It was back in 2016, when Lindsey Myers set out on a goal; a goal to pursue her passion for building reputations and revenues through business development marketing strategies. Today, her company, Concrete Blonde Consulting, is known in the PR circuit as one of the top rated agencies.
She has been renowned as a strategic leader and has earned a reputation for counseling a vast pool of clients, which includes Fortune 500 companies as well. Her innate understanding of consumer influence and her willingness to drive profits for her clients has made her stand out as true inspiration as a businesswoman.
Exeleon Magazine caught up with this inspiring leader in an exclusive interview. In the interview she highlights her journey, her beliefs, and her idea of a leader.
What according to you makes for an inspiring leader? How do you integrate the same in your leadership?
I believe having a unique vision and being passionate about the road ahead are the aspects of leadership which people find most inspiring. Differentiation is important in every industry and clearly defining that for your audience is one of the best ways to inspire others.
What has been your role as a leader since founding Concrete Blonde Consulting back in 2016?
When I started the company I was a solo-prenuer and since then my role has expanded as the company has grown. However, I’ve been responsible for every aspect of the company at one point or another.
What was the thought that led to the inception of the company? What is the history behind the name of the company?
When I was beginning my PR career in my early twenties I had a meeting at a Fortune 500 company and when I walked into the board room the CEO looked at me and said, “That’s OK hun, we don’t need any coffee” — I responded by looking around the room (where I was the only female) and then telling him that “I’d love a cup of coffee with cream and no sugar”. Throughout the meeting I went on to dominate the discussion with great insight and was responsible for crafting the lion’s share of the resulting strategy.
At the end of the meeting, the CEO approached me, shook my hand and told me, “you look like a nice sweet little blonde girl, but really you’re a concrete blonde”. And though born from a tone deaf situation I kind of liked it and decided I’d put that one in my back pocket and wear it as a badge of honor someday.
There wasn’t a specific thought that led to the inception of the company. I had initially planned to launch the firm to do business development and operational consulting for other PR firms and it organically grew into a marketing firm with a focus on business development for various companies.
What has the journey been like for Lindsey Myers, from starting your career at WordHampton Public Relations to founding one of the top-rated PR agencies?
I’ve been excited about the PR industry from day one and could definitely be described as an overly eager intern. I always wanted to learn more from my mentors and was ambitious about moving up the ladder at WordHampton. My goal is always the same — go to bed proud and wake-up excited!! I believe that passion and joy has just attracted amazing opportunities.
Looking back at your career, what would you have done different when starting out?
I ask myself this question all the time, but always realize that if I change any one aspect of the journey I might not have ended up in the same place. My past experiences are what has led me here — and here is pretty great!
What has been the biggest driving factor for you as a leader and entrepreneur?
Other entrepreneurs! I love the community we have created for each other and most us live to give back to one another. I never expected to find such a supportive and kind group of people and I’m so grateful to be able to partner with them.
What would be your advice for some of the aspiring women leaders and entrepreneurs?
Seek out a strong mentor and aim to become a strong mentor. Our greatest asset is our ability to lift up one another.
How does Concrete Blonde Consulting provide custom marketing solutions to its clients?
We spend time at the beginning of each new interaction to build the relationship and ask a lot of questions aimed at unearthing their true vision. Once we understand the vision and the image the organization is trying to portray we create a strategy. By starting at the end we are able to “program” the GPS backwards and chart a course for success.
What has been the biggest roadblock during your journey? What has been your biggest learning?
Patience. My lack of it in the beginning definitely set me back over and over again. I’ve learned that in order to be successful you have to be just as patient as you are ambitious. Thank G-d for meditation!!
What are some of the pre-conceived notions or stereotypes that you have faced being a women entrepreneur?
I’ve found that many people often mistake kindness for weakness.
How do you plan to take Concrete Blonde Consulting forward? On a personal front, where do you see yourself standing in the coming years?
We’re currently working to scale for impact and I’m really excited about some of the companies who are currently clamoring to work with us!
Personally, I plan to remain actively involved with the company as we continue to grow.
Who has been your biggest inspiration among women?
Oprah! She is both a giant and a visionary and I have great respect for the values she lives by and preaches to others.
Finally, what do you think is the most important trait for a leader and why?
Empathy. It will help you to understand your target audience and empower your employees.
