Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Werde.
Hi Erin, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have always had a deep interest in how the mind works, and why people do certain things (and, others just don’t). Professionally, I began my journey by joining a financial planning firm in 2012, charged with building a coaching division for their clients. After approximately 18 months, the model needed to be fixed around marketing, compliance, and financial reporting. The founder provided me with seed money to make my dream of a consulting firm a reality, and I am proud to say that 12 years later, I am going strong. Along the way, I have figured out how to run a business, deliver a meaningful client experience, build and retain clientele, and so much more.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
If any business owner were to tell you it was a smooth road, I would be highly skeptical. Given my unique start setting out to run a department and springboarding it into a separate business building, the clientele was the hardest part. I was very new to my career then and needed a network of decision-makers ready to invest in their team in my so-called Rolodex. It has taken years of building a brand and trust for my business to be where it is today. In addition, the Kolbe System is an emerging tool in the Midwest, but has found popularity for decades in other markets. It was an uphill battle to introduce an emerging tool to the Midwest business community. Kolbe is a unique tool that focuses on how you instinctively take action. When a person experiences the power of Kolbe, they see the value. The most effective tactic is education. I am passionate about the topic and always happy to discuss it (ask my husband), but it takes time and commitment for my clients to understand the content.
I appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about The Instinctive Advantage?
The focus of my business is building a synergistic team based on instinct. I help build productive teams through hiring tools, managerial consulting, team workshops- all based on ensuring every player is working in their state of flow. We all have this natural way of taking action, this ‘gut instinct’ that pulls us in a specific direction. It comes so naturally to us that sometimes it is hard to identify and define. By using the Kolbe System, I help my clients understand their instincts and the instincts of those on their team. To help paint a picture, let me give an example by using two co-workers. The first employee is the person who needs information and structure. They need to operate by priorities, timelines, and schedules. But the second co-worker thrives in risk. They are last minute, pushing the boundaries, and always coming up with a new idea. In many situations, there is friction between these two types of instinctive talents. My work helps bring clarity and vocabulary to the two talents and the positives of each. These two co-workers have now defined what each needs for success and when strategically using the other talents. My consulting business is unique in that I only focus on one tool. Other leadership consultants are certified in a variety of tools. I have dedicated my professional learning to one tool instead of creating an entire toolbox. In turn, this has become my professional and social passion.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
For those of your readers that are familiar with Kolbe, my MO is 7832. I specify when it comes to information, systematize when it comes to process, stabilize when it comes to risk, and envision when it comes to tangibles. This is not the profile of many entrepreneurs – but, with my unique beginnings, it makes so much sense.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.theinstinctiveadvantage.com
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-werde-7671917/
Image Credits
Photo Credit to Megan Doll (Headshot), Photo Credit to Angela Knox (Branding photos)
