Welcome, Mountain Bizworks Team!
For almost ten years, I’ve had the privilege of working with incredible partners across Western North Carolina—helping small business owners find the tools, coaching, and confidence they need to grow. My background in business coaching, program operations, and systems design has always been rooted in connection and community. I’m especially excited about the opportunity to bring that experience to Mountain BizWorks and continue supporting entrepreneurs who make this region such a vibrant place to live and work.
case studies
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Support Navigator - A Personalized, Embedded Tool for Resource Discovery
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Support Directory - The First Step Toward a Statewide Entrepreneur Resource Tool
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Podcast - Elevating Local Entrepreneur Stories and Expert Insights
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How We Turned a Local Event into a Scalable, Licensed Program for Cities Across the U.S.
How I Work
I bring a balance of independent judgment and collaborative energy to my work. I’m comfortable taking ownership of complex projects—whether refining digital workflows, coordinating programs, or supporting entrepreneurs through coaching—while also thriving in team environments where ideas and expertise intersect. My strengths in discernment, organization, and strategic thinking help me cut through complexity, keep projects moving, and align people and processes toward shared goals. This mix of autonomy and teamwork allows me to contribute effectively to both the structured and community-driven aspects of entrepreneurial support.
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MBTI: ENTJ
I lead with strategy and structure. I thrive in environments that require big-picture thinking, decisive action, and clear execution. I’m energized by long-term goals and systems that support growth, and I bring a natural drive to organize people and processes toward shared outcomes.
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Kolbe A Index: 8-5-5-2
I lead with Fact Finder, which means I research deeply, document precisely, and define direction before moving. I’m energized by digging into data and aligning strategy to facts, but I also move swiftly once the plan is clear. I’m comfortable in both planning and execution, balancing analysis with follow-through.
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Working Genius: Discernment & Enablement
I evaluate what’s worth pursuing—and help others get it done. I bring instinctive judgment, clarity, and insight to ideas, projects, and people. I’m naturally inclined to spot what will work and to support others with actionable, timely help that keeps momentum going.
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CliftonStrengths Top 5
I’m an Arranger, juggling complexity and finding smart, efficient paths forward. I’m Strategic, quick to spot patterns and map the best route through ambiguity. My talent for Individualization helps me recognize people’s unique strengths and shape cohesive, effective teams. I’m Restorative, energized by solving problems, uncovering root causes, and putting lasting fixes in place. And I bring Positivity to the work—I lead with optimism, encouragement, and perspective that keeps teams moving forward.
Thank You
I’m excited about the opportunity to collaborate with Mountain Bizworks.
steph@swkissel.com
828-575-7851