Brainz Magazine Exclusive Interview
Amber Howard is an internationally recognized business leader, best-selling author, executive coach, and management consultant. With expertise in leadership, personal resilience, and business transformation, she inspires individuals and organizations to reach their full potential. Amber's strategic guidance, transformative coaching, and multifaceted certifications make her a sought-after expert in various disciplines.
As a podcast host and modern-day alchemist, she shares her wisdom and facilitates profound transformations, helping individuals unlock their true potential. Amber's impact extends globally, leaving an indelible mark on the world of business and personal development.
Can you tell me a bit about your background and how you started Amber Howard & Associates?
My background is quite unique, as I began my career as a technical writer while still in university. Life threw me a curveball when I became pregnant with my son and had to make some tough decisions. I made the difficult choice to drop out of high school to prioritize my family's needs. Despite these challenges, I was determined to create a better future for myself and my child. In my 20s, I decided to put myself through university, working tirelessly to balance my responsibilities as a mother and a student. It was during this time that I honed my skills and gained valuable experience in various aspects of business and entrepreneurship.
Amidst the struggles and obstacles, I faced, one thing remained clear: my desire to make a positive impact and empower others. That's when I decided to go into business for myself. The company was born out of my unwavering commitment to contribute my expertise, tools, and experiences to support others in achieving their goals. For me, it has always been about more than just business; it's about empowering people to create what they want. I firmly believe that with the right guidance, strategy, and support, small businesses can thrive and make a meaningful impact in their communities. This belief has been the driving force behind the work we do at Amber Howard & Associates, and it continues to inspire me in everything that I do. Of interest as well, I was born in New Zealand, immigrated to Canada when I was 10, and spent much of my life there. In the last year, I have relocated to Bali, Indonesia.
Could you provide an overview of the types of services that Amber Howard & Associates offers to small businesses?
In full transparency, I am in the process of winding down the operations of this business. As is often the case as entrepreneurs, it has been a necessary stepping stone to creating what’s next for me in business and in life. A quote that has defined my journey is from Soren Kierkegaard, who says that life can only be understood by looking in the rearview mirror, but it must be living moving forward. I feel like this defines much of my life to date. I couldn’t have foreseen in my early twenties where I would end up. No strategy could have gotten me here. Having said that, I am so clear now, that every step has brought me here. Amber Howard & Associates specializes in providing a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet the unique needs of small businesses. Our core offerings include:
Training: We offer customized training programs designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of your workforce. Whether it's improving employee productivity, developing leadership skills, or staying current with industry trends, our training sessions are geared towards helping your team perform at their best.
Consulting: Our consulting services are aimed at providing strategic guidance and solutions to address specific business challenges. We work closely with small businesses to analyze their operations, identify areas for improvement, and develop actionable strategies to achieve their goals. Our consultants bring a wealth of experience and expertise to help businesses thrive in today's competitive landscape. A major focus of our work has been on project and change management.
Executive/Leadership Coaching: Effective leadership is critical for the success of any organization. We offer executive and leadership coaching programs that focus on developing the leadership skills and abilities of key individuals within your company. Our coaching sessions are personalized to address leadership challenges, foster growth, and create impactful leaders who can drive your business forward.
At Amber Howard & Associates, we understand that every small business is unique, and their needs may vary. That's why we take a customized approach to our services, working closely with our clients to tailor our offerings to their specific requirements. Whether you're looking to upskill your team, overcome operational hurdles, or strengthen your leadership, we're here to support you on your journey to success. Our goal has been to empower small businesses with the tools and knowledge they need to achieve their objectives and thrive in today's dynamic business environment.
What is the primary mission or vision that drives your business, and how does it influence your day-to-day operations?
