Mentoring Helps Entrepreneurs Succeed: Bridget Weston

Mentoring Helps Entrepreneurs Succeed: Bridget Weston

Author: Marcylle Combs November 20, 2024 Duration: 27:40

In this conversation, Bridget Weston shares her inspiring journey from her mother's influence to her role as CEO of SCORE, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping entrepreneurs succeed. She discusses the challenges women face in entrepreneurship, the importance of mentorship, and the keys to small business success. Bridget also highlights the rise of AI in business and reflects on her personal growth and learning from mistakes.

SCORE CEO Bridget Weston is available to speak on how SCORE volunteers helped to launch more than 30,000 new businesses in 2023, the latest in a 60-year history of serving America’s  entrepreneurs.

Bridget Weston is CEO of SCORE, a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration, which provides free mentoring and education to current and aspiring small business owners through its network of 10,000 volunteers. Since its founding in 1964, SCORE has helped 17 million entrepreneurs to start, grow or successfully exit their businesses.

A respected thought leader in the small business landscape, Bridget has served as a small business expert in Congressional hearings and is regularly featured in media outlets such as CNN, MSNBC and Bloomberg Business. A Philadelphia native, she holds a Bachelor of Economics from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and an MBA from Temple University.

Bridget joined SCORE in 2010 in a field marketing role and gained a firsthand understanding of all facets of SCORE operations through her work in marketing, change management, technology and strategic planning.

  • Bridget's mother was a significant influence in her life.

  • Women entrepreneurs face unique challenges compared to men.

  • Having a mentor can provide essential support for entrepreneurs.

  • A solid business plan is crucial for success.

  • Access to capital is a key factor for small business owners.

  • AI is becoming increasingly important in entrepreneurship.

  • Mistakes are part of the learning process.

  • Daily inspiration comes from family and work.

  • SCORE has helped millions of entrepreneurs succeed.

Get In Touch With Bridget:

Score’s Website

Score’s Facebook

Score’s Instagram

Score’s LinkedIn

Bridget’s LinkedIn


Hosted by Marcylle Combs, 50% with Marcylle Combs is built on the belief that women's voices and leadership are essential to every conversation. This podcast moves beyond surface-level interviews to explore the full spectrum of a leader's life. In each episode, Marcylle sits down with a woman who is actively shaping her field and community, delving into the real texture of her journey. You'll hear about the pivotal moments that defined her path, the obstacles that reshaped her direction, and the hard-won insights gathered along the way. These are not just success stories; they are honest accounts of professional and personal evolution, offering tangible advice for anyone looking to lead. By focusing on this depth, the podcast creates a platform where the diverse and inspiring narratives of women from various backgrounds, industries, and sectors take center stage. Tuning into this podcast means gaining access to a repository of experience, a source of solidarity, and a clearer understanding of what it means to build a meaningful career and life. It’s where ambition meets reflection, and where listening feels like joining a candid, necessary dialogue about progress and purpose.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

50% with Marcylle Combs
Podcast Episodes
The Journey to Financial Success: Liz Davidson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:56
Liz Davidson shares her journey growing up with entrepreneurial parents and the lessons she learned from their experiences. She discusses her current business, which provides workplace financial coaching as an employee b…
Clear & Effective Communication: Casey Mank [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:36
Casey Mank shares her journey from being an English major to starting her own company that focuses on workplace writing and communication coaching. She discusses the challenges and opportunities she encountered along the…
Accelerating Career Trajectories: Dr. Carol Parker Walsh [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:53
Dr. Carol Parker Walsh shares her journey from a diverse background to becoming a consultant and advocate for individuals in their careers. She discusses the impact of her parents' contrasting narratives on her upbringin…
The Power of Alignment in Sales: Stacey Hall [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:30
Stacey Hall, a 5x #1 Global Best-Selling Author, shares her journey from journalism to marketing to sales strategy. She emphasizes the importance of alignment in sales and the building of relationships. Hall believes tha…
Finding Your Passion and Purpose in Midlife: Cathy Derksen [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:03
Cathy Derksen shares her journey of reinvention and how she helps midlife women embrace change and create the life they want. She discusses leaving a toxic marriage and job, exploring different career paths, and ultimate…
Transform Your Body and Confidence: Kate Galli [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:57
Kate Galli, a health coach and personal trainer in Australia, shares her journey from being a shy teenager to becoming a fitness professional. She emphasizes the importance of transforming both the body and confidence th…
Navigating Competition in Niche Markets: Liz Morris [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:53
Liz Morris, CEO of Carrot-Top Industries, shares her journey of taking over her father's flag business and her goal of dominating the industry. She discusses the niche market of selling flags and the challenges of compet…
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome With A Success Mindset: Mandy Schaniel [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:00
Mandy Schaniel shares her career journey and the lessons she has learned along the way. She talks about the importance of mentorship, overcoming imposter syndrome, and adopting a success mindset. Mandy also discusses her…