Laura T.’s Post

Earlier this month I celebrated one year of entrepreneurship and Cleared to Flourish, LLC. I love milestones like this, as they are prime opportunities for reflection. Here are a few of my key learnings from the past year. 🏥A job is never worth compromising your health for. I got very sick before I left my job. However, I will always call it a blessing. My body was signaling to me that I needed to make a change. Make sure you are paying attention to your body and mind. Are they healthy? Do they need more attention? Do they need you to make some changes in certain areas of your life? 🧠Not all years are created equal. I bring 25 years of work into my first year of entrepreneurship. I’ve had to remind myself that although owning my own business is new, the work I am doing is not. I bring 25 years of knowledge, experience, and talent into everything I do with my clients. One year in business may sound “new” but it’s anything but! 👑Find others to wear different hats, so you can wear your crown each day. There is so much more to my day to day than ever before. In addition to being a coach, consultant, speaker, and trainer, I am also a sales person, designer, copy editor, IT person, social media guru, and so on! I’ve had to recognize that I can’t - and don’t want! - to do it all. I am slowly finding experts that I trust in other areas to support me and my business. 🧩You don’t have to do it all. And, experimentation is key. I’ve tried many things this year to see what I enjoy and what I don’t, who I love to work with and who I don’t, what types of work energize me the most, what is truly worth my time, and what aligns with my values and priorities. ⚡️It’s important to work with my energy levels. Being an entrepreneur with a chronic illness (Rheumatoid Arthritis) is a blessing. I am not confined to a 9-5 day. Everything I do for work is to support me and my business and I get to decide when I do that. Sometimes that looks like taking an entire day off to rest because my body needs it. Sometimes that means working on a Sunday morning because my boys are golfing and I have energy and free space. It’s refreshing to have freedom to not feel I have to work all day every day, just for the sake of working. These are things I’ve learned this past year, but as I reflect, these are things I wish I incorporated more of into my earlier jobs too. 🧐Curious on your takeaways and if this brings any further reflections for you, regardless of where you are on your journey? Picture of the cake my husband got to celebrate the one year anniversary.

Success isn’t about sticking to just one path. If I had convinced myself that launching a second business was too risky, I’d probably still be… → Staying in my comfort zone → Ignoring my potential to diversify and grow → Feeling stagnant instead of energized by new challenges → Missing out on the chance to create even more impact But when I found the courage to expand my vision beyond what was “safe” and “expected,” I realized that success isn’t just about what you achieve… But how it aligns with your passions and dreams! I was able to bootstrap my 2nd business while running my first, and it grew to the point where I could fully commit to it without hesitation. This new venture has evolved, but one thing remains true: I’m able to impact even more lives while doing what I love. Because I chose to take that leap of faith, here I am: → Writing this post for a community I believe in → Running 2 profitable businesses that I’m passionate about → Balancing my work and family life on my terms → And living a life that I’ve designed for myself 🔥 So, if you’re hesitant about launching that business, or afraid of not following the “right” plan, remember this… Success is about creating a life that feels good for you, not just one that looks good on paper. It’s time to redefine what success means to you and take that next step toward making it a reality. Are you ready? #entrepreneur #launch #startup

I'm thrilled to announce that I have decided to begin working on my personal book, which shares the story of my entrepreneurial journey! You will find my journey from a working-class family in one of the poorest regions of France to achieving an eight-figure exit (X0 000 000). The main focus of this book is to explore themes of entrepreneurship, mindset, and resilience. I will share my losses and wins, the driving forces behind my success, and the challenges that continue to inspire and push me every day. Here is a brief introduction (still in draft form) to give you an overview: Introduction : "Every time I thought I was being rejected from something good, I was actually being re-directed to something better." This might as well have been the motto of my journey from a tiny town in Eastern France to the pinnacle of the tech startup world. This isn’t just another entrepreneurial success story. This is a map through the minefield of building a business from scratch, which is often glorified but brutally hard in reality. I’m Dorian Ciavarella, and I’ve lived through this so you can learn from it. I started in Behren Les Forbach, where the shadows of a 35% poverty rate stretched over us, shaping my view of failure and success. Why write this book? Because making it in business isn’t just about crafting a smart product or landing big investments. It’s about transforming under pressure, mastering the art of leadership when the path is anything but clear. At Hivency, my team and I reinvented how brands connect with influencers, scaling to making an eight-figure exit. Not just for the money, but to prove how far you can go with the right strategy and a bit of grit. Now at ZELIQ, having moved from micro-influence to revolutionizing the sales process, I continue to challenge the norms of how businesses operate and grow. "8 Fucking Figures Exit" isn't just about my story. It's about preparing you for the hard decisions you’ll need to make in your entrepreneurial journey. What will you find in this book? Not just stories, but lessons on the hard things about hard things. How do you handle problems? What do you do when your back’s against the wall and investors are knocking? How do you keep going when everything says stop? This book is for anyone who’s ever faced a difficult decision and wondered, "Now what?" If you're ready to take on the world of business, let's get started. I’ve walked this path, and I've laid out every hard lesson I learned along the way. I already discussed with publishing houses, but I am still considering self-publishing. :) What do you think? Do you like the introduction? I would love to have your feedback! #book #story

