Taking the Leap: Soaring Above the Valley of Death with Dossy

They say when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. But what if life hands you wings and a looming valley below? Well, if you're like me, you jump off the mountain and figure it out on the way down—which is exactly what I did last week when I earned my paragliding license.

My brother and I have joked about this moment for years. He's got his PG5 commercial tandem license, and we often kite surf together. In the late afternoons, he'd take me up as his tandem passenger, and we'd laugh about me getting my own wings someday. But for me, paragliding wasn't just another bucket list item. It was about finding the courage to learn something new and trusting myself when fear decided to tag along for the ride.

I'm usually the fearless type, but building Dossy—a social connection tool for our most vulnerable Australians—has been a different kind of adventure. We're nearing that infamous "Valley of Death" phase that startups dread. You know, that period when you're pouring resources into building something brilliant, but customers haven't discovered you yet, and the cash flow resembles a steep downhill slope on a graph.

So why not literally soar above an actual valley to gain some perspective?

The Valley of Death: Both Literal and Metaphorical

In the startup world, the "Valley of Death" is that treacherous period when you're burning through cash without revenue to replenish it. Expenses pile up—salaries, development costs, marketing—and investors are hesitant because your business hasn't proven itself yet. It's a tightrope walk between running out of funds and making it to the other side where revenue starts to flow.

Similarly, standing atop Mystic Mountain, ready to leap into thin air with a parachute strapped to my back, felt like facing my own personal Valley of Death. The risks were tangible, the fear real, but the potential reward? Immense.Taking the Leap

I signed up for a nine-day course with international champion Wally and his team at Bright Flight. Day one was all about ground handling the wing. Picture this: loose arms, head down, and running like you're late for a first date—all while managing a parachute that seems determined to have its own way. By the afternoon, I was taken on a tandem flight, holding onto the brakes and trying to remember that gravity is, indeed, a law.

The next morning at 7:30 am, Wally looked at me and said, "You're ready." Standing on the edge of Mystic Mountain, my nerves were jangling like spare change in a dryer. Wally told me to breathe. "Everything is okay," he assured me. "We'll be with you all the way."

And then I ran. Off a mountain. On purpose.

As the wing caught the wind, Wally's voice crackled through the radio: "Well done! Get comfy and enjoy the view." I looked up, and there it was—the sun casting golden hues over the mountain range, the world unfolding beneath me in a breathtaking panorama. Overwhelmed, I began to sob—not out of fear, but from sheer awe and the profound realisation that I was flying.

Funnily enough, I completed the exam and took a photo exactly ten years to the day after my brother got his license. It was a perfect reminder of how important growth, connection, and friendship are to our mental health and well-being. Since then, I've completed 32 flights and am eager to get out as much as possible.

A Friendship That Soars

When I shared my paragliding adventure with one of our clients at Dossy, his reaction was priceless. But he's not just any client; he's become a dear friend, someone I love very much. At 101 years young, he lives alone but is full of wisdom and laughter. I look forward to his calls, and during my training, he was eager to hear how each day unfolded. He's seen so much in life, yet his generation didn't have the same opportunities for growth and adventure that we do today. He often tells me he's living through my eyes and experiences, saying that I'm keeping him alive with Dossy—simply by being someone to talk to.

When I told him about running off a mountain strapped to a parachute, he chuckled and said I must be crazy. Maybe I am. Or maybe embracing a bit of madness is exactly what's needed to push boundaries and achieve something meaningful. His support and excitement reminded me that the connections we forge can uplift us in ways we never imagined.

Lessons from the Sky

The parallels between paragliding and navigating a startup through the Valley of Death are striking:

• Trust Yourself: Just as I had to trust my training and equipment to take that leap off the mountain, I need to trust my vision and strategy with Dossy.

• Embrace the Fear: Fear is a constant companion in both ventures. Instead of letting it paralyse you, use it to fuel your determination.

• Seek Support: Wally and his team were there every step of the way, much like mentors and friends—like my 101-year-old confidant—who can guide and inspire you through tough times.

• Keep an Eye on the Horizon: In paragliding, you look ahead to maintain stability. In business, keeping sight of your long-term goals helps navigate short-term challenges.

Soaring Above Our Valleys

The experience taught me more than just how to navigate air currents; it reaffirmed the importance of backing myself and following my purpose. It's something we all need for our health and well-being—stepping out of our comfort zones, taking that leap of faith, and trusting that we have what it takes to soar.

So here I am, navigating both the skies and the startup world, feeling more connected to my mission than ever before. If I can jump off a mountain and fly, who's to say what's impossible?

And perhaps that's the point. Life's valleys—be they of death, doubt, or any daunting challenge—aren't meant to be trudged through; they're meant to be soared over.

Feeling inspired? Discover how Dossy is helping Australians connect and overcome their own valleys. Trust yourself to take that leap—you never know how high you might fly.