Entrepreneurship Month

Embracing Entrepreneurship: A Journey of Growth and Opportunity

Entrepreneurship isn’t just about having an idea and launching a company—it’s about having a huge vision that only you can bring to life and knowing that you can create a massive impact in our world. It is NOT all glam and freedom. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions, risks, wins, and, yes, many failures (or shall I say lessons) … But if there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s that embracing this journey has been the most empowering decision I’ve ever made.

This month is Entrepreneurship Month, and I’m reflecting on my journey from corporate to entrepreneurship and the lessons I’ve learned along the way.

Taking the Leap: From Corporate to Entrepreneurial Freedom

I remember my first LinkedIn LIVE after leaving corporate and talking about my journey. When I look back at me now, I’m proud of her because leaving my stable corporate job was terrifying. I wasn’t just stepping out of my comfort zone—I was LEAPING into the unknown. Those early days were a whirlwind of excitement, freedom, and… fear.

How will we pay for healthcare for a family of 4 (at the time)?

Will I be able to invest and have savings?

What happens if I can’t bring in money myself?

Are people going to hire me?!

Major imposter syndrome. Thankfully I had Josh by my side with years of entrepreneurial experience who gave me the confidence and courage to keep going.

Joshua and Rachel

Just a couple of entrepreneurs! I am thankful for Josh’s support.

According to the Oxford Dictionary, ‘entrepreneurship is the activity of setting up a business or businesses and taking on financial risks in the hope of profit.’

Let me tell you: Entrepreneurship is not just about starting a business. If it was that easy, many more people would choose this path.

True entrepreneurs aren’t just starting a business to make money. We have a creative vision and deep purpose that must be fulfilled by creating a business ourselves. And when we choose to do that, we are in service to others and innately fulfilled.

The Power of Purpose

Here’s the truth: without purpose, the entrepreneurial journey feels empty. Purpose is what fuels our passion, keeps us going in tough times, and connects us to the people we serve. For me, aligning my business with my personal values changed everything. It gives my work deeper meaning and helped me build a brand that truly resonates with my audience.

✨My purpose is to inspire others to share their voice authentically and be unapologetically themselves. ✨

To me, purpose isn’t just a guiding principle; it’s a driver for growth and leadership. It’s what turns challenges into opportunities and keeps you aligned with your ‘why’ when things get tough. Because it isn’t just about building a business; it’s about creating a ripple effect in the world for big positive impact.

Every decision I make—from launching a new program to speaking on a stage—comes back to a simple question: Does this align with my purpose and the legacy I want to leave? Purpose is the compass that keeps us on track, helping us navigate the inevitable ups and downs of entrepreneurship with clarity and conviction.

Let me take you back to a recent moment that reminded me just how powerful purpose can be.

I had the absolute honor of speaking to 400 amazing leaders at Microsoft’s Leadership Enablement Community—a full-circle moment since I’m a proud former Microsoftee. But this time, I wasn’t there as an employee; I was there to deliver a message that lights me up every time I share it: Your personal brand isn’t optional—it’s inevitable. Whether you’re actively shaping it or not, the world is already forming opinions about who you are and what you stand for. That’s why I emphasize controlling your narrative.

Rachel presenting to Microsoft

Presenting to Microsoft about amplifying your impact and building your personal brand.

I asked them, “When you Google yourself, what comes up?” The energy, engagement, and curiosity in the room reminded me why I do what I do. Purpose isn’t just about building a business—it’s about helping others find their voice, their impact, and their own paths to success. Whether I’m crafting a personal brand narrative that aligns with someone’s core values or building a company that solves real-world problems, my purpose is my why. It’s what keeps me pushing forward, even when the road gets rough.

So, I challenge you to ask yourself:

  • What makes you feel excited and purposeful?
  • What kind of impact do you want to make?
  • How can you align your work with your values?

These are the questions that turn your career into one you love. When you know your purpose, you can lead with intention and authenticity, and the results will follow.

