Inside LaunchStree interviews Felena Hanson, a long-time entrepreneur and marketing maven. She is the founder of Hera Hub, a spa-inspired shared workspace and community for female entrepreneurs with locations all over the world (and continuing to expand)! The business supports hundreds of freelancers, entrepreneurs, and nonprofits, in over 16 industry segments. Hera Hub was founded on the confidence that women are the future, and women will be responsible for the next wave of prosperity in the U.S. Hanson and Hera Hub have been featured in Inc. Magazine, BBC News, Forbes, and The New York Times. We chat about her entrepreneurial journey, how it takes a village to be an entrepreneur, why collaboration is key to success, and when women should think about leaning out.

 

Key Takeaways:

[1:07] Find out how going through three layoffs by the age thirty inspired Felena to create Hera Hub.

[4:42] Felena began looking into shared space in open, collaborative units. She found a segment of the market that had been ignored and therein opened the door for innovation.

[5:36] Felena shares that her layoffs, fire truck accident, and divorce early in life helped her to look at life in a different perspective. These experiences gave her drive and commitment to keep moving forward.

[7:40] Hera Hub was created to be a different environment, a spa-inspired space. While they are female-focused they do have a handful of men involved. Felena has infused her love of education into the business, to help educate and empower its members. It’s not just space. It’s a true community where women truly support each other.

[9:56] Is lack of women support in the innovation arena a stereotype or issue of conditioning?

[11:30] Women tend to be more collaborative than men. How can women use this as a positive outcome? Women are stronger together. A like-minded community to share with is critical. Women are naturally connectors, tribe builders.

[12:44] What are some myths and hurdles that women need to overcome, to fulfill their entrepreneurial dreams?

[14:28] Felena shares some case studies of success within Hera Hub. Be exposed to the “think tank.”

[16:53] Women-owned business are the key to the next wave of prosperity. Women inherently approach business differently. There tends to be more collaboration among women, and women are more conscious of diversity. Some research shows that women are starting businesses at twice the rate of men. Women-owned businesses tend to be more socially leaning, out of the gate.

[21:39] Felena encourages women to ‘lean out’ and launch their own dream and business and paint their own path. She shares her advice for intrapreneurs. First, ask for opportunities to innovate within the company. Second, ask yourself if can you start a business on the side and become independent.

[25:45] How can someone make the transition from fear to future? It’s different for everyone. You must believe in yourself, and surround yourself with the right people and have the support that you need.

[27:48] What is the imposter syndrome? Should you trust your instinct?

[30:18] Felena shares how you can find your tribe.

[35:15] What is servant leadership? Women are natural servant leaders because they tend to think about the collective when making decisions. It’s becoming more popular as the rise of social entrepreneurship has gotten more notice.

Learn more about Hera Hub at: Herahub.com

 

Mentioned in This Episode:

Hera Hub Webpage

Flight Club Book