In the tapestry of life, collisions shape our trajectories, propelling us toward unforeseen destinations. For Erica Meyer, one such collision occurred on a Saturday morning in 2011, when a phone call from her CEO interrupted her routine run. The expectation of work at all costs, at all times, igniting a revelation that would alter the course of her career.
"That call was a wake-up call," Erica recalls. "I realized corporate America wasn't where I belonged."
Driven by a familial legacy of entrepreneurship, Erica seized the moment, bidding farewell to the corporate world and embarking on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
After departing from corporate America, she seized the opportunity to purchase October Research, unleashing her own entrepreneurial spirit.
“We’re all just looking for a way to make the world a better place,” says Erica, reflecting on the goals of her team at October Research, who hosts the popular NS3 conference and publishes countless articles each year. “Part of making the world a better place involves seeking new opportunities to assist more people.”
After organizing the NS3 conference for several years, Erica noticed that 70% of the attendees were women. However, there was no conference specifically tailored for women. So she began contemplating the idea of a women’s leadership conference.
Armed with a vision to empower women in the title and escrow industry, Erica set her sights on a new endeavor: the Women's Leadership Breakfast.
Despite initial skepticism, Erica's determination led to a standing-room-only event, catalyzing conversations on empowerment and inclusivity.
"The industry didn't need another conference," Erica admits. "But women needed a space tailored to their experiences."
Fueled by the success of the breakfast, Erica envisioned a dedicated conference for women, a forum to amplify their voices and celebrate their contributions. With unwavering support from allies like Patrick Hempen, Erica defied convention, launching the Women's Leadership Summit (WLS) in 2023.
Launching WLS was no small feat, fraught with challenges and uncertainties. Yet, Erica's resolve remained unyielding. "If it's the right thing to do, you just gotta do it," she asserts.
For Erica, the pursuit of growth transcends financial metrics; it's about fostering meaningful connections and driving change.
Despite the risks, she embraced the opportunity to champion women's leadership, igniting a new era of conversation and collaboration in the industry.
CHARTING NEW TERRITORIES: SHOOT YOUR SHOT
As Erica reflects on her journey, her message resonates with a universal truth: embrace the collisions, seize the opportunities. "The stuff that keeps you up at night is the stuff you should be pursuing," she advises.
For Erica, success isn't measured by conventional standards; it's defined by the courage to pursue one's passions and embrace uncertainty. As she inspires others to "shoot their shot," Erica embodies the spirit of resilience and determination, forging paths where none existed before.
In a world marked by collisions and uncertainties, Erica Meyer's journey serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration. From corporate America to entrepreneurship, her story underscores the transformative power of seizing opportunities and charting new territories.
The Growth & Scale Report is published by CloseSimple, and explores strategies for growth and tools for scaling your title or escrow company. The report emphasizes the art of balancing growth and scale, with a focus on personal and organizational success stories. It aims to share insights from industry leaders who have navigated these challenges, providing a platform for broader conversations in the business landscape.