"A successful business leader must possess the skill to make a decision."
Zane Carson Carruth Tweet
Zane Carson Carruth is an international award-winning children’s book author. She has a trademarked book series on the tooth fairy, called The World’s First Tooth Fairy…Ever. The books tell the story of the origin of the tooth fairy tradition while weaving in the many adventures Abella, the World’s First Tooth Fairy, and her best friend Darcie have. There are currently five books in the series that are carried by Barnes & Noble, Walmart, The Houston Livestock Show, and Rodeo, Amazon, and her website. The latest book titled, Abella, Goes to the Rodeo, features the world-famous rodeo bullfighter/barrel man, Mr. Leon Coffee. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo stocks this book in their merchandise booths and online.
Her books have won admirable awards such as the Story Monsters Seal of Approval, the Story Book of Approval, the Parent and Teachers Award, and the Purple Dragonfly Book Award. Zane is also a certified Protocol and Etiquette professional. Her etiquette articles have been published in many high-end regional magazines. With a strong belief that neither money nor education sets us apart from one another, Zane understands great etiquette skills provide people with the tools needed to navigate the unfamiliar social territory.
In fact, when she’s not writing, Zane gives generously of her time, compassion, and expertise to the city of Houston. Living a generous life was instilled in Zane at a very young age. Her mother was very active in donating her time and resources to those less fortunate than her. It was a way of life for her growing up and continues to this day.
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Table of Contents
Thank you for agreeing to do this interview with us. Our readers would like to know more about you. Why did you choose this career?
Zane Carson Carruth: I have always had a great love for writing. The process brings me joy and a sense of peace. Writing fiction opens my mind to endless possibilities and strengthens my imagination and thinking outside the box. It also gives me an opportunity to send a message of love and comfort to children. I can weave a message of encouragement to children in my stories without coming across as preachy. I write from the heart drawing upon my childhood memories.
Can you share a story that happened to you since you became the leader of your company?
Zane Carson Carruth: As a leader, I had to learn to be thick-skinned. It is sad how quickly folks will find anything to be critical of your work and are proud to let you know their criticisms. It is always just a matter of their opinion vs mine, But, appears fun for them to find a public platform to let you know. One person wrote a horrible review of my first book. This book has won several prestigious awards, but, they went page by page and criticized everything. I had to shake my head because, I thought if you disliked a children’s book that much, why in the world did you read every page?
I have had to learn that everyone has an opinion of everything and the internet makes it very easy and enjoyable to criticize any and everything.
Please share with us an outstanding woman that you have never met, who inspires you? Tell us how she inspired you?
Zane Carson Carruth: This may sound silly and trite, but, I have the utmost respect for Marilyn Monore. (My guess, is most folks will say someone like Mother Theresa or someone like that).
However, I have read numerous books about Marilyn Monroe and my heart goes out to her for so many reasons. This is a person who was raised in very unfortunate circumstances. Institunilized mother, foster homes abuse, married off at a very young age to get rid of her… the reasons go on and on. All she wanted was to be loved and respected. And because she was not given the tools she needed to navigate life and see through people who used her, her life was so much harder. And yet, through pure determination and grit, she never stopped trying. She took acting classes to perfect her skill, she sounded herself with coaches who she thought could help her and she just kept going. ( Until she didn’t)
It is much easier for anyone to succeed if they have a strong, loving family that gives them the tools early in life how to make goals, accomplish goals and provides guidance and imparts knowledge. Life skill knowledge is invaluable to everyone. Those that have/ had a support system providing them wisdom and sound advice, are eons ahead of the game. Marilyn raised herself. It is never easy for anyone to raise themself and when they accomplish what she did in those circumstances is worth noticing.
There are numerous people just like Marilyn Monroe who make something of themself in spite of their sad circumstances. Anyone who does this inspires me and deserves our respect.
People who have helped us achieve success are very important to us. We should be grateful for everything they do for us. Can you share a story about how someone who PERSONALLY helped you succeed?
Zane Carson Carruth: I have had several people in my life shape and encourage me which eventually helped me become the person I am today. It was a long process. And I needed everyone who showed me the love and encouragement to get here. It was literally a building block process. I started out clueless. My first mentor talked to me about making goals and how to achieve them ( who knew??).
He encouraged me to speak up and told me my opinion was the value I brought to the meeting. When I made mistakes, he was kind about it, so my fear of speaking up did not diminish. He praised my work. Not in a generic way, but, in a detailed way. I knew he meant what he said because he gave examples of what he liked. He did not just provide lip service, but real examples. Another person showed me unconditional love for who I am.
That was a first for me. Unconditional love. That person really believed I could do anything and that I accomplished what I set out to do. This unconditional love gave me the confidence in myself to make bold choices and gave me joy. Having joy provides a level of energy unmatched by anything else. The last person gave me the platform I needed to be creative. He didn’t discourage me when I wanted to self-publish my books and has shown pride in my accomplishments as an author.
Women are more prominent in business than ever, however, there is plenty room for improvement. What can people do on their own, what can society do, and what can the government do? What are your suggestions?
