Today we’d like to introduce you to Octavius Gould.
Hi Octavius, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
After injuries prematurely ended my college football career a year before going to the NFL, my mother passed away suddenly. In search of a new beginning, I moved to Atlanta on a Greyhound bus with $20 in my pocket and ambition in my broken heart. Within hours of arriving in what many people consider the land of opportunity; I secured a job. Six months later, I landed a career at MCI Telecommunications, where I earned five promotions in five years.
Shockingly, after MCI was acquired by WorldCom the US government sent the new executives to prison for financial fraud. I was among thousands of employees who were laid off, but I was not deterred since my entrepreneurial spirit surfaced, motivating me to start my own business.
Initially founded in 1997 as an executive search firm, I pivoted after persevering through 9/11 and a recession to become a leadership development firm. Octavius Gould Enterprises, LLC has exceeded the expectations of entrepreneurs, non-profits, and Fortune 1000 corporations.
As a father of two wonderful daughters, I am most proud of returning to the University of Minnesota at age 43 to earn my business management degree.
Today, I am a keynote speaker, executive coach, and CEO, but my most important job is being a girl-dad.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My company was profitable within three months of being founded, but like every entrepreneurial endeavor, there are times of economic uncertainty. My first taste of business adversity arrived due to the tragedy on 9/11. All businesses lacked a level of preparedness for such a devastating event. I persevered only to face adversity again years later during the recession. This time fatherhood motivated me to pause my business to return to corporate America as a Vice President of Sales for a few years.
After further enhancing my business acumen, competencies, and financial prowess, I relaunched my business and achieved even greater success as an entrepreneur. Then, Covid shut down the world and I found myself once again tapping into my determination and reserve of optimism. With that said, I took advantage of the downtime by focusing on self-development and enhancing every aspect of my business to increase my value proposition. I also developed a stronger sense of purpose by inspiring and empowering others to persevere. I was built for it because I had endured so much adversity in the past. Today, my definition of success is less about what I have and more about what I can give to others. This mindset inspired me to create a podcast called the Octavius Gould Experience.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
For 25 years, my leadership development firm has helped entrepreneurs, non-profits, and Fortune 1000 corporations define, develop, and implement strategies to achieve sustainable success.
My executive coaching is customized to fit the needs of professionals in high-consequence leadership situations. I improve my client’s leadership effectiveness by enhancing their business acumen, competencies, and skills required to lead more effectively in today’s complex post-pandemic business environments.
Services are designed to develop an entrepreneur’s or corporate leader’ communication skills, strategic planning, decision-making, and thought leadership. If I am giving a keynote speech, coaching a C-suite executive, or entrepreneur, my reputable brand is my name. Therefore, I am committed to distinguishing my firm as the preeminent provider of leadership development services through an unwavering focus on client satisfaction.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My advice for anyone who aspires to become an entrepreneur is to maintain your faith. During those moments of uncertainty, it is imperative that you believe in yourself, leverage trusted relationships, and think more creatively and strategically. Secondly, you must have a commitment to excellence in every aspect of your business. Lastly, never allow your ambition to supersede your character and integrity.
Pricing:
- Business Coaching: TBD – after free consultation
- Executive Coaching: $20,000
- Leadership Development: $6000 per day
- Keynote Speeches $15,000
Contact Info:
- Website: www.octaviusgould.com
- Podcast: https://linktr.ee/octaviusgould
