After 12 years in economic development—closing over $1 billion in capital investment, solving complex challenges, and leading a high-performing team—I made a bold decision: I left a successful career to start my own consulting business, mkw+co.
This wasn’t a decision I made lightly. In fact, it came after a lot of soul-searching. Many people have asked me why I walked away from a role I excelled at to dive into the uncertainty of entrepreneurship, so here it is.
Taking a Hard Look at My Future
At some point, I realized I needed to pause and examine my life—not just where I was, but where I wanted to be. I asked myself hard questions: Does this path align with the future I want? Am I building the life I envision for myself and my family?
The answers made it clear: I needed to make a change. My professional path, while fulfilling in many ways, wasn’t leading me toward the future I truly wanted. I began to consider what that future could look like and how I could design a life that worked for me—and not the other way around.
Aligning My Strengths With My Passion
I’ve always loved problem-solving—breaking down challenges, finding creative solutions, and making big ideas happen. That’s why I thrived in economic development for so many years. But as I explored my next steps, I realized this passion aligns perfectly with entrepreneurship. Owning a business isn’t just about doing what I’m good at; it’s about building something that reflects my strengths, values, and vision.
I also spent time identifying common challenges that organizations face. Whether it’s strategic planning, leadership development, or operational inefficiencies, I’ve seen the same roadblocks time and again. And I knew I could help solve them in a way that’s both impactful and sustainable.
The Goals That Drove Me Forward
Two goals guided my leap into entrepreneurship:
- Flexibility for My Family: As a mom, I wanted more control over my time and schedule. I wanted to craft a career that allowed me to be present for my family while pursuing meaningful work.
- Equity: I wanted to build something of my own—to create a business where I could reap the rewards of my hard work and take full ownership of my successes.
How It Feels to Take the Leap
To be honest, this new chapter makes me feel excited, terrified, and challenged—all at the same time. There are days when the uncertainty feels daunting, but the sense of possibility keeps me moving forward. I’m learning to embrace the unknown and trust in the process of building something new.
A Message to Fellow Dreamers
If you’ve ever thought about making a big leap—whether it’s starting a business, changing careers, or pursuing a long-held dream—know this: It’s possible to craft a life that aligns with your goals and values. It takes courage, reflection, and a willingness to step into the unknown, but the rewards are worth it.
This National Entrepreneurs’ Day, I’m celebrating the dreamers, the risk-takers, and the builders. To my fellow entrepreneurs: let’s keep creating futures that work for us and our families.
As for me? I’m excited to see where this journey takes me and how mkw+co can help others solve problems, achieve their goals, and build their own version of success. Here’s to the adventure ahead!
