Reflection, perspective and gratitude given current events
Leon Hardwick
Entrepreneur, Investor, Founder, CRO, RevOps Leader, Technology Enthusiast, Podcast Host, OpEx, CI and Lean Newb and all-round Doer.
Less than four months ago, on a redeye flight from the US, I decided to make significant changes in my life. It's a decision that had been simmering for some time and one that would mean walking away from something I had poured my heart and soul into for nearly nine years.
Resigning from my relatively secure job seemed insane to many. Still, I had valid personal reasons for doing so. To pursue a more balanced life and to start a business that could accommodate my desire to spend more time with Vanessa and the kids. It would also need to be a business proposition that would ultimately allow me to take care of myself far more than I'd done in the past. A tall order, but worth the risk and effort.
Fast forward to today, and I'm scrapping to make sure we have a steady stream of income as a family. I am contracting, I've taken hours at a supermarket in the evenings as well as continuing to develop the businesses I left my job to build in parallel.
I can't help but think back to the flight home that triggered my decision given the current global crises, and I wonder if it was the right call. But the time I have spent with my family and the improvements I've made health and fitness-wise all jolt me back into thinking positively and with gratitude.
Recent events put things into perspective even more so. The coronavirus and the subsequent economic fallout has forced my hand in many ways. But it probably has for many others too. My new venture is going to take more time to build and will mean working very differently, also. I remain positive, though, knowing that some of the most prominent and most successful businesses in recent times were developed during recessions and crises.
At this very challenging time, I'm grateful for the people that have helped me get to where I am today, it's a long list. I am thankful to those that are helping me now, you know who you are. I'm hopeful that things will pick up again quickly and that we all make a significant effort to look out for each other as this crisis peaks.
To that end, I am available to anyone that requires an ear in the coming weeks and months. My details are below if you don't have them. Feel free to get in touch on Zoom, WhatsApp or a call.
Stay safe, stay positive and stay at home.
Leon
+44 (0) 7525 870 236
Chief Executive Officer
5 年It’s a tough challenge Leon but hats off to you.
MD/Founder at brand agency designdough
5 年Well done Leon, super honest. You got this!
Performance coach working exclusively and discreetly with men in high pressure roles. Founder of BetterMen, author of Rethinking Masculinity, facilitator of Men & Mountains.
5 年Leon! Just wow! Sincerely, thank you for sharing your words and the kind offer of support. I can’t help but think that whilst this journey is yours, it isn’t and won’t be unique to you. There’s going to be many people that begin or are forced to realign their priorities and redefine their values post corona. Knowing you as I do, I am sure you are going to build something that offers you and your family great fulfilment, and success than you had pre corona.
Director of Programmes
5 年Nice read Leon Hardwick - a really honest summary of what must be an incredibly stressful time. Huge kudos for posting it. Glad to hear you are staying positive and doing what you can to keep things moving forward. Be good to catch up for a chat in the next few weeks.
Partnership Manager
5 年Great article Leon Hardwick. Some of the largest companies in the world today were created during an economic downturn so I have every faith you'll create something special.