Member of the Moment: Kerry Michaels

Kerry Michaels

CEO & Co-Founder of William Murray Golf
WPO Austin Member

How has being a WPO member helped your business?

Having a community of women who have experienced what I'm going through is invaluable. They are there to support our business through advice, networking and overall encouragement. I love being able to experience share each month because I learn so much hearing about what everyone else is going through. It's also an opportunity for me to be vulnerable and share challenges I might not want to share with anyone else. In the end it's made me and my business stronger for it because of the open, judge free dialogue.

What challenges have you faced as a woman in business?

As a woman in business, it's always felt more challenging to ask for help - especially considering I'm in a male-dominated industry. When you're in a room or on the golf course with all men, it can be very intimidating! I've certainly been told that I don't understand golf and can't possibly run a men's company. I know at times it's also made it more difficult for me to raise money in this space. That said, it's why I love that WMG is a women-led business because not only are we disrupting the way people dress on the course, but we are disrupting the business side of the industry as well.

What’s your favorite WPO event you’ve attended? Why?

We had an open Women CEO's in Austin event that was incredible. We had so many people attend from all over the community and it was inspiring to hear about all of the businesses they are leading and growing.

What’s the best business advice you’ve ever received?

Challenges are Opportunities in Disguise. There's always something that goes wrong or doesn't work or a reason not to move forward, but even if we just learn from those challenges that's enough. Usually though you can find an opportunity to do things differently or come up with a solution you never would have had a reason to explore before.

What lesson have you learned that can you share with other women entrepreneurs?

Trust your gut. You know your business and customers better than anyone. Sometimes it can be easy to second guess yourself and your decisions when you receive conflicting advice and opinions from others. Over time I've learned (and I'm still learning) how to filter the advice and trust in myself.