Ep 14: The Art of Merging: Lessons in Self-Reflection and Business Partnerships

Lydia Alexandra Renders is the Founder and CEO of Willow, a certified B-Corp and a designated Woman Based Enterprise investment firm, one of just a few firms with this distinction in the USA.  As Chief Investment Officer and Strategist, Alexandra is known for her keen intuitive calls around thematic trends and market cycles.  Particularly adept in predicting and understanding trends, this is the foundation of her work. With 36 years of experience in the industry holding various senior level positions, clients count on her and appreciate her core values of honesty, love, and caring for all beings. Alexandra speaks at investment conferences and in diverse venues to Business Leaders on the path to creating a better world through caring capitalism.  She is also the Director and co-founder of United Inner States of Freedom, where she is a channel, healer, and intuitive.  She connects with source where she shares insight and wisdom to help individuals release past fears and worries ushering a person’s movement into their authentic self and thereby becoming a stronger leader and experiencing more joy in their lives.   In this episode, Alexandria Renders, founder and CEO of Willow, shares her compelling journey of leaving the financial industry after 37 years to start her own company due to toxic work environments and the need for survival. She discusses the challenges faced as a woman executive and the inspiration behind Willow, emphasizing the importance of defining company culture and priorities. The interview also explores Alexandria's recent experience in finding a new partner for her company, highlighting the emotional connection and compatibility between merging entities. She advises business owners on the emotional aspects of selling a business, encouraging self-reflection and authenticity.   The conversation shifts to effective communication, conflict resolution, and the role of self-reflection in building strong teams. Alexandria stresses the significance of bringing one's authentic self into the business and encourages business owners to discover who they are. Overall, the episode provides insights into Alexandria's entrepreneurial journey, her unique company culture, and the emotional aspects of business transactions.   Here’s what to expect this episode:      Entrepreneurial Courage: including the courage it takes to break away from the safety of a long-term financial industry career and start your own company. Cultural Priorities: The importance of defining and prioritizing company culture. How to create a safe and unique culture within the organization, emphasizing the significance of emotional safety and connection in the corporate world. Strategic Business Transition: providing valuable lessons on the strategic considerations, emotional aspects, and effective communication required during business transactions and affiliations. Self-Reflection in Leadership: An emphasis on experience with team members and the value of addressing personal fears and emotions in business decisions offer practical insights for leaders. Authenticity in Business: bring your authentic self into business. Learn the importance of discovering and integrating one's true identity into the company, adding value and uniqueness to the organization's culture and success.   Connect with Alexandra Render: https://investwithwillow.com/   Connect with Jacob Koenig: https://woodbridgegrp.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices