Uncovering Joy
Over the last five years, I had the privilege of helping to build Daymaker. Being in the trenches of a start-up felt miles away from my 20 year career in corporate America and helped me grow spiritually and professionally in ways I did not foresee. In addition, I spent a lot of my free time chipping in to help other start-ups and do-good organizations. I spent hours learning about innovative businesses and shared my two cents on how to translate ideas into execution. More frequently, I served as the unofficial head cheerleader/career counselor to many conflicted yet hopeful individuals contemplating a professional move or reset. It was hard to call this vegetable soup of ancillary encounters "work" because it was often informal, unpaid or unscheduled. However, I was moderately fulfilled, grateful for the chance to stay relevant and enjoying the flexibility. There was really no urgency in making a change until I started to wonder if there was enough joy in my work and realized I owed it to myself to lean into the question.
When I reflect on what brings me joy in my work, my mind gravitates to the moments I am invited into a person's sacred space and asked to learn about their personal mission or the purpose they have been charged to lead. I come alive when the combination of my encouraging words and practical counsel shifts the way a person approaches a challenge or implements a plan. In some ways, this epiphany is not a complete stretch as many of the skills I have used to informally advise individuals and organizations over the last five years comes from being a management consultant for two decades. However, the real a-ha moment came when I realized I craved more time with leaders, dreamers and visionaries. I craved the structure and tools that would help me maximize my impact. I craved accountability. Launching Joon Solutions fills the cravings and more importantly it is helping me see where the joy is hiding.
Joon Solutions is my vehicle to help companies and individuals who are ignited by a purpose. To read more about Joon Solutions and the services, check out the new website. In some ways, Joon Solutions is a new chapter. In other ways, Joon Solutions is the book I have been writing for years and it finally has a title. Either way, I am excited to continue working with amazing people and look forward to all the new opportunities that now lie ahead.