Insights from NBWL Bitesize Session – Career Pathways: Exploring Your Options

The Network for Black Women Leaders (NBWL) recently hosted a thought-provoking Bitesize Session, Career Pathways: Exploring Your Options, featuring the dynamic Lucille Roache, business strategist and founder of Asset Business Consultancy. Attended by an engaged audience, this session was packed with actionable advice on exploring career options, navigating entrepreneurship, and making impactful professional transitions.

Key highlights:

1. The Pros and Cons of Starting Your Own Business
Lucille opened the session by sharing an honest look at the realities of entrepreneurship. While the flexibility, autonomy, and uncapped earning potential of running your own business are enticing, she emphasised the challenges, including working alone, the need for self-discipline, and the importance of setting up systems for success.

2. Discovering Your ‘Why’
A recurring theme in Lucille’s presentation was understanding your motivation. She encouraged attendees to dig deeper than surface-level goals like earning more money to ask themselves, “Why do I want more money? To do what?”. This introspection, she explained, provides clarity and helps sustain motivation through inevitable challenges.

3. Matching Skills to Passions
Lucille guided participants through auditing their skills and passions to identify business opportunities. Her advice: focus on what you’re good at and passionate about to ensure sustainability and enjoyment in your entrepreneurial journey.

4. Avoiding Common Mistakes
Lucille shared insights from her book, Discover 22 of the Biggest Mistakes That Most Business Owners Make: And What You Can Do to Avoid Them. Key pitfalls include:

Not having a business plan.
Trying to do everything at once.
Moving too far ahead without proper preparation.
Failing to research market needs.

5. Leveraging Networks and Resources
Participants were encouraged to explore networking opportunities like the Network for Black Women Leaders and use platforms like Meetup, Eventbrite, and LinkedIn to connect with like-minded professionals. Lucille highlighted tools such as Linktree and About.me for creating a professional online presence without the need for a full website.

Recommended resources:

During the session, several helpful resources were shared to support participants on their entrepreneurial journeys:

What to Include in Your Business Plan from the Asset Business Consultancy Podcast.
Business Startup Checklist – A free resource for launching your business.
Lucille’s Book: Discover 22 of the Biggest Mistakes That Most Business Owners Make: And What You Can Do to Avoid Them – Available on Kindle.
Other recommended reading:
- Abundance Now: Amplify Your Life & Achieve Prosperity Today by Lisa Nichols and Janet Switzer*
- Start With Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone To Take Action by Simon Sinek*
- The Unfair Advantage: How You Already Have What It Takes to Succeed by Ash Ali and Hasan Kubba*

Engaging Q&A discussion session:

The interactive Q&A portion provided attendees with tailored advice on navigating the fears of financial instability, identifying promising niches like tech and coaching, and leveraging tools like AI to optimise their businesses. Lucille also shared tips on building confidence and storytelling as key skills for stepping into leadership and business ownership.

Final takeaway:

Lucille’s session underscored the importance of building a strong foundation when exploring career pathways or transitioning into entrepreneurship. Her actionable insights and recommended resources left attendees feeling inspired and equipped to take meaningful steps toward their professional goals.

Find out more about Lucille and Asset Business Consultancy on her website, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Join the NBWL Community
The NBWL Bitesize Sessions are just one of the many ways the network empowers Black women in leadership. If you’re not already a member, join the mailing list to stay updated on future events and training opportunities.

*Affiliate Links: We’re proud to be part of the Bookshop.org affiliate programme — an online platform that helps support local, independent bookshops with every order. When you buy a book through our links, 10% goes directly to these bookshops, and we receive a small commission to help us continue our work. It’s an easy way to champion community-based bookselling and the joy of reading — even when shopping online.

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