Blair Kaplan Venables’ journey into the world of business was fueled by her desire for autonomy and control over her schedule. At the age of 23, she took the bold step of starting her own PR company from her laptop, pioneering a remote work revolution 16 years ago. Her determination to be in command of her schedule has been a driving force behind her entrepreneurial endeavors. We at EliteX are proud to introduce Blair Kaplan Venables as one of the Promising Women in Business, 2024.
Reflecting on her journey, Blair acknowledges the challenges she faced as a businesswoman. She realized the value of mentorship and collaboration early on, recognizing that working with mentors and fellow entrepreneurs could have helped her avoid costly mistakes. Embracing mentorship has since become one of her key pieces of advice for aspiring businesswomen. Balancing her personal and professional life has been a priority for Blair. While she is passionate about her work, she emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries and taking time off to rest and recharge. Mixing business with pleasure and setting aside dedicated time for vacations have been essential strategies in maintaining this balance.
For young women considering a career in business, Blair stresses the importance of seeking guidance from experienced mentors or business coaches. Drawing from her own experience, she highlights the value of learning from those who have accomplished similar goals.
“Diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just buzzwords; they are essential for creating a thriving and inclusive environment in business.” – Blair Kaplan Venables
Blair’s goals for her business extend beyond traditional success metrics. Through her social enterprise, The Global Resilience Project, she aims to empower millions of people to strengthen their resilience muscle by 2025. Additionally, she focuses on growing her thought leadership coaching services to support more entrepreneurs in becoming recognized industry experts. To stay ahead of industry trends, Blair leverages a variety of sources, including social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, professional networks like LinkedIn, as well as podcasts and newsletters. She is particularly drawn to thought-provoking podcasts such as Hubberman Lab and Mel Robbins’.
What sets Blair’s business apart is her innovative approach and willingness to try new things. She developed the Social Media Empowerment Pillars for Thought Leadership and pioneered social media marketing strategies. Additionally, she created a framework to help high performers navigate grief, demonstrating her commitment to addressing both business and personal needs. Blair measures the success of her business not just by traditional metrics, but by the feeling of fulfillment and time freedom it brings. For her, success is about the journey and the choices that align with her values and goals.
Identifying growth opportunities is guided by Blair’s clear vision and goals. If an opportunity aligns with her objectives, she embraces it wholeheartedly. Otherwise, she isn’t afraid to decline and stay focused on her priorities. Technology plays a central role in Blair’s business operations, as she embraces a fully digital approach. Describing herself as a “vintage millennial,” Blair leverages online platforms for everything she does, from communication and marketing to project management and client interactions. Embracing technology allows her to streamline processes, reach a wider audience, and stay agile in a fast-paced business landscape.
Cultivating a positive company culture is paramount for Blair Kaplan Venables, who prioritizes appreciation and recognition within her organization. She ensures that her team feels valued by openly expressing her gratitude and sharing their achievements with her online community. Additionally, Blair actively supports her team by sending them referrals, fostering a sense of camaraderie and mutual support. Blair recognizes the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace. She firmly believes that these values are essential for creating a thriving and inclusive environment. To promote DEI within her organization, Blair actively seeks out diverse perspectives and voices, ensuring that all team members feel heard, respected, and valued.
“Innovation isn’t just about trying new things, it’s about creating systems that help others achieve their goals.” – Blair Kaplan Venables
Blair’s approach to leadership and team management is informed by continuous learning and observation. She actively participates in entrepreneurial groups and seeks guidance from coaches to enhance her leadership skills. By observing and emulating effective leadership practices while avoiding behaviors that conflict with her values, Blair strives to motivate and inspire her team to achieve their fullest potential. Looking ahead, Blair Kaplan Venables sees continued growth and evolution in the fields of social media and PR. She anticipates that more companies will recognize the value of hiring subject matter experts, such as coaches, to navigate the complexities of thought leadership and niche expertise. To prepare her business for the future, Blair remains adaptable and proactive, staying informed about industry trends and embracing new opportunities for innovation and growth.
In conclusion, Blair Kaplan Venables’ journey as a businesswoman is marked by resilience, innovation, and a commitment to personal and professional growth. Her insights and experiences serve as inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs, embodying the spirit of determination and success in the business world.
“Success is about the journey and the choices that align with our values and goals.” – Blair Kaplan Venables
