Unlocking Opportunities: The Power of Leadership & Learning
TL;DR
In this episode (go here to listen) of the Rural Entrepreneur Podcast, host Chris Herbert interviews Susanne Latimer, co-founder of Accelerate Transformation.
They discuss entrepreneurship, leadership development, and the importance of investing in people to drive business success.
Susanne shares insights into her journey from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship, the value of training and retention, and how business leaders can scale effectively.
Introduction
In this episode of The Rural Entrepreneur Podcast, host Chris Herbert sits down with Susanne Latimer, co-founder of Accelerate Transformation.
Susanne has a rich background in leadership and career development, organizational learning, and performance improvement.
Her passion for helping people grow and thrive led her to launch a business dedicated to supporting professionals and organizations in achieving their full potential.
Chris and Susanne first met at the Saugeen Shores Chamber of Commerce Kickstart Conference, where Susanne delivered a compelling presentation titled Retain, Engage, Thrive: Investing in Your Team is Key to Growth. In this discussion, they explore entrepreneurship, leadership, and workforce development.
Key Insights & Takeaways
The Journey to Entrepreneurship
Susanne and her co-founder, Ashleigh, started Accelerate Transformation in 2021 after realizing their shared passion for helping others advance in their careers.
Their experience in corporate leadership and facilitating training sessions led them to believe they could offer better, more personalized career development services.
The transition from corporate roles to entrepreneurship was driven by a desire to create meaningful impact on individuals and organizations.
The Importance of Investing in People
Many entrepreneurs struggle to decide where to allocate resources: marketing, product development, or employee training. Susanne highlights a key statistic: Companies that invest $1,500 per employee annually in training experience 24% higher profit margins.
Investing in training not only improves skill sets but also enhances retention and engagement, ultimately benefiting the bottom line.
The 70-20-10 Model of Adult Learning
Susanne explains a powerful approach to effective learning:
70% Learning by Doing – Hands-on experience and real-world application are critical.
20% Social Learning – Mentorship, networking, and coaching accelerate development.
10% Formal Learning – Courses, books, and training sessions supplement knowledge but must be reinforced with practice.
Scaling Yourself as an Entrepreneur
Many entrepreneurs find themselves overwhelmed as their business grows. The challenge is not just about scaling operations but also scaling themselves.
Susanne recommends conducting a skills assessment to identify what you enjoy and excel at—and delegating the rest.
Incremental delegation and clear goal-setting help entrepreneurs free up time while maintaining business growth.
The Role of Leadership in Small Businesses
Entrepreneurs often struggle with balancing leadership and personal connections with their team. Susanne advises leaders to focus on emotional intelligence, retention strategies, and flexibility in the workplace.
Clear expectations and open communication are key to maintaining a productive and engaged workforce.
With remote and hybrid work becoming the norm, leaders must adapt to new ways of managing and engaging teams.
Notable Quotes
“If you invest in your team, not only are they more likely to stay with you, but you’re also growing your business by growing their skills.”
“Leadership today requires understanding people—what makes them tick, what motivates them, and how to create a workplace where they can thrive.”
“Scaling a business isn’t just about revenue; it’s about scaling yourself as a leader. You can’t do it all, and you shouldn’t have to.”
Listen to the Interview with Susanne Latimer
Timeline & Key Discussion Points
00:03 – Introduction to the podcast and guest, Susanne Latimer
00:39 – Meeting at the Saugeen Shores Kickstart Conference
01:42 – Susanne’s background and journey into entrepreneurship
03:42 – The decision to co-found Accelerate Transformation
05:47 – The challenges of being a solo entrepreneur vs. having a co-founder
09:26 – The value of investing in training for employee engagement and retention
17:11 – The 70-20-10 model of learning and how it applies to businesses
26:00 – Creating a flexible, people-centered workplace culture
30:17 – How entrepreneurs can scale themselves, not just their businesses
37:08 – The types of clients Accelerate Transformation works with
41:14 – Lessons learned from four years in business and advice for new entrepreneurs
Conclusion & Takeaways
Susanne Latimer emphasizes that people are the core of any successful business. By investing in employee development, fostering strong leadership skills, and building a culture of flexibility and engagement, entrepreneurs can create businesses that thrive in the long term.
For entrepreneurs wondering where to start, Susanne’s advice is clear: identify what you do best, delegate the rest, and build a workplace that attracts and retains great people.
About the Rural Entrepreneur Podcast Series
The Rural Entrepreneur Podcast Series delves into the stories of rural entrepreneurs, exploring their struggles, triumphs, and the driving force behind their perseverance. The conversations are profound and insightful. If you're interested in being a sponsor or guest, feel free to contact us or book some time with Chris.
Comentários