We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Carolyn Riggins. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Carolyn below.
Carolyn, thank you so much for making time for us. We’ve always admired your ability to take risks and so maybe we can kick things off with a discussion around how you developed your ability to take and bear risk?
Developing my ability to take risks began when I first assumed a managerial role, overseeing the growth of a bank branch from $9 million to $80 million. In this capacity, I had to make quick decisions while meticulously analyzing potential consequences. Evaluating the advantages and disadvantages, along with the financial impact, whether positive or negative, became a crucial aspect of my decision-making process. My experience in various managerial and leadership positions over the years honed this skill. Throughout my 24-year tenure in the financial industry, I encountered numerous situations requiring critical decisions. Some of these decisions yielded positive outcomes, while others did not. However, each experience contributed significantly to my growth and understanding of risk management.
One of the key tools that I found invaluable in this journey is the SWOT analysis. This powerful tool, which many leaders often overlook, has been instrumental in my ability to make informed decisions. By assessing strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, I gained a comprehensive view of each situation, enabling me to decide whether a risk was worth taking. Even today, as the owner of CDR Consulting Services, I continue to utilize this tool. It remains a vital component of my decision-making process, helping me navigate the complexities of business ownership.
In summary, my ability to take risks was cultivated through extensive experience in leadership roles. I learned from both successes and mistakes and consistently employed the SWOT analysis. This strategic approach has been crucial in my development as a leader and a business owner, equipping me with the skills necessary to make calculated, informed decisions.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
At CDR Consulting Services, we are passionate about empowering business leaders and developing management teams. Our organization thrives on collaborating with business owners, identifying and addressing gaps and issues in their daily operations. By working closely with leadership, we devise tailored solutions to enhance profitability and operational efficiency. We also focus on management development, emphasizing the significance of their roles in coaching and mentoring employees for success.
One of the most rewarding aspects of our work is empowering business owners and leaders to discover and utilize a powerful blueprint for success called a business plan. This tool enables them to effectively craft comprehensive strategies, driving their enterprises to exceed growth expectations and achieve sustained success. We take great pride in guiding business owners through this process, ensuring their visions are translated into actionable strategies. Additionally, we help leadership teams hone their soft skills, such as effective communication, enabling them to engage with employees constructively and develop robust career plans.
CDR Consulting Services is committed to fostering a positive customer experience, which we believe is integral to a business’s success. Our dedication is reflected in our newly launched programs. We are thrilled to introduce our Small Business Boot Camp, designed specifically for startup businesses, providing intensive training and development to set them on a path to success. Additionally, our new Management Training Program is tailored for new managers, offering them an in-depth understanding of their roles and responsibilities. This program spans various industries, recognizing that regardless of the sector, the fundamental responsibilities of improving, developing, and motivating employees remain constant.
At CDR Consulting Services, we are dedicated to ensuring the success of not only business leaders but also their management teams and employees. Our one-on-one coaching and development programs are designed to create a cohesive, high-performing workforce that drives business success. We invite you to explore our offerings and discover how we can help your business thrive.
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?
Leadership development and coaching, strategic leadership, financial analysis, and strategy are paramount for anyone aspiring to excel in entrepreneurship, leadership, or managerial roles. Throughout my career and as the owner of CDR Consulting Services, I have found these skills to be profoundly impactful. They have significantly influenced how I run my business, interact with clients, and communicate effectively.
Mastering these skills has been instrumental in my development as a business leader. They have helped me improve in areas where I once struggled, turning challenges into opportunities for growth. Leadership development and coaching have enabled me to guide others and foster strong, supportive teams. Strategic leadership has provided me with the foresight to make informed decisions that drive success.
Financial analysis and strategy are critical for understanding the health and direction of any business. These skills allow for thorough evaluation of financial statements, identification of trends, and development of strategies that enhance profitability and sustainability. By focusing on these areas, I have been able to cultivate robust customer relationships, form strategic partnerships, and expand networking opportunities.
These skills are essential not only for my business but also for the businesses of my clients. They are key to navigating the complexities of running a successful enterprise. Business owners must be adept at analyzing their operations, understanding leadership principles, and applying financial strategies effectively.
At CDR Consulting Services, we emphasize the importance of these core skills. Our goal is to equip business leaders with the tools they need to succeed in their journey. Whether you are pursuing leadership, entrepreneurship, or a managerial role, developing these skills will be pivotal to your success.
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
Over the past 12 months, my biggest growth area has been learning to manage personal difficulties without allowing them to impact my business. In 2023, I was diagnosed with breast cancer for the second time. Despite this challenge, I overcame it and continued to run my business successfully. This experience taught me invaluable lessons in resilience and adaptability.
One of the most significant lessons was the importance of having robust systems and processes in place. I understood the necessity of cash reserves for working capital and the value of maintaining strong relationships. These systems ensured that my business remained profitable despite my personal struggles.
During this time, I also seized the opportunity to write and publish a book titled “Trusting God in My Faith Walk” which can be purchased on Amazon. This book, released in 2024, chronicles my journey of starting a business during the pandemic and the lessons I learned along the way. Writing this book while battling cancer was a testament to persistence and the importance of not giving up on my business, regardless of my health condition or other challenges.
I learned to pivot my business focus when one area slowed down, concentrating on other aspects to maintain momentum. My faith played a crucial role in this journey, guiding me to see that anything is possible with trust and determination.
Surviving cancer in 2023 not only improved my business acumen but also provided me with a new perspective on running my business. It highlighted the significance of adaptability and persistence in achieving growth. My book is a testament to these lessons, offering insights into starting and sustaining a business during challenging times. This journey has profoundly impacted my approach as a business leader, underscoring the importance of focusing on what can be done at the moment and leveraging every opportunity for growth.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cdrconsultingservices.com/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolyn-riggins?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BGYyH3jP1T4GHtFaGlaUF7g%3D%3D
Image Credits
Kimazing Photography
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
