How it started -> How it's going. Today, my business turns SIX! I even upgraded my table leaf & TV tray desk to a real office setup, too.  When you're just getting started, sometimes you have to work with what you've got laying around. 

To be honest, I still can't believe I've made it this long out on my own. I never imagined that I'd run my own business as I always assumed that it was too risky, or only for people who were wild and visionary. However, now that I am my own boss, I'm not sure if I could ever go back to working for someone else. 

My business has gone through many iterations since day one. When I first started, I had zero clue what I was doing and worked with anyone who desired coaching or training! If they were willing to pay me, I'd take it–after all, I no longer had a bi-weekly paycheck rolling in. 

It wasn't until late 2020 that I focused in on my mission of helping women to advance to the rooms where decisions are made and offering my 1-1 leadership coaching, training and speaking for their unique needs in the workplace. 

Now in 2025, I feel my business shifting again. Yes, my mission is unchanged, however, the audience is widening I believe. Men are still the ones mostly making decisions about women's pay and promotions. Men are still delegating non-promotable tasks (planning office parties, etc) to women. We can't leave them out of the conversation because this creates a lack of advancement for everyone. (I may touch on this in the new book I am writing ;) - more to come!).

I love reflecting on lessons learned to carry me forward, so here are six lessons I've learned in the last six years. I hope you can transfer these into your own work! 

1: Saying No Is An Essential Leadership Skill. 

Also, it builds confidence. As you rise up the ladder (or gain followers) you will continually be presented with opportunities to say yes. It's tempting to do so for money, title, status, etc. However, it's critical that you say yes in alignment with your values or you can unintentionally create a business (or career) that you resent. This is a key cause of burnout. 

2: Know What You Stand For As A Leader. 

This goes along with number one. You are not for everyone and that is okay. Know your strengths, what you believe in, then find your people and serve them well. People will always be ready to give you well-meaning advice about what you should do in your career, and knowing what you stand for will help you discern what's meant for you and what isn't. I've started to ask myself the question, what do I believe in so strongly that I am willing to endure the criticism?

3: Your network is an essential career accelerator.

As you continue to accelerate in your career, it can be lonely. Especially for women because there are fewer of them at the top. In my own business, entrepreneurship can be lonely. I don't have built in co-workers to ping ideas off of, so I have to curate this network myself. It's important to curate a diverse network, too. This means I don't just find other people who do what I do, I learn the most from people who have very different businesses than me. This is also why I encourage my clients to find a network beyond their organization to keep their ideas, insights and perspectives fresh.

4: Consistency Isn't Sexy But It Works.  

This is a lesson I will stand by every year in my business. I've learned in my life I will never be the fastest person to complete the work, the “showiest” person on social media or the hustler that will grind herself down. I am not competitive with other people–I believe it distracts you from your True North. All of these qualities made me terrible at anything athletic in my life. LOL. However, I will win with boring old consistency and moderation every single day. If your actions aren't maintainable, they aren't sustainable. Find a pace and rhythm you can sustain over the long term.

5: Treat Everything Like An Experiment. 

It either works (yay!) or it doesn't and you get the benefit of learning & iterating new versions. Getting attached to doing things a certain way or expecting that your first effort will result in instant success is a set up for disappointment. Always be learning.

6: You have permission to evolve. 

2025 will be an evolving year for me. Just like 2020 was. Just because you've been passionate about a topic or work product or career initiative doesn't mean you have to continue this forever. Even if people “know you” for your area of passion or expertise, YOU can decide to keep growing and evolving to something new. Allow yourself to grow and change. What is key here is this: Do these changes align with my values? Are they moving me closer to the leader I want to become? 

Finally, at these points of reflection (anniversaries, quarters, etc) I love to ask myself:

• What do I need to keep doing?

• What do I need to quit doing?

• Where do I need courage to try something new?

Take time today to reflect on YOUR growth over the last six years. Share your lessons with someone! Ask a colleague or friend to share their lessons with you. What can you learn and try for yourself? 

Kelli Thompson is a leadership & executive coach, award-winning speaker and author of Closing The Confidence Gap. She is on a mission to help women advance to the rooms where decisions are made. She offers executive coaching, leadership workshops and keynote speaking to lead with more clarity and confidence.