Wonderful Stressors

Team Ambition - signing the finished bridge.

One year ago, I left the comforts of a full time consulting position to plunge feet first into the waters of the entrepreneurial unknown. To say I've never looked back would be a lie, and a bit cliche. I think it's healthy to reflect on you choices - and this is one I have yet to regret. Yes, I had no clue what to expect and was terrified. But I knew that something had to change; I wasn't making enough of a positive impact on the world sitting on my bum making maps for multinational resource extraction companies. No sir. 

What helped me take the jump was signing on for 6 weeks as an SCA leader guiding 12 Baltimore high school students in digging trails and building a bridge in the woods of Leakin Park. Do I think doing this start-up thing is tough now? Sure. But not as tough as getting 12 inner city kids into the 'scary' woods with sharp tools and asking them to get dirty without hurting themselves. What a fun yet stressful challenge. High power execs have nothing on a group of teens! But after 6 weeks, we had a trail, a bridge, and some amazing memories. All 12 students were still coming to the site every day, no one lost a limb, and I managed to hold on to my sanity.  

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After just 6 weeks in the woods with those amazing kids, I had the confidence to start building relationships and making my ideas become reality. I truly believe you build a company one conversation at a time, and have met some extraordinary people here in Baltimore. One year later I have co-founded and, sadly, ended my partnership in my first start-up, founded start-up number two, and am 8 weeks away from a year-long trip around the southern hemisphere.  What a wild ride. 

While I'm still finding my way, I have at least surfaced. I am very grateful to all of the people and clients who have supported me along the way and continue to keep me afloat. For those of you who have taken the plunge, you have my respect and well wishes. For those of you thinking about it? All I can say is, comfort zones are adaptable and have the ability to grow. Start with one conversation - you never know where it will lead you. And in the words of Tom Robbins, "You should never hesitate to trade your cow for a handful of magic beans."

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