Our driving mission at Amber Howard & Associates is to empower and support small businesses, leveling the playing field for these vital contributors to our economy. This vision shapes every facet of our daily operations. We prioritize a client-centric approach, tailoring our diverse services to meet the unique needs of each business we work with. Our commitment to staying innovative ensures we provide cutting-edge solutions, like leveraging technologies such as artificial intelligence. Our mission extends beyond individual clients; it involves building a global community where small business owners can connect, collaborate, and grow together. We continually invest in our own development to offer the most relevant and effective support. In essence, our mission is our guiding force, emphasizing our dedication to small businesses, their success, and their profound impact on the business world. It's a privilege to play a part in their journey.
What inspired you to focus on serving small businesses specifically?
I was inspired to focus on serving small businesses specifically because of the critical need for accessible and relevant guidance in this sector. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, driving innovation, creating jobs, and contributing to their local communities. However, statistics show that a significant percentage of small and medium-sized businesses face challenges and, in many cases, fail. The statistics on small business survival rates can be daunting. A notable percentage of small businesses do not make it past their first few years of operation. These challenges stem from a variety of factors, including financial constraints, fierce competition, and lack of business expertise. It became evident to me that small business owners often face a steep learning curve in areas such as business management, strategy, and leadership.
Large consulting firms primarily cater to large corporations, leaving a significant gap in support for small businesses. While these smaller enterprises are experts in their products, goods, or services, that expertise doesn't necessarily translate into proficiency in building, running, and scaling a successful business. Small business owners may have the passion and drive, but they often lack the necessary training and development to navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship effectively.
This realization led me to focus on serving small businesses exclusively. I wanted to bridge the gap between their expertise in their chosen field and the essential business skills required for sustainable growth. Small business owners deserve access to affordable and relevant guidance and advice that can help them improve how they operate and serve their customers and clients. By offering specialized services tailored to the unique challenges faced by small businesses, Amber Howard & Associates aimed to empower entrepreneurs with the knowledge, strategies, and tools they need to thrive. Within the new business that we have created here in Indonesia, which will provide a launching pad for a global community, we will still serve predominately small and medium-size enterprises.
How long has your company been in operation, and what are some of the milestones or achievements you're particularly proud of?
Our company, originally founded as Konverto Incorporated, has been in operation since 2016. In 2020, we underwent a rebranding and became Amber Howard & Associates with a dedicated focus on serving small business owners. Over the years, we have achieved several significant milestones and completed projects that we are particularly proud of. Here are some of the highlights:
Lakeridge Gardens Long Term Care Home Project: One of our notable achievements was our involvement in the construction of the Lakeridge Gardens Long Term Care Home in Ontario. This project was especially challenging due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but we successfully managed all the IT aspects. What's truly remarkable is that we completed this project in just 14 months, a timeframe that is significantly shorter than the typical 4-5 years it would take for such a project. This accomplishment showcases our commitment to delivering results efficiently and effectively.
Entrepreneur Coaching: We take great pride in coaching numerous entrepreneurs on their journeys to start and scale their businesses. Helping individuals realize their entrepreneurial dreams and providing them with the guidance and support they need has been a rewarding aspect of our work.
Strategic Advice Services: We have been instrumental in providing strategic guidance and advice to our clients, enabling them to increase their revenue and expand their impact in their respective industries. Our commitment to tailoring our services to the unique needs of each client has contributed to their success.
Development of Frameworks: We have developed frameworks such as the "Building Blocks for Success" and "A.L.I.G.N.E.D" for creating goals that align with our clients' lives and aspirations. These frameworks have been instrumental in helping individuals and businesses set and achieve meaningful objectives.
International Best-Selling Books: Our participation in multiple number 1 international best-selling book projects reflects our commitment to sharing valuable insights and knowledge with a broader audience, further establishing our expertise and credibility in the field.
These milestones and achievements exemplify our dedication to making a positive impact in the business world. We are excited to continue our journey of serving small businesses and entrepreneurs, helping them overcome challenges, achieve their goals, and thrive in an ever-evolving business landscape in new and exciting ways.
What sets Amber Howard & Associates apart from other consulting and coaching firms that work with small businesses?
