We recently connected with Annie Holman and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Annie, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?
By the time I turned ten, I had moved fourteen times, each relocation placing me in a new school system, often in the middle of the academic year. During this tumultuous period, I was diagnosed with dyslexia, long before it was widely recognized or understood. As my academic records trailed behind me from one school to the next, I was frequently placed in special reading and math classes, which took a toll on my grades. In an attempt to help, doctors prescribed Ritalin, but it left me feeling disconnected from myself.
It was my mother who became my advocate and savior. She made the bold decision to take me off the medication and encouraged me to participate in women’s sports, which was not a popular choice at the time. Although I faced relentless teasing for being both an athlete and a special learner, these experiences were instrumental in developing my resilience. Through these challenges, I cultivated a thick skin, which eventually blossomed into confidence and self-esteem. More importantly, these experiences instilled in me a deep empathy for others, shaping the person I am today.
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?
The cannabis industry is evolving rapidly, presenting both challenges and opportunities for businesses looking to capitalize on this growing market. Navigating this complex landscape requires expertise, innovation, and a strategic approach, which is why I launched Fusion Strategy, to provide the guidance and support necessary for companies to thrive in this environment.
I believe that the cannabis industry is still in its infancy, with vast untapped potential. I envisioned a company that would empower businesses to unlock this potential through strategic guidance, innovative solutions, and operational excellence. All of which I have, from my 10+ years of vast experience in cannabis, from launching an award winning brand, raising funds, and spinning up a large scale cannabis manufacturing and distribution facility in Santa Rosa, CA.
Fusion Strategy’s mission is to provide comprehensive services that enable clients to scale their operations, enter new markets, and build sustainable, profitable businesses.
For example, my partner and I have been tapped for the following projects:
1. Leading the nationwide relaunch of a prominent legacy cannabis brand.
2. Collaborating with a new cannabis manufacturing and distribution facility in Northern California to support their growth.
3. Assisting a successful California cannabis brand in expanding into other states.
4. Raising capital for a California cannabis brand to transition into the hemp market.
5. Supporting an Oregon pre-roll brand in developing hemp distribution channels.
6. Helping to establish a hemp retail operation in a Midwestern state.
7. Launching a national vape cartridge brand.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
1. Effective Leadership: I developed the ability to inspire and motivate my teams while fostering a positive work culture in the cannabis industry. My strong communication skills, perhaps even to the point of over-communication, have been instrumental in articulating my vision and negotiating with staff, customers, and stakeholders. My advice: building relationships is just the beginning; maintaining them is where the true skill lies.
2. Yellow Flags: While yellow flags may not be immediate deal-breakers, they are crucial signals that deserve attention and thoughtful consideration. They can be ambiguous and subject to interpretation. My advice: treat yellow flags with the same seriousness as you would red flags.
3. Adaptability and Resilience: The ability to adapt to changing circumstances and recover from setbacks is vital skill that must be leaned. Resilience helped me overcome challenges and maintain my focus on long-term goals. My advice: embrace change, stay curious, and above all, learn from your failures.
4. Trust: Trusting someone without verification can expose you to risks: financial loss, emotional harm, and reputational damage and much more. My advice: if you think you have vetted an alliance enough, take the time to dig much deeper.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
When I launched Fusion, I aimed to nurture the unique innovation in the cannabis industry by paving the path to success through strategic support and bespoke solutions for my clients.
Some of the services I provide include:
1. Cannabis Product Formalization: brand development, product engineering, advanced formulation, SOP development, product commercialization, packaging compliance, package design, marketing services and mentorship.
2. Cannabis Manufacturing Facility & Site Services: cannabis production optimization, permitting / licensing, facility efficiencies, site design, equipment recommendations and regulatory & compliance actions.
3. Investment Support: pre-investment consulting, pitch deck build & reviews, advisor & mentor services, investment introductions and support.
4. Executive Services: fractional executive services and advisory board participation.
5. Marketing Services: graphic design, press & media, social media programs, and web development.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.fusionstrategies.co/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annie-holman-609ba5/
Image Credits
None- they are all mine.
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
