Arisha Smith is a business leader and innovator. The Dallas resident is the principal and founder of Idyllic Interactive, an agency set to assist you in growing your business and make smarter data driven decisions. Read to learn how she got to the top.
What inspires you to go to work every day?
Since I own my own business, it’s the opportunity to create a legacy for my children. It’s knowing that the decisions I make impact more than just my family, it’s the families of those that I’ve hired. Knowing that the work I do daily contributes to my family living our flexible and peaceful lifestyle is a blessing.
How did you determine your career path?
I always say my career path chose me. I never wanted to own my own business. As I began to climb the corporate ranks within technology and entertainment media, I found that I could take what I’ve learned and work with only those that I choose to work with and maintain a great lifestyle. Of course there have been ups and downs in the economy and I’ve felt each shift; however, I’ve been blessed to take those as springboards to the next opportunity. As technology such as social media and machine learning continue to evolve and seep into digital advertising, having the ability to use these things to create innovative solutions for clients has been a skill I’ve leveraged to create new opportunities.
Describe the skill sets that will be essential to future business leaders and innovators.
Focus. Technology and social media create an overload of noise through every and any device with a data connection. Having the ability to focus and master concepts, projects and tasks quickly will allow future business leaders to accelerate quickly ahead of others.
Describe goal setting methods you use and how you evaluate your success.
Each action and activity is treated as a puzzle piece to help us build the big picture. As I decide which project, activity or how to tweak my “to-do lists,” I ensure each task is a puzzle piece that helps me build my goal (or finish the puzzle). If what I am working on isn’t going to help me progress towards my goals or build my skill set arsenal, then I decide it’s time to pivot.
Describe why lifelong learning is important to you?
Lifelong learning is important because if you are able to extract learnings from your failures and successes, you’re able to create and meet larger goals. Another thing to consider is when one steps out of your comfort zone to learn a new skill or language or a software program keeps your mind agile as well as the obvious benefit of learning something new!
What are the three most important factors of being a successful woman?
Knowing when to say “no” and mean it. Trusting your gifts by believing in yourself. Respecting the power of gratitude, eye contact and mastering the art of listening.
Technology plays what role in your daily life?
I believe in working smarter, not harder. I automate or schedule as many things as possible in order to stay on track, even get ahead.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Trusting my dopeness sooner. When they say “youth is wasted on the young,” it is so true.
Who or what motivates you and why?
My family motivates me. I’d like to ensure I create a legacy my sons can be proud of and continue to build upon for their families. Having boys makes you want to create the kind of smart, kind and ambitious man that can help lead the next generation in the correct direction. That alone motivates me to work smarter, build my brand and make wise financial decisions.
How do you successfully grow from business failure?
Failure is a steppingstone toward success. I never view failure as a bad thing. After working with the startup culture for so long, you begin to view failure as an option you’ve explored, learned from and moved on quickly in the opposite direction towards a win. But on that next try, you better win.
