Elevate Community, focusing on growth, leadership, and work-life integration for women entrepreneurs.

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