Corporate stars don’t always thrive on the outside
10 things I’ve learned two years into running my own agency
Thinking of quitting your job or pivoting post layoff to start your own thing?
I often meet with tired corporate employees or those navigating a layoff wondering what it’s like to run an independent business or agency.
Two years into building Velocity Ave, here are my top reflections.
Your audio soundtrack for this post, The Clash’s Should I Stay or Should I Go?
🧭 The shift: leaving the “definitive”
Discipline replaces structure: When you work for yourself there isn’t a system shepherding you through the motions. Think about all those releases, performance reviews, summits that define the work cadence (and deadlines). Out here, you become your own manager. Momentum isn’t a given; it’s something you have to create and protect.
Success is self-defined: There’s no title ladder or formal feedback cycle. Without systems that create accountability, it’s up to you to be reflective, set the bar, and honestly assess the quality of work.
Less visibility, more reading between the lines: Inside a company, you’re often looped into updates and strategy, even if imperfectly. As a consultant or agency, the context isn’t always shared. Sometimes you’re operating with OKRs, sometimes with silence. If being “in-the-know” is important to you, this can feel disorienting.
🔧 The work: running the business
Process gives you range: When you operate a business or are part of a small team you juggle responsibilities. My source of stability is having a consistent workflow. Since becoming a parent in 2017, I’ve had a super defined process. That structure has enabled integrity, increased the quality in my work and created ample space for creativity.
Sell when you don’t think you have to: Obvious, I know, but BD is continuous. Waiting until you “need” clients is too late.
Don’t over-focus on “buyers”: Some of our biggest champions weren’t execs - they were ICs I worked with or mentored years earlier. The people you invest in, support, or just treat with respect— they will remember it. They are your advocates.
Your rolodex doesn’t change - and it matters more: Most business comes from yesterday’s network. Yes, you will expand your network, but the lead time for someone new is much longer than someone who knows your work already. Your business leads are only as strong as the trust you’ve built over time.
🌀 The skills: adapting and responding
Context-shifting is a super power: In agency life, timelines shift. Projects pause. Clients disappear and reappear. Being able to move between topics, teams and frames of reference quickly is a real asset. This skill is one that differentiates great from the good enough in our fast paced environment.
🧠 The mindset: getting support
The isolation is real, but protect that calendar for foundational work: A social being, working alone was challenging. I found workarounds to substitute for my large team and organization: more local coffee chats, virtual 1:1s, building an agency circle. If you are like me, I recommend doing this with intention. But be aware: connection can quickly overtake your calendar, leaving little time for the heads-down work that actually gets you established.
A good coach brings clarity and empowers you: After my layoff, I was energized about starting an agency, but nervous about product-market fit and unpredictability. For a couple months, I quietly pursued full-time roles while working with my first couple clients. I didn’t bring on partners until 5-6 months into building the business when I had too many clients to handle alone. From the start, I saw my coach. Monika at Springboard was instrumental. Our conversations kept me honest, helped me name my fears and move towards confidence and clarity - not in theory, but in practice. I made braver decisions because of it.
It’s not better or worse, just different. Leaving corporate isn’t for everyone, but if you have that itch, I'm always happy to talk about the leap.