Charlotte Fuller is a certified Business and Technology Strategist and an experienced Women in Tech speaker. As the Founder of Technically Confident, she leads the charge in developing innovative tech applications and software solutions, catalyzing growth and success in an ever-evolving digital landscape. Charlotte is passionate about helping female founders tap into the power of tech and supporting underrepresented voices in the tech industry, particularly women and diverse entrepreneurs. She also is the host of the podcast Technically Confident Podcast.
Can you tell us a little about your background and the company?
I’m the founder of Technically Confident, an advisory company dedicated to empowering diverse and female business owners in creating and scaling software applications. As a certified business consultant and a background in technology strategy, collaborating with industry-leading companies, establishing this venture felt like a natural fit for me.
I’m passionate about leveraging my expertise to support entrepreneurs from underrepresented backgrounds, guiding them through the complexities of software development and business strategy. Through Technically Confident, I’m committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where every entrepreneur can thrive and succeed confidently in the tech industry.
How did the idea come to you for the company?
The concept for Technically Confident was sparked by my personal connections within the female business owner community. Many of these entrepreneurs expressed curiosity about leveraging their success into the tech sphere but felt utterly lost about where to begin.
Recognising this gap in support and guidance, I was inspired to create a solution tailored specifically to their needs. Technically Confident aims to demystify the process of transitioning into tech, providing clear direction and empowering these entrepreneurs to confidently navigate the world of software development and technology. With our expertise and support, female business owners can embrace new opportunities and achieve success in the tech industry with assurance and clarity.
How did you achieve awareness?
We’ve predominantly built awareness and grown our customer base through referral networks, partnerships, and recommendations. This year, our primary focus is to formalise and expand our referral networks while enhancing our digital presence.
By strengthening our referral networks, we aim to amplify word-of-mouth marketing and attract a wider audience of potential clients. Additionally, bolstering our digital presence will enable us to reach and engage with our target market more effectively, driving further growth and visibility for Technically Confident.
Through these strategic initiatives, we’re poised to elevate our brand presence, expand our reach, and continue providing exceptional support to diverse and female business owners in their tech endeavors.
How have you been able to gain funding and grow?
So far, we’ve proudly bootstrapped everything, reinvesting profits into company growth. However, in the next few months, we’re gearing up to expand through investment. We’ve already initiated a couple of conversations in that direction.
What are the key successes?
It may sound sentimental, but the primary key to success for me has truly been the ability to collaborate with outstanding business owners. At present, our client base comprises 90% female entrepreneurs, which we’re incredibly thrilled about. It’s become apparent that there hasn’t been a safe or nurturing space for female and diverse founders before—but we’re determined to change that narrative.
What were/are the challenges and how have you overcome these?
Like many bootstrapped companies that have self-funded their growth, we’ve encountered cash flow challenges and learned how to navigate them effectively. Additionally, there’s been a fair share of trial and error in testing products and services tailored to our diverse customer base of business owners. Additionally, finding individuals who align culturally and possess the drive necessary for success has been a challenge, as has been my personal journey as a leader.
Believe me, starting and growing a business exposes every leadership weakness and illuminates areas for improvement to achieve success. It’s a humbling experience, to say the least. But through these challenges, we’ve grown stronger and more resilient, and I’m confident in our ability to overcome the obstacles that will inevitably come our way.
What are your plans now/for the future?
Over the next few months, our main goal is to broaden our digital product lineup to cater to a diverse range of entrepreneurs and founders. We’re determined to equip them with the skills and resources needed to create successful apps and software, no matter their budget constraints. Our plan involves setting up a comprehensive suite of educational programs and support services, essentially forming a “school” of offerings tailored to this initiative.
Moreover, we’re keenly aware that certain underrepresented groups in the tech industry might not be getting the support they need to pursue their investment goals. That’s why we’re currently diving into research to pinpoint these gaps in the marketplace. Our aim is to team up with strategic partners and sponsors who share our vision of closing these disparities. By joining forces with other relevant companies in the industry, we aim to create a unified platform that acts as a one-stop shop for entrepreneurs and founders looking to break into the tech scene.
