Gems gleaned from a decade in consulting
Join me for the ride!
If you told me a decade ago that I’d one day own a successful communications consultancy, I’d have been shocked. I’d always loved the structure of large companies, I had an outstanding SVP, manager, team and inspiring colleagues. Strong executive sponsors were invested in my success, and I had a clear growth trajectory. I passionately loved my field and my role. What I didn’t love? The anxiety of working on someone else’s clock.
Back in 2013, my then-toddler began experiencing some puzzling medical issues. One day, after weeks of tests and consultations, I found myself holding my desk phone in one hand (with the CEO’s office on the line) and my cell phone in the other (with my daughter’s daycare requesting her pickup). I realized I simply couldn’t do it all. Stress was getting the better of both “mom” me and “leader” me.
Initially, my only goal with CommsLede was to help pay the bills while remaining engaged in my child’s healthcare. Consulting, I thought, would “bridge the gap” to my next corporate role. I didn’t aspire to be an entrepreneur, and I definitely never planned on doing my own books or chasing down unpaid invoices!
Flash-forward a decade.
- My child is healthy, strong, funny, generous, and bright. She knows I will forever have her back in all things.
- I love my work, and my clients and business partners have become some of my dearest and closest friends.
- I support important organizations doing important things, and every day I partner with crazy-smart people delivering inspiring, high-quality work.
Most importantly, I partner with good, kind people who are passionately working in a field we love, delivering projects we stand behind that advance an organization’s vision of “better.”
At least twice a week, I’m asked for advice from both seasoned and junior comms pros about consulting, coaching, balance, or a mix thereof. So, in celebration of CommsLede’s tenth anniversary, l’ll share ten lessons I’ve learned over the last decade as part of a CommsLede blog series. Join me for the ride!
And if not, just remember that if you’re reading this, I’m cheering you on from the sidelines.
With more than two decades of communications experience spanning agencies, Fortune-100 organizations, non-profits and academia, Kristi Hinck Mills brings her passion for employee communications to CommsLede Consulting, where she delivers strategic solutions and executive coaching for her clients. Visit the CommsLede blog for more tips.
