What have you found are the pros and cons of being your own boss?
The best part of being your own boss as an entrepreneur is the opportunity to independently set a vision and challenge yourself to get there. When you make the leap you realize how much you have to draw upon.
The biggest challenge, I find, is the discipline and diligence it takes to stay focused. There are so many things that need doing and you have to wear so many hats. It requires strong organizational frameworks and systems. That requires a strategic time investment in the beginning, but it is so worth it.
What has been the most challenging moment of your project or business? How did you overcome it?
When people ask me what I do, and I tell them that I’m an energy healer, there are three kinds of I believe the biggest challenge will be RIGHT NOW. As we face uncertainty with the Corona Virus. It has upended everything. On one hand it clearly shows the need for stronger, more diverse leadership in business, in politics, in our communities. On the other, it will may be a challenge in the current economic climate for companies to prioritize leadership development.
Who was an important figure during this process? How did they support you?
We are still underway but I am finding it is my business partner, Erika. Together we lean on each other for gut and sanity checks. And keep each other motivated and inspired.
What is the most important learning you take from this stage of your life?
The biggest learning is how dynamic and exciting it is (life changing!) to be building something that is fueled by personal heart and passion. And also to understand what it really means to ask for help when you need it. For me, it’s been about tapping people I trust, some of whom I just met for the first time in this process, to ask for input or insights. I feel a great deal of gratitude for how those asks have been answered.
Have you ever suffered from “impostor syndrome”? If so, how did you overcome it?
I think we all have. For me it was earlier in my career when I stepped into a broader marketing role, where I was faced with the opportunity (and expectation) of adding my POV into a high stakes, multi-disciplinary and fast paced business context. What I soon realized is that I could hold my own and more by truly listening and learning real time, but also having the courage and strength to share my perspectives in an open and informed way.
What is your perspective or philosophy regarding uncertainty or the unknown?
I have been faced with the unknown many times in my life — when I moved to SE Alaska to start a wildnerness lodge in my late twenties where I brought two little girls into the world and balanced my first start up business with also marketing freelance consulting (as the primary breadwinner of my family). Or when I faced a breast cancer diagnosis ten years ago that I so fortunately went on to beat. There is nothing like facing your own mortality to put you into a state of uncertainty! And now jumping into a next phase of my career doing work that is largely undefined.
Through all of these moments I have grown and evolved and gained strength and healthy perspective on myself, on people and on the world. I wouldn’t change any of it.
If you could give some advice to yourself a few years ago, what would you tell yourself?
I would tell myself to create a team of “helpers” in my life and budget time and $$ for it. And I would say truthfully and directly that I can’t, as much as I want to, do it all by myself. Whether it’s bodywork experts (acupuncture and therapeutic massage are critical in my life now) or a gardener to bring beauty to your home, or someone to take care of your house or children, or it’s setting aside regular dedicated time to be with people that are important to you, or having someone help you make meals for your family each week even though you are very capable of cooking — you need to find the right arsenal of support that you can rely upon. Because you need it. And you deserve it.
Is there a book, article or podcast that you recommend?
Parker J. Palmer is an incredible inspiration to me in terms of making thoughtful life choices. This book, “Let Your LIfe Speak” is a great one. I have also been strongly influenced by adrienne maree brown’s “Emergent Strategy.”
Is there anything else you want to share with our readers?
At fifty two years of age, I know now that it’s not about seeking an ultimate destination, climbing that elusive ladder, or conquering the next big life goal. It’s about treasuring the everyday that makes life worthwhile and meaningful. Have patience and kindness for yourself as you set out in new directions. And trust yourself even more than you think you should.
Leave a Reply