Boss Money: Lara Nercessian, Founder, Boss in Heels

Lara Nercessian is a dedicated, highly-accomplished Group General Manager of Human Resources and the founder of Boss in Heels. Lara is paving her own path as a trusted thought leader who empowers individuals to take their businesses and lives to the next level.

What initially started off as a series of blog posts giving advice on business, personal development and career insights has now evolved into the highly successful business and brand that encompasses a weekly podcast plus a mindset and coaching business.

Since its genesis, Lara has consistently evolved the show to not simply be a source of inspiration but something that builds the personal toolkits of her community by providing them with practical insights and lessons they can be immediately applied to their own careers and lives.

The result of all her hard work has been seeing The Boss in Heels Podcast rated as the #1 Podcast to guide you through COVID-19 by Yahoo Finance and Business Insider, and consistently rank in the Top Career Charts for Apple Podcasts Australia and throughout Europe and Asia.

You have had an impressive and successful corporate career, Lara, but I want to talk about your business. Tell me about Boss in Heels!

Boss in Heels is a purpose-driven career and mindset coaching business dedicated to positively impacting the careers and lives of ambitious women. Each week I produce a podcast episode to my community which may be a solo episode or an interview with a guest such as an inspirational female entrepreneur, c-level executive or a thought leader. In addition to this, I run a coaching business and the services offered are curated to each client, ensuring they are provided with the tools, tactics and resources to overcome their fears and step into their true power to achieve their goals.

What inspired you to start your own business?

In my early days working as a Human Resources Assistant I quickly recognised that I was following a pre-determined path:
1. Graduate from university
2. Enter the workforce.
3. Begin the treacherous journey of climbing the corporate ladder on my own.

The problem with this approach was the artificial limitations that I had placed on myself from early childhood, which had become the habits of my norm. I felt this real pull and a deep belief that I was destined to do so much more than to live my life on these pre-determined path, and I started thinking of ways that I could combine my skills and experiences with my passion. After working in Human Resources and recognising that many people came to me seeking advice on their careers, I came up with the idea of starting my own blog Boss in Heels - which has since evolved into the brand and business that I have today.

What do you know now that you wish you knew when you started?

Life is so much more interesting, fulfilling and rewarding when you choose courage over comfort. Stop taking advice from people who aren't living the kind of life you want to be living, who are not doing the kinds of things you want to be doing, and who aren't prepared to step into the arena themselves. As Theodore Roosevelt so wisely said "It is not the critic who counts... the credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who actually strive to do the deeds."

What's the biggest money lesson you've learned since starting your business?

When I first started in my business, I treated it (and often referred to it) as a 'passion project.' The reality is, that everything in business costs money - from creating content, to paying your employees, to outsourcing tasks to gaining reach. I recognise this same mindset in many of my coaching clients, whereby they hold the belief that they are not in business to make money, but to help people. Just because you have a purpose-driven business, does not mean you should not charge for the value you are bringing to others. Money can be used in a positive way by helping you to gain even more reach and to make an even greater impact.

What's been your biggest financial win as a business owner?

Achieving my quarterly financial business goals whilst still maintaining a demanding, full-time job as a General Manager of Human Resources.

What kind of legacy do you wish to create with your business and why?

My passion and purpose in life is to empower ambitious individuals to get out of their own way, realise their full potential and become the best version they can possibly be. My goal is to create a space where individuals feel the fear, and choose to do it anyway. To inspire others to find their passion and purpose in life. To live the life they are capable of living. To develop a positive mindset. To instil good habits, routines and practices. To identify their limiting self beliefs that are subconsciously holding them back. To keep pushing the boundaries of what they believe is possible for themselves. To find their inner power. To use their voice. To believe they are worthy.

What does your business empower you to do?

Having my business empowers me to live life on my own terms and to consistently push the boundaries of what I believe is possible for myself. It also provides me with a sense of freedom which to me, means being able to do what I want, where I want, when I want.

Who's in your 'A Team'?

I keep an extremely tight circle when it comes to who I seek support and advice from.

My husband is my sounding board and the person whose opinion and advice I ask for the most. My executive coach helps sound out different scenarios and situations with me and provides me with the tools and confidence to push boundaries. My podcast producer and content team share advice on producing high-quality video and audio content, reviewing potential podcast guests and sounding out creative ideas with me.

My entrepreneurial friends and network provide me with inspiration, advice and share their own personal experiences. I also seek out wisdom and advice from those who I do not personally have the pleasure of knowing, but whose careers and lives I admire - Oprah Winfrey, Arianna Huffington, Marie Forleo, Tim Ferriss, Tony Robbins to name a few.

What advice would you give to another lady hoping to start her own business?

Just start! There is no such thing as the perfect time, perfect circumstances or waiting for someone to give you permission. If you feel a pull towards something, start by putting pen to paper, and taking steps every single day to bring your idea into fruition.

And finally, What are you looking forward to right now?

I have been working hard on my latest venture, Boss in Heels TV on YouTube which I have been so looking forward to sharing with the world. I have been building our subscription-based coaching and mentorship programs.

Furthermore, I'm excited to share our first ever Boss in Heels industry event which will bring our community and highly regarded podcast guests together to share their insights, inspiration and founder mentalities. With the workshops and breakout sessions, I'm excited for individuals to build out their own agendas and learning curriculums on the day.

If you haven’t already, it’s time to download the latest episode of the Boss in Heels podcast. I’m a regular listener and I can promise you every episode is full of practical advice and wisdom. If your career needs a little nudge in the right direction be sure to check out Lara’s coaching services via her website Boss in Heels. Finally, if you want to get to know Lara personally you can find her on Linkedin, Instagram and Facebook.