Louise and I honestly jumped into business together without a huge amount of deliberation.
Some might look at it and think wow what a risk, you hardly know each other. They’d be right of course, but I’ve always trusted my gut. Occasionally I’ve gone against my gut, be it hiring staff I just wasn’t sure about or taking a job when there was niggle of doubt. My gut feeling has rarely been wrong, and I listen to it now more than ever, thirty years into my career.
This was a different level though, going into business with someone I’d just recently met. Louise and I are from different backgrounds, different experiences through school, professional career and life. What made me so sure about ‘jumping in’?
It was when we talked about our ideas for Mind & Mission. I could see that we have exactly the same thoughts, even though we’ve had completely different professional careers to date. We even email each other and literally take the words out of each other’s mouths.
That said, we’d never facilitated anything together before.
We’re both experienced in training and facilitating but from completely different disciplines. Doing it for the first time somehow didn’t feel nerve wracking at all. We completely agreed on our approach without having to debate it or compromise.
The day went without a hitch. In training terms, it flowed perfectly. We were in sync with writing, asking questions and challenging thoughts. It really did feel like we’ve been doing it all our lives.
We also have moments when we entirely disagree. It doesn’t happen very often and so far we have been able to work through any differences and reach agreement without it getting heated. Our backgrounds and upbringing may have been different but that has added to our ability to acknowledge each others perspectives without judgement, be vulnerable with each other and admit when we’ve got it wrong. This is the foundation of a successful partnership.
Ultimately we both have a focus and determination that always brings us back to our purpose, supporting mental health in a meaningful and sustainable way.
Stay well
Kirsty
