The Hardest Tradeoff

Leaving My Doggie to Build a Dream

Building We - Community With Purpose, my new company, my next summit, has been one of the most rewarding journeys I’ve ever taken. I’m filled with ideas I can’t wait to bring to life, and every step forward brings a deep sense of pride. I never imagined how meaningful it would feel to introduce myself as a business owner—someone creating a new space from scratch, guided by purpose, vision, and love.

But like every impactful journey, this one comes with tradeoffs and at the top of the hardest ones, is the decision to leave my beloved dog with my mom & dad as I step into this next chapter.

He’s been by my side for over nine years. We’ve weathered storms together—career transitions, personal challenges, triumphs, setbacks, and everything in between. He’s been my walking buddy, my playmate, and the one I cuddle with every night. As I write this, I’m crying—because if all goes well, that routine will be paused for at least a couple of years.

Dogs trigger the release of oxytocin—the love hormone: I can share with you that no amount of mountaineering endorphins will replace the vital daily dose of joy he gave me just by being by my side.

I keep reminding myself there’s a bigger picture. I’m doing this not just for me, but for everyone who’s ever crossed paths with me and needed a little bit more. More clarity, more hope, more courage.

This company isn’t just a business. It’s my way of giving back to:

• The people I’ve mentored who are ready for more.

• The professionals on the edge of burnout who just need one spark to keep going.

• The leaders who feel like they have to carry it all alone.

Through We - Community With Purpose, I’ll be sharing the same principles that helped me grow resilient teams, transform broken processes, and lead with both heart and structure. Because life is a process. And whether you realize it or not—you’re running a program every single day. The question is: are you the one writing it?

I want to help you rewrite that program with intention. With energy. With joy, so you can climb, grow, and lead—as high as you want.

Right now, my dog is happy, healthy, and spoiled by his grandparents. He’s doing great. It’s my mind that still hasn’t caught up to the fact that he’s not next to me while I work.

So here’s what I’m doing:

I give myself ten minutes every day to miss him. I feel it fully. And then I turn forward, back to the path I’ve chosen.

Back to building something that matters.

Back to the work of helping others rise.

Because this, too, is part of the climb.