Have you ever had a moment when an unexpected change became your greatest opportunity? That’s exactly what happened to me in summer 2024.
The unexpected catalyst
The news of the closure of The Passionate PA UK Ltd was shared with the team in August 2024. After eight and a half successful years as a franchisee, I was suddenly faced with a crossroads. But as the initial shock subsided, excitement bubbled up. This wasn’t just an end – it was a beginning.
I’d been quietly pondering my next move, with my second five-year term nearing its close. Now, the decision was thrust upon me, and I found myself embracing it fully. It was time to shape my future.
Discovering my true North
Starting a new business isn’t for the fainthearted, but I’ve never been one to shy away from a challenge. I spent a lot of time thinking and reflecting asking myself: What truly lights me up? What am I exceptionally good at? What do I want my legacy to be?
The answer became clear: I wanted to continue partnering with and supporting other business owners, helping them thrive professionally. But I also wanted to do more.
In the last six months with Passionate PA, I’d had the opportunity to mentor my peers. It was like rediscovering a part of myself I’d almost forgotten – the part that had thrived in leadership roles earlier in my career. This experience, combined with my recent years as a business owner, sparked a new passion.
Crafting the blueprint
As I mapped out my new venture, three pillars emerged:
- Business Support: Continuing to offer the hands-on, strategic support that had been the cornerstone of my work.
- Business Mentoring: Using my experience to guide other business owners through their challenges.
- Collaborative Network: Creating a supportive ecosystem where entrepreneurs could share, learn, and grow together.
This wasn’t just about using my skills – it was about creating something that could shape my future and make the best use of my experience.
I’m a problem solver at heart. Whether it’s streamlining a client’s operations, developing a marketing strategy, or organising a complex event, I thrive on turning challenges into opportunities. For once, I was applying these skills to my own ‘problem’, and it felt exciting.
Envisioning the future
I’m approaching what may be the final chapter of my career and I’m filled with a renewed sense of purpose. In 15 years, when I look back on this time in my life, I want to see a legacy of empowered entrepreneurial business owners who achieved success on their terms.
I see myself evolving into a trusted business mentor, guiding business owners through their journeys, celebrating their victories, and helping them through their challenges. This role isn’t just about sharing knowledge – it’s about creating growth, both for my clients and myself.
The freedom to shape this vision feels powerful. With no constraints or predefined roles, I can adapt my services to meet the ever-changing needs of my clients and the business landscape.
Shedding the PA label
I’ve spent the last eight and a half years with the business title of PA, which has often had its limitations. The PA role is frequently misconceived as being purely administrative or secretarial. However, those clients who have looked beyond the traditional perception have experienced true business partnerships that have helped to shape and grow their businesses.
As a PA, I’ve been a game-changer for many of my clients. I’ve managed their operations, led their marketing efforts, and run their events. Yet to many ‘on the outside’, I was still seen as just an ‘admin girl’. This perception often undersold the true value of the partnership I offered.
While I was sad to see The Passionate PA cease trading, I’m excited about the opportunity to shed this limiting label. Boost and Beyond Business Solutions better reflects the true value I bring to businesses – a combination of strategic thinking, operational expertise, and a genuine passion for helping entrepreneurs thrive.
The Passionate PA gave me a hugely valuable opportunity to establish myself as a sole trader after leaving the world of employment, and I will always look back on that with immense gratitude. It has enabled me to do what I’m now embarking on, giving me the confidence and knowledge to make this new venture a success.
Building on strong foundations
Existing clients chose to continue this journey with me. Their trust gives Boost and Beyond the best possible start, allowing me to build on established relationships while expanding into new territories.
My vision for the collaborative network is to create a space where abundance trumps scarcity. A place where entrepreneurs can share opportunities, solve problems collectively, and celebrate each other’s successes. Instead of pitching businesses against each other, I want to create a community of cooperation and mutual growth.
The road ahead
I’m reminded of Richard Branson’s words: “There is no greater thing you can do with your life and your work than follow your passions – in a way that serves the world and you.”
This journey won’t be without its challenges. Building a brand from scratch, expanding my services, and creating a thriving network will test my skills and resilience. But I’m ready for it. Each challenge is an opportunity to grow, to learn, and to serve my clients and community better.
So why not join me on this exciting journey? Whether you’re a business owner looking for support, a fellow entrepreneur seeking a collaborative community, or simply someone interested in the evolution of a passionate professional, I’d love to connect debbie@boostandbeyond.co.uk .
Here’s to new beginnings, to following our passions, and to boosting each other beyond our perceived limits. The adventure starts now – are you ready?