Jennifer Lee is a member of the San Francisco Incubator and is the founder of Ayako Arts, specializing in unique handcrafted gifts for everyday intention and inspiration. Jennifer is also a certified coach who helps professional women seeking more balance and fulfillment to change their lives and live their dreams. Her coaching practice is called Change Journey Coaching.
I was a closet entrepreneur hiding out in cubicle land for nearly three years! Despite a successful 8-year consulting career and a recent promotion into a group I had coveted, I knew there was still something missing. I wanted to make a real difference in people’s lives and to have creative freedom. I took steps to eventually get out on my own. I juggled coaching courses, a year-long leadership program, and a part-time coaching practice, created my websites, worked with a spiritual coach and even started selling my handmade books and boxes. Yet, I resisted that final leap of actually quitting my so-called “ideal job.”
My turning point came earlier this year. I co-facilitated a leadership retreat through my friend Brighid O'Shaughnessy’s non-profit Cheryl’s Dreaming Big. Brighid and I helped the participants discover and claim their unique talents and dreams. We witnessed each person transform into a fully alive, authentic leader. I was doing the work I loved AND it didn’t even feel like work!
The Tuesday I returned to my day job, I felt the office suck the soul out of me. The high from the inspirational retreat had burst and fulfillment in my work was nowhere to be found. I knew it was time. Time for me to truly walk the talk and dream big myself! The universe whispered in my ear again the following night. That Wednesday, poet and “The Heart Aroused” author David Whyte, spoke at our company. He talked about the importance of having a courageous conversation with yourself to live your authentic life. Afterward, I had the privilege of driving David to dinner. In the car I shared with him how much his message underscored my search for meaning and wholeness in my work. He replied, “It sounds like you’re at a threshold.” I certainly was! I gave notice two months later and officially crossed that threshold on June 23rd.
The Ladies Who Launch incubator couldn’t have come at a better time. I took the first half while I was still working for the man and the second as a bona fide entrepreneur. The incubator helped me get clearer on how my natural gifts can enhance my business. It also gave me more confidence in my future vision of integrating art and coaching to help people live with intention. And the fabulous ladies shared lots of new product and service ideas. I also found it helpful knowing there are other smart, creative women faced with similar challenges and opportunities and we can call on each other for support.
Now when I wake up and start my day, I’m so excited about all the things I get to create in my business! There’s so much to do it can be overwhelming at times. But a friend reminded me that at least it’s my own overwhelm not someone else’s! And I love that I can make up my own schedule, including time for self-care and creativity. Sure I may stay up until 1 a.m. working on my newsletter, but it’s great to be able to read in my hammock in the middle of the afternoon if I want!
I do look back on my corporate experience, though, with gratitude. I still draw on many of the skills I gained over the years – communication planning, project management, web development, organizational change, facilitation, process improvement and more. The other aspect of my corporate life that I am grateful for is my network. Many of my friends and former colleagues have been actively supportive in my endeavors.
If I were to share any advice to women with one foot in Corporate America and the other in a personal venture, I’d say, follow your passion and be true to yourself. Which one truly makes your heart sing? Yes, it’s scary leaping into the unknown. What helped me move through that fear was reaching out to others for insights, resources and encouragement. What support do you need to make your dreams a reality? I know that for me Ladies Who Launch is one of my most valuable sources of support. And I’m happy to say that life is exciting and fulfilling on the other side of the threshold.
As the friend who helped spur the dreaming big leap into action, I am honored to know you and to continue co-leading on this journey together. You are a blessing to me and to the world.
Love you,
Brighid
Posted by: Brighid O'Shaughnessy | October 20, 2006 at 03:51 PM