I've taken many leaps of faith in my life - like that time I jumped out of a plane from 6K meters (~20,000 ft) - but none as scary as becoming an entrepreneur. With skydiving, I had an instructor in tandem to avoid any mistakes. I'm not sure there is an equivalent in entrepreneurship where certainty is a luxury. This leap, though, also comes with the joy of bringing things to life and leaving a mark in the world in my own terms. In this sense, I think I've always been an entrepreneur of sorts.
So here I am, bringing you along on the journey by starting this newsletter. Why?
Over the years, I've lived in 3 countries, 8 states, and more cities than I care to count. This means I've befriended interesting people doing fascinating things. (Note: if you're reading this, you're probably one of them!) Their inspiring stories and countless achievements have given me a fresh perspective on what is possible.
In this journey, I became part of very diverse communities (from international Ph.d. Women in STEM fellows to Emerging Global Leaders and Entrepreneurs), and I regularly participate in global events and conferences (before COVID, anyway). I'm an avid reader beyond my field of expertise because I'm kind of addicted to holding multiple experiences as valid. What I learned is that impacting the world is a collective endeavor, and we shouldn't try to go at it alone. I'm sharing these insights, and perhaps they will help shape your views.
What will it entail:
Taking this jump is one big experiment, and you'll get much of the behind-the-scenes of what I'm building. It's a periodical newsletter with personal stories and curated ideas--my own and the people I've encountered or interviewed. This may turn into a book, no promises though. I've stopped making plans! I just began documenting this moment and started listening to what this pandemic was demanding of me. I've given in to the fact that I cannot write the ending! This is more of an exchange than a one-way letter.
Crises have a way of stripping away the unnecessary. Looking down as I jumped from the plane, the adrenaline brought a lot of clarity. It's a good metaphor for this leap - never have I felt so small and insignificant, and at the same time, so mighty.
Let the journey begin!
📸 Credit: photographer and now friend Brent Foster.
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