We had the good fortune of connecting with Bobby Staten and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Bobby, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Balance is quite the elusive thing. When I first started, it was just my wife and me in a one-bedroom apartment. I would work for what seemed like countless hours building my business. Balance looked like taking a break to eat, spend some time with the Mrs., or to spend time with friends.
Nowadays, balance is a little less elective. As a father of two, the constant demands of parenting have completely shifted the narrative of balance from what it once was. Now, balance is less about volleying the things that I want to do versus prioritizing those that need to happen.
Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I empower entrepreneurs and business leaders to get clarity, gain traction, and grow thriving businesses. My approach to doing so is different than most in my field. Most coaches and consultants start with desired outcomes and attempt to reverse engineer their way to a plan of action.
When I work with clients, I start by helping them to embrace their identity, whether it be individual or an organization at large. How are you wired? What do you do well? What have you learned? Taking an identity-based approach builds integrity into the engagement and ensures the sustainability of any outcome born of it.
Along the way, I’ve learned that every business is not a business that I’m intended to serve. Everyone won’t “get it” and that’s OK. The business that I’m building is purpose-driven, therefore alignment is essential. No revenue is worth the pain of a poor fit.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m washed but if I know nothing else, I know good food. Anybody that visits me understands this and we indulge. Some of my go-to’s are Spondivits, Slutty Vegan, 2 Urban Licks, CamiCakes, and Not As Famous Cookies, I
If it’s warm out, we’ve got to find a rooftop. A personal favorite of mine is The Glenn Hotel, which is also where I proposed to my wife.
I’m also a huge fan of walkable areas so I’d definitely pop down to Inman Park, grab some oysters at the basement of Beetlecat, or grab some small plates at Barcelona. If we’re going for a more family feel, we’d hit The Battery. Plenty of food and drink options + places for the kids to be young, wild, and free.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
So many people…but I’ll save the full list for the book 😉
First and foremost, my parents – Bobby & Gwen Staten. The confidence that they instilled in me at an early age is what has sustained me through the ever-changing seasons of business. Their unwavering, active support has always fueled me to do my best and is the foundation upon which stand. I learned so much from him through observation about life, love, hard work, persistence, and discipline.
Secondly, Les McKeown. It’s strange that I mention him because we’ve never met. However, I encountered him at a conference during my second year of business. It was at his talk that I had the resounding moment of clarity that changed the direction of my business. It was then that I knew that there was a vast market for what I intended to offer.
Next, Lanette – another mentor and my first real client. She saw me before I saw myself and then, she invested in me. In the very early stages, she helped me to hone my gift and skill, shaping into an offering that was sellable. She introduced me to frameworks, purchased books, and offered exposure to a world that I never knew existed. I am eternally grateful.
Last not but least, my wife, who continues to stand beside me and ride this incredible journey with me. She builds me up and sharpens my sword. The MVP award most certainly goes to her.
Website: bobbystaten.com
Instagram: instagram.com/bobbystaten3
Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/bstaten
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcsWxlNm1oX7WdBwvvGpGwQ
Image Credits
Credit: Dimitri Crowder Credit: Shalisa Humphrey