“You’re Not Just Doing Work; You Are Leading People.”

Stepping into a leadership role is intimidating, and this feeling is unchanging even if the role is one you have curated for yourself. Staci Wilken has just stepped into being an entrepreneur full time in starting her business, Experience Edit, in the past six months. In this episode, Staci delves into the challenges that come with becoming a leader and starting your own business. It requires facing your fears and identity, relying on your support network, and fully trusting in the process. 

Alongside hosts Dr. Jeff Williamson and Brian Prairie, Staci Wilken addresses how approaching a new leadership role requires consideration of the leaders you have experienced. One theme that Staci notes is seeing the difference between a boss and a leader – a boss tells you to do something, but a leader shows you. Staci shares how this theme has taken root in her own business with constant consideration that “You’re not just doing work; you are leading people… how do you do this well?”. 

Tune in to hear more about Staci Wilken’s recent entrepreneurial journey and candid insight into starting Experience Edit. 

Things you’ve learned about yourself so far in this entrepreneurial leader role?

• Needing structure to be successful daily, needing a routine – a “road map”
• On fear. Repeating to self: On the other side of fear is something potentially really great
• On peace of mind: tapping into the network of people who are supporting you
• On faith: Let go and let God
• Trust also in yourself: Theme = finding trust internally
• We’re our biggest critic

Things you do to continue growing as a leader?

• Investing in TIME
  • Identifying what this looks like for you individually, rather than what you “should” do 
  • Fill your cup: knowing to take time away alone to reset helps serve the immediate need

Meet Your Guest

Staci Wilken

Staci Wilken graduated from Milikin University with her bachelor’s in Marketing in 2003 and has since been the Executive Director and Event Coordinator for Manteno Chamber of Commerce and the Village of Manteno as well as Executive Director for Kankakee Counter Convention & Visitor’s Bureau. 

Most Recently, Staci Wilken took the leap in starting her consulting business, Experience Edit. Experience Edit seeks to bridge the gap between businesses and their customer experiences. In mediating this, Experience Edit considers new approaches for businesses through services such as brand implementation, experience curation, project management, and small – scale interior design. 

About the Leadership LevelUp Podcast

Being a boss and a leader are very different. A boss tells you what to do and a leader partners with you in the process. Jeff, being a leader of leaders, has a vast knowledge of best practices and exercises to discover leadership traits. Brian shares stories with Jeff about the ups and downs of his leadership quest while talking to business and community leaders to discuss their personal leadership journey. Who influenced them? What do they do when they have a bad day? What gives them inspiration? Do french fries or tacos or ice cream make them feel better after a bad day? Through laughter and casual conversation, Brian and Jeff explore all aspects of good leadership.

Meet Your Hosts

Jeff Williamson

Brian Prairie

Show Sponsor

Pathfinder: A full-service creative & marketing agency with a mission to provide strategic storytelling to our clients. There is no greater impact in this world than a story. Storytelling is how we learn, remember, and feel. The world has used storytelling since the beginning of time to entertain, teach, inspire, and innovate. Pathfinder’s mission is to provide strategic storytelling for our clients. How? Through inventive business services and pioneering campaigns that help organizations find their own path and carry out their vision.