It Really Does Take a Village

I took this job in part because I no longer wanted to answer to a boss and do things their way.  I wanted to be my own boss and construct an organization consistent with my values and my best judgment. I am privileged to do just that.  I like being able to decide which clients we will service, how I want to market our service, and ways to overcome daily obstacles (in fact, I relish the opportunity to problem solve). Despite this incredible freedom and responsibility, the fact is that it can be a lonely place too. There is no one else who bears the weight of my business’s problems –clients and staff alike look to me.  At least that’s what I used to think.

Ever wonder why the winner of the best actor or actress award inevitably delivers a long list of people they want to thank even though it is their stellar, singular performance that won them the award?  So rather than listing all the ways in which they worked so hard to deliver a performance of a lifetime, they start thanking a long list of people, unseen and unknown, to the audience for the part they played in helping that actor reach their professional zenith. Though I’m not winning an Oscar (anytime soon anyway), as I reflect on this past year, what stands out to me the most is the juxtaposition of the simultaneous independence of my own singular performance and the heartfelt gratitude to all of the “people who make this all possible” (it’s cliche, true, but that does not negate it’s steadfast validity).

One of the highlights of this past year and source of deep and boundless gratitude is the wonderful people I have had the pleasure to work with as I build my business. I have wonderful virtual assistants who all, in their own way, cheer me on, believe in me, and want me to succeed.  My CPA has not only been wonderfully kind and competent, but he has connected me with other interesting and thoughtful people. Adam, who does cost mitigation for me, knew I was having a bad day and simply as a gesture of kindness sent me a gift card, a small token, hoping it would brighten my day.

Now I know these are professional relationships and that I am their client, but the fact of the matter is that they fill a special niche that my friends and family, clients, and staff cannot (and probably should not nor don’t want to, even if they could) fill. They highlight for me that these lateral connections powerfully buoy me, even when I’m in the spotlight, reminding me that I am not alone. As much as I am in competition with others, I cannot deny that my successes are due in part to the amazing individuals who surround me –physically and virtually. With deep heartfelt gratitude, thank you.