Thanks for four great years

Cardigan Associates closes on June 1, and I’ll officially retire from career coaching then. As I’ve been preparing for that transition, I’ve had time to reflect. In the summer of 2022, I had written a piece on lessons learned in the first year. Several of those lessons still ring true, and I’ll carry them with me. They are here.

➡️ Say yes often, even when you're not exactly sure what you're saying yes to (within reason).

I said yes to doing a pitch contest early on — one of the scariest things I've ever done. It forced me to articulate what my business was about.

➡️ Don't be your own worst enemy.

I created a business to support women in the job search, especially through boosting their confidence. Yet, my initial doubt about anyone being interested in my project was high. I was not the picture of confidence! I remember others in my founders' class questioning that doubt, and I realized the only person standing in the way of my success was me.

➡️ Seek out allies of all ages in all places.

My first mentors were about the age of my son. They never treated me like a fossil. I viewed them as the wise and experienced leaders they are. I learned so much from them about creating a business, asking questions, listening to clients, and not being afraid to change based on new learnings.

➡️ Remember that development is not linear.

This is the only truth I learned as a parent, but it also applies to starting a business, seeking out new opportunities, or doing anything in life. There is a lot of activity sometimes, and then there's nothing. Radio silence. Do one thing each day that that keeps your business (your job search, your health, your well-being) moving forward.

➡️ Stay humble.

My favorite social media post I shared that first year was the blooper reel from some videos my son and I shot for my website. It's fun to create a business or explore new professional opportunities, but it comes with some uncomfortable self-promotion. Don't take yourself too seriously.

➡️ Figure out what brings you flow, that experience of losing track of time.

For me, it's always been about helping people. I'm grateful I had employment that allowed me to do that. 💜