A year as an 'entrepreneur'

As I reflect on my first year as an entrepreneur, I’m reminded of just how life-changing starting a business can be. Professionally and personally, 2023 marks one of my most transformative chapters yet. Launching my consultancy, my ‘freelance career’, has accelerated my learning curve in nearly every dimension – forcing me to ’level up’ (Thanks to the UK Government I now hate and love that term at the same time) skills from financial planning to sales, to LinkedIn content, and to client management.

"I've gained insight into my core values, strengths, and ideal impact that I want to make in this world."

All of this, while also trying to catalyse immense internal growth. Much more than a rollercoaster of tangible wins and losses (that likely any one of the 8 billion people on this planet can attest to), for me, this year has been a journey of self-discovery.

I’ve gained hard-won wisdom around everything from crafting the right messaging that stays true to what I am; to resilience in the face of setbacks both personally and professionally. But more profoundly, I’ve gained insight into my core values, strengths, and ideal impact that I want to make in this world. Walking the ’entrepreneur’s path’ has sharpened my sense of purpose and belonging.

Temptations arose urging me to compromise integrity for expediency, and chase trends over meaning. But I’ve emerged more convicted than ever to stay true to my “PR with Integrity” ethos. Now I know with certainty that authenticity breeds rewards that no money-driven shortcut ever could. I understand how precious it is to find your niche, no matter how long the search takes.

After months of distilling my focus, I’ve finally landed on an offering fusing all my passions. By blending my journalism background with executive coaching around leadership communications, I’ve found the sweet spot where my natural talents meet the greatest market need. Now I feel aligned, energised, and ready to make an impact in 2024 – my way.

Clarity has seemed a long time coming over the course of this year, but with it comes confidence and momentum. I know precisely who I serve, why I serve them, and how serving them can transform lives when voices are empowered. My goals grow more ambitious by the day, as does my determination to manifest them through relentless effort.

I expected 2023 to push my entrepreneurial abilities. However, testing my character and convictions so intensely has elevated my own ‘self-leadership’ overall. I expected to gain competencies – but alongside those, I’ve gained courage and insight that will forever change the way I operate.

What a year, what a journey...and I’m just getting started!

Here’s to communicating, living, and leading with integrity in 2024 as I support others to find their voice and share their stories!

Onward!