They say leadership starts at the top.
And, that’s certainly the case for Balanced Beans.
Under the direction of Brodie White and partner Karen Burgess, the local bookkeeping and tax agency made an impressive debut at the 28th Hunter Region Business Excellence Awards.
The pair, along with their team, services Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, throughout the valley and beyond, supporting clients with their expertise and can-do attitude.
It’s why Balanced Beans received a highly-commended in the competitive Professional Services category and Ms White took out Businesswoman of the Year.
“From a business perspective, it was a great surprise,” she said.
“It was our first time at an awards’ event and we didn’t know what to expect.
“We’re a relatively new business, so it was exciting to be recognised among the best in the Hunter.
“We thought we were worthy of a win, so the fact the judges thought so too was amazing.
“Being named Businesswoman of the Year, I was completely shocked.
“I did not expect to be recognised but, at the same time, it was great that other people saw the attributes in me that I have been consciously working on and proud of.
“It was very mixed emotions of shock and pride.”
The community-minded Ms White said Balanced Beans’ passion for small business, and helping clients excel, enabled them to stand out from the crowd.
“We work hard to bring them the best solution, which means we’re continually exploring new solutions,” she stated.
“We’re clear on what we want to achieve and set goals on how to get there.
“But, we also find great purpose in supporting community events and charities and not just financially.
“I think it’s very important to reflect on the events that led you to where you are and learning the lessons from it and continually growing personally.”
Ms White admitted the recognition, from among their peers, was terrific, too.
“Particularly when you are a small team and don’t have feedback coming in regularly,” she said.
“These awards are a great testament to how we feel about our business.
“And, I think it helps other business owners to realise they are capable of fantastic things if they back themselves and follow their dreams.
“While it’s great to be acknowledged, the excitement for me comes from inspiring other people to step into the business world… and not needing to have the best of everything, but to offer the best you can and know you can still be successful by knowing what motivates and drives you and what your own goals are.”
Ms White is happy to see other businesswomen succeed as well, offering some inspirational words of wisdom.
“Know who you are and be comfortable with that,” she said.
“Know your values and stick to them.
“Celebrate all your achievements and understand the lessons if things don’t work out at the time.
“Importantly, build your community with people who inspire you and want you to achieve all you’re capable of.”
For more business stories:
- Four Hunter Living Legends honoured
- Sky’s the limit for new energy apprentices like Maya
- 49-year-old apprentice plumber gets a helping hand
Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, real estate, entertainment, lifestyle and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.
