Ciara Ungar: Empowering Entrepreneurs to Build from the Why and Adapt to Change

According to a study by the Small Business Administration, only two-thirds of small businesses survive beyond two years, and only half make it past the five-year mark. Ciara Ungar, a Startup Advisor, Business Consultant, Speaker, and Author based in New York City, has spent more than 17 years helping entrepreneurs beat these odds by gaining clarity, mission alignment, and traction. Her approach to coaching and consulting focuses on clarifying the "why" and strategically building a business from there, while infusing empathy and psychology into her strategies.  

With a unique background in various industries, Ciara's ability to understand nuances and spot domino effects in businesses sets her apart as a trusted advisor and consultant. With a multidisciplinary background spanning Business Management, Strategic Planning, Communications, Psychology, Integrated Strategy, and Entrepreneurship, Ciara brings a wealth of expertise to her client engagements, with a passion for helping business leaders find clarity, mission alignment, and traction.   

Multidisciplinary Approach to Business Coaching  

Her journey into this field started when she was working full-time and taking on supplemental roles as a Startup Advisor and Consultant, which ultimately led her on a journey to assist individuals who strive to bring about significant change in the world. Her personal experience with late-stage Neurological Lyme Disease motivated her to shift her focus toward working with leaders and visionaries directly, bringing her strategic expertise in building businesses to those who need it the most. The experience taught Ciara the power of empathy in the workplace and the importance of living a meaningful life, which is reflected in her approach to Coaching and Consulting.  

Her impressive academic credentials include top-tier institutions, such as Georgetown University, Columbia University, Boston University, Harvard, Wharton, and Purdue. As a Pocket Cheerleader and disciple of inspirational minds like Simon Sinek, Mel Robins, Robin Sharma, and Donald Miller, she is passionate about applying transformative thinking to strategic growth as Founders build ventures, teams, and personal purpose that inspires change. As a Certified Business & Life Coach, Ciara helps Founders balance their personal and professional lives, while aligning their mission with their strategic goals. Her extensive experience and unique skill set have made her a trusted global voice across venture building, strategy, and storytelling.  

Mission Alignment Through Building from the Why  

When Founders come to Ciara, they often feel overwhelmed, burned out, and alone in their journey. However, Ciara's approach dives deep into their "WHY" and strategically builds from there. This approach ensures that the passion and impact they want to make serve as the foundation for all they do. Once they have that North Star, they build out their roadmap together and strategically work through their core challenges through that lens.  

Ciara's background in psychology and various industries helps her spot nuances in businesses, and she infuses empathy into her strategies to create mission alignment based on the "WHY." By diving deep into clients' passion and purpose, she helps them build a strong foundation for success.  

Multifaceted Approach to Brand Building in the Pandemic Era and Beyond  

The pandemic has brought about a significant shift in brand building, with a need to connect deeper with audiences. Ciara Ungar advises her clients to build a strong story that resonates. Data doesn't connect with people, but feeling understood does. Through different frameworks, Ciara uncovers the core elements of her clients’ brand stories and brings them to life in a way that connects with their customers. Her book, "Leadership Lessons from a Team Captain," applies sports concepts to the business world to make leadership concepts more relatable. Ciara also helps founders reframe what success and purpose look like, creating more psychological safety and balance in the startup world.  

Staying Ahead of the Game by Adapting to Changing Business Strategies  

The business landscape is constantly evolving, and Ciara recognizes the importance of keeping up with the times. She notes that traditional strategies are no longer sufficient for growth in today's knowledge age. The modern workplace requires a deeper understanding of psychology and creating a sense of psychological safety and balance. "I'm seeing more openness to this new way of thinking, though, especially in areas of wanting to create more psychological safety and balance," she said. To ensure that she stays updated on the latest client needs, Ciara maintains consistent communication and reaches out to them with specific prompts based on new data and reports. For women looking to enter the world of entrepreneurship, Ciara encourages them to have courage and conviction in their goals, despite the naysayers.