Frances D.’s Post

Hey LinkedIn fam 😊 It’s been a while since I’ve posted here, and I have some updates to share! I've been seeing more vulnerable posts on this platform (shoutout to Erica Rankin for always keeping it real), which inspired me to open up about my own experience. The last few years have felt like a rollercoaster of emotions, career changes, breaks, and self-development. After my father passed away unexpectedly in June 2022, I left a job I loved at Mid-Day Squares because I couldn't give it my all anymore. I took an eight-month career break to process the grief – an ongoing journey – and to spend time with my family. I’m incredibly grateful for that time, and once I felt ready to get back out there, I met Julie Drapeau at Expo West in 2023, leading to a position at Purity Life Health Products LP. After a year of learning about the distribution model and experiencing my first role with a larger company, I decided to take a chance on myself and left at the end of April 2024. At this stage in my career, I realize that my true passion lies in entrepreneurship and early-stage wellness brands. My experience with larger companies has given me the confidence and skills to provide well-rounded support to early-stage brands in establishing a strong retail strategy to get them to the next step. From having my own adaptogenic beverage company, to working with a fast-growing start up, to then delving into the distribution side where I got to work with so many amazing & kind retailers, brokers, buyers and brands, I feel ready to take it to the next step on my own. With all that said (thank you to those who read this far 😋 ), I’m looking to connect with early-stage wellness brands and individuals in the consulting space. If you know anyone or are that person, you know where to find me. Let’s chat! 🤠 #CPG #startup #consulting #wellness #sales #retailsales #retailstrategy #health #entrepreneur #entrepreneurship #selfdevelopment #grief

Embracing the Interruption in My Life: At the end of last year, I made a significant shift. After diligently serving my anchor clients for up to three years, it was time to offboard them. I anticipated onboarding new clients for 2024, but they didn't seem to sign off as expected. Suddenly, I found myself with unexpected free time—a rare commodity in the life of a busy entrepreneur. Instead of seeing this as a setback, I chose to embrace the interruption. I invested in my personal development and signed up for a business incubation program. This program challenged me to rethink my approach and grow my brand, BADILI Consults, in ways I hadn't imagined. It was during this time that the idea for the HR Career Kickstart Program was born. Last month, we proudly graduated our first cohort, and I'm thrilled to share that we are launching a new cohort at the end of this month. In hindsight, I am deeply grateful for that interruption. It led me to meet amazing individuals who have spoken wisdom into my life and business, forge new friendships, and experience exponential growth as an entrepreneur in management consultancy. God knows the plans He has for our lives. As much as we want to control our paths, life often throws curveballs. What interruption in your life has led to unexpected growth? I'd love to hear your stories and what you've learned from them.

I quit my dream job. And it was so hard, it’s taken me 2 months to write this post…. I’ll tell you what happened. And I’ll share some lessons learned from 13 years in startup leadership. But first… gratitude. Working at Blueprint was the highlight of my career. Danny Freed, Roger Deetz, Russell DuBois, Ph.D., Chris Cutter, Brett Queener, Megen R. Drulia are some of the most talented people I have ever met. Saying it was an honor to work with and learn from all of you is an understatement. To tag everyone who made an impact on me would mean tagging the whole company (so let’s pretend I did that 💙). You know you’ve found something special when nights out with co-workers (from every level of every team) often turn into vulnerable conversations about why everyone cares so damn much about this company, and this mission. This is rare. And while every company has passionate people, believe me: a culture like this stems from the top. Lesson #1👇 Don’t choose a company to work at, or a product to sell/market/work on… choose a CEO to work for. And choose carefully. I could write a novel on this but here’s an explanation I haven’t seen before: When you leave a startup, after years of working a high pressure job, for below market rate, you’re faced with a decision: should I really drop significant cash to purchase my stock options? Stock options make it all worth it. But it’s a gamble. I’ve never bought mine before. Sometimes I was right, sometimes I was wrong. Many times I thought they might fail without me. (Those are the times I was right not to buy.) But deciding to buy my options at Blueprint was easy. I’d bet on Danny Freed any day. Danny is brilliant. He listens, takes risks, learns, and pivots. He really cares, and is the hardest working person I know. And he built a company that doesn’t depend on any one person to succeed. And that matters. Lesson # 2 👇 If your job is damaging your mental health, RUN. Before Blueprint I had jobs where: - I went years without a vacation - I was publicly blamed, shamed, and screamed at for things that were out of my control - CEOs called at midnight, regularly - A CEO tried to withhold my commission because I closed a huge deal (no windfall clause) - I exceeded every goal set for me to earn a VP title (while doing that job) until finally I was told the real reason for the director title was I “didn’t look good enough on paper” I thought all of that was startup status quo…. It’s not. And by the time I learned this it was too late. I started feeling sick before joining Blueprint, but I powered through because that’s what I’ve been conditioned to do. Until I couldn’t. I burned out and my body had enough. After 4 autoimmune diagnoses my doctor told me I HAD to rest. So… I’m resting. I’ve been taking a break from LinkedIn, but I’ve been painting a lot, wildbrushworks on insta if you want to follow me on that journey💙. #burnout #mentalhealth #startups #startuplife #mentalhealthmatters

