In today’s complex corporate landscape, businesses face numerous risks that can jeopardize their operations and reputation. Recognizing these challenges, Wendi O. Brown, Founder and CEO of iSupportYou, leverages her extensive military experience to provide strategic consulting services to Fortune 500 companies. Her firm specializes in risk management, helping businesses identify, prevent, and mitigate risks before they escalate into catastrophic incidents.
From Battlefield to Boardroom
Wendi O. Brown’s journey to becoming a renowned risk management expert began with over 20 years of service in the military. Retiring as a lieutenant colonel, Brown served in various high-stakes environments, including the Pentagon, U.S.-European Command, and U.S.-Africa Command. Her experience in managing risks in both combat and peacetime has equipped her with a unique perspective that she now brings to the corporate world.
The Role of iSupportYou
At iSupportYou, Brown’s mission is to assist C-suite executives in identifying and managing risks that are often overlooked. “I help them prevent certain scenarios that can damage their business. I also prepare them for catastrophes and help mitigate losses when things go wrong,” Brown explains. Her approach involves being a brutally honest devil’s advocate, presenting the pros and cons of various business ventures without worrying about acceptance or approval from the leadership team.
Corporate Landmines: Hidden Dangers
One of Brown’s key concepts is the identification of “corporate landmines.” Drawing parallels from her military experience with battlefield landmines, she highlights how seemingly great business ideas can turn into significant risks if not properly vetted. “Sometimes you think a business venture is a great idea, but peer pressure removes the devil’s advocate from the boardroom,” Brown notes. Her role is to fill that gap, providing an objective assessment and ensuring that all potential risks are considered.
Real-Life Applications
Brown’s expertise is valuable in various scenarios, such as mergers and acquisitions, new product launches, and operational changes. She provides a thorough analysis of multiple courses of action, detailing the pros and cons and presenting data-driven insights to guide decision-making. “My goal is to give you all the data you need so you understand what you’re walking into,” she says. Even when executives make decisions based on emotion, Brown ensures that they are prepared for any adverse outcomes with well-thought-out contingency plans.
Adapting to Corporate Culture
Transitioning from the military to the corporate world, Brown acknowledges the difference in priorities. “It’s not always mission first. In Fortune 500 companies, it’s about their money,” she explains. This shift in focus requires adapting military precision and strategic planning to align with business goals, primarily profit and stock price increases. Brown’s ability to adjust her approach while maintaining her core principles of preparedness and risk management has made her a trusted advisor in the corporate sector.
Leadership Confidence: A Distinct Approach
In addition to her consulting work, Brown is also an author. Her book, “Leadership Confidence vs. Confidence: Do You Know The Difference?” explores the concept of excelling under pressure. “Everyone knows what confidence is, but leadership confidence is when you excel under pressure,” Brown elaborates. Drawing from her military experiences, she emphasizes the importance of preparation and resilience, particularly in high-pressure situations. The book serves as a guide for leaders looking to enhance their ability to navigate challenges and thrive in adversity.
Engaging with the Community
Brown is passionate about empowering women in business. She is actively involved in organizations that support ambitious women, providing a network of positivity, leadership, and mutual support. “When you get around ambitious women, it becomes contagious. The support is phenomenal,” she shares. Brown’s commitment to fostering a community of like-minded individuals extends beyond her professional work, contributing to her overall mission of making a positive impact.
Wendi O. Brown’s expertise in risk management, honed through decades of military service, is now a valuable asset to the corporate world. Through iSupportYou, she helps Fortune 500 companies navigate the complexities of risk, ensuring they are prepared for potential challenges and capable of making informed decisions. Her book and community engagement further underscore her dedication to leadership and empowerment, making her a distinguished figure in both military and corporate circles.
For more information about Wendi O. Brown and her work, visit iSupportYou and Warrior Wendi. To listen to her full journey, use this link: https://businessradiox.com/podcast/women-in-motion/combat-to-corporate-landlines/
About Women’s Business Enterprise Council-West (WBEC-West)
WBEC-West is a regional partner of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), a coalition of corporations, WBEs, and regionally focused women’s business organizations. As an affiliate organization, WBEC-West implements the certification standards of WBENC throughout Arizona, Colorado, Southern California, Utah, Wyoming, Nevada, Hawaii, and Guam. WBENC is the largest certifier of women’s business enterprises in the U.S. and a leading advocate for women business owners, leaders, and entrepreneurs. WBENC certification is nationally recognized and accepted by more than 10,000 major corporations. We also support corporations in their efforts to include WBENC Certified WBEs in their supply chain.