Amber Howard distinguishes herself from other consulting and coaching professionals in several key ways:
Unique Background and Expertise: Our founder's journey from being a technical writer while in university, dropping out of high school due to pregnancy, and then putting herself through university in her 20s gives us a unique perspective. This background equips us with a deep understanding of resilience, determination, and the challenges faced by individuals and small businesses. We bring a blend of real-world experience and expertise to our clients.
Holistic Approach: We take a holistic approach to working with small businesses. Beyond offering traditional consulting services, we provide training, coaching, and strategic guidance. This multifaceted approach allows us to address various aspects of a business, from leadership and operations to employee development, ensuring a well-rounded and comprehensive support system.
Focus on Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs: Our exclusive focus on small businesses sets us apart. Unlike larger consulting firms that primarily cater to corporations, we specialize in understanding the unique needs, constraints, and opportunities that small businesses encounter. We recognize that small businesses play a vital role in the economy and deserve tailored solutions.
Diverse Services: We offer a wide range of services, including training, consulting, and executive/leadership coaching. This versatility allows us to adapt to the specific needs of each client, providing customized solutions that drive growth and success.
Innovation and Technology: We leverage innovations in technology, including artificial intelligence, to solve complex challenges. Our commitment to staying at the cutting edge of business technology ensures that our clients benefit from the latest tools and strategies.
Proven Track Record: Our achievements, such as completing the Lakeridge Gardens Long Term Care Home project in record time, coaching entrepreneurs to start and scale their businesses, and participating in international best-selling book projects, demonstrate our ability to deliver results and make a positive impact.
Client-Centric Approach: We maintain ongoing feedback loops with our clients, ensuring that our services remain aligned with their evolving needs and challenges. This client-centric approach allows us to provide timely and relevant support.
In summary, what sets Amber Howard apart is her combination of unique experiences, a holistic approach, a focus on small businesses, diverse service offerings, commitment to innovation, a proven track record, and unwavering dedication to our clients' success. We are not just a consulting firm; she is deeply committed to empowering others to live created lives for what matters most to them.
Can you share some real-world examples of projects where your team has provided one-on-one training and group planning sessions that led to significant improvements for your clients?
Certainly, here are some real-world examples of projects where our team at Amber Howard & Associates provided one-on-one training and group planning sessions that led to significant improvements for our clients:
Project Management Training for a Spa Software Company:
We were engaged by a leading spa software company seeking to enhance their client delivery processes and improve the overall experience for both internal staff and clients. We conducted comprehensive project management training sessions for their team, focusing on best practices, tools, and methodologies. Through one-on-one coaching and group planning sessions, we helped the company implement more efficient project management processes. As a result, they experienced smoother project execution, reduced delays, and an improved client experience. This not only boosted client satisfaction but also increased operational efficiency within the company.
Change Management and Resilience Training for a Financial Services Client:
A financial services client was going through a significant merger, which presented various challenges related to change management and employee resilience. Our team provided specialized training and coaching to help employees adapt to the changes, manage stress, and build resilience. Through one-on-one consultations and group workshops, we equipped the client's workforce with the skills and mindset needed to navigate the merger successfully. The result was an increase in the organization's capacity to handle the transition, reduce employee turnover, and maintain productivity during a period of significant change.
Strategy Development for a Not-For-Profit Software Platform:
We collaborated with leaders in a not-for-profit organization focused on sustainable development goals, aligned with the United Nations. The organization had a vision to create a software platform that could facilitate and track progress toward these goals. Our team conducted intensive group planning sessions to help define the strategy, objectives, and roadmap for the development and rollout of the platform. This involved identifying key stakeholders, setting milestones, and creating a comprehensive plan. The result was a well-defined strategy that enabled the organization to move forward with confidence, secure funding, and ultimately work towards making a meaningful impact on global sustainable development efforts. These real-world examples highlight our ability to tailor our training and consulting services to the specific needs and challenges faced by our clients. Through one-on-one coaching and group planning sessions, we empower organizations to achieve significant improvements in their processes, resilience, and strategic direction, ultimately leading to enhanced client satisfaction, operational efficiency, and impactful initiatives.
How do you stay informed about the latest trends and developments in the small business industry to ensure your services remain relevant and effective?
