The Most Important Thing I've Learned in 11 Years of Business
Eleven years ago this month, I left my full-time job without a plan for what would be next, and started my very first independent consulting project.
I had no idea then that I would launch my own business and be doing it for this long - I thought I would just do a bit of consulting while I looked for my next full-time role.
But that's the thing about careers: they usually don't turn out like we expect.
And sometimes the twists and turns can lead to the very best things.
What’s kept me going
I'm excited to celebrate 11 years in business this month, and it's a milestone I don't take lightly given how challenging it is to keep a small business afloat, and all the ups and downs I've navigated during this time.
Those have included: welcoming two kids and figuring out how to blend entrepreneurship and parenthood, moving cross-country from Seattle to NYC and rebuilding my network here, getting through the pandemic, and the current upheaval in our sector, to name a few.
There have absolutely been moments when I wanted to give up, and when I questioned whether I was making the right choices for my family and if I had what it took to keep going.
But all along, I've had one goal and driving motivation: helping our clients build fulfilling careers and lives.
My biggest learning
I'm so proud of the impact we've had across these 11 years, but what I appreciate most are the individual stories: clients who share that their work with us helped them understand themselves better, feel empowered to create what they really want in their careers and lives, and realize that they're not alone in whatever questions or struggles they're navigating.
That last one is especially important, so I'll say it again: you're not alone.
Over the years, I’ve shared some of the lessons I learned from my own career pivot - that exploration takes time and iteration, that the process is never really over, and that you don't need to have it all figured out before you start. Those insights still hold true and continue to guide how we work with our clients.
But I've learned one thing that goes even deeper over these 11 years: we're not meant to do this work alone - especially the hard parts.
Whether you're struggling to figure out where you want to go in your career, powering through a tough job search, or navigating a leadership challenge, there are others out there wrestling with the exact same things.
We live in a culture that tells us we should have it all figured out, that asking for help is a sign of weakness, and that struggling means we're doing something wrong. But that's not true.
Building community and getting support aren't luxuries; they're essential parts of making an impact and doing the work you’re meant to do.
That’s why community and connection is one of our core values, and why we have prioritized offering group programs and networking events since our very early days.
Bringing social impact professionals together in these spaces and creating community is what brings me the most fulfillment, because I know that the impact it creates will go so far.
What’s ahead
As we recently shared, our work has evolved to focus on three core areas where we see the greatest impact: Career Clarity, Career Transition, and Leadership Growth.
We look forward to continuing to align our work to these three pillars and to providing coaching, group programs, and tools that help social impact leaders gain more clarity, land the roles that are right for them, and grow as leaders.
And as we celebrate our anniversary, I want to encourage you to create some space to reflect on your career too.
What would it look like to have work that truly energizes you? Where do you want to grow next? What kind of leader do you want to become?
And most importantly: how can you tap into community to get the support and partnership you need and deserve?
These aren't questions you have to answer alone. We’re here, in your corner, to help you navigate the big career and leadership questions and to help you connect with others who are doing the same.
Thank you!
To everyone who's been part of our community, whether you've worked with us directly, attended one of our events, or simply followed our journey - thank you for an amazing 11 years. Here’s to many more ahead!
About The Author
Erin Ewart is the founder of Careers for Social Impact and a social sector career and leadership coach. She partners with social impact leaders to help them grow their careers, their leadership, and their impact.