Corporate to Consulting: Lessons from 12 years in Business
They say 60% of Australian small businesses fail within the first 3 years but as my own little business hits 12 years (the longest tenured job I’ve ever had!) there’s so many points of gratitude and learning I’ve had along the way.
Back when I was a fresh and young(er) managing consultant in the corporate world, a wise leader told me that consulting is like being an acrobatic performer spinning multiple plates whilst simultaneously trying to even out the dips in a roller coaster as you expertly maintain a steady composure.
Plates spinning at various speeds whilst delivering excellence to clients and invoicing consistently to ensure cash flow is no mean feat and is why not everyone is built for the consulting life. Those that are though, are rewarded with flexible work in the most diverse and interesting environments.
In 12 years, myself and my consultants have been in tunnels under Sydney Opera House, on television sets, solar and wind farms, construction sites, deep in the Kosciusko National Park, hospitals, correctional centres, funky offices like Google, fashion boutiques, airports, chemical labs, fast food restaurants and even a brewery.
Curiosity and collaboration has always been at our forefront. Small and agile with only experienced consultants and collaborators, has allowed the business to remain responsive, lean and focused on helping clients and their people thrive through safe and healthy work.
As we grow year on year, I still can’t imagine doing anything else and am so fortunate to still be working with clients we had right from the beginning (in 2012!). @Stephen Hardy, @JadeEriksen, @Michael Michalandos @ginamoutzouris @melissaheggaty
And to our many and wonderful collaborators, consultants, mentors and mentees over the years (and to my amazing accountant!!), always gratefully rewarded with your input and perspectives.
If you’ve ever wondered about the shift from corporate to consultant or if you need hands on and effective health, safety and risk management support, I’m energised and ready for the next 12 so please get in touch.
