Dear friends and colleagues,
11 years ago today, I was fired – for the first time in my adult life (on a Friday just before Canadian Thanksgiving weekend). No way to sugar-coat … it was a difficult day.
But as each year go by, I am incredibly grateful for that day, in October 2008 – it was the beginning of an amazing journey.
element54 was up and running within 3 days of getting fired. By Tuesday, we had our name and website domain. Within 2 weeks, our first project. Within the first month, 3 clients. 11 years later, we have an inspiring team of curious insight professionals across Toronto and Montreal (and hiring more!), amazing clients from coast to coast, and outstanding partnerships.
So what did I learn?
Most are unprepared for the moment when you are told to pack your stuff and leave in 30 mins, and getting fired seems like a catastrophic event. Then you realize that no person has power over you. So you dust yourself off, reassure those closest to you – and give yourself some time to regroup.
You learn quickly who your friends are. Many will stand by you, have coffee, a chat, and when you’re really lucky, provide an opportunity which helps your business grow.
Don’t get me wrong, it takes time – and the entrepreneurial journey is a wild ride. It has many ups and downs – and even more sleepless nights.
I am truly grateful that 11 years later, all of the amazing people who were with me on Friday October 10, 2008 are still by my side – my family, friends, colleagues, clients and industry partners.
Happy Thanksgiving – and I hope the sun shines brightly for you tomorrow too.
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