In late 2024, after serious deliberation, I decided I needed to leave my job at Food Connects, the social enterprise I founded 15 years ago. It was a painful decision, one that has opened up a lot of emotions, a “juicy time,” as a dear friend and colleague reflected. Who knew that leaving a job could be so emotional? I want to share in the laughter and tears and anxiety. I want to be supportive of others, especially connecting with the grief of loss. 

I will also share lessons from 15 years of building a social enterprise to $5 million in annual revenue over 15 years. Key themes I will explore: social entrepreneurship, shared leadership, collaboration and strategic partnership, networks, working across the generations as a GenXer, you can’t be everything to everyone, and more!