Stacey Randolph-Castillo has been surrounded by the insurance business for many years. She was raised to be a second generation insurance agent, however, in her youth she had other plans for her life. After making poor financial decisions, Castillo was forced to learn humility and obedience, and that’s when she was able to resume her destiny as an insurance agency owner.
This wife and mother of five knows what it takes to run a successful business. She has the tools and the overall understanding of the components of success. She took the opportunity to share some of those success secrets with rolling out.
What inspires you to show up at work every day?
Knowing that I never wanted my children to struggle and work as hard as I had to, I am 100 percent committed to leaving a legacy of business ownership to my kids.
How did you determine your career path?
I didn’t choose my career, my career chose me at an early age. I was raised up to be a second generation insurance agent. In my youth, I continually strayed away from my calling into many other career paths. My poor financial decisions forced me to learn humility and obedience, and I was able to resume my destiny as an insurance agency owner.
Describe the skill sets that will be essential to future business leaders and innovators?
I would recommend they follow my concept of “THRIVE”
True to self
Hungry and humble
Relentless work ethic
Inspire others
Vision with value
Educated in your craft
Describe innovative methods you apply to your business and life.
I take full advantage of brainstorming, networking with others, and customer feedback to determine needs for improvement. That will make my brand stand out [from] the competition.
Describe how you set goals and evaluate your success.
Being that I am an entrepreneur and own multiple businesses, in order to maintain a balance, I observe my financial situation monthly, quarterly and annually, to create a plan for greater return on my investments and to gauge the possibility of expansion. Per business venture I create the following three lists: an expense sheet, a list of current benefits and risks, and an interest sheet for new investment opportunities. I then formulate a plan to include a list of both long-term and short-term goals that will minimize cost and maximize production.
I measure my success by the [number] of smiling faces I have around me including customers, employees, and family dependents. I know then that my hard work and planning are yielding the most promising results.
Names three books that changed how you saw life that you would recommend to others.
The People Factor, Freakonomics, and any books written by Dr. Jawanza Kunjufu.
Describe why lifelong learning is important to you.
Once you have learned all that you can, it will be time for the Lord to call you home. You should be committed to learning something daily.
What are the three most important factors of being a successful woman?
Loving yourself. Creating work-life balance. Knowing your worth and not settling for less, you can be the head, and not the tail.
Technology plays what role in your daily life?
Technology is an intricate thread woven into our lives as a daily tool for advancement.
What social media or digital tool has made the biggest difference in your life and why?
I would say Facebook & IG have proven useful with mass marketing, and the convenience of my email/outlook on a smartphone has allowed me the opportunity to run my organization remotely.
If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
There would be true race equality for all people.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
That I would not be so overly critical of myself.
Who or what motivates you and why?
I am motivated by the image of my past self. I will never go backward to the struggle I’ve overcome, I can only move forward.
What are the do’s and don’ts for young women in business?
Do take pride in your image; don’t be too vain.
Do keep it business; don’t take it personally.
Do embrace your femininity; don’t conform to societal norms.
How do you successfully grow from business failure?
You learn and move on, keeping your head held high at all times.
Name three successful female role models and explain why you admire them.
Maggie L.Walkers, because she was a true entrepreneur with multiple businesses and the first Black woman to charter a bank in the U.S. that was committed to building Black wealth through financial literacy while still raising a family.
Beyonce, because she is always on top of her craft, innovative in the industry, very savvy in business, always empowers women, has great work life balance and humility.
Mrs. Pearl Stalling, because at 69 years of age she has taught me there are no rules or age restrictions on happiness and growth, and you can learn, live and love through any situation.
