Embracing Growth at Every Stage

Entrepreneurship is often seen as a leap of independence, but it’s also a deeply developmental journey. Just like human growth, business evolution unfolds in stages, each with its own challenges and purpose. Drawing from my background as a former child psychologist and now a Jungian-oriented therapist for adults, I explore how early developmental frameworks can offer powerful insights into entrepreneurial growth. This blog post invites women entrepreneurs to reflect on their own business paths through a more compassionate and holistic lens—one that honors uncertainty, embraces transformation, and sees each phase as necessary for long-term resilience. Whether you’re just starting out or navigating a transition, this piece reminds us that our inner journey is just as important as external success.

Meng-Ju(MJ) Yang, Founder and Licensed Psychologist

Inner Journey Psychology, Inc.

Email: mjyangpsyd@gmail.com

Website: drmjyang.com

https://www.facebook.com/InnerJourneyPsychology

https://www.instagram.com/innerjourney.psychology

https://www.linkedin.com/company/innerjourneypsychology

Streamer HBO presented a very successful television series called Succession for five years. The show won a huge audience and numerous awards. The plot centered on a fictional family atop a fictional media company. The plot focused on the patriarch of the family, and head of the company and who of his children would inherit the business.

Without the satire and high drama of the show, it highlighted a theme that every business owner should be considering. “After me…. who?”

NorthStar Strategic Partners is the business consultant that can guide you in this important decision-making

Succession planning is a critical component of any successful business strategy. By proactively identifying and developing future leaders, businesses can mitigate risks, ensure a smooth transition of leadership, and safeguard their long-term viability. The potential detriments of not having a succession plan are significant and can have far-reaching consequences for the organization.

It is a strategic process to identify and develop potential successors for key positions within the organization. It involves identifying critical roles, assessing the skills and abilities of current employees, and developing a plan to ensure a smooth transition of leadership when necessary. This proactive approach helps businesses maintain continuity, mitigate risks, and safeguard their future success.

Without a well-defined succession plan, businesses face several potential detriments. Firstly, a sudden departure of a key individual, such as a CEO or a senior executive, can lead to significant disruption and uncertainty. This can negatively impact morale, productivity, and overall business performance.

Being caught unaware may result in a rushed and poorly executed transition process, potentially leading to the appointment of unqualified individuals or a power vacuum. This can compromise the organization’s ability to adapt to changing market conditions and seize new opportunities.

Without a clear succession plan, the business may struggle to attract and retain top talent. Prospective employees may be hesitant to join an organization that lacks a clear leadership pipeline and career advancement opportunities. The lack of a plan can expose the business to various risks, including financial instability, loss of market share, and damage to its reputation. A poorly executed transition can erode trust among stakeholders, including customers, suppliers, and investors..

Here are the five considerations that NorthStar Strategic Partners recommends you think about as your strategy for your company:

1. Identify Critical Roles: Determine which positions are essential to the business’s continued operation and success. This may include key leadership roles, specialized technical positions, or roles that require unique knowledge or skills.

2. Assess Current Talent: Evaluate the skills, experience, and potential of existing employees to identify potential successors for critical roles. Consider their leadership abilities, industry knowledge, and alignment with the company’s values and culture.

3. Develop Specific Succession Sub-Plans: Create individualized development plans for potential successors to address any skill gaps or areas for improvement. This may involve formal training programs, mentorship opportunities, or exposure to different aspects of the business.

4. Consider External Options: If there are no suitable internal candidates, explore external hiring options or consider acquiring another business.

5. Communicate the Plan: Clearly communicate the succession plan to key stakeholders, including employees, board members, and investors. This will help ensure a smooth transition and maintain confidence in the business’s future.

Without a clear succession plan, the business may miss out on valuable opportunities for growth and innovation. A strong leadership team is essential for driving strategic initiatives and navigating complex challenges.

For small or medium sized business owners on the trajectory of growth, there has to be thoughts of who the heir apparent of the company will be. NorthStar Strategic Partners and our 4 Points of Focus® can lead you through the crucial factors to consider, help you weigh your options, and ultimately steer your company toward the succession strategy that aligns with your end-game ambitions.

For those ready to transition from financial chaos to streamlined financial success, reaching out to NorthStar Strategic Partners for a discovery consultation is the first step toward transforming aspirations into tangible outcomes. Embark on your financial reformation journey today and unlock the potential to not just survive but thrive in the competitive business world.

