Why I Left $100K On The Table (And Would Do It Again)

Reflecting on Six Years of Ellevate Solutions: Lessons, Growth, and a Vision for the Future

Six years ago today, I made a decision that would forever change the course of my life. I was gearing up to resign from my cushy corporate job in finance and accounting to found Ellevate Solutions, LLC .

The reason was simple:

I was burned out and wanted more than the traditional career ladder could offer. I craved flexibility, deeper purpose, and the ability to make an impact both in and outside of the office. Had I stayed onboard and hung on for just a few more months, I’d have capitalized on another $100K?in bonus for the year. For some, the choice to walk away might seem crazy. But to me,?crazy?was spending my energy chasing money, titles, and status at the cost of my time, my family, my mental health, and my purpose, which spans beyond "work."

So, I made the bold decision to walk away.

I knew there was a better way to approach finance and accounting—one that was more aligned with the values that mattered to me. I’ve been pushing up against the corporate glass ceiling and challenging the status quo for as long as I can remember. I wasn’t very?good at “falling in line” or fitting into someone else’s box.?I was a challenger by nature.?I saw a smarter, more efficient?way to do finance and accounting—one that saved time and put more money back into people’s pockets. I wanted more control over my time and the freedom to practice my craft?my way?(not their way) because my way was smarter (not harder), more efficient (not time-wasting), and simplified (not complicated) by eliminating ambiguity and complexity (not exacerbating it).

My?purpose was massive and transformative, and my?vision was clear:

I wanted to share this approach with other business owners and leaders, giving them back their time, money, and well-being through white-glove finance and accounting solutions.

Every year around this time, I take the opportunity to reflect on all that I have learned and celebrate how far I’ve come, both personally and professionally. The journey has been anything but easy, but it has been incredibly rewarding. For anyone who is on the path to business ownership or is preparing to head in that direction, I want to share some Do’s and Don’ts based on my own personal experiences over the last six years.

DO:

1. Know your why and believe in a higher purpose.?This will sustain you when you're pushed beyond your limits and help you navigate through tough times.
2. Clearly communicate your purpose and vision?to attract people who align with you in all aspects of life. The right people will resonate with your mission and help you amplify it.The wrong people will repel themselves accordingly.
3. Prioritize your spirituality, mental health, and physical well-being.?If your cup isn’t full, you can’t pour into others. Hydrate, rest well, eat nourishing foods, move your body, and nurture your spirit.
4. Protect your energy by surrounding yourself with those who uplift you?and be willing to let go of those who don’t. This may mean letting go of certain relationships, friendships, or even family members.
5. Invest in personal growth; believe in yourself, work on yourself, and embrace continuous improvement.?The most successful people are those who never stop learning and evolving.
6. Feel the fear and?act?anyway.?Your daily choices define your path. Growth happens outside your comfort zone.
7. Focus on?your?zone of genius—what ignites your passion and creativity—and outsource the rest. Concentrate on what you do best and delegate what isn’t your expertise.
8. Create a strong vetting process?to attract aligned?people?and eliminate those who don’t fit. Work with people who share your values and vision.
9. Control what you can—your thoughts, actions, and responses.?Stay focused on solutions and what you can impact.
10. Embrace discomfort as a growth opportunity?and learn to accept rejection as part of the journey. Every "no" gets you closer to the right "yes."

DON'T:

1. Surround yourself with people who undervalue you or clash with your spirit.?Your environment shapes you; choose those who elevate and inspire you.
2. Waste your time or energy on toxic people and energy drainers.?Protect your peace and invest your energy where it matters.
3. Hire without clarity.?Define the work, set success criteria, and outline results before bringing anyone on board.
4. Get stuck on what’s beyond your control.?Shift from problems to proactive solutions; remember, you're not a victim.
5. Be your own worst critic.?Show yourself the same kindness and grace you give others. Self-compassion is key to sustained growth.
6. Engage in activities that drain your energy or feed negativity.?Choose what nurtures your soul and fuels your purpose.
7. Make impulsive decisions driven by fear or emotion.?Take a pause until you are calm, clear, and centered to make sound choices.
8. Let fear, rejection, or a “no” derail you.?Use them as fuel to keep pushing forward; they are not the end, just a redirection.
9. Listen to doubters, nay-sayers, or those who prefer?that you?play small.?Align yourself with bold and visionary thinkers who encourage you to dream bigger.
10. Abandon yourself or your dreams.?Your vision is worth every bit of effort, courage, and perseverance. Keep moving forward.

The Journey Ahead

The past six years have been filled with lessons, growth, and immense satisfaction. For those of you on a similar journey, I hope these insights serve as a guide and inspiration. Here’s to believing in our higher purpose, challenging the status quo, and building a future where we not only thrive in our work but also in our lives?(I call it Life/work?? balance and it’s the unique selling proposition I galvanize my internal team and my client teams around).

Cheers to the journey ahead!

Thank you to everyone who has been a part of Ellevate Solutions' story so far. I am deeply grateful for your support, encouragement, and partnership. Here's to many more years of elevating together!