We’re looking forward to introducing you to Candice DeRiso. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Candice, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
My younger years were a journey of wandering with a purpose: to learn. Overwhelmed by a world of possibilities, I let go of the need for a detailed map. Instead, I absorbed wisdom from those around me, and through their reflections, I discovered a profound lack of self-awareness. This was my epiphany—the reason for my wandering.
Today, the path isn’t always clear, but I’ve embraced the winding road and the pauses along the way. I’ve learned that life isn’t a simple, step-by-step path toward a single goal, but a dynamic journey where we respond to situations as they arise, guided by our broader purpose.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I left a fantastic job at Carnegie Hall in New York City in 2011. Driven by a search for a better quality of life, I moved all the way to Austin, Texas. That journey led me to dive into the world of marketing and sales technology. Along the way, I discovered a need among businesses: a way to embrace the digital world without sacrificing the personal touch. In 2015, I founded Beckmann Collaborative, LLC to fill that gap.
The company’s approach was simple: work as a true partner with our clients. After beginning to use Zoho CRM for our sales and marketing management, I quickly saw how this powerful tool could help clients too. I began offering CRM implementation services in 2017. As the digital landscape evolved, so did the company. By 2020, we were helping businesses integrate a wider range of Zoho One applications to improve their operational efficiency.
Today, we’re a boutique consulting firm that helps clients achieve marketing and sales success using the right technology tools. Our team combines deep Zoho expertise with a business consulting mindset, creating robust strategies and streamlined processes. We don’t just implement software, we train teams, and empower them to use these tools to grow & connect with their customers more effectively.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
I was raised to be a people-pleaser, a habit that brought me a lot of “friends” but also a lot of misery. While I was great at avoiding conflict, I struggled with healthy relationships because I wasn’t being honest with myself. My desire to please others often meant I let bad people into my life, people who didn’t have my best interests at heart.
Moving from New York to Texas was a turning point. It was a time of forced self-reflection where I finally understood my people-pleasing stemmed from a deep desire to be loved. I realized I could still be easy to get along with and find the good in others without compromising my own well-being.
Today, I know how to be kind without accepting bad behavior. It means I can be warm with people and true to myself at the same time, even when I disagree with others.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
My sense of being “less than” started in childhood. As a kid, my intelligence was noticed by teachers, and I was often placed in accelerated classes with very bright students. But I didn’t have the same support at home. Their parents invested time and money in their education; my parents, less so. This created an early feeling of being outmatched and not quite enough.
This insecurity followed me into adulthood. In my first jobs, I often felt like an imposter. I remember taking a job at a Broadway marketing agency with no marketing experience, only a deep curiosity to learn. Every day was a steep learning curve, and I was fortunate to have a teammate who acted as a mentor and was willing to guide me.
Even now, as a business owner, I sometimes struggle with feeling like I don’t know enough or that I’m not keeping up. While I still have moments where I fall back on the “fake it ’til you make it” mindset, I’ve learned to pause and reset. I remind myself that my honesty and integrity are more valuable than my knowledge at any given moment.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Whose ideas do you rely on most that aren’t your own?
I’m fortunate to collaborate with my brilliant husband. Two years ago, we recognized a pivotal opportunity. While his video editing career had plateaued, my Zoho consulting business was growing rapidly, though I was struggling to scale it alone. I knew I needed a partner with complementary skills. My strengths lie in client relations and intuitive problem-solving, while his are in structured systems and rapid learning.
He taught himself the fundamentals of Zoho’s Deluge coding language over a single weekend, and his expertise has only deepened since.
More importantly, he brings a unique strategic perspective. I frequently seek his input to refine my ideas by seeking his insights. While his approach is quite different from mine, we are always aligned with our shared purpose of helping good people to grow their businesses.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
My professional and personal mission is to leave a positive impact on those I encounter. I strive to make every interaction, whether in business, with family, or within the community, one that leaves people feeling uplifted and valued.
The ultimate goal I have is simple: to contribute to the well-being of others, whether through a word of encouragement, a gesture of gratitude, or a genuine expression of appreciation. This commitment to kindness and mutual respect is at the core of my identity.
Success is measured by more than data and results. It is about how we treat one another. My focus on mutual respect and genuine support, creates a lasting, positive impact on everyone I interact with.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.beckmanncollaborative.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beckmanncollaborative/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/beckmann-collaborative-llc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Beckmann.Collaborative
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@beckmanncollaborative