Real Challenges, Real Wins

The truth? Entrepreneurship isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s messy, it’s hard—but those challenges make the wins even sweeter. Here’s what I’ve learned:

🟣 Failure isn’t fatal—it’s fuel. Every setback is a steppingstone to something greater. Early in my journey, I learned that failure isn’t the end; it’s a lesson in disguise. Whether it was a campaign that didn’t land or a client that didn’t work, each failure forced me to adapt, pivot, and come back stronger.

🟣 Adaptability is your superpower. Markets shift, strategies evolve, and you’ve got to stay ahead of the curve. The entrepreneurial world changes fast, and those who thrive are the ones who embrace change head-on. From learning new tools to adjusting business processes, staying flexible has been my lifeline.

🟣 Persistence always pays off. The key is to keep showing up, even when it’s tough. Some days I feel like I’m moving mountains; other days, I feel like I can fly. Persistency and consistency build momentum. Every late-night session, every tough client or employee conversation—it all adds up to progress.

When I transitioned to entrepreneurship, I faced new challenges daily—from figuring out how to scale my business to integrating family life as a mom and stepmom. But with every challenge came growth, and with every win, a deeper sense of purpose.

Rachel balancing work and life
Work – Life – Integration looks like this sometimes. Mompreneur.

How I Stay Grounded When the Going Gets Tough

1. Set clear, achievable goals. Big dreams are amazing, but let’s be real—they can feel overwhelming. I break mine down into smaller, actionable steps that keep me focused and moving forward. It’s all about turning those OMG, where do I even start? moments into manageable wins that keep the momentum going.

2. Lean on my support network. Surrounding myself with people who get it—mentors, peers, and cheerleaders who’ve got my back. Whether I need advice, a pep talk, or just someone to vent to over coffee (or wine), my network is everything. They’re the ones who’ll lift me up when things get rough and celebrate every win, big or small.

3. Stay curious and flexible. The journey’s unpredictable, and that’s the beauty of it. Keep soaking up knowledge, stay open to new ideas, and trust your instincts when it’s time to pivot. Life’s gonna throw curveballs, but you’ve got the power to adjust and keep moving forward.

Intrapreneurship: Innovating From Within

But Rachel, I like my work, make great money and don’t want to leave…can I still be entrepreneurial??

YES!

That’s what we call ‘Intrapreneurship’. It’s all about bringing that entrepreneurial energy into your current role, driving innovation, and creating impact from within the organization. Companies thrive when they embrace this mindset, empowering employees to push boundaries and develop forward thinking ideas.

Whether you’re the creator dreaming up new solutions, the doer making it happen, intrapreneurs are the heartbeat of progress inside companies. Businesses that cultivate a culture of intrapreneurship bring out the best in their teams and stay competitive in a fast-moving world.

Some of my most rewarding experiences came from leading entrepreneurial initiatives during my time at Microsoft. For instance, I was so excited about the LinkedIn acquisition that I figured out how to bring them to the first ever Microsoft partner event, Microsoft Inspire, back in 2017.

Rachel at Microsoft Inspire
Me circa 2017 at Microsoft Inspire

One area that I think is interesting is new venture building inside companies: nearly 50% of CEOs surveyed by McKinsey say that venture building is one of their top 3 strategic priorities.

Why? Because it works. Venture building is essentially entrepreneurship within a corporate environment—creating new products, services, or even entirely new businesses. And it delivers results: companies that invest 20% or more of their growth capital into new ventures see two percentage points higher revenue growth than those that don’t.

So, if you’re wondering how you can be more intrapreneurial, seek out venture building activities at your company!

Graph sourced by McKinsey & Company

Sourced by McKinsey & Company

Building Your Entrepreneurial Network

No entrepreneur succeeds alone, and I’m grateful to have found incredible communities that lift me up and help me grow. One such group is Ultimate Partner (UPX), founded by my friend Vince Menzione . Vince, a former corporate exec turned entrepreneur, created UPX to empower partners navigating the complex tech ecosystem of giants like Microsoft, Google, and AWS. Through media, live events, and advisory services, UPX helps businesses transform their Go-To-Market strategies and thrive in a fast-changing world. Vince’s journey is proof that entrepreneurship isn’t just about individual success—it’s about lifting others as you rise.