It’s Lonely At The Top (The Moment I Crossed a Line as CEO) I'm 33 when the pinnacle of my corporate career unexpectedly arrives. I started work before startups became mainstream or "Youtuber" a noun. If not a world class creative/athlete, the path to big money is simple: Join a large company. Graft/grift your way up the slippery pole. I'm good at what I do, but realistically I'll never make CEO of Aldi. Then Events happen and I'm offered the helm of a startup, personally backed by 2 High Net Worths. They believe in me. I call my mum excitedly. She doesn't know what a startup is. But as mums do, she's happy because I am. Later I proudly show her my business card. She proudly shows it to all her friends. We arrived in the UK penniless. I didn't speak a word of English back then. I'm now CEO of high 6 figures in seed capital. I'm NOT going to mess this up. I stop clubbing, stop drinking, stop all that distracts. I cut contact with friends who might distract me. It's just me and the job. At first all is good. Revenue and payroll explode. As do the incessant challenges. Then numbers take a dip. Suddenly, I'm not sleeping well. I've got no-one to talk to. I soldier on. What pushes me over the edge though, is actually a win. We go to see a key account, thinking they're giving us notice. This means layoffs - I've stupidly left us exposed. I'm on edge for the entire train journey down. I'm wrong. They want to double down on our relationship. The relief and the elation knock me sideways. I've not felt this good in... I can't remember. But there's no-one to share it with. I feel desperately alone. An aching void surrounds me. There's nowhere for emotions to go. I take a deep breath and... Ask out the colleague who's with me. Feelings have been building for a while but obviously it's a no go area. Obviously. She says no. It's an awkward train journey back. As are the following weeks - she's a direct report, and our schedules overlap considerably. I've also been personally mentoring her rise up the ranks. Now everything feels tainted, my motivations in doubt. I castigate myself, but the words can't be unsaid. To be clear, it's far from a MeToo moment. But it shattered the professionalism I pride myself on, and confirmed my soul yearns for something missing. It was a mistake to drop all of my interests. You need balance. You need a release, a confidante. This picture is from that era. I'm at a wedding. There's no +1. I'm probably thinking about sales. A decade on, I provide a concierge service to transform personal brands for CEOs and Founders. The 'done for you' concept is rooted in the memory of how relentless the demands of your time are. The overflowing inbox, the neverending meetings. The balancing of diverging agendas and conflicting interests. I especially don't miss not making payroll. Or having to fire or reprimand staff, whatever the reason. It's tough at the top. To those who can and do, I salute you.

