Today we’d like to introduce you to Oriel Ross McKinney.
Hi Oriel, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Thank you for this spotlight. I’m Oriel, many people call me “O”. I’m a mom, wife, daughter, entrepreneur, speaker, author, and I’m passionate about several causes like maternal health, business ownership, and civic engagement . I’m originally from New York City and have been in Orlando for nearly 15 years. My pioneering company is The Small Biz Engine®. It’s a business consultancy specializing in business strategy and brand development. I initially launched this company after a series of successes that sparked from conversations and recommendations I made to friends who were starting businesses and advancing their careers. I realized not only do I enjoy the evolution of business, but I was able to establish a methodology for expansion and there is value in what I bring.
Over 20 years later, through variations and transformations, my consultancy now has a learning academy and I’ve expanded our portfolio to include other ventures in real estate, travel, and hospitality/food.
Connecting with people, sharing my story and experience is a benefit I acquired along the way. I routinely speak worldwide on topics like Business Development, Brand Clarity, Capacity, & Control, and Mastering Dynamic Conversations to name a few.
In 2021, I won the title of Majestic International Pageant (Ms.) 2021-2022. The pageant emphasizes, “Where the world is your stage for success!”. Through appearances, speaking, and other privileges, I am taking my endeavors on an international level and that has been truly rewarding. In addition to business development and consulting, I’m able to bolster causes that are meaningful to me. My platform of Maternal Health has enabled me to share deficiencies in healthcare and to create ways to help women advocate for their health.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I can assuredly say it has not been a smooth road, but I’ve learned to appreciate that the ebbs and flows of life and business. These challenges help to position my brand and grow personally and professionally.
In business, I’ve faced challenges of being bogged down with inefficient processes, entering bad partnerships, ineffective pricing and margins. Personally, I’ve paused as I’ve had two babies born prematurely. I also have aging parents. But that’s life! If it were a linear path, there’d be no story.
Challenges have that shocking effect that showcase a spectrum of paths and outcomes. I thank God for all of it. Every year, I am stronger and it’s because I understand not just my talents but also my source.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about The Small Biz Engine / McKinney Brands?
Business Development Professionals, we partner with our clients from startup through expansion. The consultancy moniker, The Small Biz Engine®, as it suggests, highlights that we work behind the scenes to propel businesses with new ideas, growth strategies, removing inhibitors, and refining processes. Whether you’re looking to explore your business passions or separate yourself from the pack, we’re your partner.
Many ideas seem like benign concepts, but where I shine is identifying blind spots and fortifying the probability of your success.
I’m most proud of my CEO community. F.U.E.L.® Friends United in Entrepreneurial Leadership. It’s a Learning and Leadership Academy and CEO Peer Group. I encounter the most brilliant minds coming to the table to take their business to the next level, to learn, uplift, and chart paths with distinction. Over 300 people have been a part of F.U.E.L® or taken a course with me and it’s always emotional to witness growth. This is just the beginning.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Without a doubt, my faith and my family. My husband and I are raising future leaders. We’re raising gamechangers. We pray we’re the guides they need in this life. We pour into them every chance we get. They are a part of our business decisions. Our succession plans include them, it’s important they understand what we do and why.
They were both born prematurely and the journey of getting them to healthy, intelligent, and compassionate young people is our life’s work. Legacy matters. Love matters. Creating a life worth sharing matters.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@orielross.com
- Website: www.orielross.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesmallbizengine/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesmallbizengine
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Smallbizengine
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1ApgAiz53nqjurhgrF324Q
- Other: https://www.orielross.com/ms-majestic-intl.html
Image Credits
Kelly Canova
