When and how was your business started?

In the early 80’s I was a house flipper. The real estate market bubble was about to burst so I cashed out my real estate holdings. I was interested in starting another business.

During a tax planning session with my CPA, he introduced me to the telecommunications industry that the Federal Gov’t was about to deregulate and allow new/smaller competitors into the marketplace. I was the first woman to start a competitive telecommunications company.

What does resiliency mean to you? How do you practice resiliency as a woman leading a business?

A resilient mindset means having the ability to face any challenges that may arise and see it as an opportunity, while remaining positive in pursuit of the solution. This includes being able to take risks and make decisions with confidence, even when the outcome is uncertain. Additionally, female business owners need to be open to change and have the ability to pivot, when necessary.

I practice resiliency by practicing what I preach, being consistent with my behavior, while creating a culture of trust. I ensure that my team has the necessary tools through ongoing training, support, and resources needed to succeed.

What is a challenge or opportunity your business faced because of the COVID-19 Pandemic, and how did you face it?

The pandemic has brought about some dramatic changes in how companies do business and how our children are educated. High quality, cost effective Internet connectivity has been the driving force in keeping our world connected.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) launched its Keep Americans Connected initiative to help ensure that Americans didn’t lose critical telecommunications service. We signed the pledge and agreed not to terminate service if a customer couldn’t afford to pay their bills due to the pandemic. Televergence used its own financial resources to help keep our customers connected.

Provide an example of how innovation helped you overcome a challenge, pivot, or adapt to a crisis.

The Covid 19 crisis has changed how companies do business. The sudden disruption of normal business operations has forced companies to allow their employees to work remotely. This shift has spiked the demand for better internet and network connectivity, especially in rural and remote areas.

We have made a significant financial investment to ensure that our service offerings and solutions enable customers to support their remote employees and maintain business continuity.

What have you learned about yourself as a leader from mentoring or coaching others?

I am still continuing to learn and grow through mentoring. It is amazing the people I get to work with and the ideas and creativity that flow from these relationships. Even though I am the mentor, I always learn valuable lessons from my mentees. It is a win-win all the way around.

I have learned it is critical to be open to new ideas and to continue to think outside the box. You must be a lifetime learner.

What do you view as benefits of being part of the WBENC network? How has your company grown and changed since its inception and since becoming certified?

The benefits of being certified are many. The networking, regional and national events, educational and development programs offered through the WBENC network are some of the best. Most important are the lifelong personal and professional relationships that are created. This organization is like no other I’ve been involved with throughout my journey as a woman entrepreneur. Although there may be women in competing businesses, it’s all about supporting and helping each other grow and prosper.

My company and I have both grown and become better by the relationships formed with other women business owners in this organization. It has opened many doors for me to get my name and brand out there. With WBENC being the gold standard for certification it has enabled my business to get in front of some of the corporations with supplier diversity programs. I have also spent the last year heavily involved in government contracting and I am really close to obtaining my first government contract. I have learned that it is a “long game”; but well worth the time, effort, and financial commitment. I would have never had the opportunity to pursue doing business with the federal government had I not become certified.

I have also benefited greatly by serving on the WBE South Board and being a member of the WBENC Forum. I’ve forged friendships that will last a lifetime.

What guiding words would you like to share with a newly certified WBE who is looking to get involved in the WBENC community?

I would and do tell women business owners all the time the benefits of becoming certified. Besides all the obvious ones (i.e., education, resources, etc.) the biggest benefit is the lifetime relationships and friendships built along the way. After all, that human connection and relationship building are how you ultimately grow your business. You have to trust who you are working with before they want to do business with you.

What areas of innovation do you foresee for women entrepreneurs over the next few years?

I see women continuing to be the trailblazers of startups and the resulting positive impact it has had on our economy. Women are very adaptable while embracing challenges and seeing them as opportunities such as: remote and hybrid workforces; flexible schedules, giving employees autonomy over their work and developing more diverse teams.

Entrepreneurs must leverage technology and embrace and implement the omnichannel approach where interaction and engagement are made easier and more cost effective thus driving and improving customer satisfaction.

The networking opportunities, fostering and nurturing of relationships is of utmost importance. I believe women will continue to embrace this model which will be an important factor to their business success.

Article Source: https://www.wbenc.org/news/advancing-with-the-wbe-stars-deborah-ward/