Four years ago today, I got laid off for the first time.
I thought I’d bounce back fast.
Build the business.
Fill the pipeline.
Scale up.
I didn’t.
What made it harder
Not from lack of trying.
Networking online proved to be a challenge when my strengths are in person.
I invested hours in courses until I had to stop and refocus on what I knew to be true.
I’ve always been known as someone who makes things happen for others.
Yet I couldn’t do it for myself.
The real challenge
After 35+ years helping build startups, I knew what needed to be done.
But my capabilities were known internally by people who had worked with me, not externally.
How do you sell yourself when you feel like you’ve failed?
What I came back to
There have been many insights from this experience.
My strengths are what I fall back on, because they are part of who I am.
Success looks different to everyone.
For me, it’s about impacting leaders juggling everything.
Trying to scale without burning out their teams or themselves.
What I believe now
Coaching isn’t a luxury for when you’ve made it.
It’s the foundation you build on from day one.
Not after the first round of funding.
Not when people are already burned out.
Healthy companies where people actually thrive require intention from the start.
Reflection
What has been your experience as a leader?
Have you had access to coaching or development support when you needed it most?
If you’re feeling off your game or your leadership edge isn’t where you want it to be, the next step is at the top of the page.
