We were lucky to catch up with Cortina Lockhart recently and have shared our conversation below.
Cortina, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
There were moments, even with over 20 years of experience, when I questioned whether I was “qualified enough” to take up space as a business owner, compliance advisor, and tax strategist. I knew the work. I helped people launch businesses, get back in compliance, file complicated returns, and navigate the things most entrepreneurs avoid. Still, there was this voice that said, “You’re not a CPA” or “Who are you to teach this?”
That’s imposter syndrome, and it doesn’t care how experienced, educated, or capable you are. It shows up anyway.
At some point, I had to stop letting that voice lead. So instead of trying to be everything to everyone, I made smart decisions as a business owner. I hired a CPA to support areas requiring licensure and deep tax specialization. I brought on staff whose specific talents helped elevate the business, whether it was process improvement, bookkeeping support, or client care. I stopped thinking I had to prove myself alone and started operating like the CEO I am. That shift silenced the doubt.
Overcoming imposter syndrome meant owning my lane. I’ve walked people through nonprofit reinstatements, helped business owners avoid major penalties, and made taxes make sense for folks who were overwhelmed. That’s not theory. That’s impact.
When the doubt tries to creep back in, I come back to this: I didn’t make Hosch Group LLC up. I built it. One client. One problem. One win at a time.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Hosch Group LLC is a professional services firm helping entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders simplify compliance, get financially organized, and protect what they’ve built.
We specialize in nonprofit reinstatements, business and regulatory compliance, bookkeeping, and tax advisory. What makes us different is how we break down complex processes into clear, manageable steps so our clients don’t just stay compliant, they stay confident.
After releasing my book Entrepreneur’s Edge: Proven Tips for Successful Start-Ups, I launched a new line of downloadable business tools on hoschgroup.com. These resources are designed to help people get started the right way, whether they’re forming a business, applying for 501(c)(3) status, or just trying to clean up their finances.
Hosch Group LLC was built from the belief that good people shouldn’t lose their businesses because of bad information. We’re here to help them build better businesses and to make sure they don’t do it alone.
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, the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are integrity, adaptability, and clear communication.
Integrity is the foundation of everything I do. In the compliance and tax world, your clients have to trust you not just with their paperwork but with their business. I’ve built Hosch Group LLC on the belief that doing what’s right, even when it’s not easy or profitable, always pays off in the long run. My advice is to protect your name and reputation. Be honest, do the work, and never overpromise just to get the client.
Adaptability has been just as important. The business I started 20 years ago looks very different today. I’ve had to shift focus, upgrade my systems, add new services, and pivot as laws, technology, and client needs changed. If you want to last, you must be willing to evolve. Stay open to learning and don’t be afraid to try new things even if they don’t work out the first time.
Clear communication is what keeps my clients informed and confident. Whether I’m explaining a tax filing or delivering monthly bookkeeping reports, I aim to make things simple, not overwhelming. That’s what turns a service into a relationship. For those starting out, work on explaining your value clearly. The ability to break things down builds trust and trust builds your business.
How would you describe your ideal client?
My ideal client is someone who is serious about doing business the right way, even if they don’t fully know how.
I work with individuals, business owners, and nonprofit leaders, but I’m especially focused on supporting entrepreneurs who are already up and running and now want to tighten up their foundation. They may have revenue coming in, but behind the scenes, things feel messy. They’re missing documents, behind on filings, or not sure if they’re truly compliant and they’re ready to get that handled.
My best clients are coachable, open to professional guidance, and ready to invest in getting their business organized so they can grow with confidence. They’re not looking for a quick fix. They want structure, strategy, and someone who can break it all down clearly, so they don’t have to keep guessing.
If that sounds like you, Hosch Group LLC is here to help you clean it up and build it right.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hoschgroup.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hosch_group_llc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheHoschGroup/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hoschgroupllc
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@HoschGroupLLC
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