For more information on how NorthStar Strategic Partners can revolutionize your financial strategy and propel your business forward, visit our website or reach out directly to schedule a personalized consultation. Our team is committed to crafting customized solutions that align with your unique business needs, setting the stage for sustainable growth and profitability. Join the collection of satisfied customers who have transformed their financial narratives through our expert guidance. Leap into financial empowerment—contact NorthStar Strategic Partners today.

Wendy Roberts
CPA, CEO of NorthStar Strategic Partners, Inc.
Email: wendy@northstar-sp.com
Website: https://northstar-sp.com/

Answering the Call to Fulfill Your Destiny

There comes a moment in many successful careers when the external markers of achievement—title, income, prestige—no longer feel like enough. Something deeper stirs, a quiet yet persistent knowing that there is another path waiting to be taken.

In my work as a psychologist, I have spoken with many professionals from renowned Silicon Valley companies who, despite their accomplishments, feel an undeniable call to create something of their own. This is not merely a career shift—it is a psychological transformation, a process Carl Jung called individuation.

Individuation is the lifelong journey of becoming one’s true self.

It is not about achieving external success but about integrating the many parts of ourselves—the rational and the intuitive, the known and the unknown—into a cohesive whole.

Entrepreneurship, for many, is not just a professional pursuit but a profound act of self-integration. It is the moment when the call to adventure becomes too strong to ignore, when the individual must step beyond the familiar structures of corporate life and into the unknown.

The Inner Conflict: Security vs. Authenticity

For those on this path, the first stage often involves an internal struggle.

The security of a stable paycheck and an established identity within a respected company can feel impossible to leave behind. Yet, the pull toward something more meaningful—something that aligns with a deeper sense of self—creates a tension that cannot be resolved by logic alone.

This is the moment when many begin to realize that entrepreneurship is not about chasing trends or financial gain, but about answering a personal calling.

Archetypes Along the Way

Jungian archetypes appear throughout this journey.

The Seeker emerges first—the part of us that longs for something beyond conventional success.

Then, the Rebel or Outlaw may surface, challenging societal and familial expectations.

Later, the Creator takes center stage, building something uniquely reflective of one’s essence.

These archetypes do not replace one another but coexist, guiding the entrepreneur through different phases of growth.

The Dark Night and the Breakthrough

Leaving behind a familiar identity can be disorienting. Many entrepreneurs face a “dark night of the soul,” a period of doubt, uncertainty, and fear of failure.

Yet, this darkness is not a sign of misstep but a necessary part of individuation. It is in this liminal space that the old self dissolves, making room for something new. When the breakthrough comes, it is not just a business that is born—it is a fuller, more integrated self.

Entrepreneurship as a Path to Wholeness

For those who feel this calling, entrepreneurship is not merely about professional independence—it is about wholeness.

It is the process of bringing one’s inner world into reality, of turning vision into form. Society often defines success through external measures, but true fulfillment arises when one’s outer work aligns with the deepest aspects of the inner self.

This journey is not for everyone, but for those who embark on it, entrepreneurship is the process of individuation—a journey to your unfolding of destiny.

Meng-Ju(MJ) Yang, Founder and Licensed Psychologist

Inner Journey Psychology, Inc.

Email: mjyangpsyd@gmail.com

Website: drmjyang.com

https://www.facebook.com/InnerJourneyPsychology

https://www.instagram.com/innerjourney.psychology

https://www.linkedin.com/company/innerjourneypsychology

On March 9, 2025, I had the incredible opportunity of representing the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Silicon Valley at the International Women’s Day Networking Event hosted by Rotary District 5170.

It was an evening filled with powerful conversations, meaningful connections, and a shared commitment to uplifting women in business and leadership.

From engaging with like-minded professionals to hearing from an inspiring panel of women leaders, the event reinforced the importance of women supporting women—not just on International Women’s Day but every day.

Let’s keep the momentum going beyond International Women’s Day—because when women support women, we all rise!

—Griselda Quezada-Chavez, Past President, Corporate Partner Directory, International Affairs Director

Join Tonia Chagnon from NAWBO HQ and Lois Rouder, Senior Partner Manager at Amazon Business, for an insider look at the tools and strategies her team has developed to help Amazon Business sellers grow—with a focus on small and diverse sellers, sustainable products and the Buy Local initiative. In just 15 minutes, you’ll learn about Amazon Business (where B2B lives on Amazon.com), the shopping experience and how to leverage it to connect with new customers as you scale and grow.

