The last three years have been a powerful journey of transformation for me. Leaving the structure and security of the corporate world wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. I knew I had more to offer—something that could impact lives at a community level—but I had to start from scratch. Rebuilding my network, finding my place in unfamiliar spaces, and redefining how to use my skills in a way that felt purposeful yet sustainable was deeply challenging.

One of the biggest tensions I faced was between volunteering my time freely—because I care—and building Leading Edge Creations into something financially viable. It took time, but I’ve realized my corporate skills in finance, operations, and strategy do have huge value in grassroots spaces. When I communicate that clearly—like showing how I helped secure CIPC compliance within 48 hours—people understand my worth. I’ve also learned that I need to protect my energy. Free work has its place, but only within limits. Beyond that, I now confidently attach value and structure to my offerings.

I’ve also started reconnecting with my old corporate contacts. Many of them want to support community work, they just don’t know how. Leading Edge Creations gives them a bridge—impactful, structured, and compliant ways to make a difference. That’s where I come in.

For the next 90 days, I’m committed to focused action. I’m packaging my services into three clear tiers: a Starter option (basic compliance), a Growth tier (admin plus social media), and an Impact tier (which includes strategic planning and training). I’ll reach out to at least two people a day—former colleagues, allies, potential clients—especially those exploring CSR work. I’m also setting a firm boundary: no more than eight hours of unpaid work per week. My time, energy, and expertise matter. My goal is to secure at least R30,000 in new contracts during this period—and I’ll review my progress every Monday and refine as I go.

To stay grounded and resilient, I’ve committed to a simple daily habit I call my “Power 15”: five minutes of breathing, five minutes of journaling or gratitude, and five minutes of movement. It’s short but powerful, and it reminds me who I am before the day gets away from me.  

And above all, I hold this mantra close:
“I rise stronger with every challenge. My resilience is my power.”