Running a successful business as a CEO doesn’t just happen by accident – it takes grit and determination, and in many cases the support of a significant other cheering them on.
According to CEO Today, running a business with a significant other can be a beneficial thing that can help the couple feel more appreciated by each other while building an empire together.
But what about the CEO who built their business from the ground up and now has a significant other who is pushing them toward even greater heights with their already up and running business? We’ve got you covered. Because it doesn’t really matter where you started on your business journey as long as someone is there today in your corner as your biggest supporter
Detroiter Asandi Conner, 50, and founder/CEO of Say It Write in Detroit is in a long-term relationship with her partner Bryon Hendricks.
She shared with The Michigan Chronicle that she was a “reluctant entrepreneur” when she was “thrust” into business by her first client, a nonprofit organization that she had done pro bono communications and strategy work for several years.
“One day the CEO said we have to start paying you and I formally launched Say It Write in 2018,” she said, adding that her inspiration for her company was her mother who is a savvy communicator.
“All my life I watched her and learned how to do this for myself and now I get to help others do the same,” she said. “Say It Write is about speaking up, speaking out and shining brightly. I know I have been blessed with a gift and I have made a conscious choice to not be selfish with it. My business has grown from my first nonprofit client to working with other nonprofits, leaders, entrepreneurs, artists and start-ups on a wide range of communications, coaching and strategy development projects.”
She added that Hendricks inspires her in the day-to-day work as a CEO because she loves the pride and care he has for his work.
“I have influenced his union role with the post office and how he approaches interpersonal relations and engages with the mail carriers he represents,” she said. “He has defined success on his own terms. His work ethic is commendable, and his leadership is unquestionable.”
Conner added that as a new CEO and solopreneur she is learning every day.
“For me, it is showing up for myself and my clients, leading and operating my business with integrity, figuring out ways to work smarter and discovering a work rhythm that keeps me sane and inspired, and finally extending myself and others grace.”
Conner added that a dear friend and fellow entrepreneur taught her to “work hard and play hard.”
“And that’s what I do, whether I’m in a relationship or not. My partner and I communicate and have fun together. We are laid back and go-with-the-flow people and genuinely want each other to succeed and be fulfilled,” she said.” We take good care of each other and treasure the relationship; therefore, it’s not a big deal when one of us needs to make a sacrifice for the other’s business or career.”
She said what makes her and her partner work is communication and the qualities and attributes she values in a partner are confidence, patience, understanding, flexibility and respect.
“A confident man will celebrate my success and not feel threatened by it,” she said. “He will be a cheerleader and advocate for me and my business. His patience, understanding and flexibility will be necessary when my work disrupts our plans and I need him to show up with and for me. Also, respecting boundaries and trusting that I know what I’m doing, not that I have all the answers, and generously sharing his advice when asked.”
C-Suite Sweeties Asandi Conner
Asandi Conner is the CEO and founder of her company Say It Write, and her significant other helps her every step of the way.
Photo provided by Asandi Conner
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