In the ever-evolving landscape of entrepreneurship, few things are as critical as balancing innovation with trust. Theresa Caragol is the founder of Achieve Unite Inc., an innovative consultancy focusing on partnering alliances, channels, and people development, elements which have been the cornerstone of her journey. Her story is one of continuous learning, adapting, and leading with a vision that not only propels her own business forward but also empowers countless others in the tech industry and beyond.
From Consulting to AI-Driven Solutions
Theresa’s company is a beacon of innovation, primarily serving the tech industry by helping organizations grow their partner businesses. Her work spans strategic development, program management, and, crucially, people development—a recognition that without strong, capable teams, even the best strategies can fall short.
“We are all about partnering alliances, channels, and helping organizations grow their partner businesses,” Theresa explains. “And we do that by helping them with strategy and program growth, mostly in the tech industry today, but we’re beginning to expand outside of tech, which is really exciting.”
A major leap in her journey came with the integration of AI into her business model, an initiative that has not only streamlined operations but also opened new avenues for growth. “We’ve been working on an AI solution for the last three years,” Theresa shares. “This is very domain-specific to partnering and growth and revenue acceleration. We have 10 years of intellectual property loaded into it, along with all of our indexes and assessments.”
This AI-driven platform, AU Ignite AI, is designed to assist companies in navigating the complexities of partnerships and growth. The platform is divided into knowledge banks (or agents), including one affectionately named Bob. “Bob is the agent that does all the partnering growth and revenue acceleration, helping companies solve those challenges,” she says. But AU Ignite AI isn’t just a tool for clients; Theresa’s own team uses it to enhance their productivity and innovation. “We use it in our consulting engagements, training programs, everything we do.”
The Power of Trust and Human Connection
While technology plays a significant role in Theresa’s business, she emphasizes that it can never replace the human elements of trust and authentic leadership. “As we move from the knowledge economy to the AI economy, business relationships and trust are going to become more important, not less,” she asserts.
To this end, Theresa has also developed “Gail,” another AI-driven tool focused on trust and influence that provides businesses with important insights. “Gail is incredible at assessing how a person builds trust and then accelerating that process,” she says. This innovation aligns with Theresa’s belief that trust is the new currency in business—a principle that guides both her own operations and the advice she gives to her clients.
In her view, the ability to build and maintain trust is not just a nice-to-have but a critical differentiator in the modern business world. “Trust is the currency,” she notes. “Our PQI (Partnering Quotient Index) assessment tells you how you build trust and how others build trust, and this understanding can fast-track relationships and make them more genuine.”
Key Lessons for Entrepreneurs
Throughout her entrepreneurial journey, Theresa has distilled several key lessons that she believes are crucial for success. When asked what advice she would give to other entrepreneurs, she highlights three main points:
- Clarity of Mission: “Getting clear on our mission and what we do and don’t do was and is a critical piece,” she says. This clarity not only helps in decision-making but also ensures that everyone in the organization is aligned with the company’s goals.
- Mentors and Advisors: “The importance of mentors, sponsors, and advisors cannot be overstated,” Theresa advises. Having a circle of trusted advisors at different stages of your business can provide invaluable guidance and support.
- Recurring Revenue Models: Theresa emphasizes the importance of building a recurring revenue model from the start. “If I could do it over again, I would have started with recurring revenue,” she reflects. Transitioning from a project-based model to a productized, subscription-based one has been a significant focus for her business, and she encourages others to consider this approach early on.
Overcoming Challenges and Fostering Innovation
Innovation is at the heart of Theresa’s business, but it comes with its own set of challenges, particularly when it comes to implementing new technologies like AI. One of the biggest hurdles is overcoming the fear and resistance that often accompany such significant changes.
“Overcoming the fear and busting the myths about AI is crucial,” Theresa explains. “We have trials and ways to help people feel comfortable and confident, making sure they like the taste of it before they commit fully.”
Another key to fostering a culture of innovation within her company is the people she hires. “We hire people that are innovative, low in self-orientation, and high in collaboration and trust-building,” she says. This approach has created a team environment that thrives on trust, integrity, and a shared commitment to excellence.
Looking Back and Moving Forward
As Theresa reflects on her journey, she draws on a recent experience that encapsulates the mindset she believes every entrepreneur should embrace. “I just saw this over the weekend: fear is ‘what if,’ faith is ‘even if,'” she shares. “My message would be, sometimes as an entrepreneur, fear kicks in. But you have to stay strong, activate your faith, and believe that if you pick the right advisors, the right strategy, good things will happen.”
This philosophy of balancing fear with faith, of trusting in the process and the people around her, has been a guiding force in Theresa’s career. As she continues to innovate and expand her business, her focus remains on building strong, trust-based relationships—whether with clients, partners, or her own team.
Theresa Caragol’s story is a powerful reminder that while technology and innovation are critical to business success, they must be underpinned by trust, clarity, and a commitment to people. For entrepreneurs at any stage of their journey, her insights offer valuable lessons on navigating the complexities of modern business while staying true to one’s core values.
