Untapped Resilience: Briony McKenzie's Rise in Entrepreneurship
In a remarkable journey from personal growth seeker to transformational entrepreneur, Briony McKenzie, CEO and Founder of Untapped, shares her story, challenges, and insights for women in PR and marketing. Discover her secrets to resilience and success in this exclusive interview.
Briony's path to success has been anything but conventional. She discovered her entrepreneurial spirit during her travels, attending personal growth seminars and training sessions. Upon her return to New Zealand, she recognized a void in the market for young people seeking personal growth and leadership expansion. She made a life-altering decision to create what was missing herself at that moment.
But her journey is not just about professional accomplishments. Briony has faced personal struggles, including a battle with an eating disorder that spanned several years. This challenging experience molded her into the resilient and empathetic leader she is today.
Briony's commitment to personal growth led her to admire the likes of Tony Robbins, whose unwavering dedication to serving humanity continues to inspire her. In fact, she has completed Tony Robbins' entire University curriculum, making her desire to understand his philosophy and be in the presence of a true master even more profound.
Additionally, Briony has faced the harsh realities of the digital world, experiencing online bullying that took a toll on her mental well-being and confidence. Despite these hurdles, she has emerged stronger, with valuable lessons and unwavering determination.
In this interview, we'll explore Briony's journey, insights, and how her superpowers can benefit women in PR and marketing. So, grab your favorite drink, get cozy, and join us as we delve into the world of Briony McKenzie—a remarkable entrepreneur with a story that's as inspiring as it is transformative.
Turning the Entrepreneurial Light On
Q: Briony, when did that entrepreneurial light bulb go off for you?
A: It was during my travels. I attended personal growth seminars and training, and when I returned to New Zealand, I realized there was a gap in the market for young people when it came to personal growth and leadership expansion. So, I decided right then and there that I needed to create it myself.
From Coach to Creator
Q: What brought you to your career path, particularly as a coach and facilitator?
A: Coaching and facilitating personal transformation were always my passions. However, I struggled to get my message out and create consistent revenue. It wasn't until I learned essential business skills like sales, marketing, and operations that everything changed. I scaled Untapped to 7 Figures, built an international team, and saw my work making the impact I'd always envisioned. I wanted to share this gift with other creative souls and help them foster an entrepreneurial mindset.
Empowering Experts
Q: Could you tell us more about what you do as an entrepreneur and how women in PR and marketing can benefit from your expertise?
A: Absolutely, I empower experts to become entrepreneurs by teaching them key business systems and skills. We help them create scalable business models, break through money blocks, and build legacies that outlive them.
Team Building as the Reward
Q: What has been the best thing that's happened during your entrepreneurial journey?
A: Building a team has been the most rewarding aspect. It's not just about hiring individuals; it's about fostering a collective spirit, trusting people, and letting go to achieve unparalleled results. Witnessing our team members grow, bring their unique strengths, and create a dynamic environment where ideas flourish has been incredibly fulfilling. We've cultivated a culture of growth and expansion.
Dealing with Online Bullying
Q: On the flip side, what's been the most challenging experience you've faced as an entrepreneur?
A: Undoubtedly, experiencing online bullying has been the most challenging. While the digital realm is a powerful tool for business, it can expose you to scrutiny and challenges you might not be prepared to handle. This experience challenged me personally, affecting my mental well-being and online confidence, making it difficult to focus on the strategic aspects of running a business. However, it also taught me invaluable lessons, resilience, and the importance of seeking external support.
Inspirations and Influences
Q: Who or what has had the greatest influence on your entrepreneurial journey?
A: I'm a fan of the EOS method. Its philosophies and leadership principles gave me a profound understanding of scaling and leading a team. I've also had incredible coaches like Preston Smiles, Colin Pal, and Zion Kim, who provided mindset upgrades, accountability, and support.
Fast Fact: EOS stands for Entrepreneurial Operating System. It is a goal-setting method particularly suitable for medium-sized companies with 10 to 250 employees. It directs the organization's focus to six main components: vision, people, data, process, traction, and issues.
Bragging Rights!
Q: Any notable features or moments in your career that stand out?
A: I was featured in Forbes in a piece titled "How and When to Make Resting Your Superpower." I love this feature because it highlights the importance of holistic entrepreneurship and the value of making rest a superpower. Rest and pause are essential, but each stage of our journey demands a different version of it, and Jodie Cook captured this philosophy perfectly in the feature.