It’s Lonely At The Top (The Moment I Crossed a Line as CEO) I'm 33 when the pinnacle of my corporate career unexpectedly arrives. I started work before startups became mainstream or "Youtuber" a noun. If not a world class creative/athlete, the path to big money is simple: Join a large company. Graft/grift your way up the slippery pole. I'm good at what I do, but realistically I'll never make CEO of Aldi. Then Events happen and I'm offered the helm of a startup, personally backed by 2 High Net Worths. They believe in me. I call my mum excitedly. She doesn't know what a startup is. But as mums do, she's happy because I am. Later I proudly show her my business card. She proudly shows it to all her friends. We arrived in the UK penniless. I didn't speak a word of English back then. I'm now CEO of high 6 figures in seed capital. I'm NOT going to mess this up. I stop clubbing, stop drinking, stop all that distracts. I cut contact with friends who might distract me. It's just me and the job. At first all is good. Revenue and payroll explode. As do the incessant challenges. Then numbers take a dip. Suddenly, I'm not sleeping well. I've got no-one to talk to. I soldier on. What pushes me over the edge though, is actually a win. We go to see a key account, thinking they're giving us notice. This means layoffs - I've stupidly left us exposed. I'm on edge for the entire train journey down. I'm wrong. They want to double down on our relationship. The relief and the elation knock me sideways. I've not felt this good in... I can't remember. But there's no-one to share it with. I feel desperately alone. An aching void surrounds me. There's nowhere for emotions to go. I take a deep breath and... Ask out the colleague who's with me. Feelings have been building for a while but obviously it's a no go area. Obviously. She says no. It's an awkward train journey back. As are the following weeks - she's a direct report, and our schedules overlap considerably. I've also been personally mentoring her rise up the ranks. Now everything feels tainted, my motivations in doubt. I castigate myself, but the words can't be unsaid. To be clear, it's far from a MeToo moment. But it shattered the professionalism I pride myself on, and confirmed my soul yearns for something missing. It was a mistake to drop all of my interests. You need balance. You need a release, a confidante. This picture is from that era. I'm at a wedding. There's no +1. I'm probably thinking about sales. A decade on, I provide a concierge service to transform personal brands for CEOs and Founders. The 'done for you' concept is rooted in the memory of how relentless the demands of your time are. The overflowing inbox, the neverending meetings. The balancing of diverging agendas and conflicting interests. I especially don't miss not making payroll. Or having to fire or reprimand staff, whatever the reason. It's tough at the top. To those who can and do, I salute you.

🔹 From Redundancy to Entrepreneurship and Back To Work: My Cheesecake Fuelled Journey 🔹 2 months ago, I found myself unexpectedly facing redundancy. It was a daunting moment, but it sparked a fire within me to explore new opportunities and embrace change. Instead of letting the uncertainty consume me, I decided to take matters into my own hands. With a passion for tasty food and a love for all things cheesecake, I embarked on a journey to turn my hobby into a business. Armed with determination and a secret recipe, I launched my small venture from the comfort of my own kitchen. The response was overwhelming, with friends and family eagerly indulging in my delicious creations. Fast forward to today, and I'm thrilled to share that not only have I successfully launched my cheesecake business, but I've also recently started a new chapter in my career journey. As well, my first two weeks at my new job have been brilliant, filled with exciting challenges and opportunities for growth. Balancing running a small business with being a working mum has its challenges, but it's also incredibly fulfilling. It requires careful time management, prioritization, and sometimes asking for help. Setting boundaries and establishing a support system are essential, whether it's enlisting family members for assistance or leveraging technology to streamline processes. Ultimately, it's about finding harmony between pursuing your passion, nurturing your family, and excelling in your career. As I continue to navigate this journey, I'm grateful for the support of my family, friends, and colleagues who have stood by me every step of the way. To anyone facing adversity or contemplating a leap of faith, remember that every challenge is an opportunity in disguise. Embrace the unknown, follow your passions, and never underestimate the power of your resilience. Here's to chasing dreams, savoring success, and indulging in life's sweetest moments—one slice of cheesecake at a time. 🍰✨FILTH Cheesecakes by Lucy is now open for business and all over social media! Please see my video below for all things cheesecake related!! #Entrepreneurship #CareerJourney #WorkingMum #Resilience #CheesecakeDreams

