Sharyne Fong spent 30 years in the financial services sector in Suva, Fiji but one day she decided that she wasn’t exactly fulfilled. This led her to founding her consultancy, Insight Business Advisory, in 2019 which was a bold leap into a world she found both exciting and daunting.
Finding Purpose Beyond Corporate Life
Sharyne’s transition wasn’t just a career shift—it was a quest for fulfillment. She sought to help local entrepreneurs navigate business challenges, drawing upon her extensive experience in strategic planning, governance, and organizational reviews. Despite her deep knowledge, Sharyne struggled initially with a critical skill for entrepreneurs: pricing.
With guidance from a mentor in the Women Entrepreneurs Business Council (WEBC) and unwavering support from her network, Sharyne developed confidence in valuing her services. This journey of self-belief underscores the power of mentorship and community in entrepreneurship.
In this episode, she shares her strategy of preparing the groundwork early so that she could transition easily from being an employee to becoming an entrepreneur!
Thriving Through Adversity
The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 posed unique challenges yet Sharyne found opportunities amidst the crisis. With borders closed, local businesses which in the past, had hired foreign consultants, soon flocked to Fijian consultants like her, who understood Fiji’s market intricacies. She quickly embraced digital tools such as Zoom to deliver training and consultancy remotely which greatly expanded her reach and solidified her reputation as a resourceful and adaptive entrepreneur.
Building Networks: The Foundation of Success
Sharyne emphasizes the importance of networking as a cornerstone of her success. From her involvement with Leadership Fiji to her membership in WEBC and other organizations, her connections have provided invaluable support.
She encourages entrepreneurs to step out of their comfort zones and nurture relationships, stating, “Your network is where all your resources and opportunities lie.”
A Vision for the Future
Looking back, Sharyne’s proudest accomplishment is her courage to leave the security of her corporate job and sustain her business through its formative years. Her story is about the impact of community and networks on entrepreneurial success and not being afraid to ask for help and mentorship.
Listen to her episode today!
Interested to start your podcast? Ever since I started mine, many business owners asked me how they too could start their own podcast that I decided to write an ebook sharing everything that I do in my podcast and more. If starting a podcast is something you’d like to explore, check out my brand new ebook, Podcasting Power.