Lindsay Watson’s past work experience reads like a Who’s Who of Fortune 500 companies. Over eight years, she has worked in human resources and relationship management for such places as Goldman Sachs, Deutsche Bank, American Express, NBC Universal and Time Warner.
Now, she is leading her own staffing firm as co-founder of FIA NYC, LLC. Employment Services, identifying and providing top talent for a variety of industries including technology, e-commerce, telecommunications, manufacturing and consulting.
Lindsay is one of four panelists the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corp.’s (LVEDC) Innovation, Talent and Entrepreneurship Council will spotlight on November 19 as part of their panel event “Creating Space: How Women Entrepreneurs Succeed.”
As the event approaches, we will be asking each of the panelists a few questions about their backgrounds and experiences in the business world. Here is what Lindsay had to say:
LVEDC: What advice would you give to women who are considering starting their own business?
Lindsay Watson: There’s a lot of free advice out there. There are so many mentors and coaches who are willing to share their insight to help others pursue their dreams. Always do what you love. You have to believe in what you do before anyone else will. From there, be the BEST at whatever it is that you do. Learn the ins and outs of running a business, and find great partners that believe in the vision. Be comfortable asking lots of questions, and asking for help.
LVEDC: What do you think is the biggest challenge for women who want to start a business?
Lindsay Watson: I would like to be considered just as an entrepreneur, and not as a female entrepreneur. As women, I believe that we need to make sure that we don’t create our own limitations or “glass ceilings.”
Lindsay Watson: My mother has one of the strongest work ethics of anyone that I’ve known. She is a pillar in her community, serves constantly and is a true entrepreneur at heart. My father, a retired Navy Admiral and an entrepreneur, has helped me to provide with a passion to be a help to others pursuing their own dreams. He has always encouraged and supported me to travel and appreciate diverse cultures, a key for any entrepreneur. Mr. David Steward, Founder of World Wide Technology, Inc., has invested into my life and FIA NYC since the beginning. And most of all, my business partner and mentor, Mr. William D. Brown, founder of SeKur Technology, Inc. Over the past 12 years, Mr. Brown’s mentorship has proven fruitful throughout my careers in Fortune 500 companies, and it was his investment in me that allowed me to leave the 9-to-5 world to co-found FIA NYC LLC. I wouldn’t be here without his leadership and guidance.
LVEDC: Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently when you first established your business?
Lindsay Watson: Mr. David Steward once told me never to look in the rear-view mirror. That would be my #1 suggestion. Being an entrepreneur is a whole new world. While learning from mistakes will be a part of the process, focusing on what could have been will never move your business forward.
LVEDC: What more should be done to encourage women to pursue business leadership opportunities?
Lindsay Watson: “Creating Space: How Women Entrepreneurs Succeed” is a great idea! This allows women to get real-world advice, learn from others and network. In the corporate world, I believe that starting from the C-level may give women leaders the opportunity to give back to those in their own organization. I’ve learned from so many that it only takes one person to make a difference. From there, things can grow quickly.
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