Episode Details

Learn more about Shirelle at:  www.ileapgroup.com

1. Diversity of Experience & Breaking Stereotypes

• Shirelle’s Personal Story:
• Her fashion choices (such as a standout outfit) initially led others to assume they were selling clothes, rather than running a successful IT and cybersecurity business. This was a pivotal moment where she realized that assumptions based on appearance (race, gender, etc.) don't always align with reality. She was able to turn this situation into an opportunity to connect with a key business partner, emphasizing the importance of diversifying one’s thinking and not allowing past negative experiences to shape future interactions.
• There is a huge power in the diversity of thought—both in business and in how one perceives others. A mindset shift can lead to opportunities rather than barriers.

2. The Role of Mindfulness and Self-Talk

• Leticia's Wisdom:
• Leticia introduces the concept of “telling ourselves our own stories: why mindfulness teachings, thoughts, and choosing the story we tell ourselves is important. When people experience challenges or negative assumptions, the inner narrative they create can either fuel suffering or open the door to more productive thinking and action.
• The message is clear: our mindset and self-talk can shape our experiences and either limit us or open new possibilities.

3. Business Ownership: Passion vs. Profit

• On Business Ownership:
• Shirelle explains why separating passion from profitability is a game changer: While passion can fuel a sense of purpose, it doesn’t always lead to immediate financial success. Entrepreneurs should focus on solving real problems (business problems) while maintaining their passion on the side, ensuring it doesn’t become a source of frustration if it doesn’t directly lead to revenue.
• Understanding business operations is crucial for business owners, particularly financial elements like Profit and Loss sheets, cash flow, and systems for managing growth. Without this infrastructure, passion alone won't sustain a business.

4. Systems and Processes in Small Business

• Efficiency & Operations:
• The power of systems and operations in small business ownership: While it’s tempting to focus solely on passion and product/service quality, a sustainable business requires attention to financial management, organizing workflows, and streamlining operations. Having clear systems in place for managing cash flow and delegating tasks, so that the entrepreneur can focus on the core functions of their business.
• Using tools like Loom or Zoom to record processes is practical advice for anyone looking to grow their business by ensuring that workflows and knowledge are shared efficiently within a team.

5. Cybersecurity’s Role in Business

• Shirelle passion for cybersecurity:  a high percentage of small businesses face cyberattacks. Their work in cybersecurity is both a business solution and a way to protect other businesses, allowing them to pursue their passion while addressing a critical issue.
• Cybersecurity becomes a symbol of responsibility and security. Entrepreneurs can weave their expertise into their mission of protecting and empowering others.

6. Finding Momentum & Inspiration

• Leticia's Podcast and Message of Patience:
• Leticia shares her own journey of producing a podcast for five years without direct monetary rewards, underscoring the importance of patience and commitment to passion. The rewards often come in the form of impact and fulfillment, not just financial compensation. She talks about the urgency she felt to release content, esp