12 Lessons from 15 Years in the People Business
One Year Since Leaving Corporate
Why Now
In 2025, leadership careers are more fluid than ever. AI is reshaping workflows, economic cycles are shortening, and loyalty between companies and employees is thinner than it’s ever been. Leaders can’t just “stay the course” — they need to adapt, bet on themselves, and keep their networks strong.
One year ago, I got the push I didn’t know I needed.
The Leap
After nearly a decade in agency recruiting — and navigating a global pandemic that shut down the world — I made the decision to sacrifice my earnings for my learnings. I went in-house to scale & build, with hopes of helping take a company to IPO before starting my own.
The pivot wasn’t a surprise — but the timing was. It wasn’t a Hollywood ending. It was better. It was the push I needed to leave corporate America and launch CultureHub Insights.
Here’s what I’ve learned over nearly 15 years in the people business — and one very pivotal year running my own company.
Foundation Phase
1. Know Your Value
No one will value you more than you do. Own it.
When I got the “7:06 AM text” that my role was ending, I was able to secure a retained engagement with the same company before lunch — because I knew how to articulate my value and results instantly.
2. Advocate for Yourself
Speak up, ask, and push for what’s right.
3. Be Intentional with Your Path
Sometimes one step back = two leaps forward.
4. Have a Growth Mindset
Be passionate. Cut what drains you. Life’s too short.
Execution Phase
5. Track Your Wins
Keep receipts; they’re your leverage.
6. Build Relationships Before You Need Them
Invest early and often.
7. Say Yes to Opportunities That Scare You
Growth doesn’t live in comfort zones.
When I moved from agency to in-house, I knew it meant taking a short-term pay cut. But it gave me exposure to executive onboarding, culture strategy, and leadership transitions I never would have seen otherwise. That experience built the foundation for my business today.
8. GSD (Get Stuff Done)
Execution > Ideas. Be a connector of people.
Strategic Phase
9. Corporate Loyalty is Dead
Truly assess your job & opportunity every year — make intentional moves every 3–4 years.
10. Bet on Yourself
Trust your skills, relationships, and grit.
Adaptability Phase
11. Be Water, My Friend
Adaptability is your greatest competitive edge. (Thank you, Bruce Lee.)
12. The Future Favors the Resourceful
Use AI as your advantage — the tools are here; learn and leverage them.
Final Thoughts
The people business isn’t easy. But if you build with purpose, adapt fast, and know your value—you’ll win on your terms.
📌 See the original LinkedIn post and join the conversation here:
Hundreds of leaders have shared their own #13 — I’d love to hear yours.
