Celebrating 730 Days

26.11.18 - 26.11.20 

The 730 days between have been quite a journey! The first was within the week of Yekemi and I launching Doqaru Limited.

It was a big week for us both and I remember how I was feeling as if it was yesterday. There were so many emotions and questions going around in my head....Have I made the right decision? What will people say/think? Will we be taken seriously? What if it doesn't work out? Is a merger the right option? Do I have what it takes to grow and scale a business? What if I end up regretting my decision?

In 24 months we have built a business to be proud of, a strong brand, grown a team, hosted our first large event DoqaruCon, grown revenue (even with a global pandemic being thrown into the mix) and have worked with amazing clients around the globe on projects we could have only dreamed of on day 1.

But it's not been easy...

It's been bloody hard work and I must admit that there have been days where I've just wanted to hide under the covers. Days where I have wondered if the hard work, long hours, and sleepless nights would be worth it. I've not always practiced what I preach, and I've felt guilty for that on numerous occasions.

It's a scary place to be at the head of a business. Easier in many ways with a business partner at your side, but nevertheless still a huge responsibility. Knowing that you have clients to keep happy, new business to win, operations to stay on top of, and salaries to pay certainly doesn't come with zero anxiety.

Our team have been through it together and supported each other every step of the way. We've faced the challenging times together and we've celebrated our wins along the way...even the small ones.

I often feel overwhelmed by it all but VERY grateful for where we are today and proud of what we've managed to achieve as a team, especially during 2020.

I feel grateful that I have an amazing support network around me external to the business that I can call upon if I need some help, even if it's just to have a chat or cry (there have been many tears this year!). Thank you to each and every one of you that’s been there. I also have a supportive family who have had to be very patient with me while I work long hours and take the odd business call in the evenings and at the weekends.

I think as business leaders it can be easy to get stuck on thinking about what we still need to achieve and the tasks ahead, but it's so important to look back and recognise how far we have already come.

We don't always get it right, but that's okay.

Whether you are still at the foot of the mountain right now, halfway up, or nearing the top, remember to look back down and be proud of each and every step you take.