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How did you come up with the idea for your business?
I had worked at many companies who had issues with communication which then led to larger issues like turnover, burnout, and forms of harassment. I also have always had an interest in understanding group dynamics and am curious about why problems like this persist even though there have been many attempts at interventions and education on these issues. It took working at a place that had an incredible company culture where people were heard and respected and felt safe to speak their minds that I realized that I was specially equipped to help other companies have the same. My background and love of games led me to trying to find a playful solution to communication issues at work in order to build trust, openness and safety within teams.
What does the average day look like for you now as an entrepreneur (especially compared to past jobs/days)?
These days, my time is split as a mom and an entrepreneur and I am still navigating that ever shifting landscape. That said, being an entrepreneur and someone who sets my own hours allows me to be flexible on a day to day or week to week basis which is a freedom I never got to experience when I was working at larger companies. As someone who enjoys and is very productive working in spurts, the flexibility to work really hard for a few hours and take a break (or a few days, and then take a few days to myself) is extremely important to me and has helped me grow exponentially as a person and business owner.
Typically my workdays consist of some combination of brainstorming sessions with my technical co-founder on game development, chatting and ideating with our partners, consultants and contractors that help with other parts of the business like branding, sales, distribution, and mentorship, and doing market research to make sure our product is reaching the right people and solving the problems we want to solve.
What are some of the top things you have learned so far?
Not getting precious with our product or process. Our game has changed vastly from the initial stages and it’s only gotten better. Being open to feedback and sharing openly and often has helped us hone our product in a short amount of time, and I imagine will only continue to help us grow at a good pace in the direction we want to go.
Talking about our company and product is a good thing. As someone who self-identifies as an introvert, putting myself and our product out there for people to see has been a challenge, but we wouldn’t be where we are today and certainly won’t be able to grow unless I keep sharing.
Good people and good support are KEY. Creating a community of people who believe in our product and mission has been key to helping me feel less alone in my entrepreneurial journey and has also filled in gaps that I have in my own expertise which has helped our company feel more and more real every day :).
Who or what inspired you to become an entrepreneur?
I was a part of an emotional intelligence leadership program that really opened my eyes to the fact that I was selling myself and others short by not fully going for my dreams. Being surrounded by others who were entrepreneurs and individuals who were committed to making a difference through heart-centered leadership, I decided to take the plunge and bet on myself.
What have been 1-2 of your proudest moments in creating your business?
My first playtest: I created the first version of our game all by myself and got a group of people together to test it, and while it was far from what it needed to be, it was still a fun, playable game which brought people together. I made something out of nothing that day and it felt amazing.
Signing on my technical-cofounder: It’s not every day when a friend who you signed on as a contractor calls you up and says that working for you has been one of the most fulfilling work experiences for them and that they’d like to participate in a larger way. Having Michael as my technical co-founder has not only propelled our business forward, but is a great reminder that the mission that got me to start StemEQ in the first place can inspire others to join in as well.
What’s the best advice you have received along your journey?
Trust yourself. Every time I feel lost, I remember why I started down this road in the first place and over and over, by betting on myself and trusting that I know what to do / know where to get help when I need it, I keep moving forward.
What’s a fun fact about you?
I am also a professional artist, I love british murder mysteries, and Halloween is my favorite holiday (I know that’s 3 fun facts, but I couldn’t help myself 🙂)
About The Author:
Founder of StemEQ
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