Feel the Force – How Did I Get to Launch My New Business Venture?

My family and I have always been massive fans of Star Wars. All of it. The films, spin off series, cast of characters, spaceships and feeling the force from the moment ‘A long time ago in a galaxy far far away’ in gold text appeared on the cinema screen, I’ve been hooked.

We have been known to use quotes from the films at weddings and funerals, refer to the force when times have been great and not so good and cast individual family members as characters based on their personality traits and appearance. This has not always gone down so well, ever been given Yoda as a character anyone? Although my sister did eventually agree he was extremely wise, and the “force’ was nothing without him.

I am of course Princess Leia (just in case anyone was in doubt…) and if anyone may be wondering who this is – I’ve inserted a picture here of a Leia figure that was crocheted just for me.

So why the Star Wars reference in amongst the launch of this big, bright and shiny new business venture?

I have spent my career so far either working for a public sector organisation, voluntary sector body and/or running my own business as the CEO. Throughout this time whilst I have gained valuable experiences, developed a wide range of business skills, managed and led large teams of people I’ve experienced a growing innate sense of what I don’t want to do and where I don’t want to be which has led me to this place.

By this place I mean creating this new business, taking a leap into the unknown and finally being able to be myself. I have felt my own ‘force’ and believed enough in myself to trust my judgement and start something that I am finally unapologetic and bold about.

Beginning and launching Sarah Taylor Hawke (a business that is truly dependent on me and my knowledge and skills) is a brave step and one which I have wanted to make happen for a long time.

I am fully aware and hear the internal voice that says ‘why are you doing this?’, ‘this is not going to be a success’ however I also know how to kick back and say ‘I’m not listening’ and ‘I’ve something to offer to others and will carry out the graft needed to make this a success’.

I know how hard it is to be in business, act as the CEO/leader/owner and the demands these places on a person. I also know that running a business can be an all-consuming event that takes over your life. It can be a lonely place, with constant pressures and the imposter syndrome tapping you on the shoulder just when you don’t need this type of company.

I have set this business up with an eye on the glamour, the sequins, the shine that comes when a person explores and reflects on their challenges, finds a way forward and achieves aspirations and potential for either themselves and/or their business. I aim to support individuals, teams and business whatever point they are at and focus on understanding and revealing what their needs and wants actually are.

I’ve already decided that I will not be using words such as “journey, passion, my truth, outside of your comfort zone, circle back and transformation.” I don’t think they are useful and in my humble opinion overused to the point of making us all feel a little bit inadequate and tired.

I also won’t be using white boards and endless power point slides unless there is a very valid reason to do so. I want to hear from you and your business, listen hard and consider with you what is happening and where you want to get to.

This will be a partnership arrangement and you can expect me to be with you all the way, you might not like me sometimes when we explore your challenges however I will always work with empathy, kindness and honesty.

Please be assured I won’t turn up to any of our time together in a white Leia costume with my lightsaber, nor will I probably wear a conventional suit, although promise to always dress with panache and professionalism (you however can wear whatever you want!)

But I will guarantee we will have conversations and contact that is meaningful, and you walk away with energy, purpose and confidence in your own ‘force’.

Let’s speak. Get in touch if you want to chat. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sarah