I recently sat down with Lynn Pelzer to discuss entrepreneurship and her role as President of FemCityⓇ Toronto, a globally recognized networking group for women. Lynn is a woman with passion and drive to help business women build meaningful connections, and achieve business and personal growth. She successfully set up over 30 chapters in Canada and growing. There’s no stopping this fierce Femme from achieving growth with such phenomenal enthusiasm.
Up close and personal
What was your key driving force to become an entrepreneur?
Being home with my family and the deep desire to make my own decisions in business.
How has being an entrepreneur affected your family life?
Although at times it was tougher than a 9-5, as the work doesn’t end at 5, I found my groove and boundaries around my time, and now my family life is so much more fulfilling. My Girls know that I can move things around to be there for them for the most part. As well, we travel so much more, something we constantly aspire for.
What motivates you?
I am motivated by an internal drive to help women grow, flourish, know their worth and get paid what they are worth. If I’m helping, it fills my gas tank and I can easily keep going.
What is your greatest fear, and how do you manage fear?
Hmm…fear is fleeting with me now. I have always done the hard things and I know that each time they get less hard. I was petrified of public speaking a decade ago, but I do it regularly now after many messy, sweaty times of working through it.
Who has been your greatest inspiration?
My Grandmothers. Nanny (my Mom’s mom) was a music teacher in a small town. She taught piano lessons in a time when women didn’t work, let alone have their own little business. My Grandma (my Dad’s Mom) was a teacher in a one room school. She had her drivers licence when most did not, and was an independent woman. Both of these Women left a mark in my life and taught me to be independent and kind.
If you were to write a book about yourself, how would you name it?
‘Every Scar is a Gift’.
Define your style
Recently I was described as graceful, kind, thoughtful, a fearless leader, and organized. I would add classy and classic!
“I am motivated by an internal drive to help women grow, flourish, know their worth and get paid what they are worth. If I’m helping, it fills my gas tank and I can easily keep going.”
Lynn Pelzer
Business advice
How do you define success?
Although we all need to provide financially for our needs or family needs, I have matured beyond the dollars. I believe success for me is having balance with work and life while filling my desire to help women grow, it’s like water to my plant.
What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
- Be self driven.
- Don’t take things personally.
- Always be a student to continue to learn and grow.
What key activities would you recommend entrepreneurs to invest their time in?
Personal Development for sure, read books, attend workshops, grow yourself so that you can make great decisions about all other things including trusting yourself to expand, outsource, closing a sale, asking for help.
Let’s talk FemCityⓇ
Do you remember the first time you heard of FemCityⓇ? What attracted you to the organization?
Yes, I remember it very clearly. I was at my home in Florida for a week of intentional networking. I planned it out for 3 months to fill my days with coffee dates, and networking events. Of all the things I did that week, FemCityⓇ was by far the thing that stood out the most for me.
I was attracted to the mission around women growing together. Immersed in positivity, I loved the energy of the members when they shared gratitude with each other. It was magical! When I had a phone call with the founder, Violette DeAyala, that clinched the deal, I loved her energy and integrity.
With so many great organizations to support, why should women choose to join FemCityⓇ
Truly, it might not be for every woman. FemCityⓇ is for women in business or women who are considering launching their own business. It’s for women who want to be a part of something that can help them grow, as well as, support and educate them while making powerful and meaningful relationships. Another group might be better for women that are looking for the business card swap and quick sales. We thrive on real relationships and growing together.
“We are an army of women”
Lynn pelzer
What was most surprising to you about FemCityⓇ?
The fact that anywhere I go, the FemCityⓇ community feels the same, the right women show up, it is duplicated in over 100 locations.
What do you think other people should know about this FemCityⓇ?
They should know that we are more than just a monthly meeting with lots of positivity and gratitude. We are an army of women that use the tools provided with monthly masterclasses, podcasts, worksheets, and online community and our in person events to make big shifts in the world.
Summary
FemCityⓇ, a recognized North American networking group for female entrepreneurs. In my previous blog, I shared reasons why women should join a networking group. Thank you Lynn for graciously offering our readers a glimpse of your inspiring work at FemCityⓇ.
FemCityⓇ Exclusive Offer
Should you be interested in discovering more about this networking group, you can join FemCityⓇ FREE for 30 days.
