With a stellar track record spanning over two decades in professional event and meeting planning, Anza Goodbar’s story is one of resilience, adaptability, and unwavering determination. Stepping into the mortgage industry in 2004, she navigated the tumultuous waters of the 2008 collapse, ultimately discovering her true calling in business coaching and consulting. Today, as the Founder and CEO, Chief Event Strategist, and Business Consultant at Bankable Events, Anza leverages her vast experience to empower small business owners, unraveling the boundless potential of events to catapult their success.
Below are highlights of the interview:
What motivated you to become a CEO, and how did you progress to your current position at Anza Goodbar & Bankable Events LLC?
Growing up in an entrepreneurial family, with both parents as business owners, it was inevitable that I would follow a similar path. As a natural leader, working for other companies proved frustrating, both for me and my bosses, as I consistently generated ideas for improvement. Building a business from scratch and leading a hand-picked team has provided me with a profound sense of purpose and has kept my passion alive in the business.
Tell us about Anza Goodbar & Bankable Events LLC.
Anza Goodbar Coaching & Consulting offers comprehensive solutions and industry expertise to address your organization’s complex challenges. With a growing list of returning and new clients since our establishment in 2008, we continuously adapt our strategies to embrace emerging market opportunities.
Our newest brand, Bankable Events, is a leading event advisory and management firm focused on high-conversion face-to-face events. We work with successful brands and entrepreneurs who understand the value of investing in their brands through live events. With tailored options like Events Convert Academy for education, event consulting, and done-for-you event services, we help businesses build stronger communities, foster trust, and generate additional revenue streams.
How would you describe your leadership style? What are the key principles or values that guide your leadership approach?
My leadership style is a blend of transformational and charismatic approaches, drawing upon my natural talents. I possess a hands-on, collaborative mindset where we work together to achieve our goals. Personal development and fostering a culture of collaboration are central to my leadership philosophy, and I tend to attract team members who share a passion for continuous learning, growth, and innovation.
What strategies do you employ to ensure effective communication and collaboration within your organization?
In our organization, communication and collaboration are at the heart of everything we do. We believe in keeping our team connected and engaged through regular team meetings where we provide updates, share trainings, and celebrate milestones together. To streamline our operations and enhance customer service, we rely on project management tools and CRMs that bring structure, organization, and a personal touch to information sharing.
Above all, we lead by example, showing our team the importance of open communication and collaboration by embodying those values ourselves. Together, we create a friendly and supportive environment where everyone can thrive.
How do you motivate and inspire your team members to achieve their best performance?
At our company, we prioritize staff motivation with concise strategies:
- Right People, Right Roles: We ensure employees are matched with suitable roles and provide a clear career path for growth and advancement.
- Goal Setting and Development: We set goals that emphasize personal and professional development, fostering continuous growth. We encourage staff to attend workshops, seminars, and training programs to further their skills and knowledge.
- Milestone Celebrations: We celebrate both personal and professional milestones to recognize and appreciate our staff holistically, promoting a positive and supportive work environment.
What is your vision for Anza Goodbar & Bankable Events LLC’s future? How do you see the company evolving and adapting to industry changes?
Looking ahead, our focus remains on robust business-building strategies for our clients, centered around cultivating thought leaders and industry experts. We will stay attuned to best practices in leveraging the power of live events to generate revenue, foster relationships, and offer solution-based services and programs. Our ultimate aim is to support our clients in achieving their business goals.
What are the major challenges you face as a CEO in this sector? How do you overcome these challenges?
To distinguish ourselves from the competition, we prioritize two key areas:
- Innovation: We continuously seek out better products and services to address unmet needs. Our commitment to innovation ensures that we stay ahead of the curve, delivering cutting-edge solutions that resonate with our customers.
- Exceptional Customer Service: We go above and beyond to provide outstanding customer service. Our team is dedicated to building lasting relationships, exceeding expectations, and ensuring customer satisfaction at every touchpoint.
By focusing on innovation and exceptional customer service, we set ourselves apart, creating a compelling advantage in the market.
As a CEO, how do you maintain a healthy work-life balance? What practices or activities do you engage in outside of work to recharge and rejuvenate?
Work-life balance is a top priority, and it governs the rhythm of my businesses. We prioritize creating balance by scheduling downtime during the summer and holidays, allowing our team to spend quality time with their families. Our flexible approach, which aligns with our family values, leads to a motivated team that exceeds expectations during busy periods. Personally, I find joy in hiking, writing, and ballroom dancing outside of work.
What advice would you give to aspiring leaders who are looking to make a significant impact in their respective industries?
One essential piece of advice: Never stop learning. Prioritize personal growth and seek opportunities to develop your skills. Find a confidant or mentor who can hold you accountable on your leadership journey. Cultivating self-awareness is crucial. Be honest about your leadership style, acknowledge your weaknesses, and surround yourself with a team that complements those areas.
Website: https://www.bankableevents.com/
