Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Mahusay
Hi Elizabeth, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry Education from the University of South Florida. During my time at the university, I actively participated in the Sun Coast Area Teacher Training Leadership Program, which provided me with valuable opportunities to enhance my communication and leadership skills, as well as develop expertise in Kagan Cooperative Learning and problem-solving techniques. My involvement in the program led to my role as a coach, where I mentored and guided aspiring teachers while pursuing a master’s degree in Curriculum & Instruction with a focus on Instructional Technology.
While teaching in a Hillsborough County school I discovered the significance of nurturing human potential while serving as a dance coach for a highly accomplished competitive dance team, despite my lack of formal dance training. Coaching 40 high school young ladies was great training for parenthood.
After the birth of my sons, I wanted and needed a pursuit outside of the day-2-day activities of parenting. Subsequently, I embarked on a 19-year career in direct sales with Premier Designs Jewelry, which granted me the privilege of being a work-from-home mom while concurrently building a substantial business and team. My sweet spot was coaching up leaders and helping them to build businesses. I also had more than 1000 opportunities to speak in front of groups both small and audiences of more than 7000.
During this time, I also discovered a love for writing and over the course of 15 years, I wrote 10+ Bible Studies. Two are formerly published:
• Transform My Thinking, God – 6 Principles to Beat Negative Thinking and Build the Live You Want
• Mirror Image – Living a Life that Reflects Christ
My most recent publication, Pick Your Path, 21 Days to Set Your Mental Autopilot on the Right Course is an international best seller.
The company I was with for 19 years closed in 2020 and it is also the year I learned about Southwestern Consulting. I felt it was a perfect next step for me given my love of people, coaching, and the entrepreneurial lifestyle. I am one of 170+ rock star coaches that serve in 18 countries around the world.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t been a smooth road. Giving up my career as a teacher to raise our sons was challenging. We gave up half of our income for me to be home. Combine the financial pressure with the fact that I am an achiever and you have a recipe for mental and emotional struggle. During the time I was not working at all I felt like I was a withering vine. I loved being home with our oldest son, but my brain needed more. Entering into direct sells gave me something to build, milestones to achieve, income I could earn on my terms which included being home during the day to care for our children.
Being an entrepreneur and a full-time mom was challenging. People see you as a stay-at-home mom and make assumptions about your time. There were often expectations that I could not meet. I learned by the time my boys were 3 and 5 that I needed to exchange the title of stay-at-home mom for work-from-home mom.
Another struggle is when we made the decision to move from Tampa, FL to McKinney, TX. We restarted not one, but two commission-based businesses. The market was different, no one knew us, the bills were piling up along with the stress of starting over. Every interaction was cold. My husband, Fred, and I agreed that the move was the hardest thing, but the best thing we ever did! The struggle of making friends, learning the DFW metroplex, networking to establish two businesses, and learning to appreciate the “don’t work, don’t eat” life has cultivated a compassion for people, a deep love for our community, and an avid commitment to our continued growth. It also gives me an expanded perspective in how I serve my clients whether through one-2-one coaching, training a group, or speaking to audiences.
As you know, we’re big fans of Southwestern Consulting. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Southwestern Consulting was born out of our sister company, which was founded in 1855. We are known for sales and leadership development and enablement through 1-2-1 Coaching ranging from coaching for someone who has never sold anything and wants to learn, to those managing salespeople, business owners, and C-Suite Executives that need and/or want executive consulting.
We also offer fully customizable training solutions in sales skills, sales management, leadership development, & professional development. As a certified trainer, I enjoy delivering high value impactful trainings whether in person or virtually.
When looking for a speaker to wow your audience, check out both our internal and external speakers through our Speaker’s Bureau. As one of the certified keynote speakers I have a passion for sharing many topics, especially Pick Your Path, How to Set Your Mental Autopilot on the Right Course and Lead Like a Woman, Courageous Confidence, Communication, and Connection.
I’m proud of the fact that Southwestern Consulting serves clients in more than 30 countries around the world.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Develop a business plan and know how much money you need to ramp up your business.
Clearly define your ideal client and activate your center of influence to ask for referrals to your ideal client.
Identify your income producing activities, schedule/time block for them, and then consistently work your intentions.
Be humble and ask for help. Remain coachable – there is always more to learn.
What I wish I knew when I was starting out was that having more clearly establish boundaries with others about how I used my time. The exchange of titles (stay-at-home mom to work-from-home mom) was an important part of that. It is important to know who you are and realize that you’ll never make everyone happy. Be ok with failure – just fail forward.
Embrace the reality – you’ll overestimate what you can accomplish in a year and underestimate what you can accomplish in five years!
Lastly, “Be consistently persistent and persistently consistent!” (My quote)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://southwesternconsulting.com/speakers/elizabeth-mahusay/
- Instagram: @ebmahusay
- Facebook: @elizabethbmahusay
- Twitter: @ebmahusay
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/elizabethmahusay
- Other: https://elizabethmahusay.com
Image Credits
Fredshots Photography (my husband – Fred Mahusay)
