About Me — Roberta Ryan

I write to better understand my world. I publish to help others better understand theirs.

All of my adult life I’ve journaled to clarify my thoughts and gain insights. In 1999, as an assignment for a creative arts program, I wrote a lengthy personal reflection. It was the first time I shared my writing publicly — and my voice trembled as I read it out loud.

That writing experience was equally challenging and thrilling, and it awakened in me a desire to share my writing with others.

However, it wasn’t until 2012 that I began in earnest to write for my business. Since then, writing has proven an invaluable way to capture my distinctive perspectives on business.

Let me explain.

In 1980, I noticed something curious: Two small businesses in the same community and same profession had vastly different levels of success.

Both owners loved their work and were passionate about making a positive impact on their community. But one was clearly successful and the other struggled with cash flow problems and feelings of overwhelm.

What made these two different?

Answering this question has been at the heart of my drive to support small business owners to design a business that is not…