What's Next?

Number II

Taking the First Step

After my first What's Next post, I received a call from a woman feeling trapped in her job. She was unhappy with her boss, disconnected from the work she once loved, and frustrated by a workplace culture that didn’t align with her values. She longed for more responsibility, leadership, and a deeper connection to her core beliefs. But she felt stuck—tied to her current role by family obligations.

We’ve all been there. Stuck. Unsure. Powerless. Whether you’re running a business, leading a team, or simply trying to figure out what’s next, it often feels like the world throws more at you than you can handle. It’s tempting to think, “If only things were different, then I could move forward.”

The truth is, the first step is always the hardest. For her, the fear of taking that leap was understandable. But she needed courage—the kind that reminds us of our past successes and whispers that we can create future success, too.

For entrepreneurs, business owners, leaders, or anyone trying to improve their life or business, it’s not about waiting for the perfect moment or someone else to fix things. It’s about taking action amid uncertainty and discomfort. Waiting only keeps us stuck.

In today’s world, we’re often led to believe that someone else will come to the rescue if we shout loud enough. But the reality is, no one’s coming. You have to be your advocate. That’s where courage comes in. It’s not about being fearless; it’s about moving forward despite your fears.

One small, courageous step can break the inertia and create momentum. I’ll work with this woman to help her navigate the actions leading to her next chapter. Already, her energy and excitement are bubbling to the surface. I’m proud of her for reaching out.

So, what’s next for you, and how can I help?

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To Do or Not To Do

As I’ve been building What's Next, I’ve also considered expanding my reach. A colleague, Tim Parkin, a marketing wizard, recently shared how YouTube has been pivotal in reaching new audiences.

While exploring new avenues, the idea of doing more on X (formerly Twitter) or LinkedIn doesn’t excite me. X seems to have become a platform for arguments, and LinkedIn feels stagnant with the same voices recycling the same ideas.

A shift to YouTube feels fresh, like an opportunity to connect with a broader, more engaged audience. The only hurdle? Learning to edit videos.

I’m okay with filming. I can handle the tech in my office or on the street. But I hit a wall regarding editing—iMovie, Descript, you name it. Even after spending 90 minutes on each of these tools, I still don't get it. It could be my lack of visual skills or simply the frustration of micromanaging every frame

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So, I’ve decided to let my web team handle the editing. I’ll focus on creating the content, and they’ll polish it up. We all have strengths, and knowing when to delegate is one of them for me.

What tasks can you give up that aren’t in your wheelhouse?

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What’s Happening Now?

I don’t typically read fiction unless it’s a quick spy novel I can read in a few days. While I appreciate literary prose, I often find fiction too improbable to hold my attention. My thought is, “You just can’t make this stuff up! I need some connection to reality.”

Salman Rushdie’s work is the exception. This past week, I listened to Victory City on a road trip, and I was utterly captivated. Rushdie’s writing is more than just storytelling—poetic, lyrical, and truth-telling. He has a fantastic way of weaving modern challenges into narratives set centuries ago

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In Victory City, we follow the life of a young woman who, after witnessing her mother’s brutal death, becomes a mystic destined to live for 250 years and build a city. Though steeped in myth and history, the story, like much of Rushdie’s work, centers on themes of female agency in a world dominated by men. It’s a testament to the enduring struggle for equality and self-determination.

What are you listening to, reading, or watching that gets you excited?

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I always value your feedback. If these thoughts resonated with you or your team, feel free to like this post or, even better, comment to share your perspective. It’s a great way to know we’re engaging.

This week, focus on making those small or meaningful changes — whether it’s a bold leap or a subtle shift in direction. Every step matters.

Until next week, may you keep moving toward What’s Next!

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