In essence, our focus in the coming months revolves around expanding our digital product offerings, forging strategic partnerships, and conducting research to address the needs of underrepresented groups in the tech sector. Through these initiatives, we’re committed to empowering a diverse range of individuals to thrive in the world of technology entrepreneurship.
What would you like to share with others to encourage them to start their own entrepreneurship journey?
Entrepreneurship has opened up doors I never even dreamed of. It’s definitely not a journey for the faint-hearted – you’ll be pushed to your limits and then some. But in those challenges, you find an incredible journey of personal growth.
Looking back, the person I was in 2020 wouldn’t even recognise who I’ve become. Sure, entrepreneurship has its tough moments, but it’s also been an amazing ride filled with fun and unforgettable experiences.
Over the past few years, I’ve met some incredible people and made lifelong connections. Plus, I’ve had the chance to build my business while traveling the world full-time. It’s been a wild adventure, and I can’t wait to see where it takes me next.
Can you share your top tips for entrepreneurial success?
Here’s my hack for entrepreneurial success: Always see every situation as an opportunity. Entrepreneurship is all about mindset – remember, you have the power to decide what something means and how it affects you. When faced with a setback, ask yourself, “How could this actually benefit me right now?”
Another tactic I love is asking, “What’s the best possible outcome here?” Our minds often default to worst-case scenarios, which can send us into a state of panic – not helpful to anyone! So, redirect your focus towards a favorable outcome using this approach.
Never stop evaluating your belief systems, as they directly impact the outcomes of our actions. When I encounter challenges, I immediately shift my focus to asking powerful questions that serve me. Instead of wondering, “How will this work?” I ask, “How can I make this work?” or “How can I achieve this with the resources available to me right now?” Asking better questions has the potential to transform your success significantly.
Who are the 5 people who inspire you the most and why?
- Lisa Johnson – Business Strategist: Lisa’s success in business is undeniable, but what truly inspires me is her unwavering empathy and kindness towards others. Working with her has allowed me to witness firsthand the power of compassion in leadership, and it’s a quality I strive to emulate in my own journey.
- James Wedmore – Digital CEO: Jame’s relaxed attitude and lifestyle serve as a refreshing reminder of the importance of balance and well-being in entrepreneurship. His approachability and authenticity resonate deeply with me, inspiring me to cultivate a sense of calm amidst the hustle and bustle of business
- I love Reshma Saujani’s work because she fearlessly advocates for gender equality in STEM fields. Her initiatives, like Girls Who Code, empower young women to pursue careers in technology, challenging traditional norms and fostering a more inclusive industry, which is really cool!
- I’m truly inspired by Andrea Crowder’s work in the online business coaching space. Her emphasis on designing businesses that align with personal values and prioritising pleasure over pressure resonates deeply with me. Andrea’s approach to sustainable business growth, rooted in authenticity and joy, serves as a powerful reminder that success doesn’t have to come at the expense of well-being. By leading with pleasure rather than pressure, she embodies a refreshing perspective on entrepreneurship that I aspire to emulate in my own journey.
- I’m absolutely obsessed with all things related to energy and quantum physics – yes, total nerd alert! That’s why I find Joe Dispenza incredibly inspiring. His groundbreaking work in merging science with spirituality has revolutionized our understanding of the mind-body connection and the power of consciousness to transform health and drive success. His insights into the profound impact of our thoughts and emotions on our well-being resonate deeply with me, fueling my passion for personal growth and exploration.
What are your favourite inspirational /motivational quotes?
“As within, so without” – you think about yourself and what is happening on the inside will ultimately determine what’s reflected on the outside. – So if you’re not happy with something, start by changing yourself!
What are your Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn social handles and also website links so our readers can connect with you?
https://www.instagram.com/technicallyconfident/
