First Year as a Founder (or 8 months to be exact!)

When I decided to take the leap and build something of my own, I knew it wouldn’t be easy. What I didn’t realise was just how challenging – and equally rewarding – this first year as a founder would be. It’s been a whirlwind filled with steep learning curves, moments of pride, I am not going to fib, the odd cry, a fair share of hurdles, and a whole lot of gratitude. 

The Toughest Gig Yet 

Having previously led teams of one (just me as a contractor) to leading teams of over 100 for other organisations, (or founders!) I figured those experiences had prepared me. I was wrong. Founding a company is unlike any other role I’ve had before – it’s simultaneously exciting and deeply humbling. Everything starts and stops with you. Every decision, every celebration, every challenge – it’s all on your plate. That level of accountability doesn’t allow for complacency, and it pushes you to grow in ways you didn’t think possible. 

Despite the challenges, it’s also the most rewarding role I’ve ever taken on. Seeing our team thrive, happy clients creating more impact, and knowing that we have the autonomy to choose who we work with (and who we don’t) – it makes every tough day worthwhile. Because the highs? They can be incredible. 

A Newfound Respect

This year has given me profound respect for founders everywhere. This includes Martha Lane Fox, Gori Yahaya, Jonathan Ley, Becky Lodge and Matt Adam. The risks they take, the sacrifices they make, and the endless tough decisions they face for their teams and their family too – it’s a balancing act that few truly understand unless they’ve walked the path. I honestly don’t think I’ll look at another entrepreneur the same way again.

A Team to Be REALLY Proud Of 

One of the biggest joys of this first year has been our team. Watching them not only respect one another but also work collaboratively toward a common goal has been remarkable. The positivity and energy they bring to their work inspire me daily. I can’t imagine doing this without them.

For example, Ellie has been our team rock, I knew she would be, her calmness is also the perfect mix for me and my hectic one idea a minute mind and I have also loved watching Jess as she transitioned from being my brilliant and talented hairdresser to becoming an equally awesome Executive Assistant. More recently Daisi, whom I was lucky enough to mentor as a graduate author, decided to join our whirlwind team too. Additionally, our wonderful and “no stress” intern, Molly, is leaving for the exciting opportunities at PWC at the end of January, and I honestly could cry just thinking about it. 

That said, we are all committed to improving team diversity. While we’ve made some strides in areas like economic diversity, neurodiversity, disability inclusion, and we are certainly pushing hard for female gender representation, for which I am proud, there’s more work to be done. Diversity isn’t a box to check – it’s an ongoing drive to ensure that our team reflects the full breadth of perspectives and experiences needed to help our clients make a real impact. 

Cashflow Woes and SME Challenges 

Not everything in this first year has been smooth sailing. Our biggest challenge? Cashflow. It’s a word that keeps small business owners up at night, and for good reason. Navigating the realities of being an SME can be tough – especially when dealing with larger companies that don’t always appreciate or are built to support the intricacies of a smaller balance sheet. But like all challenges, these moments have taught us resilience, and we’re finding ways to better manage these realities and so far so good!  

Lessons Learned 

This year has also been packed with lessons – here are a few that stood out the most to me:

  • 20 Seconds of Courage Can Change Everything 

Whether it’s asking for a testimonial or diving into something new, it only takes 20 seconds of bravery to make a leap. What’s amazed me most is how gracious and kind people can be when you simply ask. 

  • Pay It Forward 

There’s a beautiful cycle of generosity in the world – if you help others, they’ll often find a way to help you in return. Throughout our first year, countless people have extended support, advice, and opportunities our way. Many of them were individuals we’d helped in the past. It’s been an inspiring reminder of the power of community and generosity. 

  • Trust Your Gut 

If something doesn’t feel right – whether it’s a client, a project, or a business decision—listen to that instinct. Every time I ignored my gut, I regretted it. Saying no when something feels wrong is always the right decision. 

  • Workjoy Is Essential 

Just like building the right team is crucial, choosing the right clients is equally important. Working with people and projects that spark “workjoy” has made all the difference. It’s about aligning with individuals and organisations that share your values and purpose. For our team, age diversity has really worked too. Although I feel a little ancient at times, the team keep me young and also have a whole new vocabulary with “stunning” and “perfecto” to name but a few!  

Success Stories Worth Celebrating

Amid the challenges, there have been so many moments that reaffirmed why I started this business in the first place. Here are just a few highlights from our first year:

  • Collaborating with some of the biggest brands on inclusion strategies, campaigns and projects including BT, Channel 4, and Lloyds Banking Group – to create impactful solutions. Launching our ImpactMatchRooms, ImpactExpert QT, the website and helping hundreds of people get matched with not just our own free masterclasses but others too.  
  • Partnering with and new to me brilliant practitioners such as Business Disability Forum, Valuable 500 and PurpleSpace to deliver real impact for millions of people. ActionAble2025 is our biggest campaign challenge yet and we were chuffed to bits last week to secure a story in the Times and the Sun and we already have 150 organisations signed up, and it’s only been live for two weeks. 
  • Supporting clients such as The 44 Group and Upskill Universe as well as Charities to get the right ImpactMatch. The people we meet on this journey with our clients to find the right match have also given us some great feedback about how we manage the ethics of recruitment.   
  • Helping people find roles where they don’t just fit – they thrive. Guiding individuals into career moves that bring genuine happiness to both them and their employers has been one of the most fulfilling parts of this work. 
  • Our mentors and friends of ImpactMatch, our ImpactMaker community and how they continue to support us, there are too many to mention but they know who they are and thank you!   

And what can I say? Working with Sara Weller, whose business insight and expertise have been invaluable in my career so far, my #gamechanger as well as getting to know Vic this year, who supports Sara and proud to say has become a great ImpactMatch friend too.   

And all of this in the year Mr S asked me to renew our vows, we had the best party and he must be crazy to put up with me and all my endless chatting and new ideas,  it’s all for him and our boys (now men!) and they are still the biggest motivation for me as well as Impact of course! 

 

ImpactMatch logo. Do good by doing good.

Join the #ImpactMaker Community

Sign up here for exclusive updates on special launches, social impact opportunities, services, as well as upcoming events, insightful content, and inspiring ImpactExpert masterclasses. We'll equip you to make a real difference, together.

You have successfully subscribed to receive ImpactMatch updates!

Skip to content