From fierce independence to conscious collaboration
Building a business aligned to my design
I was that little girl that would say “I can do it myself”, whenever my parents would offer to help me tie my laces, or chop up my food.
When I asked my mum and dad recently what I was like as a child, they both separately said “strong-willed”. Even my brand strategist, after I shared some pivotal life stories with her, used the same word.
I had forgotten that side of me.
In Human Design, I have a defined Heart Centre, which explains a lot:
my willpower
my reluctance to ask for help
my preference for quality, beauty and value
Being strong-willed is not a bad thing. In fact, it is a much needed quality in this world if we want to drive positive change.
Over the years, I found myself hiding this strong-willed trait, shrinking to fit in, to do what was expected.
Not anymore.
I’m enjoying being my determined self again - passionate, driven, and facing challenges head-on. There’s an inner fire returning, a steady resolve to pursue what matters, even when the path isn’t easy. If an obstacle comes along, I know it’s for a reason, and I’ll find a new way through.
A snapshot from childhood
This is a photo of me around six years old. Smiling, eager to learn, play and explore. A sociable, active kid. I thrived amongst my friends, I can see how naturally collaborative I was. I would often take the lead in games, and decide where we would explore that day - my friends came to rely on that quality in me. We had fun.
The joy of collaboration
As I’ve grown older, I’m much better at receiving support - although I’m still working on the asking part.
Shortly after deciding to go down the solopreneurship route rather than returning to corporate life, I was invited to be an accountability buddy by
- we met on a Climate Career Coaching program run by . We both shared the goal of starting our own consultancies.Katia and I still meet now - building our businesses independently, but together - that monthly check-in and chat with someone that faces the same decisions, highs and lows, makes such a difference. I always come away feeling lighter after our calls.
It’s a similar experience at
, where we completed the Seed Program last year - a structured, supportive space for solopreneurs and freelancers to build purposeful businesses. Learning alongside a small group working in the climate and impact space is a much more enjoyable (and sustainable) way to build and run a business!My design confirmed what I knew all along
In Human Design, my ideal work environment is to work in a partnership.
When reflecting on my corporate days, I realised that my favourite roles were when I worked closely with one other person, albeit part of a larger team and organisation. I thrive in co-creative partnerships - bouncing ideas around, tackling challenges together, and finding solutions collaboratively.
I’m still a very independent person, but I’m happier working alongside someone. That’s when ideas are sparked, confidence rises, and forward momentum is the norm.
The more I live in alignment with my design, the more invitations to collaborate come my way. But not every invitation is right for me. As a Projector in Human Design, it’s important that I’m recognised for my presence, and the value and guidance I offer - not just for how much I can “do”. (Which, for the record, is quite a lot!) Recognition and clear boundaries are key to staying off the road to burnout and bitterness.
An aligned invitation
Earlier this year, an invitation led to me and Lilli (founder of
) co-creating and hosting the first IMMA Quarterly Strategy Session for impact solopreneurs in London.
Held in a B-Corp space with a roof terrace overlooking Hyde Park, we guided three hours of strategic reflection and connection with a small group of solo founders and freelancers. It was a special day.
Even the planning process was enjoyable - co-creating with Lilli and other IMMA members made everything feel lighter and more fun. We shared ideas, solved problems together, and put real care into every detail: from designing a quarterly reflection and intention guide tailored for an in-person setting, to finding a warm, welcoming space, and arranging quality headshots.
It was such a success, we’re doing it again on Friday 4th July in Shoreditch.
If you’d like to join, here is the link to book your spot.
My Mother Tree
My independent streak even shows up in the tree I chose to be my Mother Tree. A tree I feel a connection to, a tree I visit to get clarity when my mind is busy.
At first I saw her as a lone tree. Fiercely independent like me. But after a few visits, when I stopped to look around, I saw she was surrounded, almost encircled, by other trees, of all shapes and sizes. Supported, not alone at all.
This is the version of independence I’m embracing - strong on my own, but stronger when supported.
Curious about your ideal working style?
If you’re interested in discovering your unique energetic blueprint (your Career Design), I’m opening my calendar on 1st July for a limited number of Career Design Overviews.
These 1:1 sessions use Human Design for Career & Business to help you understand:
Your career type
Ideal work environment and interaction style
Decision-making strategy
How to align your work with your energy
Subscribe to be the first to know when bookings open.
And if you’re a solopreneur or freelancer, working in the climate or social impact space, come join a small group of like-minded people in London on the Friday 4th July. Leave with a refined vision, and momentum for your next quarter in business.
Your ticket includes guided individual reflection, a professional headshot, and a delicious breakfast. Unbeatable value!
“Connection is why we’re here; it is what gives purpose and meaning to our lives.”
– Brené Brown
What a powerful share, using positive reminiscing for sense-making and acknowledging the journey is what teaches us more than the destination. Love what you are building, and how you do it in partnership with humans and the more-than-humans too. 🌳