A bridge to new beginnings
When writing, we are often told “write what you know.” Easier said than done sometimes, especially when trying to wax poetic in a format in which you’ve never crafted … but in this spirit, sometimes the best way to begin is just by beginning.
In the spring of 2024, I transitioned from decades of public service into …. something new. For more than 25 years, I had been an employee, working for organizations, driving change from within, doing my very best in the service of others. I had multiple senior leadership roles, diverse responsibilities, and each experience - while challenging - was wonderful. Looking back, I do not have a single regret.
And then a new opportunity surfaced, a new bridge that I could dare to cross. In front of me I had a choice: listen to my traditional voice (i.e. talk about crossing the seemingly risky “Indiana Jones-style rope bridge over a mass of hungry crocodiles below” but instead take the safer, longer route) or simply go for it. This bridge appeared so wobbly, and while the first step onto it seemed easy, the more I walked the more dizzying it felt. Yet, the promise of what lay ahead, the excitement of new land on the other side to explore, and, ultimately, the opportunity to pursue a dream …. That seemed far more engaging, for more thriving, than taking that same, safer path.
So here I am, and, while the bridge has shuddered beneath my feet many times, it hasn’t defeated me yet. Sure, I’m often scared of how my next step may (or may not) affect the bridge, and every so often the boards holding my feet creak and groan under my weight. But the thrill of this crossing has been exhilarating thus far. Admittedly, I have much to learn, and I’m fairly certain that the odd gap will appear in the wooden beams to shake my confidence. But there is great joy in navigating your own new path, proceeding forward, step by step, pausing to look at the new horizon, and stopping to rest whenever needed.
It’s been almost a year on this bridge, and what have I learned?
Resilience is key - entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart. One has to be stubborn, committed to the journey ahead, and dedicated to stepping out of comfort zones.
While it’s exciting to think of revenue opportunities, business development is really the secret sauce. You have to find the right balance of growing your business while you do business.
I couldn’t have done any of it without a business partner (see #1). And I’m fortunate that my business partner is fantastic. If you’re going to cross a wobbly suspension bridge, having someone on the walk with you helps so much. They can guide, steer, help you avoid the missing boards, and support you up when your knees buckle.
Knowing where you want to go and what you want to offer others is absolutely key. While they’ll likely shift somewhat with time, knowing your unique value proposition and unfair advantage(s) early on gives you some much needed stability very early in the journey.
So where to from here? The bridge has wobbled a lot, but, as of yet, I haven’t fallen. And the best part? No matter the shakiness of the bridge, no matter how perilous it feels, no matter how it makes my knees weak …. It is secured at the other end to safe and stable ground. Here’s to the next steps.
