Gayl Benson is the CEO of Premier Consulting, CFL, LLC, an accomplished visionary with over 15 years of experience in consulting and business development. She is a newly published Author and a Certified Master Life Coach. Gayl is a leader in her field with a reputation for delivering results and driving success as a Motivational Speaker. Her newly published book Pressuher shares details about Gayl’s battle with depression and anxiety, her childhood experiences, her relationship with her mother, and her heartbreak. She hopes her story will help women tap into their power to overcome and transform.

Have a read of her Q&A Spotlight Interview with us and be inspired.

1. Who or what inspired you to start your business?

My introduction to consulting was through my role as the COO of my brother’s company in 2007. He brought me in as a consultant to help his clients with corporate structure and oversee contracts. He began to encourage me to start a consulting firm. Fear and imposter syndrome played a huge role in my reluctance. If you know my brother, you know he didn’t stop pushing me. In 2008, I ventured out, moved past my fears, and started Premier Consulting.  My first consulting client was a 3-year contract, as the Director of Talent Management for an entertainment firm. 

2. What would you like to share with anyone who is thinking about going into this field?

Entrepreneurship is not easy. Give careful thought to your why.  If you are not willing to be in the thick of it without seeing revenue, please rethink what you’re doing and why you are doing it. Your passion is something that you love doing, not because its easy. A lot of entrepreneurs lived many periods of doing business without getting paid. Is this everyone's journey? Probably not, but a large percentage of people have. Do your research to find out what your audience/ clients need. Ask yourself: do you want to approach your business (or life) with all you have or with all God has given you? Have a servant's heart and seek God’s guidance on how to serve your community.

3. What motivates you when you are faced with adversity?

I reflect on times when I felt I couldn’t make it; when I thought I had reached the end, or when it looked like things would not be in my favor.  Remembering how things worked out better than I could have ever imagined motivates me to be mindful of my mindset. These experiences taught me that I do not dictate the end, nor do I have the right to give up.  I have overcome so much in these 52 years of living.  I found that I am stronger than I thought. Where would I be if I gave into adversity and fear? I've learned to give myself two things: Grace and credit. How easily we forget how we “made it over” because we immediately focus on the next obstacle or challenge. I didn’t always understand or believe I was victorious because I was too busy focusing on the challenges, not my strengths.

4. What has been your most satisfying or rewarding moment in business?

My most rewarding moment was when I held my first webinar. I started with my presentation in screen share mode. When I stopped sharing my screen and I saw all the women who joined the webinar, I was joyfully overwhelmed.  I became emotional. I allowed myself to have that moment and I shared it with them.  The women began to share how they became inspired when they saw my reaction to their beautiful faces.  I am thankful that my decision to believe in myself and get started had a huge impact on me and them. My reward is when I can inspire people to tap into the power they have to cross the threshold of change and embrace their new story.

5. What is the most important lesson life has taught you?

I have learned that I cannot allow myself to become encapsulated in other people’s versions of me. Learning to trust what God says about me, and what he has given me has been the best life lesson. I do not want to live by the limits of someone else and I surely do not want to hold myself hostage in their story.  Do not give your pen to others to write your story. I am here to be a light to the people who need me. In turn, I understand that I am also learning from every experience.

6. What is your take on woman-to-woman inspiration? Meaning women inspiring other women.

I am the proud Chapter Leader in Orlando, Florida. Being a Chapter Leader has opened the doors for me to meet other growth-minded women who want to collaborate, grow, and share their gifts and resources.  As women, a lot of the time we settle into the heavy feelings that we are forging in our aspirations alone.  Many of us do not feel we have the time, talent, or support to pursue these dreams. If anyone reading this feels this way, I pray that you find a Woman to Woman Network Chapter and immerse yourself in the community, receive the support you need, and share your gifts. We are stronger together. 

How can readers find out more about your business and connect with you online?

Website: www.premierconsultingcfl.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/pccflllc

Instagram: www.instagram.com/coach_gaylbenson

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@CoachGaylBenson

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/gaylbenson

Pressuher: https://a.co/d/cKLSBb2