Time, Space, and Connection: My Journey to a Soul-Led Business
In this blog post, I want to get a little personal. Yes, you read that right – I'm going to share much more of my own business journey in the hopes that it might inspire some of you to take that leap of faith in your own businesses or lives.
If you've been following my podcast, you might recall me touching on my journey in previous episodes. I've shared snippets about how I started and what pushed me to create this business. However, it's been a while since I opened up and shared what truly fuels my passion.
So, let’s take a closer look.
There are three things that drive me in both my business and my personal life – time, space, and connection. These are the pillars that keep me moving forward, and I don't have to think twice about it. You might have noticed what's conspicuously absent from that list – money. Don't get me wrong; I appreciate money and the opportunities it brings. But I'm not solely driven by it.
In my view, money is a fantastic byproduct of what I do. But it's not my primary motivator. You see, my business is what I like to call a "soul-led business" rather than a "money-driven business." There's a distinction there, and I'm sure many of you can relate to it. Some entrepreneurs are in business purely for financial gain, and that's completely fine. But it's not my path.
For me, money is a tool to achieve greater things. I aspire to grow my business and earn more money because it empowers me to make an even greater impact whilst living a life aligned with my values.
So, what set me on this journey in the first place?
Well, it all began in 2001 when I landed my first job at a criminal law practice. Back then, I hadn't quite figured out my specialisation, but I had this burning desire to make a difference in people's lives. Criminal law seemed like the right avenue to do just that.
However, as time went by, I realised that the reality of criminal legal practice wasn't aligning with my vision of making a lasting impact. So, I made a pivot and transitioned into commercial litigation, where I spent the next 12 years of my career. My work revolved around business owners in dispute, and in out of court - mostly involving money.
During my time in litigation practice, I found satisfaction in enriching lives by helping clients navigate these legal challenges. But there was a downside. I was slowly losing sight of my core values. I became desensitised to moral and ethical concerns that once would have troubled me. Success, as I had come to understand it, meant becoming a partner at a law firm, increasing my billings, and earning more money. I began to lose sight of what truly mattered to me.
It wasn't until I became a mother that everything changed.
The journey to motherhood was far from easy, and when I finally welcomed my son into the world, it was bittersweet. I had to confront the harsh reality of my career and its lack of recognition for the profound life change I was undergoing.
I distinctly remember receiving work-related calls while I was in labor – a surreal moment that highlighted how little my personal journey was acknowledged. It was during the first few weeks of motherhood that I had an epiphany. This career path was no longer for me. The demands of being a working parent in the legal field didn't align with my priorities.
In a split-second decision, I picked up the phone and told my business partner that I wouldn't be returning to the practice. I had no clear plan ahead, but I knew I had to prioritise myself and my growing family. I had to rediscover what was truly important to me, and who I wanted to be, because I was no longer proud of the person I had become.
So, there I was, jobless, with a newborn and no direction. But I felt content, my heart full of gratitude. I trusted that the path ahead would reveal itself, even though I didn't realise it at the time, I was placing my faith in something spiritual.
As luck would have it, I was offered a role as a lecturer at the ANU College of Law, a virtual and remote position that suited my newfound priorities perfectly. My dear friend was my supervisor, and the respect, support and kindness I received during those early days helped me reconnect with myself and reevaluate my worth beyond just being a lawyer.
…fast forward five years
My two beautiful children were growing, and it was time for me to make a choice. Should I stay in academia or return to the legal practice that still called out to me? The answer became clear – I didn't want to continue in academia. I wanted to practice law in a way that felt authentic to me, enriching lives in the process.
I wasn't interested in going back to the traditional legal practice, and I was determined to find a way that allowed me to balance my work and family life without sacrificing one for the other. So, I took another leap of faith and launched my business, albeit cautiously. The driving forces behind this decision were time, space, and connection.
My business journey has been nothing short of amazing, albeit challenging and occasionally isolating. Running a business isn't for the faint-hearted, as many of you can relate. But what keeps me going are those core drivers – time, space, and connection.
Let's break it down a bit.
Time and space, while seemingly intertwined, play distinct roles. I've learned the importance of honouring my time and ensuring I allocate space in my life for what truly matters. This means being selective about the clients I choose to work with.
I'm not interested in representing clients who aim to deceive or undervalue the expertise of fellow business owners. I guard my boundaries fiercely, ensuring that I have the time and space to work on my business, be present for my family, and, most importantly, be true to myself.
As for connection, it's a vital part of my journey. Despite being an introvert, I thrive on connecting with clients who share my values. I seek genuine, soul-led connections that allow me to authentically enrich the lives of my clients.
Ultimately, my purpose is crystal clear to me.
I want to help clients avoid the legal disputes that I witnessed earlier in my career. I'm here to guide business owners in making choices that position them for success while honouring their values.
So, that is my story in a nutshell. It hasn't been easy, and I've had my doubts along the way. But I've never regretted the decision to launch this business. I'm grateful every day that clients are drawn to me, that people trust me, and that they refer their friends and colleagues to me. It's all part of building this soul-led business, driven by a heartfelt desire to enrich lives.
If you haven’t listened to my podcast, Rise Up in Business, please do. I share widely on the podcast with a range of topics designed to educate and empower business owners on their respective journeys.
I also discuss this topic in the episode Getting Personal: What REALLY drives me in my business - I hope you enjoy the listen, and our Building Your Small Business - The Beginner’s Handbook may be helpful resource to you on your own business journey.
