1. Did you ever imagine yourself achieving what you have?
Yes, I have always been a goal-oriented person who reaches for the stars. I believe the only limits we have are those we impose on ourselves. As a visual person I find it helpful to create dream boards and then roll up my sleeves to make them happen.
2. What in hindsight would you say you underestimated about your industry or business and why?
Being an overachiever, I do not believe that I have ever underestimated my industry or my business. I work in a trillion dollar industry… anything is possible!
3. What is the best business related advise you have ever been given?
Do something you love… because it shows. Make a plan and stay focused. Keep your eyes on your goal. Don’t let other people or things distract you. Surround yourself with like-minded people.
4. What do you love most about what you do and why?
I love helping people and I thrive on problem solving. My business affords me the opportunity to do both on a daily basis. I am often told that I have immense passion for my work. There is no sense of greater accomplishment then closing the door at the end of the day and knowing I made a difference. Whether I have uncovered and solved areas of pain for a client, designed and implemented cost savings solutions for an organization, or met the challenge of an unrealistic deadline, there is always a great sense of triumph.
5. What if you knew then what you know now – would you do differently and why?
I believe in learning from the past – not living in it. All of my experiences have brought me to greater understandings. They have improved and enhanced my prospective and allowed me to grow as an individual. A mistake is not a mistake until you repeat it more than once… the first time it is just an experience and an opportunity for me to learn and grow.
6. When you are not working how do you like to spend your time?
I am very involved with my children and all of the activities that allow them to define who they want to be. I have a passion for kids and women. I am involved in mentoring women who have come from some tough walks of life and enjoy watching them accomplish their dreams. My most relaxing time is spent in the garden or decorating. Being able to create something of beauty brings me incredible peace, serenity and joy.
7. How do you define success?
Becoming the person you have always wanted to be and living the life you have always wanted to live.
8. If you had to share one final thought with your audience of thousands of women in business – what would it be?
Be true to yourself and believe in you. This world doesn’t always make it easy to do this. It takes a strong person with enormous self confidence to achieve all that you can be. We can be our own best friend or our own worst enemy. The choice is ours. Ask yourself what is your greatest desire and then go for it. Make your own dreams come true!
About Holly
Holly Ambrose has more than 21 years of experience in the print industry. She joined the Proforma network in 2004, creating Proforma Global Printing and Design to offer print, promotional products/apparel, marketing communications, multimedia, social media, web design/visibility, translation/interpretation services and technology for global and national clients. Back by the power of the Proforma network, Holly is able to guarantee her clients a 16% cost savings for a full print management program.
Holly helped pioneer Proforma Global’s online processes to help automate Global 2000 companies which included e-commerce platforms offering over 160 languages, marketing platforms, training and communication platforms, translation capabilities and more. She assisted in developing workflow solutions, redesign and increased efficiencies for these companies. Holly recognized the need and established online and product solutions for small businesses. These efforts were recognized by Startup America Partnership with their inclusion of Proforma Global to the Startup America initiative. She has developed customized programs which have gained Six Sigma Black Belt status.
She is a founding member for The Center for Spend Management Excellence, an organization developing best practices for all disciplines while assisting organizations in driving out costs. She has also been recognized as finalist for “Technology Innovator” in both 2007 and 2008 through multiple technology based solutions.
Holly is involved in several community organizations including the Maryland Chamber of Commerce, www.HirePatriots.com and she is a member of Concerned Women of America. Holly is active in her church and helps fundraise for St. Jude’s, United Way, Special Olympics and the Susan G. Komen Foundation.