Recently we chatted with Cindy McGovern, CEO and First Lady of Sales for Orange Leaf Consulting to learn more about her journey to the consulting business and what's driven her along the way.
1. Tell us a bit about yourself and how you found your way to this business/passion
I am a help-a-holic. I love helping people to get what they want and deserve. I love helping companies to grow their business (Grow Big or Go Home, right?!) And as a former college professor and now a consultant for 14 years, I realized that I can help people to help themselves. How? Through teaching them to sell. Yep. I said it. SALES is the way to go. I think everyone is a sales person. In fact, I think we are born with it…we just tend to forget that we have that skill. Have you ever tried to reason with a 3-year-old? Best salesperson on the planet!
When I started Orange Leaf Consulting almost 10 years ago, I set out to help businesses to create a sustainable sales model. As I dove in to the deeper levels of each organization, I was able to help CEOs transform their companies from small to huge, creating dramatic and sustainable revenue growth through helping them to embrace their inner salesperson. My goal is always to help each person get what they want and deserve by embracing their inner toddler!
2. What excites you most about your business/industry?
Major paradigm shifts going on! The next generation of customers/consumers has grown up with Google, meaning they expect clear, understandable answers, right NOW! Plus, they’re not hesitant to interact directly with staff who used to be far removed from them. There is an opportunity to really reinvigorate the customer experience, and smart businesses are making changes now to set the stage for this new dynamic. This means that every job is now a sales job!
3. What character trait do you see most common in yourself and fellow entrepreneurs/business leaders?
Passion and perseverance. A gotta have both!
4. What virtue do you value the most in your team members?
Oh gosh! I am biased because I think I have the best team on the planet! They are seriously mind readers! They can anticipate what I or the client needs and get it spot on every time. It is amazing!
5. What advice would you give your younger self?
Eat the cupcake. Take the trip.
6. Living business visionary you’d like to share a cup of coffee with?
Richard Branson
7. What is one strategy you’ve seen work when growing your business?
Stay true to your brand! It’s great to work across multiple industries, but never lose sight of what makes you different and unique in the benefits you provide. Let it drive every decision.
Lightning Round - Answer with the first thing that comes to mind.
Coffee or Tea?
- Coffee
Michelin Star Restaurant or BBQ?
BBQ (I’m originally from the South!)
- Would you describe yourself as more of a Beyoncé or an Adele?
- Beyoncé
Personal hero?
Coco Chanel
Last good book you read, show you watched, record you listened to, or movie you consumed?
Bruno Mars 24KT gold-best CD to dance around the house to!
