MusicsWeek: Can you share your journey from starting your business with zero capital to achieving £10 million in just one year? What were some of the pivotal moments along the way?
Ana Vilhete: Alium was established in 2020, the business is a consultancy that provides staffing services to businesses across the globe. I personally worked mainly in reaching out to businesses that may needed my services. Initially, I had a team of 2 people and then it grow to having a global presence. We went from 0-10 Million because we were relentless and wanted to demonstrate to our client why they should choose us. Additionally, we were part of the Covid response during the pandemic which felt so humanitarian. Pivotal moment was meeting someone I now call a friend Tim Ferrie who took a chance on me. I also had a great team that made things happen and I am incredibly grateful for.
MusicsWeek: What inspired you to focus on empowering women through your business and how do you believe your advice translates to their success?
Ana Vilhete: I have always been passionate about women's rights and gender equality, and I have seen first-hand the challenges that women face in various aspects of their lives, including in the professional world. I believe that empowering women not only benefits them individually, but it also has a positive ripple effect on society as a whole.
I believe that my advice translates to women's success by helping them build their confidence, develop their skills, and navigate the obstacles they may encounter in their careers. By providing mentorship, resources, and support, I aim to empower women to advocate for themselves, pursue their goals, and ultimately thrive in their personal and professional lives. I believe that when women are empowered, they can achieve their full potential and contribute to creating a more inclusive and equitable society.
MusicsWeek: Your social media following has rapidly grown. What strategies have you found most effective in engaging your audience and building a community around your brand?
Ana Vilhete: Not much of a social media expert. In fact, I am looking to hire someone to assist!! Please help! Haha
MusicsWeek: What were some of the biggest challenges you encountered while growing your business and how did you overcome them?
Ana Vilhete: Managing staff, retaining the wrong individuals and not making difficult decisions quicker. Your team is a reflection of you and your standards.
MusicsWeek: What key pieces of advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs who are seeking to emulate your impressive growth?
Ana Vilhete: Having a clear vision and goals, surround yourself with a strong team, being adaptable and willing to pivot, investing in continuous learning, prioritizing client/customer satisfaction, staying resilient and persistent, and embracing innovation are all important factors for building a successful business. It's crucial to stay focused on your vision, build a talented team, adapt to change, prioritize customer satisfaction, and be innovative in order to achieve success.
MusicsWeek: As a successful businesswoman, how do you manage work-life balance while also promoting well-being in your advice to others?
Ana Vilhete: As a businesswoman, I believe that managing work-life balance is crucial for not only maintaining my well-being but also for achieving long-term success in both my personal and professional life.
One of the key strategies I use to maintain this balance is setting clear boundaries between work and personal time. I make a conscious effort to prioritize self-care activities such as exercise, meditation, and spending quality time with my loved ones. This helps me recharge and stay focused when I am working, which ultimately leads to increased productivity and overall well-being.
In my advice to others, I always emphasize the importance of taking care of oneself first. I encourage individuals to set realistic goals and expectations for themselves, delegate tasks when necessary, and to not be afraid to ask for help when needed. I also stress the importance of finding activities outside of work that bring joy and fulfillment, as this can help reduce stress and improve overall happiness.
Ultimately, promoting a healthy work-life balance and well-being is not only beneficial for individuals personally but can also lead to increased success in the workplace. By prioritizing self-care and setting boundaries, individuals can achieve greater levels of productivity, creativity, and overall satisfaction in both their personal and professional lives.
MusicsWeek: You've been featured on prominent platforms like "Good Morning Britain" and BBC radio. How has this exposure impacted your brand, and what are your thoughts on the role of media in building a business?
Ana Vilhete: Being featured on platforms like "Good Morning Britain" and BBC radio has definitely helped increase brand visibility and credibility for my business. The exposure has allowed me to reach a wider audience and establish myself as an authority in my industry.
The role of media in building a business is crucial. Media coverage can significantly boost a brand's reputation, credibility, and visibility. It helps build trust with customers and can attract new opportunities for partnerships, collaborations, and growth.
However, it is also important to carefully manage media relationships and be strategic in choosing the right platforms to align with your brand values and target audience. Consistent and positive media coverage can help in creating brand recognition and loyalty, which are essential for long-term business success.
MusicsWeek: Beyond business, you have aspirations of becoming a more recognizable personality. What steps are you taking to achieve that, and what does recognition mean to you?
Ana Vilhete: I am focusing on building my personal brand through social media, public speaking engagements, networking, and creating content that showcases my expertise and interests. I am also working on expanding my influence by collaborating with other influencers and thought leaders in my industry.
Recognition, to me, means being respected for my talents, skills, and contributions to my industry and community. It means being able to inspire and impact others positively, and having a platform to voice my opinions and perspectives on important issues. Ultimately, recognition as a public personality will allow me to have a greater reach and influence, and to make a difference in the world.
MusicsWeek: Who have been your biggest inspirations or mentors in your entrepreneurial journey, and how have they shaped your approach?
Ana Vilhete: There have been several individuals who have inspired. Unfortunately, I have yet to find a mentor but looking for one. One of my biggest inspirations is Eric Thomas, an American motivational speaker and author and Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX and Tesla. Musk's relentless drive, innovative thinking, and willingness to take big risks have taught me the importance of thinking outside the box and pushing boundaries in order to achieve success.
Another inspiration of mine is Richard Lacey, the founder of Next Ventures. Richard emphasis on creating a strong company culture, treating employees well, and focusing on client satisfaction has influenced my approach to building my own business. He has shown me the importance of establishing a great team and relationships in order to create a successful and sustainable business.
Finally, I have also been inspired by Viola Davis, is an American actress and film producer. Viola’s story has shown me the power of determination, resourcefulness, and perseverance in the face of challenges. Her ability to overcome obstacles have motivated me to stay resilient and focused on my goals.
Overall, these inspiration have shaped my approach to entrepreneurship by teaching me the importance of innovation, company culture, customer satisfaction, and resilience. Their stories and experiences have inspired me to think creatively, focus on building strong relationships, and never give up on my dreams.
MusicsWeek: What legacy do you hope to leave through your business and empowerment initiatives, and how do you measure the impact you’re making on your audience?
Ana Vilhete: I hope to leave a legacy of empowerment, inspiration, philanthropy and positive change through my business and empowerment initiatives. I want to empower others to reach their full potential, pursue their passions, and make a positive impact in the world.
I measure the impact I am making on my audience through collecting feedback from clients and gauge their level of satisfaction and any positive changes they have experienced as a result of my initiatives. Additionally, I look at the overall growth and success of my business as a key indicator of the impact I am making on my audience. Ultimately, I strive to create a lasting impact that will inspire others to continue to grow and succeed long after my initiatives are completed.
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