Our CEO, Jennie, embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship and a lifelong passion for learning. Continuously seeking insights from fellow business leaders, she recognized the value of capturing their wisdom for both herself and the Mantralis team. With their consent, we’re excited to share these invaluable insights more broadly.
Introducing “Winning Secrets of a CEO,” our second insight into the perspectives of CEOs across various industries. Their diverse and inspiring answers are sure to prompt fresh perspectives on your company or role. Stay tuned for more enlightenment!
Winning Secrets of a CEO – Ruth Kudzi
Our second in the series is from the coaching industry – meet Ruth Kudzi, CEO of Optimus Coach Academy, Founder of Accredited Course Academy, Coaching Psychologist, and best-selling author.
Introduction from Ruth
I’m Ruth Kudzi, an entrepreneur and business owner: I run my own training business alongside a coaching & consultancy business. I’ve been running these businesses for over 8 years, and they have generated over £5 million in revenue.
What is the most important benefit of running your own business?
For me starting a business was initially about two things: having more flexibility and freedom to work around my family and doing work I love. I was in a senior leadership position in a secondary school and recognised I loved coaching and mentoring, as well as teaching, but not some of the other parts.
What qualities do you appreciate most in the people that you work with?
I appreciate honesty and loyalty – I’m neurodivergent so I struggle when people aren’t who they pretend to be. I think if everyone is honest and open the world is a much better place.
What is your biggest top tip that you would give to someone just starting their own business?
Work out the numbers! You need to think about how this will work financially – we had a period when we had no management accounts as our accountant wasn’t the right fit. I knew we weren’t in good shape but I didn’t have a handle on it. It was a huge lesson – now I look at my numbers daily.
And have a great accountant!
What is the mistake you’ve made in your business journey that has taught you the most?
I think for me it’s doing everything at once – when I focused on selling one thing the business really scaled. It’s something I go back to often.
What are your main values in your business life and how have they impacted where your business is today?
Loyalty and trust are high stakes for me, as well as fairness. I also am competitive and ambitious for myself and others: I want us to grow, as I see the impact on the team as well as our clients.
Thank you to Ruth for sharing your knowledge from your experience in business.
Keep an eye out for the next episode in the Winning Secrets series, coming soon!