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Fear of failure is one of the biggest obstacles that hold people back in life, fueling self-doubt and leading to a pattern of procrastination that can prevent one from meeting their goals.

Looking back at his career, accounting executive and entrepreneur Greg Collins said overcoming that challenge requires stepping out of one’s comfort zone.

“[In] a lot of situations I didn’t have a choice,” he added. “I had to do it whether or not I wanted to or I thought I could.”

Noting that every position he held or client he has worked with required him to know how to properly market himself, his business, and skills, Collins, who has logged more than three decades providing financial accounting and tax services to high-income individuals, business entities and not for profit organizations, offered 10 elements that helped move his career forward.

Collins, a graduate of the Feliciano School of Business, offered students the road map in his speech, “Effectively Marketing Yourself – Your Most Important Sale” during the final  MBA Executive Speaker Series for the Fall 2021 semester.

In addition to his business experience, Collins is the Chair of the �鶹��ý���� Foundation Board of Trustees, which supports university fundraising and capital campaigns, sponsors more than 350 annual scholarships, and underwrites a variety of programs rewarding excellent teaching and scholarship.

Building on both his skills and passion, Collins has held executive positions at Columbia Pictures and AT&T Inc., and served as the chief financial officer for Stevie Wonder’s business organization. A large part of his career has been working in the sports and entertainment industry, working with celebrity clients such as rap artists Busta Rhymes and Sean Combs, who also goes by Puff Daddy, broadcaster Wendy Williams and Paul D. DelVecchio Jr., known as DJ Pauly D from the MTV reality television show Jersey Shore.

Though some may seem minor, Collins offered key ingredients for success:

• Have a goal.
• Develop a plan.
• Get over your fear of failure.
• Develop your expertise.
• Acquire the tools needed to succeed.
• Build your network and professional relationships.
• Share your knowledge.
• Do your research.
• Develop your social media identity.
• Stay honest.
• Keep in touch.

To watch Greg Collins presentation: