My Biggest F*ck-Ups and Right Moves in 17 Years of Business

Lessons from the Trenches: My Biggest F*ck-Ups and Right Moves in 17 Years of Business

Hey there, fearless future moguls! Strap in and hold tight because I’m about to take you on a wild ride through my 17-year journey of entrepreneurship—a ride that’s been anything but a smooth cruise down Success Avenue. From facepalm-worthy fumbles to fist-pump victories, I’ve seen it all. And guess what? I’m spilling the tea on every juicy detail.

Starting LeadershipHQ, The Leadership Association and now a few more start-ups like Worksparks and MenoRise (ADHD here and addicted to great ideas!) have been the most challenging and best things I have ever done (besides my darling daughter).

Why, you ask? Because my entrepreneurial path has been sprinkled with as many mistakes as it has milestones, and there’s gold in those missteps. I'm here to show you that for every "What was I thinking?!" there’s a "Hell yes, I nailed it!" waiting in the wings. So, if you’re ready to learn how to navigate this crazy world of business with a bit more sass and a lot less stress, you’ve come to the right place.

Let’s dive into the chaos and the charisma, the stumbles and the strides. Hopefully, by sharing my blunders and breakthroughs, you’ll find the courage to chase your dreams, the wisdom to sidestep some potholes, and maybe—even just a little—the inspiration to embrace your own entrepreneurial rollercoaster. Here’s to making mistakes, making strides, and most importantly, making it memorable!

My Biggest F*ck-Ups in Business: A No-Holds-Barred Retrospective

Listen up, fellow trailblazers and misstep-makers! If you've ever felt like you've taken a spectacular dive off the entrepreneurial high dive, you're not alone. I've been there, plummeting face-first into the deep end of business blunders. Why share my cringe-worthy moments? Because behind every facepalm, there's a lesson waiting to be learned that's worth its weight in startup stock. Here's my unfiltered look back at the top 10 entrepreneurial mistakes that had me learning the hard way. Buckle up, it's going to be a sassy ride!

1. Setting Up Like a Hot Mess

I jumped into my business with all the finesse of a bull in a china shop. No structure, no legal checks, just pure, unadulterated chaos. It's like building a skyscraper on a swamp; eventually, things get wobbly. Lesson learned? Lay a solid foundation before you start throwing up the walls.

2. The Phantom Business Plan

Did I have a business plan? Sure, somewhere in my mind next to my forgotten grocery lists and the lyrics to every 80s power ballad. A business without a plan is like a GPS that only says "maybe turn left?" I learned the hard way that "winging it" isn't a strategy.

3. Who’s My Audience Again?

I knew my product was awesome. What I didn’t know was who the heck was supposed to buy it. I was marketing vegan steaks at a butchers' convention. Understand your audience, or you’re just shouting into the void.

4. DIY Disaster: Skipping the Pros

Accountants? Lawyers? Who needs 'em when you have Google and a can-do attitude, right? Wrong. Turns out, DIY business management is about as effective as DIY surgery. Hire the pros, folks. Your bank account will thank you.

5. Coachless in Seattle

Every hero needs a mentor. Luke had Obi-Wan, I had... nobody. Trying to do it all alone is a one-way ticket to Burnout City. A good coach doesn’t just guide you; they push you to see what you’re truly capable of. This is why I do what I do!

6. Aimlessly Wandering

Focus? I thought that was just a setting on my camera. Spreading myself too thin was like a bad buffet—lots of options, none of them good. Picking a lane isn’t limiting; it’s liberating.

7. Team Turmoil

I hired my team based on vibes alone, which was about as smart as eating soup with a fork. Not aligning on values turned our office vibe from "We're a family" to "Game of Thrones" real quick. Values aren’t just posters on the wall; they’re the pillars of your team.

8. Imposter Syndrome: The Silent Dream Killer

There I was, ready to conquer the world, but inside, I felt like a fraud waiting to be discovered. Letting doubt dictate my decisions did more damage than any competitor ever could. Remember, confidence isn’t born; it’s built.

9. Gut Feelings: Ignored

That little voice inside saying, "This ain’t it, chief"? I ignored it. Big mistake. Your intuition is like your business's guardian angel—ignore it at your peril.

10. Mixing Business with Pleasure

Friends and business mix about as well as oil and water. Spoiler: It doesn’t work. It turns "Let's grab a coffee" into "We need to talk about Q3 projections." Set boundaries or risk turning friendships into frenemies.

