In my previous blog, I opened up about the emotional and financial whirlwind I experienced after leaving my corporate job. From identity crises to loneliness, imposter syndrome to lifestyle changes — the first year of entrepreneurship was no walk in the park. But now, almost four years into this journey, I want to share the lessons I’ve learned and the strategies that have helped me navigate this new chapter.
Because leaving a corporate job may sound bold — even glamorous — but staying the course? That takes deep inner work, discipline, and a community that reminds you who you are.
1. Investing in Myself: Mindset First, Skills Second
One of the biggest takeaways from my transition is this: your business will only grow as much as you do.
In the advisory, training, and speaking industry, your knowledge is your product. But what many do not realize is that behind every confident keynote, workshop or masterclass, there’s a war going on in the speaker’s head. Imposter syndrome didn’t disappear the moment I left corporate — if anything, it intensified.
To fight it, I had to invest deeply in myself. Not just in technical upskilling, but in rebuilding my confidence, mindset, and belief in my worth. I enrolled in courses on leadership, communication, and personal development. I practised affirmations and continue to do so. I said “yes” to opportunities even when I was scared. And slowly, I began to believe that I am worthy, capable, and enough.
Lesson: Your personal growth is a business investment. Never stop learning — and healing.
2. Building a Supportive Community
Entrepreneurship is often glorified, but what we don’t talk about enough is how lonely it can be.
In the early days, I isolated myself — working long hours and assuming no one could relate. That mindset only worsened my mental health. So, I became intentional about building a network of coaches, mentors, and peers who understand this journey. I now have people I can call when I feel stuck, uncertain, or excited about a new idea.
We hold each other accountable, brainstorm business strategies, share industry insights, and — perhaps most importantly — remind each other that we’re not alone.
Lesson: Don’t try to do this alone. Find your people and pour into those relationships.
3. Mastering Business Financial Management
Let’s be honest — running a business without a solid handle on finances is a recipe for stress. In my corporate life, I received a salary like clockwork. As an entrepreneur, cash flow is extremely unpredictable, and that means I have to sharpen my financial discipline.
I am creating budgets, tracking every loti, and learning to distinguish between personal and business expenses. I continue to prioritise saving for slow months, reinvesting in the business, and setting boundaries with clients around payments and pricing. In months when business is good, I try to save as much as possible to build a runway for the slow months. Unfortunately, things do not always go according to plan or invoices paid on time. This has also taught me to plan, think outside the box and adapt.
Lesson: You can’t ignore the money. Financial literacy and discipline are key to business survival and growth.
4. Embracing My Unique Pace
For the longest time, I measured my success against others. I watched people in different industries scaling quickly and wondered if I was doing enough. But the comparison is a thief — of joy, clarity, and self-trust.
Today, I am embracing the truth about my journey and running my race. Success means different things to different people. Personally, success is in alignment with my purpose.
Lesson: Run your own race. Trust the timing of your life and business.
Conclusion
As I navigate this journey, I am confronted with many challenges and still have moments of doubt, pessimism and frustration. It is not easy and each day presents a different challenge. I am grateful to have a community that anchors and holds me accountable.
It takes time and hard work to build, so give yourself grace. There will be times when you want to quit and go back, that feeling is normal – do not quit!
In the next blog, I’ll be sharing the systems and tools I now use to run my business effectively — from managing clients to marketing, content creation, and more.
Stay trailblazing,
TKay
