Advice From The Top

People often wonder how successful executives reach heights most can only dream about, but there are some common traits among CEOs: grit and a growth mindset. In 2020, a long-term study was published by Daeun Park, et al., establishing a connection between predictors of success and these positive attributes. 

The story of determination and the mentality that failure is not an option can be seen in conversations with Taylor Smith and George Barnes, both highly successful executives in their industries.

Taylor Smith

Taylor Smith is a speaker, marketing and business strategist, and founder of The Power Table™, a national women’s entrepreneurship community and live conference redefining how women build visibility and wealth. Known for her relatable storytelling and bold, actionable insight, Taylor is a go-to voice on personal branding, community-driven growth, and modern leadership. She brings a fresh perspective to conversations about success—one that blends strategy, authenticity, and connection. 

Taylor has been featured on a Times Square billboard and in national media outlets, and her work has helped thousands of women grow profitable, personality-driven brands that stand out in their industries. 

Q. How do you stand out against the competition in a busy industry? 

A. In a crowded industry, standing out comes down to authenticity, clarity, and meaningful connection. I’ve built my brand around helping women entrepreneurs become more visible and confident in sharing their expertise, while also creating environments where real relationships can form. 

What’s interesting is that much of the growth for women entrepreneurs today is happening in the online, digitally connected world. It’s an incredibly powerful space because it allows women to build companies, communities, and personal brands without many of the traditional barriers that once limited access. At the same time, it’s still relatively unconventional, which can make it noisy and difficult to navigate. That’s why spaces rooted in trust, credibility, and genuine connection matter more than ever. 

Q. What advice do you have for someone who wants to break into your industry? 

A. Start before you feel ready. You don’t need every answer to begin because confidence is built through action, not before it. 

The first step is getting clear on your “why.” In the entrepreneurship space, especially for women, the most successful founders are those who understand what they stand for and show up consistently to share that perspective. 

What’s also been powerful to see is how the message of women supporting women in business resonates far beyond the online space. The same principles—visibility, community, and collaboration—translate across industries, from corporate leadership to small-business ownership. 

Finally, prioritize proximity. Put yourself in rooms with people who are ahead of you, learn from them, and contribute where you can. The right room and the right community can accelerate your growth in ways you can’t achieve alone. 

Q. Is there any part of your success or story that you can call “lucky” or “unique”? 

A. What’s unique about my story is how it began. When I first started building this community, I hosted local coffee meetups for women entrepreneurs. Month after month, I showed up, and no one came. It was humbling, and there were moments when I wondered if the vision I had was something anyone else even wanted. 

But I kept showing up. Within a year, those quiet coffee meetups evolved into a sold-out conference with 75 women in the room. That experience reinforced something I believe deeply: What looks like luck from the outside is often persistence behind the scenes. 

Photo courtesy of The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center

George Barnes

George Barnes is vice president of development for the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center, where he leads fundraising and community engagement to support services for children impacted by abuse and neglect. Through initiatives like Become a Champion, Barnes works with donors and partners to expand resources, strengthen prevention efforts, and support healing for children and families.

Q. How do you stand out against the competition in a busy industry? 

A. I think what made me stand out was the culture of hospitality I created at each business—not compromising on the standards set and saying “yes” to our guests. Also demanding that the leadership teams display honesty, integrity, transparency, and clear communication.

Q. What advice do you have for someone who wants to break into your industry? 

A. Be prepared for long hours and sacrifice. Weekends, holidays, seven days a week if needed.To be a good steward in the community, those sacrifices are part of
the commitment.

Always keep a positive outlook and attitude. It’s the only thing you can control.

Q. Is there any part of your success or story that you can call “lucky” or “unique”? 

A. Treat every guest as family and be yourself. Make a friend every day; they could change your life.