From Shy to Spotlight: Caroline Biesalski’s Inspiring Entrepreneurial Leap

From Accounting to Empowerment: Lessons from Caroline’s Entrepreneurial Leap

Introduction

Chop Squad, meet Caroline Biesalski. A dedicated and generous German consultant based in Germany, serving as the president of Reflection8 Inc. With a rich career background in accounting, organizational management, and community psychology, she highlights entrepreneurs, free thinkers, best-selling authors, artists, and anyone who says "YES" on her INSPIRED! podcast. 

Additionally, she provides coaching for individuals and corporations, guiding them from "Thinking into Results" to achieving the highest levels of success. Caroline is known for her unwavering persistence in remaining present during the challenging phases of any business and for being a supportive presence when needed. With her extensive skills, practical application, and a passion for realizing her own and others' dreams, she is committed to empowering both Profit and Non-Profit organizations, propelling them to the pinnacle of fame and success they inherently deserve.

What does it take to transform fear into a platform for empowerment? In this episode, Caroline Biesalski shares her remarkable evolution from a shy individual who avoided public speaking to the host of Inspired Choice Today, a podcast with over 500 episodes. Caroline delves into how she shut down her successful accounting business to pursue a life of travel, personal growth, and dynamic entrepreneurship. Through her story, you’ll discover the power of mindset, the value of inspired action, and why making a choice today can change your life tomorrow.

Caroline Biesalski

M.Sc. International Economics & Finance

B.Sc. Psychology - Just World Belief

International Bestseller Author - Circle of the One

President, Reflection8 INC.

caroline.biesalski@reflection8.com | +49 178 28 99 801

WhatsApp/Telegram: +1 (714) 936-1734

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Transcript

WEBVTT Interview with CAROLINE BIESALSKI

Audrey “Tech Diva” Wiggins: chop, squad. It is great to be with you as always, and I want you to meet our guest today, Caroline Biesalski, and she's coming to us from Germany. I'm very excited for her conversation with us today. Carolyn is a dedicated, generous German consultant, as was mentioned, based in Germany. She serves as the president of reflection 8 Incorporated with a rich career background in accounting organizational management and community psychology. She highlights, entrepreneurs, free thinkers, bestselling authors, artists, and anyone who says yes on her inspired, podcast it's always great to have another podcaster. So, I can get a different perspective, you know, from her. So, we'll hear more and learn more about Carolyn on the other side of this message.

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Audrey “Tech Diva” Wiggins: more about Carolyn. She provides coaching. Let me

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Audrey “Tech Diva” Wiggins: more about Carolyn. She provides coaching for individuals, corporations guiding them from thinking into results to achieving the highest levels of success. Carolyn is known for her unwavering persistence in remaining present during the challenging phases of any business.

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Audrey “Tech Diva” Wiggins: and for being a supportive presence when needed. With her extensive skills, practical application, and a passion for realizing her own and others dreams, she is committed to empowering both profit and nonprofit organizations, fulfilling

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Audrey “Tech Diva” Wiggins: propelling them to the pinnacle of fame and success they inherently deserve Carolyn welcome to the business. Chop.

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Caroline Biesalski: Well, thank you So, much for having me.

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Audrey “Tech Diva” Wiggins: Yes, I'm excited that you said yet that you said yes and you're here today. So, looking forward to learning more about what you do and how you are helping others succeed along the way. Now, before we get started, let us know. You know that fun thing that you like to do, or an accomplishment that you'd like to, you know, to shout out for yourself.

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Caroline Biesalski: Yeah. So, fun thing about me is that you never know what happens. What will happen the next day. So, I changed my mind, I changed myself. And this also, the subtitle to my podcast stories of change and success, because only through change, we get to success or to new things right? And you mentioned the podcast So, I was not speaking until 2021 and not in school, not in at university. I did my exams in writing because I was So, shy. And when I started my podcast last year in in December, So, I had a calling, and I recorded yesterday. I recorded episode 508.

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Audrey “Tech Diva” Wiggins: Wow! Congratulations! That's all right. Yes. Oh, my goodness, yeah, it's crazy.

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Caroline Biesalski: I cannot stop everyone saying, Yes, you know, and my goal was 506, because I committed to 1,111 episodes. And this the half the 50% I wanted to do. And I accomplished already in after 11 months instead of 12.