March, 2025

NAWBO Silicon Valley Communicates Collaboration, Support, Mentoring and More to Win Members

Chapter President Wendy Roberts and Membership Director Robin Fisher share the strategy and best practices that put them on top during the last Membership Campaign:

What’s so special about NAWBO and your chapter that you communicate as part of your Membership Campaign efforts?

Silicon Valley: Collaborating women business owners, a supportive environment, mentoring opportunities, promoting sisterhood and advantages of being a NAWBO member both locally and nationally.

What was most effective in attracting new members this past fall?

Silicon Valley: Personal networking, outreach to current and past members, social media such as LinkedIn, membership events and promoting the advantages of membership at our monthly meetings.

Did you do anything differently this year that you plan to do again for the Spring Campaign?

Silicon Valley: We are going to use the same strategy that we used for the Fall Campaign. It has been very effective.

Now that your chapter has grown your members, what’s one best practice you can share about retaining them?

Silicon Valley: Continuing to ensure we involve them in the conversation, spotlighting them in our newsletter, reaching out to invite them to our events and ensuring every woman knows she is supportive and respected.

Celebrating Harbir Bhatia

The Silicon Valley Business Journal has recognized Silicon Valley Central Chamber CEO (and NAWBO SV member), Harbir K. Bhatia, as one of Silicon Valley’s Power100 individuals shaping the region alongside other exceptional leaders!

Described as a “nontraditional leader committed to creating social impact and tackling pressing societal issues head-on, often by leveraging public-private partnerships.” Harbir Bhatia is a civic entrepreneur at heart.

Her leadership, dedication, and vision continue to drive innovation and positive change in our community. She stands alongside other exceptional leaders making a lasting impact.

Join us in congratulating her with all the Power100 on this well-deserved honor!

Mastering Your Media Presence: A Five Key Guide for Women Business Leaders

In today’s digital-first business world, your media presence isn’t just an add-on—it’s a vital leadership tool. After conducting over 12,000 interviews with leaders and celebrities and coaching countless C-suite executives, Janice discovered that success leaves clues. The most impactful leaders realize they are the star of their own life’s reality show—and they know how to use that mindset to achieve extraordinary results.

Janice shares five keys to becoming the star of your own reality show:

Connect to Your Passion and Purpose

Align your media presence with your deeper mission. When you lead with purpose, you naturally inspire others and attract aligned opportunities.

Craft Your Message

Every star has a signature story. Create a message that resonates, influences, and drives action—whether in a boardroom, on camera, or with stakeholders.

Prep for Your Inner Selfie

True presence starts within. Build the confidence, clarity, and authenticity that make you camera-ready from the inside out.

Cut Bad Guests from the Roster

Be strategic about who and what gets airtime in your life. Set boundaries, choose the right opportunities, and know when to say “no.”

Get Ready for Lights, Camera, Action

Preparation meets opportunity. Be ready to shine in any professional setting—from media interviews to keynote speeches.

Download the eBook at . For more on elevating your media presence, contact CARE@THEJANICEEDWARDS.COM.

As women business owners, it’s time to amplify your voice and lead with impact.

Read About Janice

Edwards Unlimited Media
Janice Edwards

Contact: care@thejaniceedwards.com

President & CEO

thejaniceedwards.com

care@thejaniceedwards.com

P: 866.433.8658

Global Women Entrepreneurship — what an incredible experience!

Recently, NAWBO SV had the honor of partnering with Global Ties San Francisco whose parent organization is the World Trade Center Northern California to host 24 international delegates from various countries.

Together, we engaged in candid conversations about women’s entrepreneurship, how to build support systems for women business owners, and how to tackle workforce challenges across cultures. Being in a room full of global thought leaders who are passionate about driving change was truly inspiring!

The exchange of ideas was rich, insightful, and left us all with new perspectives on how to uplift women entrepreneurs around the world.

I was happy to help coordinate this event, alongside the amazing Alannah Crandall of Global Ties San Francisco.

A special thank you to Dr. Cynthia Teniente-Matson, Nina Chuang and Khristine Lugo for your generosity in hosting us on campus San Jose State University!

And a big shout-out to Alexandra Martinez-Villarroel and Fatemeh Ari Mirabedi, MBA, two of our incredible NAWBO members, for sharing their expertise and experiences as business owners. Together, we are shaping a future where women entrepreneurs can rise, thrive, and lead.

#WomenInBusiness #GlobalLeadership #NAWBOSiliconValley #Entrepreneurship #SupportSystems #CrossCulturalCollaboration