MB 189: Empowering Women Entrepreneurs & Real Estate Investors – With Olenka Cullinan

Real estate investing conferences are one of the few places where there is no line to the women’s restroom. And while that may be a relief to the female entrepreneurs in attendance, it can also be very discouraging. Why are there so few women playing in the multifamily space? And what can we do to encourage more women to become entrepreneurs and investors? Olenka Cullinan is the Business Coach behind #iStartFirst, a platform dedicated to inspiring women to achieve their full potential. Through her online bootcamps, #iStartFirst Bossbabes Summit and national speaking engagements, Olenka empowers women to up-level their mindset, overcome their fears and build successful careers. On this episode, Olenka joins me to explain why there are so few female entrepreneurs and what she is doing about it through #iStartFirst. She speaks to the limiting beliefs many women share and describes how the female mind works differently when it comes to making deals. Listen in for Olenka’s insight around the power of mentorship to help you start or scale your business and learn why you don’t necessarily have to be in the limelight to be a leader! Key Takeaways Olenka’s entrepreneurial journey Move to US from Russia at 21 with $450 Struck by lack of women in venture mentorship program Olenka’s advice to her younger self Get mentors early Bring in people to share vision The story behind #iStartFirst Inspired to fix lack of women entrepreneurs Listen to people serve for next iteration Why there are so few female entrepreneurs Women shy to make moves, hold back ideas Socialized to supportive role as wife + mother Olenka’s insight around building your brand It’s about messenger, not message Selfish NOT to share The limiting beliefs many women share Imposter syndrome Feel like not enough How women differ from men in making deals Long-term commitment once decision made ‘Everybody wins’ community mentality The idea behind #iStartFirst Can’t view men as financial plan Must start saving ourselves Olenka’s take on women in supporting roles Don’t have to be in limelight to be leader Affirmations lead to breakthrough Olenka’s idea client Women who want to start/scale business Up-level mindset to grow in career What women learn at Olenka’s bootcamp ‘I can do anything’ Balance personal + professional life Olenka’s concept of an Alpha Woman Try to be like men Get into drive zone, lose feminine side Olenka’s advice to aspiring female entrepreneurs Already have everything needed inside you 90 seconds of fear will elevate to next level Connect with Olenka Cullinan Olenka’s Website iStartFirst Resources Stop Preparing Start Doing eBook Rising Tycoons Olenka’s TEDx Talk Tony Robbins John Maxwell