We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Trisha Stetzel a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Trisha, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
Navigating the business landscape as one of the few female veteran executive, leadership coach, and business owner in a male-dominated environment requires a strategic blend of resilience and strategic acumen. Embracing my own unique perspective as a strength, drawing upon the diverse experiences that come with being both a veteran and a woman. I now use this to offer innovative solutions and perspectives that may not be present in these male-dominated spaces.
Networking has become a crucial tool to my success. Establishing connections with other business leaders, mentors, and organizations that champion diversity and inclusion. Building a supportive network has provided insights, guidance, and opportunities that contribute to my effectiveness and success. I actively seek allies who appreciate the value of diverse leadership.
Finally, I continue to invest in my professional development. I stay abreast of industry trends, enhance my skills, and seek on-going leadership training. By continually evolving and showcasing my expertise, I not only demonstrate my capabilities but also challenge and break down gender stereotypes in the business world. My success as a female veteran business leader not only paves the way for my own achievements but also contributes to creating a more inclusive and diverse business environment for all.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I serve and support numerous roles with a sense of poise and purpose. As a devoted wife, a nurturing mother, a dutiful daughter, a seasoned veteran, a compassionate care-taker, an enthusiastic animal lover, a visionary entrepreneur, and a dedicated coach, trainer, and facilitator, my journey has been filled with so many blessings and experiences.
Over the past 25 years, my experience of business ownership and selfless service has molded me into a dynamic force. My primary focus for 2024 is clear – I am committed to serving and supporting female veteran executives who are poised to elevate their leadership and teams to the next level.
My narrative began with eight years of service in the US Navy as a Cryptologic Technician. From the continental U.S. to Japan and Hawaii, I provided essential communications services and led teams with precision. Transitioning from military life, my journey continued with a decade-long stint at IBM. Here, I managed large teams supporting End User experience, server services, web services, and a Business Office with a multi-million-dollar budget.
I am an international designated master business coach and executive leadership coach. Alongside, I wear the hats of a speaker, emcee, podcaster, experienced entrepreneur, and business owner. My expertise extends to being a business growth and marketing specialist, with a profound focus on both business and personal development. As a Brian Tracy International Certified Sales Trainer, and a preferred coach trainer and facilitator for the FocalPoint Inc. coach certification program and Sales Skills Training Program, my journey is marked by continuous growth.
Beyond the corporate realm, my heart beats for volunteer work with Faithful Friends Animal Assisted Therapy, where I bring joy to Senior Assisted Living and Nursing Facilities through interactions with animals. Additionally, I am a board member for the Houston Regional Veterans Chamber of Commerce. Podcasting is another facet of my life, where I serve as the founder and host of two captivating shows – “Bridge the Gap” and “Serving the Community.”
Fueled by an unwavering passion for aiding others in both community and business, I have evolved into a leader of leaders and a trusted business advisor. My journey allows me to share the invaluable gifts of knowledge, experience, and altruism with a wider audience, leaving an indelible mark on the world around me.
I am excited to announce my premier program this year, Empower the Journey, built specifically to support female veteran executives who are poised to elevate their leadership and teams to the next level.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back on my journey, three key pillars emerge as the driving forces that have profoundly impacted my path. Firstly, adaptability and resilience have been paramount. Navigating diverse environments, from military service to managing large corporate teams, required the ability to adapt to new challenges and bounce back from setbacks with grace. This quality has allowed me to approach uncertainties as opportunities for growth and learning.
Secondly, leadership and team management skills have played a pivotal role. Beyond the mere title, effective leadership has been crucial in inspiring and guiding teams, fostering collaboration, and navigating the complexities of team dynamics. It’s not just about personal success but empowering others to succeed as well.
Lastly, a commitment to continuous learning and versatility has been a game-changer in a rapidly evolving world. From mastering communication technologies in the Navy to adapting to the dynamic corporate landscape and later venturing into coaching and entrepreneurship, the hunger for learning and versatility has been a constant driving force. Embracing new skills, staying informed, and adapting to emerging trends have been essential for remaining relevant and effective on this fulfilling and diverse journey.
For those embarking on the early stages of their journey or just looking to reset, focusing on these three key tips can significantly enhance your development:
Cultivate a Growth Mindset: Approach challenges with a mindset that sees them as opportunities for learning and growth. Embrace a proactive attitude toward continuous improvement, viewing setbacks not as failures but as stepping stones toward personal and professional development.
Seek Diverse Experiences: Actively pursue diverse experiences that push you beyond your comfort zone. Whether it’s taking on new responsibilities at work, volunteering in different contexts, or exploring various educational opportunities, exposure to diverse environments enhances adaptability and broadens your perspective.
Build Strong Interpersonal Skills: Develop effective communication, empathy, and collaboration skills. Practice active listening, seek to understand diverse viewpoints, and cultivate positive interpersonal relationships. These skills are foundational for leadership and team management, contributing to a collaborative and supportive work environment.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
My ideal client is a female military veteran executive whose characteristics align with a vision of impactful collaboration and growth. I seek someone with a rich background in military service, bringing valuable leadership experience and a unique perspective shaped by the discipline, resilience, and teamwork fostered in the military.
An ideal client is driven by ambitious leadership aspirations, demonstrating a desire to not just maintain but elevate her leadership skills and teams to new heights. Also, she embraces change as a catalyst for progress, demonstrating a readiness for transformation in both personal and professional spheres. Committed to team development, she recognizes the pivotal role of collaborative teams in achieving organizational success.
Beyond her professional pursuits, the ideal client shares a passion for giving back to the community, aligning with my values of altruism and community service. Openness to coaching and mentorship, along with a strong alignment of values, forms the foundation for a successful and collaborative partnership. Together, we embark on a journey of growth, leadership development, and making a lasting impact in both the corporate and broader community spheres.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://teamrxc.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teamstetzel_resultsxtreme/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tstetzel
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trisha-stetzel/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@businessbalanceboundaries2395/podcasts
