Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Katheryne Womack. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Katheryne, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
Where does my resilience come from? The military. The good news is that what I have learned in resilience from the military- it is applicable to all endeavors. Business, personal goals, you name it.
Being accustomed to uncomfortable situations for extended periods of time has equipped me with the mental toughness to overcome challenges in life and business. It’s also empowered me to mentor and support my peers in business who need encouragement.
Business is certainly not for the faint of heart!
As a veteran who served as a Navy O3-E (Lieutenant with prior enlistment experience), I transitioned to the business world after 15 years of active duty. My military experiences provided a unique foundation for my career, especially in developing resilience and perseverance.
In the military, we were constantly exposed to uncomfortable and challenging conditions—from basic training to daily operations, to deployment. From sleeping on a noisy aircraft carrier launching jets to operating in high-stress environments, I learned the “trick” to adapting and persevering.
This “trick” is applicable to business development and operations. The key lesson I learned in the military is that the most important thing is simply to show up and keep moving forward. No matter how difficult the situation, there’s always a way to find a solution. And very little can stop you from getting dressed and showing up—except yourself.
Resilience is a choice you make repeatedly. It’s about deciding to keep going, even when things get tough and uncomfortable. By staying focused (or refocusing when you lose focus), maintaining a positive attitude, and surrounding yourself with a strong support network, you can overcome countless challenges and make progress toward your goals.
It’s so easy to quit. It’s tempting to give up when business gets difficult. That’s why simply showing up is the “trick.” Your competitors may be tempted to slow down or give up, and that’s where you can step in!
My advice to others is to never give up on your business goals, objectives, or personal aspirations. No matter how difficult the situation may seem, there’s always a way to find a solution by identifying the very next step. No matter how small, take that next step and you’ll know where to go from there. One step at a time. This is what develops resilience and perseverance. Get the repetition in!
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I own a digital marketing agency in Maryland and help businesses grow their visibility and revenue online. I operate primarily as a Fractional CMO, but we also provide services to smaller businesses- whether advertising or website development or SEO. Our value proposition is that we are not order takers. We will ensure that whatever issue you’re experiencing in revenue generation, and whatever solution you suspect would be the answer- is indeed in alignment with your target audience, market, location, and budget.
By simply having a conversation with us at WSI, you will have a leg up on the competition and a clear path forward in your marketing efforts.
We also provide on going education to businesses throughout the United States, in partnership with the Small Business Development Center and other business centers- get in touch with us and we will notify you on upcoming presentations around digital marketing for business growth.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, I think that the three qualities most impactful in my journey was:
1. Curiousity
2. A Growth Mindset
3. A Willingness to take risks
These qualities cultivated skills.
I’d recommend that if any of your readers wanted to develop or improve upon these areas to work towards their own goals, I’d say:
1. Ask Questions: Curiosity is the key to learning and growth. The more you ask, the more you’ll learn.
2. Seek Out New Experiences: Step outside of your comfort zone and seek out new experiences. This could involve taking on new projects, attending industry events, or learning a new skill.
3. Embrace Failure: A growth mindset views failures as opportunities for learning. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Learn from them and use them as stepping stones to success.
4. Set Challenging Goals: Set realistic and ambitious goals that will push you to grow and develop. This will help you in the long run, even if you don’t achieve those goals in the timeline you desired or if your goals shifted.
5. Network with Others: Building relationships with other professionals can provide valuable insights and opportunities. Attend industry events, join online communities, and connect with mentors.
6. Take Calculated Risks: While it’s important to be cautious, don’t be afraid to take calculated risks. Weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks of each opportunity and make informed decisions. If you play it safe, you will likely be uninspired by the result of your decision.
7. Continuously Learn and Develop: The business world is constantly changing. Stay up-to-date on industry trends and invest in your personal and professional development. This could involve taking courses, attending conferences, improving your emotional intelligence and ability to connect with others.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
As a business owner and veteran, I’ve faced my fair share of overwhelming moments. I’ve learned that with the right strategies, it’s possible to manage stress and maintain resilience.
Here are a few techniques that help me:
Prioritize and Delegate: When feeling overwhelmed by a long to-do list, assess your priorities and delegate tasks whenever possible. For instance, if you’re struggling to keep up with social media, consider outsourcing or automating. There are a lot of tools, software, and even freelancers or fractional professionals who can help you out.
To tell you the truth-shameless plug- that’s what my business does for other businesses- we fill the gaps and help them delegate their marketing efforts, as well as use their marketing budget more appropriately. We save them time, money, and headaches.
Practice Mindfulness and Meditation: Mindfulness and meditation can significantly reduce stress and anxiety. Try incorporating mindfulness techniques into your daily routine, such as taking a few deep breaths before starting work or practicing meditation for a few minutes each morning. Even three minutes a day works wonders.
Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to reach out to friends, family, other business owners in your industry, or mentors for support. Joining a business networking group or online community can also provide valuable connections and advice.
Take Breaks and Engage in Self-Care: Schedule regular breaks throughout your workday to avoid burnout. I know, I know- easier said than done. Engage in activities you enjoy, at a minimum- take a 15 minute walk each day. Taking care of yourself physically and mentally is essential for maintaining resilience.
Set Realistic Expectations: Avoid setting unrealistic goals or deadlines, especially when dealing with multiple projects. Break down large tasks into smaller, more manageable steps.
It is okay and normal to feel overwhelmed from time to time. Do not be too hard on yourself.
WSI Digital Marketing offers expert digital marketing solutions to help businesses thrive by joining their marketing team to develop longer term, measurable marketing solutions to revenue generation.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your growth- no matter how big or small, WSI Digital Marketing will point your business in the right direction with a free 15 minute consultation.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wsiworld.com/katheryne-womack
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wsiworld_dmv
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/katheryne-w-7683b3257
