Why I Took Over a Business January 1, 2021 (I’m Not Crazy)

We have all read the articles and heard the podcasts and seen all the memes to describe 2020, there is no need for me to reiterate why it might seem like a weird time to take a huge leap. It is a weird time to do pretty much anything - and that is why it is the perfect time to take this step and take over as President and Owner of Strategy and Leadership on January 1, 2021!

I turned 40 years old a few weeks ago and if you told a 20 year old me that I would own a coaching, consulting and facilitation business someday, I would have asked, “What is facilitation?” and then I would have followed up with “Do I still get to wear all black?” The last two decades have been preparing me to make this transition and that is clear. That is why now, because it has all been leading to here this whole time. I started at this company because they took a risk - they hired someone with little experience and a lot of creativity. I had been a bank teller, ticket seller, stage manager, set designer, and magazine subscription sales cold-caller. I had never worked in an office or done any bookkeeping. I learned everything as I went and it has paid off in ways you cannot imagine! I have gotten to work on all of the issues I care about, in my hometown, with experts and inspiring leaders. I have been in the room with countless department heads, commissioners, CEOS, heroes and elected officials. I have exceeded my own expectations of myself by adeptly facilitating small and large (sometimes massive) groups, teaching people skills to become better leaders, and coaching individuals to greater success and fulfillment. I have seen hundreds of young leaders emerge.

And I have emerged. I am proud to say that I have worked in the background absorbing and observing for so long that the only natural next step is to step out. I have been doing way more than background work for a while now, but I am excited to start my own version of this business because it will allow me to continue to guide individuals and organizations down paths to greater success. I will get to keep asking the hard questions. I will get to be in the room when the energy shifts because consensus was reached. I will get to watch the smartest and boldest people raise their voices and make real change happen for their businesses, for our community and for the world around us.

I could not have gotten here without the wisdom and guidance of Liz who has taught me to take chances and go with your gut. I would not be doing those lessons justice if I didn’t at least try. When people ask me how I feel about taking over, I think they are expecting me to show some hesitation or fear but I really have mostly excitement! When we first started talking about this plan three years ago, I sort of didn’t believe it would happen because I don’t think I believed in myself. But Liz believed in me and she saw what she always made sure to tell me “You got this!” And now I know that I do and I am so grateful for her constant reminders of that and that she could see what I could not.

I cannot wait to see what the future holds. All of this reflection and describing brings up one other key part of why I am excited for this transition - I am just getting started! I have so many more people and groups to work with and see flourish. I have so many more plans to see executed to success. I have so many more groups to move to action through meaningful conversation. I have so many more people to coach from stuck to activation! If you would like to talk about your future, any transition you’re experiencing or how to get started, you can reach me at rachel@leadthinkdo.com or schedule a time for us to talk.