Two years ago today (9/9) marks my “official” shift from corporate to consulting. Time flies when you're having fun, right?
What many people don’t know is WHY I made the change — and it may not be what you think.
I loved my role as a senior director of strategic initiatives at a growing education company. In fact, my former employer remains one of my incredible clients today, and we continue to implement new programs and build multi-year revenue generators. It’s fantastic, actually.
While there, I had a hand in building one of the best marketing teams I've had the pleasure of working with and together we made an impact in thousands of professionals’ lives through our education programs, our “helpful” content strategy, several strategic partnerships, and more.
I couldn’t shake a deep-rooted feeling that my day-to-day LIFE needed a change; a shift in how I worked so I could continue doing what I love without burning the proverbial candle at both ends.
One good thing about getting older is that I’ve come to learn two facts about myself:
I love a good challenge, a business problem if you will, that needs a smart solution.
When I do work that excites me, watch out! I have a super power💥 that allows me to hyper focus and accomplish 10x what a “normal” day usually entails.
When I’m employed by someone else, I tend to seek validation to my own detriment — always saying "yes" to additional projects or more responsibility because I don't want to inadvertently send the wrong signal to the higher ups that I'm not a good employee or whatever. Now, most people calls this "setting boundaries" and know that setting them is completely normal and healthy. I believe this to be true as well; it's just that I know my follow through is severely lacking — so I end up feeling tired, burnt out and ineffective.
It took me years to recognize the cycle, but when the signs started up again... it was time. So I made the decision to bet on myself — and put my passion and drive to work for me.
Why if I fly?
“Why not me?” became my new mantra. Along with, “What if I fly?” and, “Let your light shine.” And here I am… two whole years and a global pandemic later... feeling incredibly grateful, thankful and blessed.
Thank you to my clients for trusting me with your challenges and allowing me to contribute to your success. Thank you to my incredible network of powerhouse professionals who inspire me daily. Thank you to my friends and family for listening to my stories as I’ve navigated quite a bit of change.
And, last but always first in my heart, thank you to my incredibly supportive husband Steve and our kiddos, Brooke and Marek, for letting me do what I love for a living and still joining me for our impromptu living room dance parties.
~H