Wavemakers is an initiative I've kickstarted with Femme-O-Nomics’ founder Leah Eichler (@Femmeonomics) that profiles female innovators — women who are constantly blazing new trails, inspiring others and revolutionizing the status quo.
This week, meet Kasey Bayne, Accounting Ambassador atFreshBooks.Follow her on Twitter @kaseybayne
1. Describe your current state of mind
Excited/nervous – it’s the perfect combination, and one of my favourite feelings. Being excited and a little bit scared, that tells me I’m in a great spot, where I’m taking on new challenges and doing what I love. Excited without the nervous wouldn’t be the same, it wouldn’t have the growth and a bit of adrenaline rush with the unknown. It’s a good place to be.
2. If you could choose what to come back as, what would it be?
A musical theater pro, or a pop star! For that to happen, I’d have to come back with a decent singing voice, and some dance rhythm. Right now, I lack both of those, but it’s fun to play out the flip side on karaoke nights.
3. What is your greatest indulgence?
Well, if you promise not to tell anyone… I love bad reality TV. My PVR is set for The Bachelor” and “America’s Next Top Model”, and I’ll admit to even spending some time in online forums reading about who did what or what someone’s strategy might be. On a quiet night in, it’s a nice chance to turn off at the end of the day.
4. What or who helped you the most to achieve your success
As cheesy as it sounds (I have no shame about a little cheese), but this is the truth: I couldn’t be who I am today without the support and advice of my Mom. An amazing role model, she is smart and encouraging, while challenging me to go beyond and take risks. This combination has allowed me to grow into who I am today, and pushes me to strive for even greater success in the future.
5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received
One of my favourite pieces of advice that I carry around is from one of the most unlikely of sources. On a random evening, flipping channels, I landed on HGTV, and not more than a few minutes later did I hear the contractor host say – “well, that’s a problem. It’s a good thing every problem has a solution.” I like it because it’s not sage philosopher-type words of advice, it’s just the truth. When I feel stuck or overwhelmed, taking a minute to realize there’s a solution for everything, and I just need to find one that works for this problem – it’s inspiring on a really straightforward level, and the right push to keep going.