Rebecca Jacobs is an inspirational entrepreneur, and a leading change-maker. Her approach to business and to grassroots nonprofits sets her apart, which is why we wanted to showcase her story through OutGrowth. Check out our Q+A with Rebecca below and be sure to check out her spotlight issue in this month's En Root!
This month's theme is all about entrepreneurship. Tell us your most significant hurdle you've overcome in your entrepreneurial journey.
The most significant hurdles I've overcome in my entrepreneurial journey are my own limiting beliefs. I've often felt the pangs of imposter syndrome in key moments that have required my confident leadership. It has led to missed opportunities, fear-based decision making, and poor team management. Thankfully, I've got a team of advisors who remind me to question my unhelpful thoughts and trust myself.
At OutGrowth, we are committed to supporting the growth of future leaders and businesses. What do you think we as individuals and communities can do to support others to grow beyond traditional limits?
We can support growth beyond traditional limits by listening to others from a place of non-judgement. We are the only ones who can determine what we need in any given moment, so the best gift we can offer someone at a fork in their path is a safe space to be messy and navigate their growing pains without fear or shame.
Tell us about your most significant professional moment to date.
My most significant professional moment was the day that I published my first version of our website. It was a glorified Google doc, but it told the story of Anika Works, and gave me permission to feel our business was finally "real."
How did this experience change the course of your life, your career or your outlook? It was a lesson in embracing imperfection. I thought that I needed to have everything figured out before I showed the world my work, but since I've become more and more comfortable with the exact opposite being true - it's only when you put your wild ideas out into the world that you can learn what you need to change to get closer to what you need to create.
What is a step that each of us can take today to get involved in supporting individuals and businesses as a mentor?
You can mentor individuals and businesses by taking the time to reach out to someone personally, to congratulate them on their journey and let them know that you're a human that believes in them.
If you could go back in time and give one piece of advice to your younger self, when you first started a business, what would it be?
From the article, "(1) You won’t know what you’re doing. Do it anyway. (2) Don’t do it alone. & (3) Enjoy the ride."
What is your favorite quote or song lyric?
"I will walk unafraid/I'll be clumsy instead/Hold me, love me, or leave me high" - First Aid Kit, Walk Unafraid
Based on your entrepreneurial experience, what are the top three career competencies that you believe can be gained/developed as a result of taking a chance?
Empathy, Decision-Making, & Communication
What's next? What are your next steps toward growth in 2021?
Continuing to grow with Anika Works as we connect philanthropic investors with our network of grassroots nonprofit champions!
Rebecca has dedicated her life to creating meaningful change. Losing her parents at a young age taught her that the only constant in life is change – we can either resist it, or embrace it as an opportunity. Professionally, that meant applying entrepreneurial, empathetic leadership to the local Canadian and international nonprofit sector. Her authentic perspective of the nonprofit landscape, plus the champions she met along the way, inspired her to start Anika Works in 2019.