For many, founding and running a business (or working at a scaling startup) puts life on full throttle. Big sacrifices are made in the name of mission statements and in the name of promises of big returns. These sacrifices can take a toll — on our health, our relationships, our mental well-being. When we sign up for the entrepreneurial roller coaster, there’s as much foreboding as there is excitement. It may be a wild ride, yet the specific twists and turns we have yet to discover for ourselves. When you boarded the rollercoaster of entrepreneurship, what is it that you signed up for? What did you leave behind? What would be different if you approached your work choices from a place grounded in a sense of self-worth? How many of the choices made around your job, company, or career are based on a belief that you are ‘not enough’ or valuable outside of your accomplishments and bank accounts? How we consider work within the scope of our whole life is a perspective that can take us off the roller coaster. Consider these questions: - What are the highs and lows of your entrepreneurial journey? - How do you manage the emotional ups and downs of entrepreneurship? - What is your purpose in entrepreneurship? - How do you stay focused on your purpose when things get tough? - What are your responsibilities as a leader? - How do you represent your community or identity in your work? - How do you take a step back and gain perspective on the rollercoaster of entrepreneurship? - What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs who are feeling burnt out?

Working alongside Reid Tileston, I've learned some invaluable lessons that have reshaped my perspective on entrepreneurship and business ownership. Here are the top three takeaways: 1. Small Businesses: The Backbone of Our Country 🇺🇸 Reid has instilled in me a deep appreciation for the pivotal role small businesses play in our economy. They're not just business ventures; they're the lifelines of innovation and community development. Small businesses have accounted for 66 percent of US employment growth over the last twenty-six years. 2. Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) 🤑 Starting from scratch is an adventure filled with risks. Reid introduced me to the concept of ETA, a strategic approach to entrepreneurship that emphasizes acquiring and scaling existing businesses. It's a pathway that mitigates startup risks while leveraging established operations. In the United States, retiring business owners, and especially small business owners, are expected to sell or bequeath $10 trillion in assets over the next twenty years. 3. Entrepreneurial Business Ownership (EBO) 🦅 True freedom in business ownership comes when you can step back without stepping away. EBO is about crafting a venture that thrives under a solid team, ensuring you maintain autonomy and your venture's growth isn't tethered to your constant presence. If you are not all-in, you are in the way. As Reid's new book, Grit It Done, is poised to hit the shelves on May 13th, I'm reminded of the power of perseverance, strategic innovation, and the courage to redefine what it means to be an entrepreneur. Here's to embracing ETA, championing small businesses, and aspiring for EBO. Let's grit it done! Learn More Here: https://lnkd.in/eiaA3mvz ⛰️

70% of new startups grow too quickly before truly understanding what their customers want. Entrepreneurship is exactly like parenting, in that sense. You have made many mistakes before you even start, and you make many more before you have the slightest realization that you’re going wrong. There is no blueprint for success in both cases, and both demand everything from you, physically, mentally and emotionally. It’s a high risk-high reward-higher loss game. This doesn’t mean you are doomed to fail. Statistically, 10% of start-ups survive the 5 year mark. Here are some of the things that I see as common factors among successful Founders. 1. They all have mentors. These wise guys have been there, done that. It’s the business equivalent of consulting your mother about your baby. :grinning: Me- I lucked out here. I had a mentor who was also one of my closest friends, who looked out for me even when I did not ask for it, and told all the tough things I simply refused to hear. Anyone else might have given up, but not Narayanan Hariharan. If you’re not as lucky, seek out mentors who can help you with specific things. It can truly help you overcome difficulties, spot the hidden opportunity and avoid pitfalls. 2. They do not shrink from failure. They see the opportunity in every difficult situation, are not afraid to test quickly and fail fast. They learn from their failures and pivot quickly. They are adaptable, and because of this, they survive. 3. They take care of themselves. All great entrepreneurs recognize that their biggest strength is their physical health and mental acuity, and they truly care for both. Workouts, marathons, meditation, beach vacations with the family to truly unwind, sport. They all have their ways, but they all care for themselves. Very well. Try to incorporate these strategies for yourself, but you need to remember that every entrepreneur's journey is unique. Keep pushing, but push smart. The breakthrough you're after is closer than you imagine. #StartupStruggles #EntrepreneurialJourney #LearnFromFailure #MentorshipMatters #SelfCareForSuccess

