Women-in-business encounter a vicious cycle of ‘Un-freedom’ at every step. Opportunities are open but the access is closed. One might be best at what they do but that’s not the only merit. Building your indomitable identity in the face of adversity is what truly defines success.
Does every womenpreneur succeed? Why?
Now, imagine— a single parent woman, with a debt of $135,000 coupled with fire, food, riots and even a lawsuit; who raise a business of a million dollar—just in 18 months! Thats how you turn adversity into empowerment.
Meet Beate Chelette, The Growth Architect and Founder of The Women’s Code – is a living testament of ‘how strategy, spirituality and perseverance can drive indomitable success.’ Her journey dates back to 1984 when she started as a photographer in Wiener Magazine Germany and realized the significance of strategy in unifying collaboration and creativity.
Five years later, when Beate stepped into Los Angeles as an immigrant from Germany and a single parent—she faced sea of challenges. But her perseverance could move mountains.
At Chelette Enterprise Inc— Beate is recognized for her straightforward approach and her capacity to motivate, empower, and navigate challenges. Her exceptional skill lies in collaborating with diverse personalities and visionary individuals, constructing practical and effective systems.
For Beate, success means a tool of empowerment and she believes in giving back. Her bestseller book (Happy Women Happy World) and her podcast The Business Growth Architect Show dive deep into a blend of strategy and spirituality that drives growth for businesses and makes her unique in the global business ecosystem.
Dive into the interview as she unveils her story.
Can you walk us through the pivotal moments in your journey from being a single parent in significant debt to building a multimillion-dollar enterprise, and how did those experiences shape your approach to business and leadership?
My journey wasn’t a fairy tale where I woke up one day a princess until I became queen. As a single mom and an immigrant from Germany, I faced a decade of what felt like relentless bad luck—fires, floods, riots, and even a lawsuit. But my mantra has always been, “I will not drown in a puddle.” I believed in perseverance and that my dreams were out there waiting for me. This belief shaped my approach to business and leadership, teaching me resilience and the importance of finding my own path.
As a successful female entrepreneur, what advice would you give to other women who are navigating their own entrepreneurial paths, especially those facing financial challenges or balancing family responsibilities?
No one is going to hand you success on a silver platter. It’s important to lead and carve out your own path. In my book, “Happy Woman Happy World,” I detail my journey “From Overwhelmed to Awesome,” emphasizing the importance of taking responsibility for where you are and understanding that your decisions shape your destiny. For women entrepreneurs, especially those balancing family, it’s about leading in your own life and changing outcomes through your actions and beliefs.
Your transition from photography to business strategy is fascinating. What motivated this shift, and how do you believe your background in photography informs your approach to entrepreneurship and leadership?
My love for colorful personalities and big ideas led me from photography to business strategy. Photography taught me the power of bringing diverse talents together to create something amazing in a short amount of time. This experience translates into my business strategy work, where creativity and collaboration are key. I find joy and energy in this process, which fuels my approach to entrepreneurship and leadership.
In your work as the “Growth Architect,” you’ve helped numerous clients generate significant revenue. Could you share a particularly memorable success story and the strategies that led to its achievement?
One of my favourite success stories involves two women from New York who, after repositioning their offer with my help, landed a $100,000 job the very next day. Another is a data scientist in Europe who wanted to create an ethical AI framework. We developed a system that helped her articulate her ideas to non-experts, leading to a significant five figure contract. These stories highlight the importance of clear communication and strategic positioning in achieving business success.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, what do you see as the most pressing issues facing women in business today, and what steps can be taken to address them?
The global onslaught on women’s rights is deeply concerning. It’s disheartening to see the same battles being fought today that were decades ago. Women’s autonomy over their bodies and choices is non-negotiable. However, there’s a silver lining as the conversation shifts towards overall satisfaction and happiness, which might reduce friction and advance our cause. The challenge is articulating our rights while removing barriers to progress.
Your book, “Happy Woman Happy World,” has received widespread acclaim. What inspired you to write it, and what impact do you hope it has on readers, particularly women entrepreneurs?
After selling my business and stepping into a global role, I saw the disparities in how women treat each other and how men treat women. “Happy Woman Happy World” was born from my desire to help working mothers and women entrepreneurs navigate these challenges. The book aims to change the narrative around women’s roles in the workplace and society, advocating for empowerment and mutual support.
Being recognized as one of the “Top 100 Global Thought Leaders” is a remarkable achievement. How do you stay innovative and maintain thought leadership in a constantly evolving business landscape?
Curiosity fuels my innovation. I’m an avid reader and always on the lookout for trends and pattern breaks. My thought leadership is grounded in understanding what drives people and how to incorporate spirituality into business strategy. This blend of strategy and spirituality is what I believe sets me apart and keeps me relevant in a changing world.
You host “The Business Growth Architect Show” podcast. How do you use this platform to share your expertise and empower your audience, especially women in business?
My podcast is a blend of strategy and, more recently, spirituality. It’s designed to give listeners tangible takeaways and insights into the market’s direction. While the focus is on Small Business Ownership, I have a special place for women in my heart, sharing strategies and stories that empower and inspire them to break barriers and succeed in business.
What role do you believe mentorship and networking play in supporting women’s advancement in entrepreneurship, and do you have any personal experiences or insights to share in this regard?
Mentorship and networking are key/ I mentor and volunteer, sharing my knowledge with organizations like Women in Technology Hollywood. (WiTH) or The Entrepreneur Organization (EO.) My goal is to pay it forward, helping other women navigate the entrepreneurial landscape. This support network is vital for advancement and overcoming the unique challenges women face in business.
Looking ahead, what are your hopes and aspirations for the future of women in business, and how do you plan to continue advocating for gender equality and empowerment in the entrepreneurial sphere?
I dream of true equality, where women and men share the stage equally. However, recognizing women’s unique contributions as the gender responsible for bringing life into this world. I will continue to speak out, develop new concepts, and adjust my strategies to support women in business. My hope is for a future where balance, connection, and mutual respect are cornerstones of everyone’s success.
To sum it up, I look at this crazy journey of mine, from overcoming personal and financial adversity to empowering others, especially women, in their entrepreneurial quests, as my deep commitment to resilience, creativity, and strategic innovation. It’s a testament to the power of perseverance, the importance of mentorship, and the need for a collective effort towards gender equality in business and beyond.