CAMILLE TROTT

POWERHOUSE GLOBAL STARS INTERVIEW WITH

CAMILLE TROTT (CT)

PGS: Camille, such an honour to have you on today’s interview with Lady Anita.

CT: It’s an honour to speak with you, Lady Anita. Thank you for the opportunity to share this time with the Powerhouse Global community of leaders.

PGS: Please briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

CT: My name is Camille, and I’m a wife, mother, and corporate executive turned entrepreneur. I currently reside in two countries, dividing time between Atlanta, Georgia (USA) and a British Overseas Territory, Bermuda Islands, located in the North Atlantic. I’m the president and CEO of Austin Communications, a leadership development and management consulting firm. In addition, I’m a certified speaker, coach, and trainer with the John Maxwell Team. I was recently appointed as the Global Chamber of Business Leaders delegate to Bermuda. I also enjoy mentoring and collaborating with women in various business sectors. Prior to launching my consulting firm, I spent nearly 20 years of my professional life contributing and working with American businessman and philanthropist widely known for leading a diverse portfolio including the world’s largest home improvement retailer, professional sports teams and various businesses and a non-profit. This twodecade journey further inspired my commitment to provide mentorship, coaching, and consultative guidance to growing companies and entrepreneurs through Austin Communications.

PGS: Thank you for serving at the recently concluded Powerhouse Global Summit.

CT: 2021 was my first year as an attendee and participant in the Summit. What a remarkable program that brought together great business minds, content, and opportunities. I was honored to be one of the speakers and join the panel of Women Shaping the Future of Business. Lady Anita curated such an impactful and meaningful summit for women (and men) involved. I look forward to recommending the summit to others next year.

PGS: As a leader, what can be done to provide valuable tools for those who are on the transition to the position of leadership?

CT: I have found a significant advantage in having people that I have high regard for in my life. It’s essential to build intentional relationships with those that will encourage and challenge you. Identifying and establishing a relationship with a Coach, Mentor, and Sponsor are three actionable steps to support growth and transition. While they each serve a different purpose, they are all important components to your journey. As you move to the next level in your career or decision-making as a leader, it’s valuable to have others help as you move forward. I often share with my clients that while coaching relationships will help you focus on clarity, strategy, and implementation, it’s beneficial to have mentors and even sponsors that will advocate on your behalf in the meeting rooms.

PGS: During the summit, you touched some important points on being a leader and leading well. One of the things you said were: Set aside your title, and measure your growth. Please throw some light on the above saying.

CT: I believe one of the biggest misconceptions of leadership is the connection to a title. My mentor, John C. Maxwell, defines leadership as ‘Influence’ – nothing more, nothing less. A fancy title does not make you a leader. I’ve worked with many support staff that exemplifies leadership at some of the highest levels throughout the years. Understanding that leadership is more than rank and position will provide the leader with a more significant opportunity to influence and impact their connections positively. As leaders, we should strive to grow daily and remember that it’s a journey and not a destination to a title. At the Summit, I asked two growth-oriented questions with the audience to ask themselves daily: 1) What am I doing to grow myself? And 2) What am I doing to help grow others?

PGS: What are some of the challenges of leading in the current global climate (covid-19), and what are some of the steps to dealing with such challenges?

CT: Many businesses have experienced challenges leading in the era of COVID–19, but it has also provided opportunities for growth and advancement for those open to embracing change. In light of the uncertainty, the current global climate has afforded entrepreneurs the opportunity to seek clarity to launch relevant businesses; and to help established business leaders to optimize by evaluating current business practices. For example, COVID has prompted me to coach many business leaders to pivot and innovate in a more productive vein—from outdated practices to bring their teams together, communicate more effectively, and even self-reflect as leaders.

PGS: What is your message for those who are struggling with low self-esteem?

CT: I would encourage leaders struggling with low self-esteem to build positive relationships and seek support within their network. Additionally, it is helpful to staff your business according to weakness and lean into your strengths. Many leaders are beginning to see the value in emotional intelligence— self-awareness, social awareness, self-management, and relationship management— to manage both ourselves and others for a healthy working environment.

PGS: Please tell us more about your business.

CT: Austin Communications, a leadership development and business consulting firm in early 2016. As a certified coach, speaker and trainer, one of my greatest passions is working with thriving entrepreneurs, businesses, and professional athletes to provide opportunities for their growth and development for themselves and their businesses.

Earlier this year, Austin Communications began a strategic partnership with international business guru Larisa Miller of Phoenix Global to collectively offer business development management, coaching/training and leadership consulting. I also serve as the Bermuda delegate for the Global Chamber of Business Leaders based in the UAE.

PGS: What were top three books that changed your life?

CT: It’s difficult to narrow my list to only three books. I’d start with Napoleon Hill’s book, “Think & Grow Rich.” This book talks about attaining a high level of success-consciousness. My family instilled in me that success is about more than achieving wealth. It was when a billionaire told me that I was rich, it confirmed the true meaning of success really had very little to do with money and more about values. Another book that has impacted my life, Exponential Living: Stop Spending 100% of Your Time on 10% of Who You Are by Sheri Riley. It’s a book that I highly recommend for anyone that wants to embrace the power of peace, clarity, and courage. This book was highly instrumental during my transition leaving from a high-profile corporate role to re-inventing me as an entrepreneur. I would also include John C. Maxwell’s book, “21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership.” Regardless of your profession, this is a must read for any level of leadership.

PGS: Finally, what would you say to your younger self?

CT: There are many things that I’d love to share with my younger self. As a child, I was a big dreamer. I’d say you don’t ever stop dreaming and believing in yourself. The journey ahead will not be an easy one, but your faith, family, and experiences will be instrumental stepping stones. You will make mistakes, and it’s okay; pick yourself up and keep going. Lastly, don’t allow anyone to define what success means to you. You pursue a life of love, giving, and positively impacting those you encounter. Most of all, be grateful and don’t take relationships for granted.

PGS: Camille, thank you once again for your contribution today.

CT: Lady Anita, special thanks to you and your entire team. I look forward to collaborating more in the future as we seek to empower and present opportunities. Thank you for all that you do supporting women and being a voice of leadership across the nations.

PGS: Please share your links with us.

CT: Websites: www. austincomms.com and www. phoenixglobal.co. Follow me on LinkedIn @ Camille Trott Social Media @cltrott and @ austincomms.