Name: Lara Arden

Title: Founder

Organisation: Business Awards Coach

Lara Arden: Transformational Coach and Business Awards Expert Once a high school dropout, I turned setbacks into comebacks, embodying the values of visibility, credibility, and authenticity. After losing a stable job, I embraced the challenge of becoming a commission-only insurance sales agent while raising three kids.

Through resilience and determination, I achieved national record-breaking success despite early rejections. In my mid-40s, I earned a degree in Psychology & Counselling, ranking in the Top 100 of 29,000 students. Now, as the leader of the Award Winners Inner Circle Mastermind, I empower others to excel in business awards, fostering impact and positivity in their journeys. At Business Awards Coach, we proudly see 85% of our nominees become finalists, with 65% emerging as winners. Join us to start winning and gain the recognition you truly deserve!

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!

I hope Lara's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?

Lara’s Challenging Experiences as a Leader

1. Overcoming Early Rejections: - Facing numerous rejections as a commission-only insurance sales agent while trying to establish credibility and visibility in a competitive field.

2. Balancing Family and Career: - Juggling the responsibilities of raising three kids while building a field sales career from scratch, which required exceptional time management and emotional resilience.

3. Transitioning Careers: - Shifting from a stable salaried job to a commission-based role, which involved financial uncertainty and the need to adapt quickly to a new environment.

4. Pursuing Education Later in Life: - Returning to education in your mid-40s, which included challenges like managing coursework alongside family, work, and financial commitments.

5. Leading Diverse Groups: - Navigating the dynamics of leading the Award Winners Inner Circle Mastermind, where I cater to various personalities and backgrounds while fostering a cohesive and supportive environment.

6. Building a Business from the Ground Up: - Establishing the Business Awards Coach business and developing strategies to ensure 85% of nominees become finalists, requiring innovative thinking and strategic planning.

7. Maintaining Positivity Amidst Challenges: - Staying positive and authentic in the face of setbacks, ensuring that my leadership inspires others to continue striving and overcome their own obstacles.

2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

My journey to leadership is defined by resilience and determination. As a high school dropout raising three children while managing a mortgage, I faced significant challenges. After losing my stable job, I took a leap into commission-only insurance sales. Despite the daunting rejections, my perseverance led me to break national sales records, proving that dedication and faith can drive success.

Recognising the value of education, I pursued a Psychology & Counselling degree in my mid-40s, ranking in the Top 100 out of 29,000 students. This not only expanded my knowledge but reinforced my belief in lifelong learning.

Today, I empower others through the Award Winners Inner Circle Mastermind, guiding aspiring leaders to overcome obstacles and achieve recognition. My journey transforms setbacks into stepping stones, inspiring others to embrace their potential and lead.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

Structuring My Work Days: A Blueprint for Success My workday is intentionally structured to maximise productivity and maintain balance. Here’s how I approach it:

1. Morning Routine (5:30 AM - 7:30 AM) - Wake Up Early: I start my day early to enjoy quiet moments of intuition and guidance. - Mindfulness & Exercise: I nourish my mind through meditation and learning, followed by a workout to energise my body and mind. - Networking: Various timed meetings enable friendly gatherings and new connections. - Later Breakfast: Having a later breakfast supports my intermittent fasting for the day.

2. Focused Work Blocks (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM) - Prioritised Tasks: I check my calendar for planned priorities throughout the day, and follow them in order to achieve sustainable progress in varied projects. - Zoom Blocks: I use zoom blocks with accountability buddies to maintain focus, minimise distractions, and dedicate specific periods to deep work.

3. Midday Break (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM) - Lunch & Recharge: I take a proper lunch break away from my desk, allowing myself to recharge and reflect upon the morning’s progress.

4. Afternoon Collaborations (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM) - Meetings & Coaching: I schedule creative tasks and collaborative meetings during this time, as my energy is still high, allowing for deeper connections, and productive discussions.

5. Wrap-Up & Review (4:00 PM - 5:00 PM) - End-of-Day Reflection: I review what I accomplished, adjust my plans for the next day, and celebrate small wins. - Disconnect: I consciously disconnect from work to transition into personal time.

