Ericka Gutierrez Talley speaks entrepreneurship in two languages. As director of operations at Conductor, a Conway-based entrepreneurial support organization, Gutierrez Talley has a personal mission to promote diversity within underrepresented communities.
“Within the Hispanic community, I think we have to work on building trust, building those relationships,” she said.
She offers guidance in Spanish, which helps bridge the language barrier and ensures that entrepreneurs have a clearer understanding of what they need to do to grow their businesses.
Gutierrez Talley takes pride in providing information and resources to Spanish-speaking business owners, saying, “Anytime I’m able to make it easier for somebody to understand and to have an easier time accessing resources, I feel like I’m making an impact, and there’s definitely been an opportunity to do that here in Conway.”
When asked what energizes her work at the Conductor, Ericka’s enthusiasm was palpable.
“I get to play a role in helping grow small businesses and boost innovation across central Arkansas,” she said. “I get to play a role in the community I live in. I feel so honored.”
She expressed her supreme good fortune to be a key player on the Conductor team.
Conductor has one of the best cultures that I’ve experienced in my career,” she said. “I work with a team that is always willing to set an example. Our leadership is some of the best I’ve witnessed. I get to learn from my team, who is always willing to go that extra mile to take action. We take really good care of each other. I think all those things are important to create a good work culture, a place where we can thrive and do what we’re set out to do.”
Gutierrez Talley said she sees Arkansas as an ideal launchpad for entrepreneurs thanks to its growing support systems and resources.
“Last year, the [Ewing Marion] Kauffman Foundation listed Arkansas as one of the states having the highest opportunity share for new entrepreneurs,” she said. “That indicates [Arkansas had] the percentage of new entrepreneurs who created businesses out of choice instead of necessity.
“I think more aspiring entrepreneurs are stepping up and willing to take that plunge and start their own ventures. I feel like a lot of this momentum is supported by increasing resources and the support mechanisms that we have from organizations like Conductor. There’s awesome collaboration, spirit and effort here in Arkansas.”
For anyone considering starting a business, especially those from minority communities, Gutierrez Talley’s advice is simple: “I would say to get connected, to not be afraid to reach out, whether that’s Conductor or other entrepreneur support organizations. Get plugged in, whether it’s a one-on-one meeting or grabbing some coffee or attending an event. I think taking that first step can open the door and help so much.”
She credited her inspiration and cheerful outlook to her family and colleagues.
“My parents have exemplified extraordinary resilience and work ethic for as long as I can remember. They’ve always taught me to be courageous, to be determined in pursuing my dreams,” she said. “They’ve instilled in me the desire to learn in the spirit of curiosity and the importance of seeking mentorship, all while encouraging me to help as many people as possible along the way.
My husband is great support for me. He’s also in the ecosystem, able to bounce back ideas and understand the nature of the work. My immediate family, as well as my extended family, have been very supportive, and of course, my work environment. The leadership is unmatched. The opportunity for growth and learning is unmatched, as well. I’m a very lucky person.”
She added that she looks at diversity as a strategy to improve organizations and the people within them.
“I believe that propelling and advancing diversity and inclusion will take people like me, but it’s definitely a collaborative effort,” she said. “I’m always willing to participate. I’m always willing to share my own experiences, but I think more than anything, I’m always willing to listen and to learn more. I don’t know everything, and I’m not the expert in diversity and inclusion. I’m just one person, and I think at the end of the day, it’s so important that it’s a collaborative effort of listening, learning and just being willing to participate.”
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