Transitioning from Corporate Life to Self Employed

EPISODE 1

After 26 years of corporate life, this year just before the summer I have embarked on a new chapter as self employed and set up my own company PositiveLeap Company (https://positiveleapcompany.com). Transitioning from a senior leadership role to self-employment has been an incredible journey, and I want to share some key takeaways I’ve learned and still learning along the way:

Prepare in Advance: This kind of transition shouldn’t be a last-minute decision. Make a plan, consider your options, and map out in detail your path forward well before taking the leap.

Involve Your Family and Trusted Ones: Share your plans with your family and close friends. Build a plan together and ensure you have their support. Their encouragement will make all the difference during challenging times.

Financial Planning is Key: It’s not all about money, but you need a solid financial plan. Discuss it with your family to ensure you can focus on this new chapter without worrying about finances.

You’re Not Alone: Talk about your plans with others. Ask for their support and guidance. You’d be surprised by how people can help in unexpected and invaluable ways.

Collaborate and Seek Expertise: Don’t try to do it all by yourself. Involve others and leverage their expertise. You never know who can offer the right insight or connection when you need it most.

Keep Your Network Alive: Stay connected with your network. Make a list of potential partners, clients, or those you could support. Keep those relationships warm—opportunities often come through familiar connections.

Value Partnerships and Pay It Forward: Share your knowledge, wisdom, and experience freely. Building partnerships and giving back can open doors in ways you might never expect.

Declare Your Passion and Vision: Let the world know about your new journey, passion, and objectives. Stay top of mind with your network, so they think of you when opportunities align.

Stay Positive: Remember Rumi’s words: “There are millions of different possibilities for everything in the world, but they are asleep in the world of possibilities, and you wake them up with your positive thinking, curiosity, and can-do attitude.” Keep that optimism alive!

Diversify Your Work: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. This is a great time to invest in other passions and hobbies. Spend quality time on diverse projects and make sure your schedule has space for each one. For those who know me, I am passionate about woodwork, architecture, furniture and design. I am currently working on these three with different projects with great partners with an idea of creating something together, leaning along the way.

Cherish Time with Family: The time you spend with loved ones is irreplaceable. Make sure to enjoy those moments to the fullest. This summer I took my younger daughter to Disneyland in Paris, her and myself we spent quality time, did all the rides and have dinner together with my wife who happened to be in Paris as well. These memories are priceless. During the summer, I have taken them to their friends, we did things with no planning which was something not possible when you have limited days during vacation time when working for a corporate.

Take Care of Your Health: Exercise and well-being are so important. I’m not always the best at it, but thanks to my wife, I’ve started paddle courses. It was tough at first, but it feels amazing afterward.

Choose Happiness: No matter what, choose to be happy and stay in control of your journey. It’s your life—make it everything you’ve dreamed of!

if you are planning to embark on a similar journey, please feel free to reach out, lets have a coffee call, here to help and share. Good luck.