Ronald Bolden is a successful entrepreneur and business leader, founder of Shy Marketing LLC, with over 30 years of experience in the industry. He started his career as a Systems Engineer in the Silicon Valley, where he built strong relationships that turned into referral partnerships over the years.
Ronald realized early on that investing time in understanding and selling the products of potential partners could accelerate his value as a consultant and resource. What inspired Ronald to become an entrepreneur and business leader was his father, who started continuation schools in the Oakland Unified School District. Seeing students fall through the cracks in traditional schools, his father’s alternative high schools were groundbreaking and highly effective. This inspired Ronald to make a difference and provide alternative solutions to challenges. Several key factors have contributed to Ronald’s success. One of them is his first experience with sales training while working for the Southwestern Publishing Company.
Being the son of two educators, Ronald has always had an appetite for learning. Additionally, his shy background has made him an active listener, which has helped him build strong connections with clients and partners. Throughout his career, Ronald has faced various challenges. One ongoing challenge has been the lack of career advancement despite his performance. However, this uncertainty in the startup environment allowed him to diversify his skillset and work closely with marketing experts, which deepened his understanding of sales and marketing dynamics.
To stay motivated and focused on his goals, Ronald has multiple sources of inspiration. Taking care of his bed-bound father for over six years, having two sons in college, and his lifelong goal of building baseball and soccer fields in neighborhoods are all driving forces. He believes in not taking time for granted and cherishing every moment. Ronald’s leadership style is collaborative and focused on collective success. As a former youth coach, he values team success over individual achievements. He inspires and motivates his team by reminding them of their “why” and ensuring they stay on track towards their goals.
In his business, Ronald upholds values such as serving the client’s best interests and helping them become champions within their industry. He finds fulfillment in taking unknown individuals or products and elevating them to mainstream status, contributing to their success. He has joined forces with a global PR firm based in New York City, ZavoMedia PR Group, helping his clients and partners gain recognition, credibility and authority in their respected industry. To stay on top of industry trends and changes, Ronald engages with a network of experts, has real conversations with people in the field, and participates in information sessions and events. One recent project that Ronald is involved in is a green energy company that aims to be a game-changer in the energy space. This company provides multiple sources of zero-emission energy and introduces unique ways of introducing electricity back to the grid.
Looking ahead, Ronald’s goals and aspirations for his business and personal life are intertwined.
Personally, he wants to prioritize his health and not take time for granted, especially after surviving cancer and experiencing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. For his business, he aims to continue moving the goalpost purposefully while enjoying each milestone of advancement. What sets Ronald’s business apart from competitors is its agnostic strategic partnership approach. He brings in multiple partners to solve problems and creates a seamless solution for customers. This approach is inspired by his early days as a Pre-Sales Systems Engineer during the build-out of the Internet. One difficult decision that had a significant impact on Ronald’s business was choosing between his career and family when his first son was born. Despite the opportunity for career advancement, he chose to prioritize his family and has never regretted that decision.
Building a strong relationship with his son and emphasizing the value of time together became a guiding principle in his life. Ronald advises aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders to create strategic alliances from the start and learn how to team sell. Identifying how their solution complements existing offerings in the market can increase opportunities. Active listening, conviction in decision-making, and a long history of partnerships are some of the essential skills and qualities Ronald believes are crucial for a successful business leader. Balancing the needs of his business and personal life, Ronald blocks off time for his family and does not compromise on that commitment. He fosters a culture of collaboration and teamwork within his organization by staying focused on goals and maintaining balance in a global and diverse network.
Success in Ronald’s business is measured by hitting milestones and reaching targets.
Achievements are celebrated by acknowledging the progress made. Regarding future industry trends, Ronald sees the embracing of AI as a tool to simplify processes. He emphasizes the importance of balancing responsibilities with the use of technology. Overall, Ronald is most proud of making it through another year with the support of his partners and growing partnerships worldwide. He remains focused on continuous growth while appreciating each step forward.
Published by: Martin De Juan