At the recent Ultimate Partner LIVE event, I had the chance to connect with Vince and other incredible businesses and entrepreneurs who are redefining what’s possible in tech partnerships. It’s moments like these that remind me how crucial it is to have a network of people who inspire, challenge, and support you.

Ultimate Partner Event

At the Ultimate Partner LIVE event with Vince Menzione.

Another standout community I’ve joined is Archangel Academy , founded by Giovanni Marsico. Archangel is a movement designed specifically for entrepreneurs committed to making a positive impact in the world. It’s a space where visionaries gather to exchange ideas, collaborate on life-changing projects, and build businesses rooted in purpose.

Joshua and Rachel at Archangel event
Josh and I at the Archangel event this year. It was phenomenal.

Communities like UPX and Archangel are so powerful because they bring together collaboration, support, and purpose in a way that fuels both personal and professional growth. Whether it’s through podcasts, events, or masterminds, these spaces build genuine partnerships, provide a safety net during tough times, and keep your growth purpose driven.

Here’s what makes these entrepreneurial communities so impactful:

🟣 Collaboration That Drives Innovation: From forming strategic partnerships to sharing industry insights, these communities are where ideas come to life. It’s not just about networking—it’s about building relationships that push you to think bigger, act bolder, and explore new opportunities you might never have considered on your own.

🟣 Support When You Need It Most: Entrepreneurship is a rollercoaster of wins and setbacks but being surrounded by people who’ve been through it gives you strength. These communities offer more than just advice—they’re a sounding board, a source of encouragement, and sometimes, exactly the reality check you need to keep moving forward.

🟣 Purpose-Driven Success: Growth isn’t just about revenue or scaling fast; it’s about aligning with what truly matters. Communities like UPX and Archangel focus on making an impact while achieving success, showing that you can thrive in business while staying true to your values and leaving a meaningful legacy.

Your network is your net worth. Find your tribe, lean into their wisdom, and watch your growth soar. I’m incredibly proud of the 18k+ community I’ve built on LinkedIn. It’s a testament to the power of showing up authentically and consistently. Remember, your network is what keeps you grounded and growing.

Your Journey, Your Story

Entrepreneurship is a journey, not a destination. It’s about growth, resilience, and the courage to lead with authenticity. Whether you’re innovating in corporate or running your own show, your story matters.

To my clients, my followers, my extended community—I see you.

I see the desire in you to break free from expectations, to express your truest self, even when it’s scary. I know what it feels like to be caged by someone else’s box, built by society, teachers, or even your own past fears. But here’s the truth: you don’t have to live by those rules.

Entrepreneurship, in any form, is about choosing your path. It’s about pushing the boundaries of your potential, even when it’s uncomfortable, and designing a life filled with joy, passion, and purpose—on your own terms. That’s why I do what I do.

Rachel at work
Presenting for our virtual StandOut Authority event.

My hope is to be a guide, a teacher, and a source of inspiration. I choose to be courageous and lead with integrity and heart. Together, we can create a world where everyone thrives by living their truth. As we celebrate Entrepreneurship Month, I encourage you to reflect on your journey, share your experiences, and connect with others. Let’s keep WERKing our brands and living our entrepreneurial dreams.

📢 Did you catch my LinkedIn LIVE with Jeff Dudan ?

LinkedIn Live with jeff Dudan
LinkedIn LIVE with Jeff Dudan

Nearly 50% of professionals are thinking about leaving corporate life for business ownership. Franchising offers a unique path—with built-in teams, frameworks, and growth strategies to set you up for success.

I had the pleasure of speaking with Jeff Dudan, CEO of HomeFront Brands and host of the On the Homefront podcast. With 25+ years of experience, Jeff shared incredible insights on how franchising can help you build wealth and make an impact.

🎥 Watch now to learn why franchising could be your next big move!