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Audrey “Tech Diva” Wiggins: That's crazy. So, do you broadcast every day.

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Caroline Biesalski: Yes, daily episodes with interview guests.

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Audrey “Tech Diva” Wiggins: That is amazing. That is awesome. Yes, you definitely to be applauded for that for real. Oh, my goodness! So, anything else you want to share.

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Caroline Biesalski: Oh, I can. Yeah, share my, I had an accounting business for the last 16 years, and it was not what I really wanted. It was boring at the end. I had employees, but I wanted to see the world, you know, So, I shut that down. I don't know if you if you say this, and last year, then I went to travel the Us. It was So, nice 4 months or So, and I had road trips, and I saw 8 States.

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Audrey “Tech Diva” Wiggins: Wow. So, how did that? How did that feel when you made that decision? Okay, I'm done with this accounting career. I'm just going to get out here sow my wild oats, So, to speak.

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Caroline Biesalski: Yeah, it was the worst moment in my life, but also, the happiest, because it is So, close together. You know I had employees, and I had to tell them that we are going to close the company within 4 weeks, I stayed there because I wanted to

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Caroline Biesalski: to motivate them. But it it was not a good idea. So, I got depressed or something. And I yeah, it takes a little time, but it feels good when you make, when you make a committed decision, and then you act on it.

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Audrey “Tech Diva” Wiggins: Yeah, that's awesome. Yeah, thanks for sharing that. Because even even in that, there's a lesson. And you know something we can glean and learn from from your experience on there, that is awesome. So, is that how? How did you come up with the name of the podcast inspired choice? Did it kind of come out of that.

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Caroline Biesalski: I think the name was already in the field in the beginning of 2023. But I did not think about launching my, podcast. I had this in mind, for I think 30 years of my life. And you, you would say, hold on a second. Podcasts were born in 2,007. That's right. So, my dream was to have my own radio show.

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Caroline Biesalski: And then, when the podcast arrived, then I thought this the right medium for me, but, as I said, I was too shy to speak

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Caroline Biesalski: then I would not dare to start this, but the name was already there inspired to inspire people, and also, to take inspired action instead of like

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Caroline Biesalski: unconscious action, or something, if you want to call it without thinking in a hurry or So, this not a good advice. So, idea for the podcast came overnight when I was in San Diego

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Caroline Biesalski: at 3 Am. In the morning I woke up and I had the word, podcast. And I knew exactly what to do, because this was what I always waited for or was waiting for, and the name inspired was at that time the name of a daily coaching group. I had with my business partner.

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Audrey “Tech Diva” Wiggins: Yeah, cause I think name is really powerful.

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Caroline Biesalski: It is, and then I changed it over the months into inspired choice today. Because when you want to make a decision and you are between 2 or several alternatives. You first, st you have to know that you have a choice at all. You get to choose, and then from there you make a decision, and this powerful.

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Audrey “Tech Diva” Wiggins: Yes, definitely

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Audrey “Tech Diva” Wiggins: well, thanks for sharing that now, Carolyn, what was the biggest lesson you learned when transitioning from the dream of entrepreneurship to the reality of building a business.

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Caroline Biesalski: Oh.

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Caroline Biesalski: you, you mean because now I’m building my second and 3rd and business, or something like that. So.

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Audrey “Tech Diva” Wiggins: I have.

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Caroline Biesalski: This. So, I think there are 2 words or one word, my 1st business, that I had 16 years the accounting company. It was static

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Caroline Biesalski: like accounting itself, it's always the same. It's the same numbers in a different order. I always say this accounting is very simple, even though people think. Oh, it's complicated. No, it's not we, only we only pretend that it's difficult, it's always the same. So, it was static. The people were the same. I was the same.

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Caroline Biesalski: and my mindset was I had a fixed mindset, and it was like safety and protection, like survival mode, a little bit like oh, it has to stay the same, then nothing can happen to us.

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Caroline Biesalski: And then, when I made this decision, no, I want it differently. I want more excitement in my life more salt and pepper, So, to say, more spice.

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Caroline Biesalski: Yes, of course, more traveling, not working in the cave anymore. So, the transition was from static. And this your the answer to your question to dynamic, because life is dynamic, not static, and I learned it from a coach. So, what? When you ask what evoked my transition? It was I came across this Tiktok guy during the pandemic. I followed him, and he

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Caroline Biesalski: he had a daily study group. So, I learned English. I learned English So, that I speak now, or how I speak now. Of course there's always a better way. I learned English. I learned mindset, and I learned persistence as well.

