Leaping into the Unknown: A Year of Personal and Professional Growth

Stepping away from a stable leadership role to pursue a more fulfilling career path is a decision that requires courage, self-belief, and a willingness to embrace the unknown.

A year ago, I found myself at this crossroads, contemplating a leap of faith that would transform my professional trajectory.

Today, as I reflect on the journey thus far, I am filled with gratitude for the immense personal and professional growth I have experienced.

The Hesitation and the Leap

My decision to leave the corporate world was not made lightly.

I had spent years building a successful career, establishing myself as a valuable asset within the organisations I worked for as a strategic, empathic leader that delivered results through her people.

Yet, despite my achievements, I couldn't shake off the nagging feeling of what I was compromising personally to achieve this status.

At times I felt that the corporate structure, with its rigid hierarchies and politics limited my creativity and I felt trapped on a treadmill working towards a title or position that I wasn’t even sure was what I wanted.

The desire for change was undeniable, but the fear of the unknown held me back.

• What if I failed?
• What if I regretted my decision?

These doubts threatened to paralyse me, keeping me tethered to a path that no longer ignited my passion.

Embracing Uncertainty

The turning point came when I realised that my fear of failure was far greater than the potential rewards of pursuing my dreams.

I decided to take a leap of faith, trusting in my abilities and the possibilities that lay ahead.

I left my title, stature and safety cushion behind and embarked on a journey of the unknown world of self employment.

It’s been a period of experimentation, filled with both exhilarating highs and humbling lows.

"Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen." Brene Brown

Lessons Learned and Fears Conquered

Throughout this year of transition, I have learned invaluable lessons that have shaped my perspective and strengthened my resolve:

• Trust your instincts: Your inner voice is a powerful guide. Listen to it, even when it whispers amidst the clamour of self-doubt.
• Embrace uncertainty: The unknown is not a source of fear, but a canvas for endless possibilities. Approach it with curiosity, not trepidation.
• Continuous learning is the key: The world is constantly evolving, so must we. Embrace lifelong learning, expanding your knowledge and skillset.
• Resilience is your armour: Setbacks are inevitable. Develop the resilience to bounce back, stronger and wiser.
• Celebrate small wins: Acknowledge and celebrate your progress, no matter how incremental. They fuel your motivation.
• Circle is key: Your circle is key, the people who call you out when you are stuck in a circle of self doubt, the people that continuously support you to succeed, the good eggs (thank you to my circle)

A Message to the Procrastinators

To those still hesitating on the brink of their own career leap, I urge you to shed the shackles of fear and take a bold step forward.

The world is full of opportunities waiting to be discovered, but they will not reveal themselves to those who remain stagnant.

Trust in your abilities, embrace the uncertainty, and embark on a journey of self-discovery.

You are capable of achieving more than you can imagine.

So, take the leap, believe in yourself, and stop thinking about all the reasons you can't do something & focus on how you make it happen.

Leah x