In Good Company: Community and Safe Havens in Business

I’m a solo pilot. When I hear the phrase, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together”, I think, “Fast, please.”

But it’s not entirely true. While I’ve traveled through several countries solo, I’ve also had a blast with wonderful travel companions. I love to paddle my own kayak, and sometimes love to go with a group of friends.

I’ve found this balance of being the captain of my own ship while sailing in a flotilla.

I write this from my mother’s kitchen table in Iowa where I’ve given myself a much-needed retreat, bringing notebooks and novels to my mom’s for five days while she's on retreat out east with friends.

I love the solitude and the silence. I can feel my brain decompress and my nervous system recombobulate. I oftentimes feel guilty for wanting so much time alone. But I’ve come to terms with it, especially since better understanding the HSP trait.

Someone in our group of friends was turning 50 and her husband threw a surprise birthday for her in their home. We were all there before she got home from dinner with a girlfriend so we could shout “surprise!” when she came in. After that moment of excitement, we settled down on couches and at kitchen counters and naturally fell into deep conversation. This a group of friends I know from going out to see live music and it was such a treat to be in comfortable, quiet conversation. I cherished that evening, not having to shout over music or having a conversation fizzle out after, “How are you?” It was a Goldilocks moment. Not too loud and busy, not home alone, but with a small group in a cozy environment having deep conversations.

My professional life is the same way. I’ve never worked in corporate America because I know the culture, environment and type of work is not a good fit for me. But I do like some kind of work culture. I’ve developed this by joining co-working spaces and networking groups. A few connections from the hundreds I’ve made have turned into true friends. We socialize outside of the organized groups where we can have those kitchen counter conversations.

Otherwise, I’m living and working in my own echo chamber. Since I’m a solopreneur, it’s important to cultivate community to share best practices, bounce ideas, and significantly, get a hand up after a colossal failure - in case it ever happens when running your own business (spoiler alert – it does).

That’s what we strive for in business, isn’t it? Not just to make a living, but to make a life — rich with relationships, shared laughter and support.

The value of deep connections in the business world can't be matched by any currency. It’s about tapping into that vein of common understanding and purpose that unites us. It's not just who you know, as is said in business parlance, it's who you grow with. Growth that comes from real, heartfelt interaction. It's not just about the exchange of business cards; it’s the exchange of dreams, fears, triumphs, and, most importantly, trust.

Even though I default to solitude, the value of community and deep, meaningful relationships in business can’t be overstated. For entrepreneurs, particularly those who identify as highly sensitive persons (HSPs), finding a community isn't just a nice-to-have; it's a vital part of the journey to success and fulfillment.

This reflection has been informing how I create a new small group coaching program I’m putting together called The Collective. Yes, we need to get work done. And we’ll do that here. We also need a place where ideas are heard and contributions are appreciated and respected. A place where being sensitive isn’t a liability, but an asset that’s understood and nurtured. A place for deep conversations, camaraderie and celebration.

The Collective

The truth is, creating and running your own business can get turbulent. The Collective is designed to be a safe harbor. Everyone needs a safe space, especially the highly sensitive among us.

So, here’s the invitation. If you’ve been craving a community that gets you, a space where your sensitivity is not just understood but treasured, then welcome.

Joining The Collective isn’t just about what you get; it's about where you belong. It’s finding your spot at the table, your voice in the chorus, your feet on the dance floor. Here, your business grows because you grow — surrounded by those who cheer you on, challenge you respectfully, and care genuinely.

You’ll also get:

A Plan and a Process

Direct Support from me

Curated Content – no need to go down the rabbit hole of all that business advice out there that’s not made for you.

Find out more here: https://www.hspholistic.com/collective