We recently connected with Beth Batts and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Beth, so happy to have you with us today and there is so much we want to ask you about. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others developed certain skills or qualities that we are struggling with can be helpful. Along those lines, we’d love to hear from you about how you developed your ability to take risk?
I developed my ability to take risks by growing up in a family business, where I watched my parents build something through their willingness to take bold steps. I learned early on that risk isn’t just about diving into the unknown; it’s about recognizing potential and seizing opportunities when they arise. For me, many of the risks I’ve taken didn’t feel like risks in the traditional sense—they felt like opportunities that, given my circumstances, made sense to pursue. Over time, I’ve honed the ability to take measured risks while also embracing those moments that require a leap of faith. I trust in my ability to learn and adapt along the way, knowing that growth often comes from stepping outside of my comfort zone.
Taking risks can certainly feel daunting, and I understand how overwhelming that can be. What has helped me is knowing that risk-taking is not an impulsive jump into the unknown—it’s often grounded in introspection, hard work, and seeking advice from trusted sources. I’ve taken risks that were well thought-out, some of which went against the advice of others, yet still worked out well. In other cases, I’ve hit bumps along the way that required me to adjust my plans. But I’ve come to see each risk as part of the journey, not as a detour. Every experience, whether it works out as expected or not, teaches you something valuable and pushes you forward.
If you find risk-taking daunting, my advice is to start by reflecting on what you stand to learn or gain, and remember that seeking guidance from others is important, but so is trusting your own instincts. No decision will ever be free of uncertainty, but you can build confidence by acknowledging that even a risk that doesn’t go perfectly is just another step on your path forward, not a step back.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
As the founder and President of Batts & Associates, I draw from my background in education and instructional design to build programs that empower both individuals and organizations. My approach is deeply rooted in understanding how people learn and grow, and I’ve carried that forward into the development of initiatives that have a tangible impact. The Career Compass Academy, for example, excites me because it offers a way for individuals to align their career paths with their unique strengths and passions, setting them up for long-term success. I’m also passionate about helping businesses embrace neuro-inclusion, ensuring that they create environments where all individuals, regardless of neuro-type, can thrive.
At the heart of my vision is a commitment to setting humans up for success through informed and relevant support. I love facilitating programs like the Maximizing Human Potential series, where I get to help people tap into their abilities and see their impact ripple through entire organizations. The SkillLaunch program is another favorite because it not only prepares individuals for their roles but also enhances the entire organizational culture. I believe that when you start with the individual and truly get to know who they are and what they need to succeed, you can build something remarkable from the ground up. That’s what drives me—helping people feel understood and supported so that they, and the organizations they are part of, can thrive.
And, of course, I get to have a little fun with my podcast, where I share insights and discussions about professional growth. I’m particularly excited about an upcoming show, “OFF the Cuff,” where we push the envelope a bit and dive into some bolder topics. It’s all part of what makes this journey so rewarding for me—helping people and businesses not only succeed but thrive in a way that truly resonates with who they are.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, I would say the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been adaptability, a learner’s mindset, and the ability to connect with people on a deeper level. Each of these has shaped the way I’ve approached both the risks and opportunities that have come my way, whether it was growing up in a family business or developing programs at Batts & Associates.
Adaptability has been essential because life and business are always evolving. The risks I’ve taken, whether they were leaps of faith or carefully measured decisions, often came with unexpected challenges. Being adaptable allowed me to pivot when necessary, adjust plans when I hit bumps along the way, and view changes as part of the path rather than as detours. I’ve learned to embrace uncertainty, and that flexibility and resilience are key to staying on track in the long run.
Another quality that has been crucial is maintaining a learner’s mindset. No matter what risk I took, I was committed to learning from every experience. I’ve always approached challenges with curiosity and introspection, which allowed me to grow from each decision—whether it worked out perfectly or required a shift in course. I think it’s so important for those early in their journey to stay open to learning from every situation, and to not be afraid to seek advice along the way. The more you view each step as an opportunity to learn, the more you’ll grow, both personally and professionally.
Finally, connecting with people has made an enormous difference in my journey. I’ve been fortunate to meet incredible individuals along the way who have shared advice, experiences, and guidance that helped shape where I am today. My work now is centered around understanding what people need to succeed, and helping them feel supported. To me, that’s one of the most fulfilling parts of what I do. My advice for anyone just starting out is to be intentional about building meaningful relationships and focus on truly understanding others. Success often comes from those connections, whether you’re leading a team or supporting someone’s growth.
Altogether, staying curious, flexible, and intentional in building relationships has helped me navigate this journey, and I believe they can be powerful tools for anyone early in theirs.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
The ideal clients for Batts & Associates are organizations and individuals who are navigating change and growth, whether that be in career development, workforce training, or organizational culture. We specialize in working with businesses that value human-centered approaches and are committed to fostering environments where diverse talents can thrive, including neurodiverse individuals.
For companies, especially those in industries like manufacturing, supply chain, and professional services, we provide tailored solutions that focus on workforce readiness, leadership development, and inclusive practices. Our SkilLaunch program is perfect for businesses looking to equip new team members with the skills and confidence to succeed, reducing onboarding time and improving overall efficiency. We also serve organizations that are committed to neuro-inclusion—those who understand the value of creating workplaces that support and celebrate all neuro-types.
In addition to corporate clients, Career Compass Academy offers a significant impact for individuals and families at critical points of transition, such as high school students preparing for post-secondary paths, college students seeking new direction or someone who is experiencing a career shift by choice or by circumstance. These clients are looking for robust, evidence-based tools that guide personal and career development, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their future.
The clients who benefit most from Batts & Associates are those who recognize that investing in people—whether through personalized career planning, comprehensive workforce training, or building inclusive environments—leads to stronger, more resilient organizations. Our programs are designed to meet the needs of companies and individuals looking to elevate potential, drive growth, and create meaningful impact.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.batts-associates.com
- Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/beth-batts-b489a514
- Other: Podcast Professionally Speaking on Buzzsprout https://prospeaking.buzzsprout.com
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