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In this episode of the She Lift Project podcast, host Cynthia Kirkpatrick sits down with Whitney Toates, a dynamic businesswoman who relocated to St. Louis and successfully established a chapter of the ACA Business Club. Whitney shares her inspiring journey of building a thriving business community amidst personal and professional challenges. From her extensive background in sales and marketing to the unique networking culture of St. Louis, Whitney offers invaluable insights on entrepreneurship, relationship-building, and overcoming adversity.
Listeners will learn about the transformative power of the ACA Business Club, a private, invitation-only organization focused on fostering meaningful relationships, professional development, and marketing strategies. Whitney’s story includes navigating a major career pivot, the birth of her daughter Bishop, and the unwavering support of her business community during difficult times.
Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned business owner, or simply looking for motivation, this episode is packed with practical advice, heartfelt stories, and lessons on the importance of community and resilience in the business world. Tune in to discover how Whitney’s faith, determination, and the power of connections helped her and her members achieve remarkable success.
00:00 – Introduction
Host Cynthia Kirkpatrick introduces the podcast and today’s guest, Whitney Toates. Whitney moved to St. Louis, started a business club, and built success amidst challenges.
01:19 – Guest Introduction
Whitney shares her background in sales and marketing, her journey as a business owner, and balancing professional life with family responsibilities.
02:38 – What is a Business Club?
Whitney explains the ACA Business Club, a private business club focused on relationships, professional development, and marketing strategies. She highlights its invitation-only policy and physical clubhouse in Chesterfield, St. Louis.
04:41 – Benefits of a Physical Location
Discussion on how having a dedicated space for the club benefits members, offering a professional and intimate environment for business meetings and networking.
06:13 – ACA Business Club Origins
The origins of the ACA Business Club in Kansas City, its transition from the Kansas City Club, and its expansion vision.
08:16 – Whitney’s Career Path
Whitney recounts her career shift from software sales to digital marketing and meeting her husband, Philip, at a career event.
09:23 – Transition to Digital Marketing
The significance of digital marketing in 2014, and how Whitney transitioned into this field, leading to her first outside sales role.
10:38 – Personal and Professional Journey
Whitney discusses her evolving career in digital marketing, moving to St. Louis, and the challenges of starting fresh in a new city.
15:40 – Moving to St. Louis
Whitney details her move to St. Louis, continuing her digital marketing work remotely, and the initial struggles of networking in a new city.
21:44 – Networking Challenges in St. Louis
Cynthia and Whitney talk about the unique networking culture in St. Louis and strategies Whitney used to build connections.
25:01 – Building a Community
Whitney’s journey in building her own community in St. Louis, praying for guidance, and the pivotal decision to start an ACA Business Club chapter.
29:52 – Starting the Breakfast Group
Whitney’s initial efforts to create a breakfast networking group in Eureka as a foundation for the ACA Business Club.
31:29 – Overcoming Doubts and Challenges
Whitney’s determination to pursue her vision despite doubts and negative feedback from others, driven by her faith and sense of purpose.
35:09 – Entrepreneurial Spirit
Whitney’s entrepreneurial background, from photography to sales and marketing, and how it shaped her business journey.
37:11 – Addressing Business Challenges
How the ACA Business Club supports business owners in various areas, from hiring and sales to scaling and professional development.
40:29 – Types of Members
Description of typical ACA Business Club members, including various industries and professions, focusing on those open to learning and growth.
44:41 – Transformative Stories
Whitney shares personal and professional success stories, including her own experience during pregnancy and the birth of her daughter, Bishop.
50:29 – Purchasing the Club Space
Whitney’s journey to purchase a commercial property for the ACA Business Club, overcoming financial and logistical hurdles.
55:49 – Early Birth of Daughter
The emotional story of Whitney’s daughter’s early birth, the challenges faced, and the support received from the ACA community.
01:02:51 – Community Support
The crucial role of the ACA community in supporting Whitney during her daughter’s NICU stay and maintaining the club’s operations.
01:07:08 – Professional Success Stories
Highlighting success stories of ACA members who transformed their businesses and achieved significant milestones through the club’s support.
01:11:00 – Leveling Up Together
The mutual growth and support within the ACA Business Club, fostering an environment where members can thrive together.
01:11:38 – How to Connect
Whitney shares contact information for those interested in learning more about the ACA Business Club.
01:12:00 – Closing Remarks
Cynthia wraps up the podcast, expressing gratitude for Whitney’s openness and sharing valuable insights for listeners.
Content Notice
This podcast and all She Lift Project content represents the opinions of Cynthia Kirkpatrick and her guests. The content here is for informational purposes only, and should not be taken as professional advice – financial, legal, medical, or otherwise.
Views and opinions expressed in the podcast and across all She Lift Project media channels are our own and do not represent that of our places of work. While we make every effort to ensure that the information we are sharing is accurate, we welcome any comments, suggestions, or correction of errors.
“Young Shannon became an overachiever because she was a people pleaser. She needed to please others. And so that really developed in my adulthood as well. “
“They say, I’m still working 60, 80 hours a week. I got into this so I could pick my kids up from school and so I could attend their soccer games that are after school and I haven’t been able to attend one. I got into this so that we could go on great family vacations. And I haven’t been on a vacation now in five years. More people are coming to us for those reasons…it’s the lifestyle sacrifices that are causing people more pain than taking home a paycheck that isn’t what they thought it would be.”
It’s not about me selling and, you know, me making money. It’s about you being satisfied and happy with what you want and what you need. And I’ve always had that kind of philosophy, and my dad had that, too. And people recognize you’re not in it for yourself, you’re in it for them. And you’re sincere, and it really goes a long way.
Leadership is not about the leader. And I equate this back to basketball. When you have coach or coaches, they can’t go out on the court and shoot the ball and dribble the ball and pass the ball. But coaches have to be really good at getting work done through others. And so from a leadership perspective, that’s how I see it. As a leader, I have to be really good at getting work done through others.
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