Thanksgiving isn't just a holiday, it’s a reminder of what really matters. In the hustle & grind of building teams, hitting targets, and chasing big goals, it’s easy to forget to pause and appreciate the people who make it all possible. To our clients, partners, candidates, friends, and family, thank you! THANK YOU for your trust, your collaboration, and the chance to grow alongside you. Building something meaningful takes a team. It takes partnerships, shared challenges, and collective wins. Today, we’re especially grateful for the people who show up, bring their best, and make even the tough days worth it. Take a moment this Thanksgiving to reflect on what you’re grateful for, and maybe even share it with someone. A little gratitude goes a long way. Happy Thanksgiving to all who are part of this journey with us. Let’s keep building, growing, and finding success together. #hiring #recruiterlife #recruiting #saassales #gsd #agsd #sales #startup #founder #ceo

🚀 Starting a business after a layoff? It’s easy to rush, but the power of patience can be your greatest asset. 🧘♂️ After recently navigating the shock of a layoff, I’ve learned some crucial lessons about taking my time and avoiding rookie mistakes. In my latest blog, I share the unexpected positives of slowing down, carefully vetting opportunities, and building a solid foundation for long-term success. Whether you’re at a career crossroads or launching a new venture, these insights could save you from common pitfalls. #OpenToWork #Entrepreneurship #BusinessStrategy #Leadership #CareerGrowth #Startups

Last night's adventures in the rain. Don't worry, I got home safely. And here's what I learned! Life is just a series of choices We do our best with what's in front of us. It doesn't always work out as planned. But we still get to choose. I am big believer in growth mindset. This means you embrace challenges, instead of being a victim. Just like these ROAD CLOSED signs I drove up to, At the end of a very long day. A similar thing happened to me a year ago, on this same road. I was a mess! Crying...scared... uncertain... Here I am a year later in the same spot/same car, but different result. Growth Mindset for realz! Yeah I had some sniffles when I first saw these signs. I wanted to be HOME NOW. But did some deep breathing (thank you Dave Gieselman). And I was feeling inspired by the ProVisors event I'd attended, Sharing business leads and positive energy with other xlnt people. In this calmer space, I chose NOT to drive past those signs (yah, I thought about it) And instead took the 45 minutes around the mountain for safety. The alternate route was very pretty. I took the extra time to decompress and plan my next day of productivity, Finally trudging through the mud and fog, Warm and safe to bed! Today I feel well rested, Enjoying the sunshine, And sharing this story, To hopefully inspire you. Next time you are dealing with an obstacle, Or maybe you're dealing with MANY, and it feels constant 💙 Take a few breaths, Consider your options, Ask for help, Find your gratitude, Embrace the friggin journey, And maybe a year from now you'll find yourself In the exact same situation, but you're a better person making better choices! Anything is possible 🌞 Thanks again for the inspiring and helpful energy As I'm rebuilding Dreamore, taking on new clients for hiring support, and building this lovely home and garden to share with you. Brian Ross Janice Cohen, MA Michael Zarrabian Chris M. King Dr. Frumi Rachel Barr Dorit Levy Michael Corwin Mark Jaffe Kate Pletcher Ivy Rappaport Matthew Khalili Roberta Kass #growthmindset #inspiration #womeninbusiness #womeninleadership #startups #recruiting #hiring

It Is Never Too Late! You can start your CSm career today or any career for that matter. Anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending! It is your life start living it before it’s too late. Few people that’s started at an unexpected age: ✅ Eric Yuan founded Zoom at the age of 41 ✅ Vera Wang started in fashion at age 40 ✅ Sam Walton founded Walmart at 44 ✅ Henry Ford created the revolutionary Model T at 45. Even your favs: 👉Oprah Winfrey 👉Michael Jordan 👉Steve Jobs Believe you can and you’re halfway there- author unknown Take the leap of faith- have faith in your abilities 🔥Know that you can start late, look different, be uncertain and still succeed. ………………………. What are your thoughts about starting late? Who decides who starts at what time? Any experience? Share 👇 Quotes not mine. Engage, share🚀 #CustomerSuccess #LinkedInEngagement #SuccessManagerChronicles #letsconnect #customerexperience #customersupport #womeninleadership #saas #customerservice #womenleadership #fintech #startups