10 years

10 Years.  I never wanted to own a business.  For more than 30 years, I was happy as an employee; give me a job description and let me crush it for your company.  Then I left my last corporate job (we’ll call it a “mutual parting” as the notification to the staff read) and Broad Perspective Consulting was born.  

The double entendre of ‘broad’ was intentional:  broad as in wide and deep experience yielding perspective; broad because my female point of view was unique, gained at a time where a woman’s presence in a board room or C-Suite was not the norm.  Bonus points for my initials, BP.  

The first iteration of the company was focused on events for women.  Leadership and learning communities.  A quick pivot allowed me to work high potential employees through their Oh Sh*t moments – the largest of which is the transition out and back from parental leave.  And I haven’t looked back since.  

This week, Broad Perspective Consulting is 10 years old.  A traditional 10-year anniversary represents durability, flexibility; a decade of resilience and adaptability.  This milestone has fostered a period of reflection and assessing what the past decade has taught me.

Imposter Syndrome is Real.  I can re-live and feel each time that doubt crept in over the past 10 years.  First it was:  How could I possibly charge for my coaching…WHAT would I charge for my coaching?  Why would anyone want to take guidance from me?  Do I really offer anything [insert: of value, smart enough, different, insightful, impactful]?  With each doubt, I had a team of cheerleaders to remind me of my worth.  I started to see in myself what others saw in me.  That was one of many ways I learned to quiet my insecurities, build my confidence, and forge a path forward.  

Why not me!  By turning a question into a declarative statement, I became competitive and was able to present my value proposition in a clear and concise way.  I took ownership of what a successful engagement looked like and presented my expectations to prospects so we were aligned from the outset.  Yes, there are many amazing, qualified coaches – and I can confidently say that I am one of them.  (It helps that my clients are effusive in their testimonials as well.  That validation quiets the doubt.)  

My differentiator is my operational experience.  I know what it is like to build teams, challenge others to bring out their best, provide clear and actionable feedback, lean into chaos and yield clarity.  My path to coaching was not standard, but that is why I came to believe that I could take years of leadership and mentorship to create a viable business.

Feedback is an Investment.  During a recent podcast interview (being released this week), I was asked how I know when I have made an impact.  The answer is easy.  Every single call, every interaction, my clients tell me they feel better after we talk.  “Better” can be an action plan, a fresh perspective, a new approach, a way forward, validation.  

For new parents, this is especially true.  Every coaching session, I can hear their tension or fear dissipate.  What seemed insurmountable, seems possible.  Equal parts coach and cheerleader, my distance from the root problem provides situation-changing perspective.  The feedback I receive validates my work and the impact that my signature programs provide.

Leadership is a Work in Progress.  The world changes rapidly, but the principles for sound leadership and parenting evolve, but do not change.  The topics discussed build a strong foundation and weather the years.  What I built in the first few years of my business continue to resonate 10 years in.  My current challenge is getting that content in front of more people.

What I have learned through building my business can serve as your lessons as well.  Whether you work for yourself, are employed by someone else, or are thinking of branching out and staring your own thing:

1. Imposter Syndrome is Real.  Find ways to overcome your doubts, take up space, know your value (and surround yourself with people who will remind you when your confidence wanes).  Don’t deprive us by holding yourself back.

2. Why not me!  Bet on yourself, believe in yourself.  

3. Feedback is an Investment.  When you are provided feedback, understand that it is an investment in your success.  If you are only getting positive feedback, push back and ask what more you can be doing and for anything constructive to continue to challenge yourself.

4. Leadership is a Work in Progress.  Continuous improvement – in all you do – is worth the effort.  No one is beyond learning.  Know your brand as a leader AND meet those you lead where they are so you can support them as individuals.  

   
   

Thank you for your support.  This anniversary is a group celebration.  I am better for the work I have been allowed to do. I grow through each client interaction, conversation, training, and workshop.  I am a work in progress, continuously improving.  I am honored to be able to do the work that I do.

Cheers to 10 more!