Leader of the Week - 10k Coffees

I am proud to say that I was featured as a Leader of the Week on www.TenThousandCoffees.com.  A site to connect and build your network.

​10KC Leader of the Week: Colleen Cassel 
LEADER OF THE WEEK
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Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I started my career in Advertising Sales. Eventually landing in Management roles at CBS Television and Cablevision. Working and managing budgets in excess of $10 million dollars for the television and the digital space. I worked with National Advertisers and Sports Professionals guiding them in their marketing and promotion of their business. After many successful years, I yearned for a career change but with the caveat that I would use my talents. Having mentored many new employees, I took my corporate business experience and combined it with a certification in business and career coaching. Along with a certification in Corporate Based Mindfulness and Mindful Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). As Founder of Upstream Solutions, I now work with organizations and individuals helping them to become and build more authentic and mindful leaders and teams.

What inspired your career path?
My career path started with a burning need to make money in order to raise two babies on my own. That landed me the job. But my career path developed due to my love and interest with building relationships and getting to know people. I love interacting with people. By building trustworthy relationships, business success followed. My second career of owning my business was started because of my belief that when you embrace change, exciting challenges evolve.

Do you have a story about how mentorship has impacted your professional or personal development?
Mentorship is key to building a career and life. You always need a support team and network. It is not only important for the mentor but mentee. Both parties learn from each other. I remember during a crucial time in my career, a mentor guided me on the next steps and showed me the possibilities and pathways of my career in advertising. This led me to take on a new job at a new company that excelled my earning potential and advancement.

What advice would you give to yourself when you were starting your career?
Do not be afraid of change and never get comfortable. With change comes growth, new challenges and life experiences.

You have an interesting custom question, how’d you choose it?
Your story determines you as a leader - what's your story?

What’s the quote that you live by?
“How many cares one loses when one decides not to be something but to be SOMEONE” ― Coco Chanel

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