In this heartfelt episode of "Determined to Succeed," host Dawn Mullarney, the Unique Connector, sits down with Ashley Connell, the founder of Prowess Project. Ashley shares her inspiring journey of creating a business aimed at providing flexible, rewarding careers for women, particularly those balancing motherhood and professional aspirations.

Ashley recounts her experiences in corporate tech marketing, where she observed a glaring lack of women in leadership roles, largely due to the challenges of managing both a career and family. This realization led her to discover a staggering statistic: 43% of educated, experienced women leave their jobs to raise children, and upon returning, they face a significant loss in earning potential. Fueled by a desire to address this issue, Ashley founded Prowess Project.

Prowess Project trains women to become online business managers (OBMs), equipping them with the skills needed to support entrepreneurs and small businesses. These women bring invaluable expertise in project management, emotional intelligence, and a diverse skill set to the table. Ashley describes how her business bridges the gap between visionary entrepreneurs and capable OBMs, creating a mutually beneficial partnership.

Throughout the conversation, Ashley candidly discusses the challenges she faced, including the realization that venture capital wasn't the right path for her business. She emphasizes the importance of finding alternative ways to fund and grow a business sustainably. Her dedication to her mission is evident, as she shares stories of women whose lives have been transformed by the opportunities Prowess Project provides.

Dawn and Ashley also dive into the importance of recognizing one's strengths and outsourcing tasks that aren't in your zone of genius. Ashley's advice to follow the "glimmer" – those moments of passion and interest – resonates deeply, encouraging listeners to pursue what truly excites them.

This episode is a testament to the power of determination, the impact of supportive communities, and the importance of flexible work opportunities for women. Ashley Connell's story is not only inspiring but also a reminder that with the right support and mindset, achieving work-life balance and professional success is possible.

Connect with Ashley: www.prowessproject.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-connell-ceo/

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Welcome to another episode of "Determined to Succeed," your weekly dose of motivation to kick-start your Monday! I'm Dawn Mullarney, also known as the Unique Connector. In today's solo episode, I dive into the crucial topic of "Quality Over Quantity." In a world where we are constantly pressured to do more, have more, and be more, it's essential to step back and focus on the quality of our efforts and experiences. I share personal insights and reflections from a recent event, highlighting how focusing on quality rather than quantity can lead to deeper satisfaction, meaningful relationships, and greater success.

As an entrepreneur, I've faced the challenge of juggling numerous tasks, often aiming for quantity over quality. This episode encourages listeners to invest time and energy into what truly matters, emphasizing the importance of building deep, meaningful relationships and setting clear, focused goals. By prioritizing quality, we can achieve more significant and fulfilling outcomes in both our personal and professional lives. Tune in to reflect on your own approach and find inspiration to make quality a priority in your journey towards success.

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Check out Dawn's website to learn more: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Uniqueconnector.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of "Determined to Succeed," I had the pleasure of interviewing the incredible Laura Ericson, a passionate advocate for transformative travel. Laura's journey is a testament to the power of travel in changing lives and broadening horizons. Through her business, she empowers others to explore misunderstood and often misrepresented destinations, challenging stereotypes and fostering a deeper connection with the world. Laura shared heartfelt stories about how travel healed and transformed her, and her mission to facilitate similar experiences for others. Her approach to group travel not only allows people to explore new places but also creates environments where deep, lasting friendships are formed. It's clear that for Laura, travel is much more than just visiting new places; it's about the people, the connections, and the shared experiences that leave a lasting impact. During our discussion, Laura also touched on a recent trip to Morocco that coincided with an unexpected earthquake. This event brought the group closer together, turning what could have been a trip-ending disaster into a profound opportunity to support and engage with the local community in a time of need. This resilience and dedication to supporting local economies, even in challenging times, truly encapsulates the spirit of Laura's work. I'm thrilled to announce that Laura and I, having met for the first time during this podcast, discovered a shared love for adventurous, meaningful travel and have decided to explore Cuba together in January 2025. This adventure is not just a trip; it's the beginning of what promises to be a thrilling chapter in our lives. For everyone listening, this episode is more than just a story of travel; it's an invitation to explore the world with intention and heart. Join Laura and experience firsthand the profound impact that thoughtful, conscious travel can have on the world and on yourselves. Give her a follow or join her on the adventure! Life is too short not to experience the world.

Laura's Website: www.lauraericson.com

Connect on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/thelauraericson/

Follow her travels on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lolawhiskey/

Let's Connect! ⁠

Follow: Determined to Succeed on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Check out Dawn's website to learn more: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Uniqueconnector.com⁠⁠⁠⁠