Bookworm and Beyond
Q: What books are currently on your reading list, podcasts in your playlist, or shows you're watching?
A: I'm diving into some fantastic reads:
"Buy Back Your Time" by Dan Martell, perfect for hiring and outsourcing.
"Traction: Get A Grip On Your Business" by Gino Wickman, a must-read for strategy, operations, and team management.
"Soul of Money" by Lynn Twist, an incredible resource for money mindset and the energetics of wealth creation.
Mastering Technology and Balance
Q: Technology plays a significant role in our lives. How do you balance the 24/7 digital world, and what impact has it had on your lifestyle?
A: I'm well aware of technology's addictive nature. So, I use discipline to navigate it. I rely on an app called Opal to manage my screen time, setting specific daily sessions and time limits for certain apps. During the week, I don't use social media between 8.30 am and 3.30 pm. I also keep my phone out of my bedroom, which is crucial for quality sleep. I make a point to walk in nature and leave the house without my phone to reduce co-dependency. You'd be amazed at the solutions you find without it!
Meet Briony Beyond Business
Q: Okay, let's have a bit of fun! Do you have a celebrity crush, and if so, why?
A: Tony Robbins! I've completed his entire University curriculum, and I admire his unwavering commitment to serving humanity. His tenacity and perseverance are truly awe-inspiring. Spending time with him to understand his philosophy and be in the presence of a true master would be a dream come true.
Daily Essentials and Secret Talents
Q: What are some daily must-haves in your life, and do you have any secret talents?
A: Anything in the shades of green, olive green, or khaki—I absolutely love that color because it reminds me of nature. Right now, even my nails are olive green! As for secret talents, I excel in operations and systematic thinking. Whether it's business projects, trips, or personal goals, I'm a pro at turning them into practical step-by-step actions. It's not just in business; it's a way of life.
Mastering the Day
Q: How do you manage and balance your day effectively?
A: I have themed days, Mondays are Sales Days, Wednesdays are for Content Creation & Writing, Tuesdays and Thursdays are dedicated to calls, and Fridays are reserved for Podcast Recording. This approach helps me focus on deep work and avoid task switching.
De-Stressing and Productivity
Briony McKenzie understands the importance of finding balance in a hectic world. To de-stress and recharge, she immerses herself in nature, often embarking on hikes, camping trips, or simply sitting in parks to meditate. This connection with the outdoors fuels her creativity and provides a refreshing perspective.
Briony is also a productivity enthusiast. She dedicates 3-4 hours every Sunday to meticulously plan her life. From scheduling workouts to prepping for meetings and auditing her finances and relationships, her Sundays are a precious time for holistic planning. It's a practice that keeps her grounded and organized in both her personal and professional life.
Overcoming Challenges and Personal Mantra
Briony's journey has been marked by resilience and overcoming personal challenges. She faced a severe eating disorder from the age of 15, battling through anorexia nervosa and later bulimia for four more years. This difficult period shaped her into the resilient, empathetic leader she is today. Her determination to overcome such a challenging experience fuels her belief that she can conquer anything.
Her mantra reflects her unwavering commitment to empowerment: "100% responsibility = 100% power, 50% responsibility = 50%. If you want to be empowered, you need to take full ownership and responsibility for everything in it." This philosophy underlines her approach to life and business, empowering her to surmount obstacles with grace.
Supporting Women and Wealth Creation
Briony advocates for women's empowerment and believes in celebrating their unique strengths. She emphasizes the importance of giving women total presence and encouraging them to embrace their emotions as gifts. Her message to men is clear: support, appreciate, and uplift the women around you.
In the business world, Briony recognizes that wealth creation is a conversation often overlooked for women. She has dedicated herself to helping women master sales and finances, areas that may be perceived as masculine but are crucial for business success. This commitment aligns with her vision of seeing more women create wealth.
These insights into Briony McKenzie's life and beliefs provide a glimpse into the mindset of a female disruptor who is actively pushing boundaries while staying rooted in wellness and personal growth.
Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to be a part of a community that empowers and supports women in PR and marketing. Join Briony McKenzie's community today and take your career to new heights!
Ready to transform your career and become the best version of yourself, both personally and professionally? Click the link below to get started on your journey of growth and success with Briony's community:
Want to hear more from Briony? Check out her latest podcast interview
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