September 17, 2024
I recently read a phenomenal book and there are many things that stuck with me.
If you’re a fan of historical fiction, you won’t want to miss this one.
It’s a story of survival, mystery, priceless art, and the vagaries of identity. The power of the story lies in love, hate, and indifference – and there are many lessons that apply to life and business.
But one memorable conversation at the beginning of the book really hit home for me…
The Curse of Pietro Houdini is a stunning novel by one of my favorite authors, Derek B. Miller, who wrote the award-winning books Norwegian by Night and American by Day.
In a pivotal scene, Pietro Houdini pontificates about the ancient Greeks using two different words for time. He explains the difference between time passing (chronos) and an opportune moment (kairos). I think of kairos as the exact moment you snap that perfect photo of your partner, child, or pet.
But as we learn from Pietro Houdini, opportune moments require you to notice them.
What opportune moments have you noticed recently for your business?
I often feel like time is passing (chronos) in the blink of an eye – and I hear that from virtually every person I chat with.
My life memories are vivid: how did I get to this age, this place, this pursuit? How is it that my kids are in their thirties and my parents are gone?
I think that’s what makes recognizing those opportune moments (kairos) so vital. Moments present themselves and it’s up to us to see them and engage with them.
One of the tools I find most helpful for my clients is the SWOT Analysis, which outlines the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats they perceive at a particular stage of their business. It’s an academic exercise to unmask what is happening inside your company and out in the market.
Can you guess where most people get stuck? Opportunities.
We grew up learning our own strengths and weaknesses, and many of us can spot threats to our businesses. Being open to and recognizing opportunities is often elusive.
The best way I’ve found to open up – is to slow down. Not every opportunity is a ‘good’ one, but you can only assess that once you understand the potential. That takes slowing down long enough to notice the opportune moments that cross our path.
More often than you might imagine, women who have built successful companies are approached by a buyer before they feel ready to exit. If the business owner can’t get their act together quickly enough, this may become a missed opportunity.
I believe Pietro Houdini would be the first to tell you that preparation and foresight is key to recognizing opportune moments.
Have you built a profitable and valuable business but instead of feeling like there's something missing, you’re feeling like there's something more?
I specialize in helping women founders transition to their Third Act – when you’re ready to do the work you’ve always longed to do.
Work that lights you up. Work that is your purpose instead of just a paycheck.
In my experience, women don't retire; they transition into a new stage of purpose and impact. Whether you are 40 or 60, the idea of retirement may not appeal to you. Just because you can retire doesn’t mean you’ll want to.
We can redefine ‘retirement’ and think of your eventual business exit as a ‘purposeful transition’.
Are you ready to leap into your Third Act and grab the whole cookie?
That requires a new way of thinking, new skills, a simple and elegant design, and an advocate by your side. Contact me to learn more.
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My life’s work is empowering high-achieving women business owners to fine-tune their operations and scale their revenue for strategic growth, creating real business value and emerging exit ready. That value can transform into wealth when they are ready to exit their company - and I believe that wealth in the hands of women elevates society as a whole.