How I Did "This"

February 1, 2022

Over the last month or so, I’ve had quite a few people reach out to me and ask, “How did you do this?” “This” being starting my own business as an educational entrepreneur (otherwise known as a consultant).

For a conversation on this topic, you can take a listen to Dr. Will’s podcast. For this blog, I’ll share the journey…

A Leap

My journey into consulting wasn’t what I necessarily wanted or expected. Quite frankly, I was pushed into it by the good Lord’s hand.

While it was quite the leap to do this work, it felt right throughout the journey. And that feeling came about because I have stayed true to who I am, what I believe, and how I treat other people. In other words, first and foremost, I ensured a congruence between my personal and professional life.

Not A Fit

My wife and I moved to Ames for me to be the Executive Director of Elementary Education starting the summer of 2019. Fairly early on, though, it became apparent that my values did not mesh well with those of my boss. By December, I had decided that I would either take a position somewhere else or start my own business consulting, training, and coaching educators.

And then the pandemic hit.

During this time, while I completed my contract, I was pursuing both tracks simultaneously. I had a few offers, but nothing that felt that it was the right fit. And having experienced a position that was not the right fit, I was unwilling to just take anything that came my way. And this ended up being a blessing.

The Last Offer

The last offer I received was for an amazing position, in a fantastic system, with an incredible team of people. Gratefully, my to-be-boss invited us to spend some time in the area before deciding whether or not to take it. After considerable prayer, we very surprisingly decided that I would neither take the position nor keep looking for the right fit.

Instead, it was time to stop pursuing two paths at once and jump with both feet onto the consulting path.

And I haven’t looked back.

The Work

Many of my readers know that in 2020 and 2021 I finished writing and publishing a book that was a finalist for book of the year. I then wrote a companion action guide.

I’ve been blessed to partner with a variety of organizations and individuals, from the Ed Leaders Network to podcasters of all types to professional associations and more. And, through all of this, I have maintained a focus on doing what is right for students, staff, and communities.

I have stayed true to my values.

Quite succinctly, the path to consulting happened because I knew myself and took steps to ensure that my values matched my actions. Congruency. This is what I have striven for.

Do It Again?

Would I do it all again?

You bet!

While I came to Ames (we still live here) with the intention of remaining in the system for some time–even until retirement–that’s not how it worked out. The Hand of Divine Providence led me in a different direction, and that has brought great joy, satisfaction, contentment, and, most of all, alignment between my values and my work.

I pray that your vocation brings you the same level of coherence, and, if not, that you are able to find such peace very soon.

Questions for Reflection

What values are important for you to uphold in your personal and professional life?

Are there areas of incongruence, and, if so, what steps might you take to alleviate these?

How I Did “This”