Things I'm Learning
Navigating the Solopreneur Journey
Starting my own coaching practice has been tough…and beautiful; a journey filled with profound lessons and personal growth. As a solopreneur, I've experienced both the loneliness and learnings that come with navigating this path. From the small details, like remembering to handle billing on time and making sure not to use my home address as my business address to avoid unwanted creepers, to the significant challenges of maintaining my integrity and dealing with clients who may not respect my boundaries, every step has been a lesson.
Cutting My Teeth
One of the first hard lessons was realizing the importance of setting clear boundaries in contracts. Having only ever been on the side of the company and deep pockets, I had to switch gears and navigate dealing with companies, ensuring that my services are properly valued and compensated. Even as I practiced those skills, I also cultivated the generous approach for individuals who genuinely want to work with me but can't afford industry-standard prices. Balancing the different aspects of being a service provider has been a delicate act of trial and error.
Being a solopreneur also means being alone in my decisions, enduring tough financial months on my own, and having to be my own hype-woman during the big wins. After 25 years of being part of (and often leading) a team, this isolation was a stark contrast. However, I am fortunate to have a solid community of coaches—both mentors and peers—who provide support and insight. This community reassures me that I am never truly alone, even when the weight of going-it-alone feels heavy.
Finding My Feet
Before you feel sorry for me, let me assure you: I wouldn't trade this experience for anything. The freedom to explore what I care about is what I dreamed it would be. Building something for myself, instead of giving my ideas and sweat equity to yet another rich white guy, is incredibly fulfilling. I feel seen and heard for my contributions and misteps instead of someone else taking credit or blaming me.
More than anything else, I love watching the lightbulbs come on for my clients when they discover answers that were hidden within—with my help. Over the past 15 months, I've interacted with over 50 clients, each one leaving a mark on my heart. Whether it's individuals seeking personal agency, product managers wanting to deepen their craft, leaders striving for better team impact, or founders needing strategic insights, each client has enriched my journey as a coach.
Always Be Closing Learning
So here’s a little list of some of the learnings that are closest to my heart right now:
The good days far outweigh the bad, but the bad days tend to be a bit stickier at times. So celebrate the good loudly and with much fanfare.
There's immense joy and relief in doing what I want to do. When you leave something behind and wonder if you'll ever feel that way again, trust me, you will. Your body and mind will seek it out and find it if you just keep going!
Creativity gets buried when we do work that crushes our soul and gets unearthed slowly but steadily as we move in the direction of our joy.
Surprises come from every direction…surprising hurts and surprising joys. Be on the lookout for both and react accordingly.
The Best Job?
My answer to the question “What’s the best job you’ve ever had?” has changed a few times in 25 years. For years it was Infonox (before the TSYS years) and then it was Tourlane (except that last terrible bit that made me resign). But now, without a doubt, the answer is clear:
Being her Coach. Being his Coach. Being their Coach.
Being the Trainer. Being the Facilitator. Being the Teacher.
Being the Podcaster. Being the Interviewer of Fascinating Humans.
Being the Asker of Questions.
Being the Holder of Safe Space.
These roles bring me joy and a sense of purpose that I cherish deeply. The journey of a solopreneur is not without its challenges, but the rewards—both personal and professional—make every step worth it.
I’ll keep you posted as I learn more!
L