Overcoming Career Barriers: The Path to Business Ownership | EP8

Kiersten M. Talbert details the persistence required to overcome industry barriers and the strategic mindset needed to launch a successful business.She shares her journey from struggling through 12 years of licensing attempts to becoming one of the youngest first-generation funeral home owners in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. She opens up about learning the business in heels and a pocketbook, the personal losses that fueled her determination, and the divine guidance that led her to build her own chapel instead of someone else’s brand.This is a story about faith, persistence, and the courage to bring your authentic self—rhinestones and all—to an industry that doesn’t always expect it. When asked for one word to describe her leadership story, Kiersten’s answer says it all: Consistent.Key Topics We ExploreThe 12-year journey to passing the national funeral director boards and what finally made the differenceLearning funeral service from a female director who insisted on doing it all, in heelsHow personal loss and a colleague’s question became the catalyst for finally getting licensedThe moment Kiersten decided to build her own business instead of someone else’s brandStarting a funeral home from scratch with no loans, the real obstacles of entrepreneurshipBreaking barriers as a young, first-generation funeral home owner in Montgomery County, PAHow prayer, fasting, and faith guide business decisions in a practical, difficult industryCreating comfort for families through authentic presence and signature styleWhy consistency, not perfection, is the real key to leadershipChapters00:00 Introduction01:28 Educational Journey and Career Start05:48 Apprenticeship Experience10:31 Overcoming Personal and Professional Challenges17:38 Starting Her Own Funeral Home21:31 Business Challenges and Vision25:40 Incorporating Personal Style and Faith27:04 Legacy and LeadershipJoin the Community!Subscribe on Substack for exclusive content: Subscribe on Substack: leadershipstory.substack.comFollow on Instagram: @theleadershipstoryConnect with Kiersten:🌐Check the website: Kiersten M. Talbert Funeral Chapel📱Follow on Instagram: @kmtalbertfuneralchapel📔Follow on Facebook: Kiersten M Talbert Funeral Chapel, Inc☑️Follow on TikTok: KMTalbert Funeral ChapelConnect with LisaFollow on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lisa-jonesSubscribe, rate, and review The Leadership Story wherever you listen to podcasts. Your reviews help other women find these conversations. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit leadershipstory.substack.com