Melanie Rivera of Breaker28 on making an impact while finding joy in everyday life hiccups and surprises

Describe Breaker28 in a few words?

We develop leaders with H.E.A.R.T. – Healthy, Equitable, Antiracist, Real and Trust-Centered.

What made you take the leap to start your own business?

I have been planning my business for four years – perfecting content, testing out approaches, and I feel that I have a message and a model our sector needs and is ready for.

What was your background prior to starting your own business?

I was an HR Executive and Partner-level trainer and coach.

Did you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

YES! My mom has a picture of myself in a pinstripe suit at 12!

Take us back to when you first launched your business, what was your marketing strategy to get the word out and did it go as planned?

Referrals – I don’t yet have to market my services and my docket is full.

We always learn the most from our mistakes, share a time with us that you made a mistake or had a challenging time in business and what you learned from it?

Early in my business I was going through a tough time personally and I took on a project I didn’t have the mental or emotional reserves to complete. The client and I parted ways amicably, but I learned a hard lesson that has helped me in the years since – don’t say yes if you’re in an emotionally compromised place. Wait until you’re clear you can deliver!

What is the accomplishment you are the most proud of to date?

Launching my business!

When hiring for your team, what is your go-to interview question? Please share any hiring tips you can share from your experience?

If I asked your coworkers to describe the role you play on a team, what would they say?

How has your business or industry been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic?

It’s gone up!

What’s next for your business? What can we expect to see over the next few years?

Online courses in addition to live training, coaching, and consulting.

What is the biggest lesson you have learned in 2020?

Don’t always aim for home-runs – base hits add up!

What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were first starting your business?

The importance of timing. My first 2 years, I was in front of the business – I didn’t yet have the knowledge or experience I needed and the world wasn’t ready for us.

How have you managed to stay grounded this year?

My husband, my faith, and my puppy. 🙂

Do you believe in work/life balance? What are some of your best tips?

I believe work, home, family, personal time is all life – I’m much more about ensuring all of my “life accounts” (@ Michael Hyatt) are not overdrawn than calculating how many hours I work or how many days I’m off.

What’s something our audience would be surprised to learn about you?

I love to laugh and goof off. I believe in working hard and playing hard – and finding joy in everyday life hiccups and surprises.

What are your top 3 tips to stay productive each day?

Set 2-5 priorities for the day. Time-box your tasks. Block work time, not just meetings time.

What does being an Entreprenista mean to you?

Being willing to embrace my identity as a Latina entrepreneur and as a business woman.