6. Evening Routine (5:30 PM - 10:00 PM) - Friends & Networking: I prioritise quality time with friends and engage in hobbies that nourish my creativity. I enjoy friendly zoom evening meetings for making work connections. - Wind Down & Personal Time: I establish a relaxing evening routine, including planning and reading, to prepare for restful and inspiring sleep.

Key Takeaways for Aspiring Leaders: - Structure is Essential: A well-structured day enhances focus and productivity. - Balance is Key: Prioritising personal well-being alongside work fosters long-term success. - Reflection Drives Growth: Regularly reviewing your day helps to keep goals in alignment..ng.

4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?

A Recent Lesson in Leadership: The Power of Clarity

Recently, I was reminded of the profound impact that clarity has on effective leadership. In a fast-paced environment, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and lose sight of our core objectives and values.

During a recent team project, I realised that my initial vision was not clearly communicated. This led to confusion and misalignment among team members, resulting in delays and frustration. It was a pivotal moment that highlighted the importance of being explicit about expectations, goals, and the “why” behind our actions.

From this experience, I learned that: - Clear Communication is Key: Taking the time to articulate my vision and expectations ensures everyone is on the same page. It fosters a sense of ownership and accountability within the team.

- Encourage Open Dialogue: I now prioritise creating a safe space for team members to ask questions and express concerns. This openness not only clarifies misunderstandings but also strengthens team cohesion.

- Regular Check-Ins: Implementing regular check-ins allows us to recalibrate and stay aligned with our objectives, ensuring we remain focused and adaptable.

This lesson reinforced my belief that as leaders, we must prioritise clarity in our communication and actions. By doing so, we empower our teams to thrive, ultimately leading to greater success in our collective endeavours.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

“The Tipping Point”, by Malcolm Gladwell, 2000 concludes that our success comes down to the law of the few. Also, to our ability to make our message stick in peoples’ hearts, plus the power of context.

Essentially, everything we do, can thrive if it’s in the right environment. When we open our hearts to make more acquaintances, we don’t have to make them friends. However, remembering important details about them can, in the long run, play a crucial role in helping us get to our tipping point.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?

Sage Advice for Aspiring Leaders

1. Embrace Visibility: - Be Seen and Heard: Actively share your ideas and accomplishments. Engage in conversations and seek opportunities to showcase your strengths. - Network Authentically: Build relationships that are genuine. Attend events, join groups, and connect with mentors who align with your vision.

2. Cultivate Credibility: - Deliver Consistently: Ensure your actions align with your words. Reliability builds trust among peers and followers. - Seek Expertise: Continuously learn and grow in your field. Share knowledge to position yourself as a credible resource.

3. Practice Authenticity: - Be True to Yourself: Lead with your values and beliefs. Authenticity attracts others and fosters loyalty. - Share Your Journey: Be open about your experiences, including challenges. This vulnerability can inspire others and create deeper connections.

4. Radiate Positivity: - Foster an Uplifting Environment: Encourage and support those around you. Positivity is contagious and can create a culture of collaboration and innovation. - Focus on Solutions: When faced with challenges, maintain a positive outlook and encourage problem-solving rather than dwelling on difficulties.

5. Understand the Power of Small Actions: - Be the Catalyst: Just as Gladwell emphasises the significance of small changes leading to major shifts, recognise that your actions—no matter how minor—can inspire others and create a ripple effect.

- Leverage Your Influence: Use your voice to advocate for change, whether in your community or workplace. Small, consistent efforts can lead to significant outcomes. Conclusive Message "Be the catalyst for change by embodying visibility, credibility, authenticity, and positivity; your small actions can inspire others and create a ripple effect."

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far?

The Power of Team Empowerment During a workshop on overcoming Imposter Syndrome, I noticed a participant hesitant to share her valuable ideas due to self-doubt. To foster a supportive environment, we initiated a group activity where everyone shared a challenge and proposed a solution.

As the discussion progressed, she gradually gained confidence and shared her unique approach to a common problem, inspiring lively dialogue among participants. After the workshop, she expressed gratitude for the opportunity to speak up, realising the value of her voice. A few weeks later, she informed me that implementing her solution led to significant improvements in her business.

This experience reinforced my belief in the importance of visibility and authenticity in leadership. By encouraging open dialogue, it not only helped her find her voice but also fostered a culture of collaboration and empowerment, reminding me that true leadership uplifts and inspires others, creating a ripple effect of positive change.