The Value of Peer Learning and Collaboration

Sometimes major life events, like the loss of a parent, the COVID-19 pandemic, or personal health issues encourage you to engage in deeper reflection about your career and your place in this world. You can spend months or even years hearing and questioning your inner voice until you finally decide to pursue change.

Pursuing a career transition is never a straightforward decision. It requires you to revisit your purpose and long term goals, rethink how you want to spend each day, and reimagine how you want your life to evolve. It's an option that isn’t available to everyone, and even when it is, the challenges that come with it should not be underestimated. 

After months of contemplation, it became clearer to me that the way forward is to pursue a consulting business. While I have done some consulting for nonprofits and education systems, I decided to go full force with a formal vision and plan to form an LLC. At the start of my journey, I developed goals and a theory of change, researched the landscape, created a website, and outlined a business plan. I started reconnecting with people in my network, but still felt like I was working in isolation.

Fortunately, I learned about an opportunity to participate in the Emerging Consultants of Color Program that offers resources, guided support, and a peer learning space to help leaders thrive as consultants. In addition to the legal and marketing advice I received, what I’ve appreciated the most has been our discussions about what it means to be a consultant in the fields of organizational development and social change, strategies for dealing with difficult situations, and the ways in which we can remain authentic in our work. The camaraderie among participants and facilitators has been invaluable.

I consider myself fortunate to have partnered with some amazing colleagues over the years who have contributed to my professional and personal growth. In my new chapter, while I am primarily flying solo as an independent consultant, I’m looking forward to deepening my relationships and building continued opportunities for collaboration.