Caroline Ceniza-Levine of Six Figure Start LLC is known for being an extreme career changer.
Business Name
SixFigureStart LLC
Business Description
SixFigureStart® is a career coaching firm, comprised of former Fortune 500 recruiters. We have hired and managed the career development of thousands of people for leading companies and now share that expertise and inside knowledge with our clients. We serve 3 main client groups: individuals; companies; and universities:
• Individuals work with us on job search, career change and career advancement. We help our clients find fulfilling and financially rewarding careers.
• Corporations retain us for workshops and keynotes, executive coaching, HR consulting, and outplacement.
• Universities hire us to work with students and alumni on job search and professional development.
Start Date
January 2008
Best thing about working for yourself?
Every day is different. I can really pay attention to my natural work rhythms, follow my interests, and choose my priorities for each and every day. Building something from scratch, whether in the broad sense like the business overall or a very specific project like a marketing campaign for a workshop, is very satisfying.
Worst thing about working for yourself?
Every day is different. It’s a challenge to build structure, maintain momentum, and keep focused on the most important things. I think a lot of entrepreneurs are innately creatively with a lot of interests, and I’m not different, so staying on task is difficult when you’re interested in so many things. After being in a traditional work environment for 15 years, the freedom is exhilarating but also scary and requires a renewed discipline.
Why did you start your business?
I wasn’t feeling challenged or fulfilled and to find that in a traditional corporate environment seemed like it would take as much effort as building it for myself. So I wanted something for myself, where I would reap the benefits of the hard work. I also had a longtime friend who I wanted to work with, and both of us didn’t want to cross over into the other’s industry (I was in media then and she was in banking).
When did you start to think of yourself as an entrepreneur?
I’m in my 5th year of business now, and I still feel like I’m getting my sea legs. I have a number of contractors, vendors and strategic partners, and the bigger the team gets, the more I feel like, “Yes, I have an ongoing business!”
How do you relax?
I do stand-up comedy with a group in NYC called Comic Diversity.
What is something that you are known for?
I am known for being an extreme career changer – from Juilliard trained pianist to banker/ consultant to executive recruiter to actor to corporate HR director to real estate investor to entrepreneur. I am also know for my work with people interested in an extreme career change.
What 5 things would you never like to be without?
My 2 daughters, my husband, and close family and friends, which number more than 5. Everything else is replaceable. That said, I really value my Netflix subscription b/c I love movies.
What’s a business that you think is interesting or inspiring?
I’m interested in businesses that are trying to solve a massive problem in a new way – Kiva’s focus on microloans for entrepreneurship,Toms Shoes buy one/ give one away policy, on the lighter side Zipcar taking down the traditional rental car model.
Who is a person that inspires you?
I love people who have crafted careers that really say, “Me, Inc” For example, I recently interviewed one of Groupon’s lead recruiters, Dan Jessup. He has a big role there but is also active in improvisational theatre and acts in commercials. I also interviewed Trevor Shane, a hedge fund lawyer by day and a fiction author of “Children of Paranoia”, part of a trilogy. How cool is that to combine vastly different pursuits.
Nancy Ancowitz