Goodbyes are Vessels for Growth and Expansion

I have made the decision to leave Bellatrix Group, the company I co-founded 4 years ago with the woman I always said was the best client I ever had, Aurora Archer. Before I go any further, it’s important to note that: this isn’t a drama story, this isn’t a breakup, and this doesn't mean that we failed. While it’s true that we may have imagined a different ending to this part of our story, it remains a story about sisterhood, love, and the truth that women, particularly women in cross-racial relationships, can uplift and support each other unconditionally.

When Aurora and I began this journey, sitting in her light-filled living room with a pile of sticky notes and markers, we imagined change. We talked about all the things we had experienced in corporate America that we would do differently. Just like when she was my client, Aurora got me excited about the future we were going to build together. As our CEO she led with passion, integrity, and warmth, drawing people to her and to us like the proverbial moths to a flame. I have always felt like the luckiest woman in the world to have been chosen by her to co-found a company.?

We accomplished so much of what we set out to do in just four years. As our CEO, Aurora remained passionate about innovation and disruption. She pushed me, in her Aurora way that feels more like an embrace than a push, to learn about my identity as a white woman, and to see how central race is to all of those experiences we had both been a part of during our professional lives. Now I get to bring all of my newfound self awareness and leadership skills back into a setting where I’ll be working on a global team, with many different humans, and the opportunity to embody a different way of working, thinking, and being.?

So what’s next for me? I have accepted a global brand role at Cognizant, one of the world’s biggest companies, and an organization that lives in a space I dearly love, technology consulting. I am beyond excited for the opportunity to create change, lead from the front, and learn from the incredible teammates I will have in this next part of my journey.? It is truly an opportunity that I just couldn't pass up.

I am grateful for the support of many friends and former colleagues (some of whom also became my clients) throughout my time as an entrepreneur; to my family for their confidence in me no matter what I do; for all the times Hudson told me how proud he was that his mom owned her own business; and for Geoff’s unwavering commitment to stand by me no matter what I choose to do professionally.?

I am beyond thankful for the love with which Aurora and Kelly Croce Sorg accepted my resignation, and immediately turned all talk and action to helping me transition in a way that has felt great - albeit bittersweet - and supported at every turn.?

Most of all I am humbled to have been able to share these last four years with Aurora, someone who will forever be my sister and friend. I will remain an advisor to The Opt-In, now from the “frontlines” sharing all that I am able to learn and observe, as they continue to help individuals and organizations increase their cultural competency. And on a personal note, this July Aurora will stand at the altar with Geoff and I and officiate our wedding. Imagine, being married by Reverend Aurora Archer; see what I mean about how lucky I am?

I have changed a lot over the last four years, and I know I will continue to change and grow in my new role. But I also know that certain things will remain true: my commitment to supporting women, to supporting Black women specifically, and my belief that big companies can both be profitable and do good.?

This is not an end; it’s a moment in a journey that has given much to my family, to Aurora, to the clients we have been privileged to serve, and certainly to me. To any of you who are considering your own “what’s next” please know that I am here for you should you need my support.?