Zane Carson Carruth: I started working in the era when they created “Bring your daughter to work day”. That was the beginning of the time when businesses realized females were not being shown the respect they deserved. All the men had offices and the females had desks in front of their office. Literally in front of the office door. All the executives were male. Females were referred to as “my girl”. “My girl will send you the letter, my girl will be here tomorrow”, etc. Men said whatever rude thing they wanted and that was just the way it was.
My honest opinion is, I would like to see a society that does not say ” first women to ….” first woman to win, the first woman to go to space, the first woman to make $10,000,000. I think we need to be at a place where we are all just people. Not first woman, not first black woman, not first Hispanic woman. I think that mindset holds us back and sends a bad message. It’s like the saying “don’t forget to… instead of saying “remember to… It is time to move on. No more pointing out genders, no more pointing out race. Women have made it in the world and I am witness to that.
There are many reasons why more women should become CEOs, Entrepreneurs, and founders. Some of these reasons may be obvious to you, but I think it is helpful to list them out. So, can you share a few reasons why more women should become business leaders?
Zane Carson Carruth: There are fundamentally basic differences between males and females. The biggest difference is the majority of women are more in touch with their emotions and have a higher level of intuition. Since businesses employ humans, there are human feelings and issues that must be taken into consideration to produce a higher level of service and morale. When employees are treated with compassion, they flourish. Unfortunately, women still have to prove themselves and work harder.
What are some things people think about being a business leader that isn’t true? Can you give examples?
Zane Carson Carruth: The biggest misconception is “oh they make so much money off us, they should pay us way more”. People who do not own their own business have no idea the risk involved in starting a business, the enormous cost and the liability involved. All they see is if the profit looks good, we did that for them and they owe us. There is a huge sense of entitlement today that was not there years ago. Even if you don’t own your business, but, are a leader in a corporation, the risks are very high.
The level of responsibility put on the shoulders of corporate leaders is enormous. The stockholders are demanding, the CEO is demanding. Everyone is looking to the leader to perform miracles. A leader is only as good as the staff they hire. Or put it another way, the leader is as good as the staff they hire. There is no easy street to the corner office. A leader does not get to that position without many personal sacrifices. The bigger the job role, the bigger the sacrifice to get there and hold on to it. Even with the perks that come in that position, it is a hard negotiating job.
In your opinion, what type of person is likely to be successful as a business leader? What are the specific traits that increase the chance of success? And do you think everyone is cut out to be a business leader? Can you explain what you mean?
Zane Carson Carruth: A successful business leader must possess the skill to make a decision. They need to know the importance of taking the time to gather all the information to make a good decision. Consultants are not necessarily good leaders because even though they are good at pulling together different opinions, and scenarios, they don’t make recommendations. They do not want to take responsibility for making a decision good or bad.
Therefore, historically, consultants lack the practice of making a solid decision. A good leader must also have the ability to let a co-worker shine and be encouraging. A good leader must be a good listener and listen with their ears and not their ego. They hire the best person for the job and then will step back and let them do it. The best leaders are very, very positive and usually have no plan B. A poor leader is one who changes his/her mind based on the last person they talked to.
What are some things you wish someone had told you before you started your business? Why? (Please share a story or example for each.)
Zane Carson Carruth: I wish someone would have stressed to me the value of trusting my own instincts. We all instinctively know what is best for us or what we should do. I went against my better judgment and added several lines to my book I regretted. I disliked that version so much, I gave boxes of those books away, re-wrote, and reprinted hundreds of them. It cost me a fortune, but, I am glad I did. I must be a slow learner, because, I had to reprint another book because I went against a gut feeling about the title and had to have it re-drawn and re-printed to fix it. So, now, I listen to my instincts and act upon them. Trust your instincts. They are there for you for a reason 🙂
What do you plan on tackling during the year 2022? Share your goals and battles you expect to face.
Zane Carson Carruth: My goal for 2022 is to write a book that teaches children about thoroughbred horse racing. My book “Abella Goes to the Rodeo” explained a little about bull riding and the greatest, bravest rodeo barrel man of all time, Mr Leon Coffee. I was able to write that wonderful book because I had inside information and access to some of the finest rodeo people in the world because my husband was Chairman-elect of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
My connections to the finest thoroughbred racehorse Kentucky Derby winner Big Brown, his trainers, jockeys, and other derby winners will give me an insight few have. I intend to make the most of the gifts life has given me and share a true story or two through the eyes of Abella, the Worlds First Tooth Fairy trademarked series.
Thank you so much for your time but before we finish things off, I do have one more question for you. What was the last book you read that had a great impact on you, please tell us how?
Zane Carson Carruth: That’s a hard one. I go through author reading obsessions and read everything I can find that they write. I love all biographies or autobiographies. One of the best short books I read was about Milton Hershey. He rose above his humble beginnings and created so much for so many. I am currently reading “Mozart’s Women: His Family, His Friends, His Music”.
I find so much encouragement reading about great people and how their path to success was such a long process and step by step. There usually is no huge leap to the top, but, through a stubborn, no-quit mindset, they usually succeed.
Jed Morley, VIP Contributor to ValiantCEO and the host of this interview would like to thank Zane Carson Carruth for taking the time to do this interview and share her knowledge and experience with our readers.
If you would like to get in touch with Zane Carson Carruth or her company, you can do it through her – Instagram
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