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Audrey “Tech Diva” Wiggins: Dang that is, that's awesome. That's amazing. We can end right here and just sit at your feet from, you know. Learn from you at that point. So, you know, and sticking with your podcast for a month. But then how do you ensure your stories? You know that are shared on your podcast inspire authenticity, and provide practical takeaways for your listeners.

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Caroline Biesalski: Yeah, it's your question, how do I provide? Then? I make sure that I have the right guest on. So, my guests are all inspiring people. And I also, ask the right questions about that. So, I changed the 1st of all the 1st 300 episodes I could tell you I had the same 5 or 5 questions

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Caroline Biesalski: to all of my guests, because I was still shy. Right? I was shy, So, I thought when I stick to the same questions, then answers will differ or alter, or I don't know will be different, and I can learn from the answers. So, now I have questions more customized to the to the guest.

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Caroline Biesalski: So, this really around the bio and about their expertise, which is important. And then this new as well. I have my target group, my listeners. They are all business starters, like I was, and they are introvert and shy as well, and I help them to take the next courageous step.

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Audrey “Tech Diva” Wiggins: That's amazing. That's awesome. So, as someone who's passionate about

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Audrey “Tech Diva” Wiggins: making impactful decisions, how do you balance your personal fulfillment with your professional success?

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Caroline Biesalski: There is no

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Caroline Biesalski: no difference, there's no balance, there's no I would say it's all in harmony, because this what I really want to do for the 1st time in my life. So, I was. I said to someone. So, I realized last year it was only last year that I was always afraid to go in my office

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Caroline Biesalski: and to see my employees. I was afraid, and I thought it was rooted in me. Yes, it is rooted in me. But the question is, do I have to continue that way? And once I've made the decision? No, that's not what I want. Then then I asked myself, What do you really want?

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Caroline Biesalski: And since then

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Caroline Biesalski: it was in 3 years ago, exactly 3 years ago, I asked this question, and since then I transform. So, I

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Caroline Biesalski: I take action to to implement this in my life. What I really want.

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Audrey “Tech Diva” Wiggins: All right, what you really want, and that’s a hashtag right there.

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Audrey “Tech Diva” Wiggins: Oh, my goodness, you had mentioned mindset or mindfulness earlier!

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Audrey “Tech Diva” Wiggins: And what role does mindfulness play in navigating challenges, in entrepreneurship and in leadership?

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Caroline Biesalski: Yeah, mindfulness is everything. So, 1st of all, you have to discover that you have a mind.

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Caroline Biesalski: and what it is. So, study who you are and how your mind works, and when you know this, then of course, you have to make a decision, or you get to choose. If you want to control your mind or guard your mind, guard your thoughts and how to think, because it's all about you mentioned it. Thinking into results by Bob Proctor is the program I

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Caroline Biesalski: I studied, and also, I teach, So, to say, because I'm a consultant for Bob Proctor. This came on top. So, I offer this as a gift. It came for me that I can do this and share with people as well. So, the question is, how important is mindset it is when you start a business or when you are a business owner, then it's 95% mindset and 5% strategy.

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Audrey “Tech Diva” Wiggins: Wow!

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Audrey “Tech Diva” Wiggins: That's that is

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Audrey “Tech Diva” Wiggins: that's awesome as we do. We have to use our minds in a better way, because a lot of times. We have all that negative self-talk and all that fear up in there. So, I can definitely appreciate what you're saying there. And you know.

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Audrey “Tech Diva” Wiggins: going into empowering others. How do you guide your audience or clients in embracing the challenges?

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Audrey “Tech Diva” Wiggins: You know, that lie ahead with entrepreneurship staying focused on our goals, and probably. Still, there's a bit of mindfulness involved in that.

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Caroline Biesalski: Yeah, I think it. It has to do with the 3rd word of my podcast. Title. It is today. And this refers to the now moment. So, the question is not, what can I accomplish in the in the next 12 months?

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Caroline Biesalski: Even though you have this vision? You have, you have to break it down into little goals like quarterly annually. We all know this. This the strategy part, but the mindset part is to show up every day like the person you want to become and to make this decision. So, the question is, what can I do today.

