Inspiration, Strategy, and Support: Brittany Cole’s ‘Starting Five’ for Entrepreneurial Success
In the latest episode of the Twendé podcast, we had the pleasure of welcoming back Brittany Cole, a seasoned entrepreneur, speaker, and former Equity and Inclusion Officer at the Nashville Entrepreneur Center. Brittany, who also hosted season two of the podcast, dives deep into the critical role that support systems play for entrepreneurs. As the founder of Career Thrivers, a leadership development firm, Brittany’s insights on building a successful business come from a place of experience, faith, and strategic thinking.
Brittany breaks down what she calls her “starting five,” a concept that speaks to the five core groups of people that every entrepreneur should have in their corner. She shares how God, family, mentors, friends, and sponsors have each played a vital role in her journey, both personally and professionally.
God: The Ultimate Source of Strength
Brittany’s starting lineup begins with her faith. As a woman of faith, she acknowledges that everything she does starts with God. For Brittany, recognizing a higher power at work has been essential to her success, giving her the strength to move forward even in moments of uncertainty.
“I firmly believe there is nothing I do that doesn’t have some level of God’s presence,” Brittany shares. This spiritual foundation has empowered her to take leaps of faith in her career, like leaving a 12-year corporate career at Pfizer to start her own business.
Family: The Grounding Force
Brittany emphasizes the irreplaceable value of family support, recounting stories of her father’s ongoing encouragement and her late mother’s belief that she could achieve anything. She also highlights her husband, who, as a fellow entrepreneur, understands the nuances of building a business while maintaining a strong personal relationship. “Having someone who gets the highs and lows of entrepreneurship is a gift,” Brittany says.
Mentors: Guidance From All Around
Mentorship plays a central role in Brittany’s entrepreneurial journey. She sees mentorship as a dynamic and multifaceted relationship, not bound by one person or one connection. “I have mentors that don’t even know they’re my mentors,” Brittany says, referencing individuals she looks up to and learns from remotely. For her, learning from others’ experiences is a form of mentorship that she taps into constantly.
Friends: The Necessary Balance
Entrepreneurship can be isolating, but Brittany underscores the importance of having friends who provide a break from the grind. While some friends are on similar paths, others offer diverse perspectives from different industries. “It’s refreshing to have people in my life who aren’t entrepreneurs,” Brittany says, noting how this variety brings balance and depth to her life.
Sponsors: Advocates in the Right Rooms
Rounding out her starting five are sponsors—individuals who advocate for her in spaces where she doesn’t yet have access. “These are the people who say, ‘Have you thought about Career Thrivers for this?'” Brittany explains. Sponsors have been crucial to her success, helping her secure significant corporate clients early on.
Mindset: The Key to Landing Corporate Clients
A pivotal part of Brittany’s journey was learning how to shift her mindset to pursue larger corporate clients. After a free talk she gave in early 2020, Brittany landed a six-figure deal that changed the trajectory of her business. “I learned that sometimes, the opportunity is in just showing up and providing value,” she reflects.
She emphasizes that founders, particularly founders of color, must resist the “deficit mindset” that suggests they aren’t ready for big opportunities. Instead, she encourages entrepreneurs to operate with an enterprise mindset, which opens doors to larger deals and growth potential.
Building for the Future
Brittany Cole’s ‘starting five’ serves as a powerful blueprint for other entrepreneurs seeking to build sustainable businesses. Whether it’s tapping into faith, leaning on family, learning from mentors, taking breaks with friends, or finding advocates, Brittany’s story offers a well-rounded approach to entrepreneurial success.
For more inspiring stories and insights from black and brown founders, tune in to the latest episodes of the Twendé podcast at ec.co/twendepodcast. To learn more about how our Twendé accelerator can help your business, visit Twendé.
