Karen Corcoran Walsh

Karen Corcoran Walsh is an accomplished business woman and leader in the mental health industry, substance abuse profession, school education and continuing education professions, consultant, and community philanthropy. With more than 20 years as a professional and an even greater amount of time as an educator, parent, and volunteer, Karen exemplifies the ideas and goals for growing in life, never giving up, and being true to your vision and journey.

Where did the idea for your company come from?

The name came from my desire to offer inspiration for teens and families during difficult times.

What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?

My typical day looks exactly like I suggest for my clients (teens and adults). I have a routine. I drink my morning coffee on the front porch enjoying the new day. I take care of quick housekeeping such as making the bed, cleaning any dishes. Then I return emails, review my “list of things to do” and upon getting dressed for the day, I go to work with my list and items needed in hand.

How do you bring ideas to life?

I set goals and take notes:
I prefer to write my ideas on paper or in a power point/graphic Web style. I connect my ideas to a central idea or focus along with the order in which each I idea will most likely occur.

What’s one trend that excites you?

The trend of looking at life experiences as a series of events (positive and negative) and the learning that occurs. Even when we are upset or frustrated with life or our decisions, we will always “learn” from the experience and use it as a tool for better decisions.

What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?

I do more of what works and avoid those things that have proven to not work. I look at success and failures of other and businesses. In other words, I like to work smarter, not harder.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Believe in yourself and stay true to your convictions and goals; avoid doubters and naysayers…as you journey through life.

Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.

You can never have enough education, degrees, or certifications.

As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?

Always set goals and keep a “Daily To Do List.” A goal or task not accomplished goes to the top of the list for the next day.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?

I focused on leadership skills, evolving as an effective leader through continued education and training.

What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?

I invested in a company without having an operating agreement to protect my ability to have voting rights, access to decision making participation in financial information and business development, agreements for equal distributions or identified percentage of distribution of profits, sale of company terms and profit, decisions on timely quarterly Profit & Loss Statements and procedures for all other business operations. An operating agreement is essential.

What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?

I suggest businesses in the digital and online platforms are advisable at this point in time for businesses applicable to online delivery of services.

What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?

I spent $100.00 on a networking luncheon which opened doors to several like-minded professionals with shared business opportunities for all of us.

What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive?

Mail Chimp is software for communicating with customers on a large scale. It works by allowing the user to send scheduled newsletters, any news blasts and communications to customers. The software holds all your email addresses. Once your form of communication is created, it is sent to all email contacts or chosen contacts on a scheduled delivery of your choosing.

What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?

Dale Carnegie “How to Win Friends and Influence People.” Leadership is a complex discipline requiring a combination of all personal communication expression such as facial, vocal, body language, listening, responding, recalling, and more. Leadership is a complex skill and position in life and within the workplace. It requires goals, strategic thinking, financial awareness, compassion and empathy along with the ability to speak, perform, and listen depending on the time and matter at hand. Leadership skills are essential for engaging and developing employees to be effective and loyal to the workplace, vision, and product.

What is your favorite quote?

“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” Nelson Mandela