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Caroline Biesalski: or what is good? What is good in in today, or something like that, and you see it when you focus on that. And you see exactly the next step to take, not not to. So, I have a favorite quote. It says you cannot do tomorrow's work today.

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Audrey “Tech Diva” Wiggins: That's powerful.

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Caroline Biesalski: It is, it is. And when you, when you implement this in your in your mindset, that it becomes automatic in you which is possible. Then you don't have to think about it. You don't have to remind yourself anymore about that.

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Audrey “Tech Diva” Wiggins: Yeah, that that's crazy. So, what is a typical day like for you? With reflection? 8. Incorporated.

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Caroline Biesalski: Yes, that's my favorite question, because, of course, when I when I studied this or I started, then I talked to many people and ask about their routines. So, morning routine, evening routine, and the morning routine is very important. So, there's a thing called 5 Am. Club. It's a book. Robin Sharma, and you don't have to read it. There are summaries or So, or the concept of what you do. 20 min of exercise, 20 min meditation, and 20 min of gratitude, because gratitude is important to set you in that state where you can really, I would say, face others or face the world. You. You wake up in the morning, you say. Hello, world! What's next? And then you go for it. So, what is the typical day? I think there is no typical day, because my what I really love is doing or experiencing different things in my life. So, this, typical day, was the bookkeeping day with my employees, today or nowadays.

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Caroline Biesalski: it is different. And I do what my intuition tells me to do. Just when intuition told me to start my own podcast.

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Audrey “Tech Diva” Wiggins: Okay, that's awesome. So, are you. So, are you still doing Reflection 8 and inspired choice today?

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Caroline Biesalski: Yeah, I would say, Reflection 8 is the is the company, the new company I formed, or I built for the coaching and consulting and inspired podcast is the medium. Yeah, where I showcase guests to help my audience and also, my clients, or also, to attract new clients of course. Yes.

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Audrey “Tech Diva” Wiggins: Yes, yes, So, how can we get in touch with you? If we want to work with you, or you know to get to know you better.

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Caroline Biesalski: Oh, thank you So, much. Yes, I love so. My favorite platform in the moment is Linkedin. I love Linkedin. I discovered it in January. So, I you know, when you, when you create an account, and then you don't do nothing with it. But in January I really saw the value, and I met beautiful people like you. We are connected on Linkedin.

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Audrey “Tech Diva” Wiggins: Yes.

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Caroline Biesalski: Well, yeah, this my favorite platform. I'm everywhere. I'm on Tiktok as well. Facebook Instagram, of course. Youtube. But please, DM, me, and I think people who want to find me, they will find me. By law.

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Audrey “Tech Diva” Wiggins: Yes, yes, you know, probably get to your podcast as well, and you know, end up following you there and subscribing yes, definitely. Well, Caroline, do you? What advice do you want to leave us with.

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Caroline Biesalski: My favorite thing, and it is So, simple that it is overlooked. You know the slogan. Just do it, I would say. Just start whatever you have in mind, and if you have a feeling like a like a wish, you want to accomplish or a desire, and you are. You just don't know. Just start

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Caroline Biesalski: and ask for help and advice, because I never did this. So, everyone was seeing me as someone. Oh, she knows exactly where she's going. She doesn't need help or support. And that's why, when I really need support, there is no support, you know, because of my self image. So, I would say, Don't be shy, don't be afraid and reach out for help. There are So, many people willing to help, there's also, mentoring.

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Caroline Biesalski: So, I can. I can offer mentoring as well. Yeah.

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Caroline Biesalski: Okay, my advice is to start because it is the start that stops most people.

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Caroline Biesalski: and we we only regret the things we didn't do right. So, I would say, start and ask for help, because there are So, many people willing to help and to share their knowledge and wisdom with us, and I was too afraid to ask as well. But now I really appreciate people, and reaching out yes.

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Audrey “Tech Diva” Wiggins: Yeah, ask for help. I, you know, just start and ask for help. It can't. It doesn't get any better than that.

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Audrey “Tech Diva” Wiggins: Oh, my gosh! But, Caroline, thank you, you know, for spending your time with us today and giving us your advice, and you know, and your journey as an entrepreneur, because we can learn So, much from you, and I really appreciate it, and wish you much success.

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Caroline Biesalski: Thank you So, much for having me.

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Audrey “Tech Diva” Wiggins: Yeah, you're welcome.