My Entrepreneurial Journey

I was the enthusiastic new teacher who loved empowering students and helping new teachers find their feet. I loved teaching and my passion for leadership had me involved in committees, school board presentations, and even mentoring new teachers. By year three, my supervisor noticed my “light,” as I like to call it – that spark of leadership and dedication – and nudged me towards educational leadership.

Fast forward, and I landed an administrator job before I even had my master’s diploma on the wall! It was a dream come true. I had the confidence, the knowledge, and a clear vision for our program. Waking up every day felt amazing – the work I did, the team I had, the impact we made – it was all so fulfilling. That’s what leading with light feels like.

A new director joined the district, and our team’s dynamic shifted. We were a service-oriented group, passionate about helping others. Unfortunately, our new leader prioritized control and micromanagement. Collaboration became a thing of the past, replaced by a culture where we felt undervalued and pressured to compromise our values.

Facing the Darkness:

This kind of environment could easily dim anyone’s light, you know? Believe me, avoiding conflict is usually my jam. But in this case, staying silent felt wrong. The students and families in our program deserved better, and that’s what fueled me to speak my truth and hold onto my values. There were definitely some bumps in the road, for sure.

The constant pressure and lack of respect took a toll. Imagine going from a place of joy and purpose to feeling stressed and undervalued. The final straw? A falsified review by my supervisor. That’s when I knew it was time to move on. They didn’t deserve my light, and frankly, I deserved better!

Finding My Light Again:

Leaving wasn’t an easy decision, but it gave me the space to re-evaluate my core values. That’s when a new opportunity emerged – a chance to create something new that aligned with my values and used my existing skills. Supporting and empowering women to grow and scale their businesses? That’s exactly what I wanted to do!

The leadership, organization, and team management skills I honed in education? Turns out they were perfect for this new path! Following my light led me to build a business where I empower incredible clients and their businesses. And that, my friends, is the most rewarding part of this whole journey.

What About You?

Challenges are a part of life, but how we respond to them shapes our leadership style. Are you driven by fear or by that passion that makes you want to lead with light? Share your experiences in the comments below, or send me a DM on Instagram – I’d love to hear your story!