Mentorship is a two-way street. Supporting Jack has taught me as much as it’s helped him grow. This young man is destined for greatness—mark my words. But let me ask you this: what does success truly mean? Someone once told me, "If you live your life ensuring someone else’s is okay, your own life will always be okay." That wisdom stuck with me. To me, success isn’t just about personal achievements; it’s about creating a ripple effect—helping others grow and, in turn, growing yourself. Bringing Jack on board hasn’t just been about teaching him; it’s reminded me of the value of small, consistent efforts. It’s the basics that often create the biggest shifts. One of the first lessons I shared with Jack was the importance of eye contact and a firm handshake—those seemingly small actions that leave a lasting impression. From there, we’ve focused on habits that build character and momentum: reading daily, journaling, and embracing the power of 1% improvements. These aren’t just tasks; they’re foundational to creating massive change over time. It’s been incredible to see how these principles are already shaping Jack’s approach to life and work. In a world often overshadowed by negativity, why not choose kindness? Why not strive to make an impact, knowing it can create a chain reaction of positivity and growth? Jack’s enthusiasm and willingness to learn have inspired fresh ideas within my team, and he’s a living example of why investing in people is so worthwhile. Jack, keep your mind open, your work ethic relentless, and your heart kind. Most importantly, embrace failure—it’s a stepping stone to the greatest lessons. Fail fast, learn faster, and never stop growing. I’m incredibly proud to have you on this journey, and I can’t wait to see what we’ll achieve together. Success isn’t just about the destination; it’s about the journey—and the people you bring along for the ride. And together, we’re proving that lifting others up is one of the truest measures of success.

People Keep asking me Why I Chose to step back from Entrepreneurship❓❓❓ Entrepreneurship is often painted as the ultimate path to freedom. The grind, the hustle, the dream, the glory. And don’t get me wrong—building something from scratch is exhilarating. I’ve been there. But what many don’t talk about is the weight that comes with it. There’s something deeply fulfilling about taking an idea, nurturing it, and watching it grow. However, with that comes immense responsibility and weight, such as • Financial Pressure: My venture was bootstrapped, and inventory-led, which meant every step forward required substantial investment. Without external funding, growth was slow, and every penny spent came with a risk. The constant balancing act between cash flow, growth, and risk took its toll. • Personal Sacrifices: Running a business is all-consuming. I often found myself sacrificing time with family, missing important milestones, and passing on social commitments. The thrill of building something from the ground up often comes with the cost of personal relationships, and this sacrifice can quietly add up over time. • Mental Weight: Everything lands on your shoulders when you’re the founder. Decisions about strategy, sales, operations, finances, and even the smallest details come back to you. That weight is exciting at first, but it can become a heavy burden after years of bearing it. After a journey of building my own venture, I made the decision to step back and take on a role at an established company. Here’s why I made that choice? My venture hit a saturation point. To scale further, I had to scale the inventory, and that meant raising more capital. But the thought of taking on debt, especially in uncertain market conditions, wasn’t a step I was willing to take. As a founder, knowing when to exit is just as important as knowing how to grow. For me, it was the right time. Some may see moving from entrepreneurship to a job as a step back, but I don’t. Why? • Support Structure: One of the hardest things as an entrepreneur is the lack of a support system. Moving into a role with leadership to guide and teams to collaborate with can be liberating. Now, I can focus on creating value without juggling everything alone. • Impact: While I deeply value my entrepreneurial journey, but in a larger organization, with more resources and collaboration, I can make a bigger impact. • Work-Life Balance: Entrepreneurship was a 24/7 job. I now look forward to clearer boundaries—giving me more time for my family while still fueling my passion for building. Starting a business is an amazing, transformative experience. The lessons stay with you forever. But sometimes, stepping back lets you see the bigger picture—there are other ways to grow and add value, both in your career and in life. Let’s continue building—whether that’s a business or ourselves. #Entrepreneurship #Business #Challenges #LifeLessons #ProductManagement #Growth #Career

Venturing into entrepreneurship requires clarity and conviction Here are some key takeaways from Bessemer Venture Partners's Founders Fundamentals Course: 1. Start with "why": Evan Sharp urges founders to anchor their vision in purpose, fueling resilience and focus. 2. Test your conviction: Steven Galanis advises aspiring entrepreneurs to assess their dedication. If you can't imagine living with the regret of not pursuing your idea, seize the opportunity. 3. Commit to your calling: Carolyn Childers emphasizes the importance of a mission that resonates deeply, driving impactful ventures. 4. Expect the unexpected: Andy Slavitt shares the power of embracing uncertainty, pushing forward despite challenges. 5. Know your perspective: Adam Fisher highlights the significance of understanding your stance as an insider or outsider founder. #Entrepreneurship #FoundersFundamentals #LeadershipLessons