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Published on:

4th Mar 2025

From Corporate Leader to Entrepreneur: Bold Decisions & Leadership Lessons (Day 2)

In this episode, I sit down with Ingrid Oumlouarde, founder and CEO of Sekai Business Solutions, to discuss her bold transition from corporate leader to entrepreneur.

With a background in market research, commercial strategy, and team leadership, Ingrid shares her personal journey of stepping away from a structured corporate environment to build her own business.

She reveals the mindset shifts, leadership lessons, and pivotal experiences that shaped her decision—and how she now helps businesses grow through sales strategy and team performance.

This conversation is packed with invaluable insights for ambitious professionals considering a career evolution, stepping into entrepreneurship, or refining their leadership style.

5 Key Takeaways

1. Entrepreneurship Requires a Mindset Shift: Transitioning from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship takes time, courage, and a willingness to embrace uncertainty. Ingrid spent years considering the move before making the leap.

2. Leadership is About Finding Your Own Style: Success as a leader doesn’t come from replicating someone else’s approach. Ingrid emphasizes the importance of developing a leadership style that aligns with your strengths and values.


3. Seeking Feedback Builds Confidence: One of the most powerful tools for personal and professional growth is feedback—whether from mentors, peers, or teams. Ingrid shares how feedback shaped her leadership and business decisions.


4. Networks & Communities Matter: Being part of programs like Women in Research helped Ingrid gain the confidence to step up and lead. Surrounding yourself with like-minded professionals can accelerate career growth.


5. Self-Leadership is Key to Work-Life Integration: Balancing ambition with personal well-being requires intentionality. Ingrid shares her approach to structuring her days and making time for what truly matters.


"Trust yourself. You don’t need permission to lead, to grow, or to take the next step in your career." — Ingrid Oumlouarde


Final Thoughts...

Ingrid’s journey is a testament to the power of bold decisions, continuous growth, and trusting yourself. Whether you’re navigating leadership in a corporate role or considering entrepreneurship, her insights remind us that success comes from stepping into our own style and seizing opportunities with confidence.


Connect with Ingrid Oumlouarde

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ingrid-pilon-oumlouarde-aa97858/


Contact Ingrid to get your free Action Worksheet, to help you gain clarity, set bold goals, and move forward with confidence.

Contact Ingrid.Oumlouarde@sekai-bs.com

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About the Podcast

Women Leading Boldly Virtual Summit
🔥 The Future of Leadership is Bold. Are You Ready? 🔥

Women’s leadership has come a long way—but what if progress isn’t permanent?

At the Women Leading Boldly Virtual Summit, top leaders, change-makers, and industry experts are coming together to tackle the biggest threats to women’s advancement—and more importantly, to redefine leadership on our terms.

From breaking barriers in male-dominated industries to leading without burnout, amplifying influence, and building financial power, this summit is about real talk, real strategies, and real change.

Over 5 days, you'll hear powerful conversations, bold insights, and inspiring stories from women who are rewriting the leadership playbook.

📅 Are you ready to step up, lean in and shape the future? Let’s lead boldly—together.

About your host

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Karen Gombault

I’m Karen, and I know firsthand the challenges of building a passionate career.

As a former CEO with 30 years in corporate leadership, I'm now a leadership coach and mentor, working privately 1:1 with newly promoted and transitioning leaders who are struggling with self-doubt, team dynamics, and overwhelming responsibilities to lead with confidence, build strong relationships, and create lasting impact —without burnout or second-guessing.