Starting New. Not Starting Over.

This year has been full of challenges and the need for constant change! For me, this year has also been one of transformation. And let me tell you, that transformation was looooong overdue. I’ve known that something needed to change, but I wasn’t quite sure what that change was. Perhaps that’s how a lot of people feel. Like something is off. Like this isn’t the path you should be on. But you have no clue what your next turn should be!

Years ago I took a personality assessment that described me as a benevolent entrepreneur. I always thought that was ridiculous, because I never saw myself venturing outside of corporate America. I enjoyed the security, the bonuses, the office with a view, and the predictability. I have never been much of a risk taker, so that environment felt right for me.

At my last job I got to experience true career progression pretty fast. I started as the sole person, in a rapidly growing company, leading their marketing and event planning. I wore many hats. I had to roll up my sleeves and do entry level work, but from time to time, I also got a seat at the big boys table (literally). I was happy. No, scratch that, I was content.

My career evolved quickly. I began building my own team one by one, and discovered the complexities that come with managing people. I learned that surrounding yourself with people smarter than you helps everyone grow. I learned that being a good leader isn’t about having all of the answers, but rather knowing who to listen to. I learned that having a solid team, one you can trust, depend on, and lean on, is invaluable and makes all the difference.

Despite my extreme love and happiness for my team, I was constantly getting “in trouble” for speaking my mind or suggesting better ways of doing things. I got really good at receiving feedback. I developed thick skin, which I know now is an asset. I had a hard time toting that line of knowing when to speak up and when to shut up. I was adamant about never compromising my integrity, and knew I had more to offer then what I was being utilized for.

Then I found myself laid off in the midst of a pandemic, just two weeks before Christmas. It was an unexpected smack in the face. I felt angry, sad, humiliated, confused, betrayed. I experienced all of the feels, but then I had a feeling that changed everything. I felt relief. I was relieved that I no longer needed to stifle myself or my creativity to fit a mold that others wanted me to fit. I felt free for the first time in a long time.

That was when I decided to focus on the one thing that I did have control over, my mindset. Instead of wondering why this was happening to me, I chose to wonder why this was happening for me. I spent a few days really reflecting about what I wanted my next step to be and I kept thinking back to that personality assessment I had taken nearly eight years before. Was I an entrepreneur? Did I have the guts to venture out on my own? I decided to go for it!

I began reaching out to people in my network, and I found an overwhelming amount of support. Before I fully made the decision to start my own company, I already had two clients lined up. In less than a week, I went from being lost and unsure, to ecstatic and hopeful. I know it sounds crazy, but I was appreciative of being laid off. I had outgrown that part of my career, and I was in dire need of a nudge in a new direction.

My time in the corporate world taught me more then any schooling could have. And believe me I did a lot of schooling over the years. I was constantly pushed out of my comfort zone, and because of that, I grew into the person that that personality assessment knew I could be. If not for my experiences over the years, I wouldn’t have the courage I now needed to take this next step. For that, I am forever grateful!

Once the decision was made to start something new, instead of starting over, I had to find my true passion. I realized that this journey I am on to find my most authentic self, is exactly what I wanted to help others do. It is just as hard for brands to discover their truest selves, and sometimes having someone else provide a different perspective is exactly what company’s need. I just know that I can bring value to brands that need that little bit extra to reach their goals.

I am not closing my book entirely, simply turning the page to a new and exciting chapter. One that I enter into focused on having confidence with a dash of humility, ambition with a dose of caution, and support with a lot of appreciation. Thank you to everyone who has helped me pave this path, I promise to make you all proud!