Supporting women in their quest to become financially fabulous, Pauline Kirk talks all things money with us.
We love entrepreneurs and small business owners at Honeycombers, which is why we’ve created Launchpad, a comprehensive digital networking platform (with IRL benefits, too) that encourages connection, business support and community. It’s a privilege and pleasure to learn from so many talented and inspiring folks, so we’ve decided to share the love by interviewing some of the lovely Launchpad members. Looking for inspiration? Check out how Pauline Kirk, the founder of Femvestorsglobal, gets it done like a boss.
What is your backstory and why did you decide to launch your business?
Several years back, I was terrible at managing money. I suffered from emotional spending and I was eventually diagnosed with PTSD years after my time in the military (I served in Iraq in 2002 and 2003).
There was a time when spending money made me feel good about myself. This resulted in a $150,000 debt on ten credit cards, signing as a guarantor on a home, and a new business venture – that also went south. I faced two choices: declare myself bankrupt or accept it and turn the situation around.
After developing financial success habits and eventually paying off the debt, I wasn’t used to having money and didn’t want to fall into my old habits. I gave my money to a financial advisor but it didn’t work out. After this experience, I didn’t know who to trust. I spent over 15 years educating myself as I believe there’s no one better to look after our money than ourselves.
I now support other women on what to do and not to do when it comes to spending habits, investing psychology and what to consider when approaching the world of investing so they can make more informed decisions.
What has been your biggest challenge so far and how did you overcome it?
I first focused on women in the expat and military community to financially empower them. This was one of the deepest fears for many of them. After researching this community in great detail (I’ve also been an expat for 14 years), I created Femvestorsglobal based on women that stated they wanted a solution to this issue.
The reality is that non-working military and expat wives don’t want to approach the subject of money with their spouses. This is despite providing a solution, spending a large amount of money on marketing, and hiring a business coach. So I pivoted to focus on professionals and entrepreneurs who earn their own money and want to be educated on becoming financially fabulous.
Sometimes, we just need to take a step back and realise that people may need your product but they don’t necessarily want your product. There needs to be a demand for what you do.
How do you stay motivated and energised?
I watch what enters the gateway of my mind. Otherwise, it’s easy to be sidetracked with the media today. I focus on the lives I change, the people I touch, and the amazing woman I am becoming.
My morning consists of meditation, reading a book for 30 minutes, listening to a podcast, and personal development. I turn to Tony Robbins online when I feel a little flat. I live life with gratitude and appreciation; I focus on what I have. For those who know me, I ooze passion and live every day high on life. When you love what you do, every day is a new day and I get to be the changemaker.
How do you deal with self-doubt or criticism?
We all have two voices (some more than that). Mine have names: one is called Neurotic Nancy and my superpower is called Avalanche Rose. I wake up each day, hi-five myself in the mirror and remind myself how amazing I am. I also say to myself, “Avalanche Rose, we’ve got this.”
My morning routine sets me up for success. Yes, there are days when Nancy escapes the prison of my mind. I acknowledge she’s there attempting to sabotage my day. Life happens, but tomorrow is a new day. Sometimes we just need to be kind to ourselves.
Favourite places to work?
I work from my home office with the exception of Fridays. I use the co-working space at Trehaus in Singapore. Not only do I get to network with other Launchpad members there, but I also use the cafe for meetings and get my coffee fix for the day.
Can you share a work mantra that you use?
Being super organised is my mantra. Besides Femvestorsglobal, I’m also a consulting partner for APEX-SCM (a supply chain management company), senior leader for the Tony Robbins Institute, executive committee member for Asia Professional Speakers Singapore, mentor for National Association for Women in Operations, day trader on the US stock markets, stepmum and wife. I have a lot going on. Being organised enables me to be extremely effective at time management.
One thing you can keep talking about for hours?
The importance of financial success habits. It’s never about how much we earn; it’s how much we get to keep. I know wealthy people who are in debt every month and live off credit cards. And I know people earning far less money who can save and invest. The key is having a goal of what you want your money for, then taking action and making it happen.
Your go-to self-care activity?
I love my coffee, so I schedule my morning routine where I walk to a cafe for that. I use this time to listen to a podcast, gather my thoughts for the day ahead, or take in the fresh air and reflect on gratitude and how truly amazing life really is.
One piece of advice to your younger self?
The older I get, the more I realise that other people’s opinions are irrelevant. I used to place so much emphasis on what others think. Now, I really don’t care. I just focus on being the most amazing woman I can be.
Get in touch with Pauline Kirk online.
Launchpad is a comprehensive digital networking platform (with IRL benefits, too) that encourages connection, business support and community. It is designed to make the entrepreneurial journey not only easier, and more successful, but also a whole lot more fun. We offer almost daily activities for members to connect, along with weekly masterclasses, member networking roulette, small-business mentoring and media profiles on Honeycombers. Check it out and join us!
