After what felt like a month or two of free falling, I found my footing as a self-employed person turning a tidy profit as a team of one at my customer engagement consultancy, Compass CX.
Compass was the ideal scenario for me: Challenging projects, a network of fine folks who had worked with me during my time as Principal Strategic Consultant and Director of the Center of Excellence at Influitive, and more time at home in Squamish, B.C. with my family.
There was - and still is - a lot to learn. From taxation to incorporation and client contracts, as a team of one, you are responsible, accountable, consulted and informed on every aspect of every project with every client. No pressure. And, I mean that: No pressure.. Doing the hard work has never scared me.
Through all of this, I discovered, for myself, that you can have it all if you are willing to let go of fear and be okay with whatever happens.
I was driven by a desire to know if I could make it on my own. And, if I couldn't, that learning in itself would be a fine result, and back to the regular working world I would go. I didn't put pressure on myself. I took it month by month. Over time, the client list continued to grow and so has Compass - to the point of steady, full capacity.
I made it on my own. I found my answer. So, what now?
Friendly Competition > Friends > Colleagues > Partners.
The highs and lows of the working world often require a strong colleague to lean on. Since first crossing paths in early 2014, Liz Richardson has been that colleague. We battled it out for a pair of Bammie Awards. She won both. We started at Influitive within weeks of each other. She was hired first. Together, we created a Services department there. She became Director of that department, and went on to become VP, Advocacy. At every stage along the way, Liz has bested me. And, I have cheered her on. That is what makes her the perfect business partner for this new chapter. She challenges and inspires me to reach higher and be my best self.
As founders of The Captivate Collective, now we’ll be pushing the boundaries of customer engagement theory and practice, together.
