We had the good fortune of connecting with Evelyn Eccard and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Evelyn, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
In 2016, I saw a company I loved and worked for 26 years implode. The way they were doing business had changed for the worst. They were not considering customers in many decisions and worst, the treatment of their managers was awful They were laying off employees and the managers struggled to do more with less. I saw how stressed they were and though I tried to be positive at the moment, the situation just kept getting worst. I knew this culture no longer served me and I couldn’t serve it. You see, I was a Regional Sales Manager and it became impossible for me and my team to be successful. Our goals increased and our product quality decreased. We couldn’t train and develop the frontlines because of staffing issues. Corporate no longer had management training courses so new managers didn’t know how to lead. Though we help develop the managers, I wanted out.
I joined the John Maxwell Team and one of my mentors said “Jump and build your wings on the way down”. Oh boy. That is not easy. In August, I was certified and in October 2016, I created Bravo Leadership Int’l (BLI). I knew I was a good coach and trainer and can teach and coach others these skills so they can become a better version of themselves.
In January 2017, I was laid off. I was probably the only excited person in the company. I’ve been preparing for this moment for a year. I knew it was coming or did I put it into motion. Hmmmmmm

What should our readers know about your business?
I started Bravo to help managers become leaders. I’ve worked for really bad managers and I’m sure most people have experienced a bad manager or two. I know it doesn’t have to be that way. People learn from others how to be a good or a bad manager. I know managers need training so my goal is to help managers become leaders.

People think they manage people but that is not true. You manage processes and lead people. Leading people is the key. John Maxwell’s quote: Leadership is influence – Nothing more, Nothing less, is so true. So I teach people how to be more influential.

It’s not easy to start your own business. Every step along the way is new. You don’t have experience. There are so many decisions to be made so it’s important to surround yourself with other entrepreneurs. People who are ahead of you in this journey. Make sure you have a network to help you. I’m a coach and I hired several coaches. I have a mindset coach, a success coach, and a marketing coach. I have found that many of the challenges I have faced were fear disguised as hurdles or problems. When I procrastinate, that was fear. Working on your mindset is one of the most important take-away I’ve learned. YOU must grow. YOU must get out of your own way.

Bravo helps people grow. They learn fundamentals skills with our 6-week program Leaders Academy AND the most important takeaway is that they will learn how to connect with others, build trust and improve their relationships at work and at home. Isn’t that what life is all about?

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We would definitely have an itinerary because there’s so much to do in LA.

Day 1:
Go to Universal Studio, have butterbeer (Harry Potter) and a giant donut at Lard Lad (Simpsons), dinner anywhere at CityWalk

Day 2
Getty Villa Center – reservations were made, dinner at Duke’s Mailbu

Day 3
Bike the strand from Redondo Beach to Malibu

Day 4
Hollywood
Lunch at Musso & Frank Grill
Griffith Park

Day 5
See Hamilton at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood or LA Philharmonic at the Walt Disney Concert Hall
Eat at Philippe The Original

Day 6
Attend anything at the Hollywood Bowl
Bring Porto’s sandwiches and pastry

Day 7
Hike Parker Mesa Overlook in Malibu
Go to Santa Monica Farmer’s Market
Stop at Randy’s donuts
For dinner – Go to Hermosa Beach Pier and watch the sunset

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There were many influences in my life. Books:
-Thrive from Arianna Huffington taught me the importance of sleep
-Think and Grow Rich – have an idea and bring it forward. You have a definite purpose and a burning desire to bring your dream forward
-Rich Dad/Poor Dad – how to think about money
-15 Laws of Growth – How to start growing yourself

Friends
Joe Baker – He believed in me when I didn’t and hire me to develop his team members
Monique Buduan – She calls me out which pushes me out of my comfort zone

John Maxwell Team Faculties and Mentors – They have been accessible throughout my entire journey and are a phone call away

Website: www.bli.life

Instagram: evelyneccard

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/evelynlozadaeccard

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/evelyn.eccard

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.