Ellyn Herbert is an Economic Development Specialist for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The SBA makes the American dream of business ownership a reality. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster.
Ellyn joined the SBA 2010 with strong corporate experience and a background of successful business ownership. She has 10 years corporate experience in administrative management and human resources working for such notable companies as Goldman Sachs and PolyGram records.
When Ellyn became a mother, she realized she needed a more flexible work environment and left the traditional workforce to embark on business ownership. For the next 10 years, together with husband Jeff Herbert, she managed and operated Herbert Studios, a commercial photography studio specializing in high-end product and architectural images. Their clients include advertising agencies, corporate accounts and manufacturing companies.
In 2004, Ellyn graduated from the Graduate School of Coaching and received her certified coach designation through the prestigious International Association of Coaches (IAC). She is certified in Conversational Intelligence and Team Building. She opened her own executive coaching company in 2004 where she helped clients focus on goals, methods and frameworks as well as their individual insights and capabilities so that when they were ready to take action they did so methodically and strategically ensuring successful outcomes. She has a master’s certificate in Adult Learning and Training from Temple University and is currently pursuing an MBA in Organizational Development and Leadership from Wilmington University.
Ellyn is married with two boys. She credits her husband for introducing her to the joy of entrepreneurship. Her two boys keep her smiling and make her walk her talk every day. She loves playing tennis, bowling, dining out with good friends and laughing heartily and out loud at least once a day.
The 5 Principles that framed my journey to success:
- Keep Your Knees Bent. When your knees are bent, it enables you to be more fluid and responsive to the bumps on your path. There will always be unexpected and possibly even chaotic forces to deal with. However, as you intentionally go after your goals, you can still be paying attention and ready to respond.
- Lead with curiosity — one of the core proficiencies of being a coach. Curiosity moves people in profound ways. When we are curious, we think more deeply and rationally about decisions and come up with more creative solutions.
- Get comfortable with Being Uncomfortable. Many tasks need to get done on the path to success – tasks that can be downright uncomfortable — public speaking, asking for what you want, making a sales call, talking about price, voicing an opposing opinion, etc. Understanding that being uncomfortable is a “normal” part of the growth process that enables us to do the things we say we want to do.
- Be Willing to Be Wrong. No one likes to be wrong. However, the willingness to be wrong and the ability to embrace the vulnerability that comes along with it is the very thing that makes us strong and invincible.
- Laugh out loud every day. Laughing releases endorphins from the brain, reduces the level of stress in the body and strengthens the immune system. If that wasn’t enough, it’s just fun!