The Journey to Entrepreneurship with Christina Lazare

Join us on the latest episode of The Transparent Podcast with Christina Lazare, the CEO of Build & Change LLC. You can checkout the podcast at the link below:

https://open.spotify.com/show/2Pc0pwOs05h6fQpG9It1Uj?si=9c3f610462ee409a

Embarking on the journey of entrepreneurship can be an exhilarating yet daunting experience. In our latest podcast episode, Christina Lazare, the CEO and founder of Build and Change LLC, joins us to share her transformation from a 20-year career in social work to a thriving entrepreneurial venture. Christina's story is one of resilience, passion, and a desire to empower others, especially in the realm of small businesses and non-profits. By leveraging her background in social work, she created a business that not only supports entrepreneurs but also connects them with vital resources and funding opportunities.

Christina's pivot into the business world began with a realization that her skills in community service could be utilized in a different capacity. Recognizing a gap in support for small businesses and non-profits, she set out to provide case management and assistance with securing grants. Built on the principles of collaboration, Christina's work goes beyond just making a profit; she is passionate about creating a positive impact in her community. She helps entrepreneurs develop their ideas into sustainable businesses that contribute meaningfully to their environments.

Transparency is a recurring theme in our discussion. For Christina, being honest and upfront not only fosters better business relationships but helps create an environment where everyone feels valued and heard. In her testimony, she emphasizes the significance of teamwork. The dynamic between her and her business partner exemplifies how diverse skill sets can create a more robust business model and serve clients effectively. They don’t just share a vision; they constantly bounce ideas off each other, learning and adapting as they progress.

Entrepreneurship is not without its challenges. Christina shares candidly about the difficulties of scaling a business, balancing responsibilities, and the importance of time management. As a business owner, it is crucial to find efficient strategies and systems that can be delegated to ensure sustainability and growth. Her insights on prioritizing tasks demonstrate that success often lies in recognizing when to ask for help and sharing the workload without sacrificing one’s vision.

Ultimately, Christina’s journey sheds light on the beauty of entrepreneurship, encouraging those on the fence to take the first step. Owning a business entails risks and uncertainties, but as Christina puts it, “You can’t let fear of failure hold you back.” The conversation concludes with insights on perseverance, the necessity of goal-setting, and the realization that setbacks are merely stepping stones toward achieving larger ambitions. She reminds us that success is often achieved by embracing vulnerability and understanding that everyone's journey is unique.

Whether you’re contemplating starting your own venture or currently navigating the waters of entrepreneurship, Christina’s story serves as a beacon of hope and practical advice. With determination and the right support, anyone can transform their passion into a profitable and impactful business.

Thank you for reading, and for checking out The Transparent Podcast where we believe in bringing transparency to the world of small business.

-Nick