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31Jul

Model to Mogul: Taryn Williams' Entrepreneurial Evolution

By Sonia Goss | Blog, Podcast, Real Talk With Outperformers, Taryn Williams, #gifted | 31 Jul 2023 |

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In our latest episode of Real Talk With Outperformers, Brad chats with Taryn Williams, serial entrepreneur and founder of the newly established business #Gifted. Taryn is renowned for her impressive commercial acumen and strategic mindset, enabling her to navigate the dynamic world of entrepreneurship with finesse. Yet, beneath her success lies an authentic vulnerability that Taryn embraces fearlessly. This fear of failure, rather than hindering her, fuels her drive to continually improve and excel. As the discussion unfolds, Taryn's remarkable journey and valuable insights are sure to resonate with business owners at all stages of their ventures.

How it started…

Taryn’s entrepreneurial journey began at the age of 21, when she was model when she started her agency, WINK Models built around creating better working relationships than those she had had encountered in her own modelling career and importantly, fair and structured payments between clients and models. In her own words “I was that really annoying model, that was like, this could be done way better” and that’s exactly what she did and how it all started.

How it’s going…

Whist still an owner of WINK Models, Taryn also created two more businesses. In 2016 she launched an online business called theright.fit which is a talent-brand matching and booking marketplace for models, actors, influencers, makeup artists, photographers, and videographers. Followed shortly by The Influencers, a full service influencer marketing agency. 
Both businesses grew to exponential heights across Asia-Pacific with the involvement of Venture Capital firm, Airtree Ventures and in 2023, Taryn sold the businesses internationally and start her next business #Gifted – more on that later.

Lessons learnt

Taryn explains that she believes much her success can be contributed to the fact that she had plenty of industry knowledge when starting her businesses. Whilst there’s always room to improve current market standards and prospect, there are usually more opportunities to explore outside the usual set of boundaries. 

DNA as an Entrepreneur

Brad asks Taryn if she sees her empathetic strategies for developing new businesses to address the challenges she herself has faced as part of her DNA as an Entrepreneur which Taryn explains “I think I have real passion for problem solving” and an equal passion for connecting people with resources to solve problems.

The ingredients of a great problem solver

One of the features of a successful problem solver in business according to Taryn, comes down to being able to “unite people around a problem” in terms of the way they view the challenge adding value to the journey towards a solution.

Is transparency clearly the way?

Taryn’s decision to have transparent profit and loss records for everyone at #Gifted workplace would make other Entrepreneur’s gasp with disapproval however her explanation for why she chose this strategy is extraordinary and highly like, one to be admired. 
Initially hesitant about such transparency, Taryn discovered that her team responded positively to being trusted with financial insights. She educated them on business operations, the need for profitability, and the occasional challenges faced during growth phases. This open approach empowered her employees to make more informed decisions, view the company as their own, and actively contribute to its success, fostering a culture of collaboration and shared ownership at #Gifted.

Exciting problems for #Gifted

Taryn's response to Brad's question about the problems and challenges in her new business, #Gifted, reflects her insightful and strategic approach to entrepreneurship. Having learned from past experiences, she emphasizes the importance of being more strategic in decision-making, carefully considering product roadmaps, go-to-market strategies, and team composition. Unlike her previous ventures, the challenges in #Gifted are more focused on external factors. Taryn highlights her concerns about the impact of changing social platforms like TikTok and the role of AI in the industry. As the business expands into the US, she is also mindful of external factors like economic conditions and the polarized political landscape. Taryn acknowledges the fast-paced nature of technology-driven businesses and the need to stay ahead of the game, even if it feels overwhelming at times. Her ability to anticipate potential challenges and adapt proactively showcases her foresight and expertise in navigating the dynamic landscape of the social space and technology platforms.

Weaknesses and the strength in asking questions

Taryn exhibits a remarkable level of humility and vulnerability. She admits that, despite her experience, she faced numerous challenges while building her tech company, #Gifted. Taryn openly acknowledges her lack of technical expertise and describes how she sought help from mentors and experts in the field, even reaching out to a CEO friend for guidance. Through this approach, she formed valuable relationships and built a network of supportive advisors who offered valuable insights and expertise. Taryn emphasizes the power of asking for help and recognizes that most people genuinely want to assist and share their knowledge. However, she also acknowledges the importance of striking a balance and not overwhelming oneself with too many opinions, ultimately opting for a trusted panel of advisors who understand her and her business goals. This blend of humility, strategic networking, and the ability to synthesize valuable advice has been instrumental in Taryn's journey as an entrepreneur, allowing her to navigate challenges and make informed decisions for the growth of #Gifted.

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