Staying informed about the latest trends and developments in the small business industry is a crucial part of our commitment to providing relevant and effective services to our clients. We employ several strategies to ensure that we remain at the forefront of industry knowledge:
Ongoing Research into Trends: We maintain a proactive approach to research, continuously monitoring the small business landscape for emerging trends, market shifts, and innovative practices. This involves studying industry reports, attending relevant conferences, and staying updated through reputable business publications and online resources.
Ongoing Training and Development: Our team is dedicated to enhancing our own skill set to remain relevant and effective. We invest in ongoing training and development programs to ensure that we have the latest tools, methodologies, and insights at our disposal. This includes courses, workshops, and certifications in areas such as business strategy, technology, leadership, and more.
Leveraging New Technologies: We recognize the transformative potential of technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) in the business world. By staying informed about AI developments and their applications for small businesses, we can offer cutting-edge solutions that can enhance efficiency, decision-making, and customer engagement.
Ongoing Feedback Loops with Clients: Maintaining open and frequent communication with our clients is a cornerstone of our approach. We actively seek feedback to understand their evolving needs, challenges, and goals. This direct interaction helps us tailor our services and solutions to address real-time issues and provide timely support.
Networking and Industry Collaboration: We actively engage in networking and collaboration with other industry experts and organizations. Partnering with professionals and associations allows us to exchange insights, share best practices, and gain a broader perspective on the challenges and opportunities faced by small businesses.
Data Analysis and Market Intelligence: We utilize data analysis and market intelligence tools to gather information on consumer behavior, market trends, and competitive landscapes. This data-driven approach enables us to make informed decisions and recommendations for our clients. By combining these strategies, we ensure that our services remain adaptive, relevant, and effective in a rapidly changing business environment. Our commitment to staying informed and evolving with the industry enables us to empower small businesses with the knowledge and strategies they need to thrive and achieve their goals.
Are there any upcoming initiatives or projects that you're excited about for Amber Howard & Associates?
Absolutely, there are some exciting developments on the horizon for Amber Howard & Associates.
As I already shared, we are in the process of winding down the operations of Amber Howard & Associates. It has been an incredible journey working with small businesses and entrepreneurs, and I am immensely proud of the impact we've had on our clients' success. However, I'm thrilled to announce a new venture: Konverto Business Consulting, based in Indonesia. Konverto is not just another consultancy; it's a dynamic collaboration with three partners who share a passion for leveraging technology to tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing humanity. Our focus is working with clients in green tech, social enterprises, and not-for-profits by harnessing innovation to create meaningful solutions that have a positive impact on individuals and society
In addition to Konverto, we have also expanded our reach with the opening of a branch called Procept South East Asia. This branch is dedicated to bringing Procept’s world-class training and development programs to Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. We believe that empowering individuals and organizations with knowledge and skills is a catalyst for positive change and growth, and we're excited to make these resources more accessible to the region.
Moreover, our team in Bali, Indonesia, is working diligently to build an online global ecosystem called the "Your Created Life Community." This ecosystem is rooted in a profound philosophy: that life is an art form waiting to be mastered, and every individual has the power to design lives they love living. We celebrate the boundless potential within each person and the capacity we all possess to shape our lives with creativity, authenticity, and intentionality.
The Your Created Life Community will be a haven for those who believe in living life on their terms. Within the community practitioners who have products, goods, and services to support our members in living a created life of their own design in all dimensions of well-being, will be matched with members looking to elevate their lives for what matters most for them. Our team believes that when we live created lives of our own design we naturally become more available to be of service and contribute to our communities and the causes we care about.
These new initiatives represent the next chapter in my journey of making a positive impact in the world, and I’m excited to embark on this path of innovation, collaboration, and personal growth. Thank you for being a part of our journey, and we look forward to continuing to serve and inspire individuals and businesses on their unique paths to success and fulfillment.
For more info about Amber and Amber Howard & Associates follow her on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and visit her website. Also bestselling author of "She's A Boss"