Conclusion: Embracing the Mess to Find Success

There you have it—a full exposé of my top entrepreneurial missteps, seasoned with a dash of sass and a sprinkle of hard-earned wisdom. Reflecting on these blunders isn't about self-flagellation; it's about recognizing that the path to success is rarely a straight line. Each stumble has been a stepping stone, a priceless nugget of knowledge propelling me forward. To those out there laying the bricks of their business dreams, take heart. Embrace your errors, learn with fervour, and remember: in the grand tapestry of business, even the threads that twist and tangle have their place. Here’s to the fumbles and falls that pave the way to our greatest triumphs—may your entrepreneurial spirit thrive amidst the chaos as you boldly chart the course to your own spectacular success.

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What I Did Right: Lessons from 17 Years in the Trenches

After 17 long, thrilling, and utterly transformative years of entrepreneurship, I've racked up not just a laundry list of oops moments but a treasure trove of right moves that have steered my ship through stormy seas. Let’s dive into the top 10 things I absolutely nailed, proving that sometimes, the best way to win is simply to keep playing the game.

1. Daring to Dream Big

It all started with the audacity to believe I could. Launching a business isn't for the faint-hearted, and I jumped in with both feet because I believed in my vision. This initial courage laid the groundwork for everything that followed.

2. Staying True to My Values

In the world of cutthroat competition, it's easy to lose yourself, but I’ve always clung to my values like a life raft. Whether it's transparency, integrity, or compassion, my values have not only defined me but also attracted like-minded clients and team members.

3. Turning Failures into Gold

Every misstep was a masterclass in disguise. Instead of letting failures define me, I used them as a springboard to innovate and evolve. These lessons have been invaluable, turning potential setbacks into opportunities for growth.

4. Unwavering Brand Loyalty

My brand is my promise, and I've remained unwaveringly loyal to what it stands for. This consistency has not only strengthened my market presence but also built a strong, trust-based relationship with my audience.

5. Eyes on the Prize

I’ve always had a clear vision and mission. This focus has guided every decision and strategy, keeping me aligned with my ultimate goals and ensuring that every step I take is purpose-driven.

6. Cultivating My Cheer Squad

Surrounding myself with supporters has been crucial. From mentors to friends who’ve cheered me on, having a network of positivity has helped me through tough times and celebrated my wins, big and small.

7. Quick to Cut Ties

Not everyone will be your cheerleader, and that’s okay. I learned early on to quickly let go of relationships—professional or personal—that don’t support my journey. This has kept my path clear of negativity and doubt.

8. Maintaining a Growth Mindset

The belief that I can always learn, improve, and evolve has kept me agile and open to new ideas. This growth mindset has been the engine of my adaptability and success, ensuring that I never stagnate.

9. Prioritising Well-being

Recognising my strengths and limitations has allowed me to focus on leveraging my superpowers while taking care of my health and well-being. This balance has been key to sustaining my energy and passion.

10. Becoming My Future Self

The 'Future Me' theory—that I am continuously working to become the person I envision—has guided my growth as an entrepreneur. It’s about aspiring to be that future version of myself, one decision at a time.

Conclusion: Celebrating the Wins

Reflecting on these achievements fills me with a profound sense of pride and gratitude. Each right decision was a step towards realizing my dream, not just for my business, but for the kind of leader I wanted to become. To those embarking on their entrepreneurial journey, remember: it's not just about avoiding pitfalls, but also about celebrating the wins, embracing your journey, and always, always moving forward with purpose. Here’s to another 17 years of making the right moves!

Introducing Sonia McDonald: The Sassy Founder

Introducing Sonia McDonald: The Sassy Founder of the Future Me? Program

Meet Sonia McDonald, the vibrant force behind the Future Me? Program, a revolutionary leadership initiative set to launch in 2025. Sonia isn't just a leader; she's a pioneer in the truest sense, crafting pathways for growth and empowerment that redefine the norms of leadership development.

The Future Me? Program, Sonia's latest brainchild, encapsulates her vision of nurturing leaders who are not only equipped to handle today's challenges but are also prepared to innovate for tomorrow. This program is about far more than traditional leadership skills; it’s a transformative journey that encourages participants to project themselves into their future roles and start embodying those aspirations today.

Sonia combines her extensive knowledge of neuroscience with her unparalleled flair for engaging and dynamic teaching. Her approach is hands-on, hearts-in, and always a bit sassy. Designed for ambitious individuals looking to catapult their careers and personal growth, the Future Me? Program promises to be a game-changer in the field of leadership education.

With Sonia at the helm, participants are in for an experience that’s enlightening, empowering, and utterly electrifying. If you’re ready to stop dreaming about the future and start living it, Sonia’s Future Me? Program is your ticket there. Get ready to meet the future you—the one that Sonia McDonald knows you can become.