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For many entrepreneurs, success looks as if a cruel zero-sum game. Previous generations have set the tone that we must sacrifice personal satisfaction for skilled achievement, and true commitment requires burning the candle at each ends.
This mindset was eating away at me in 2016. I used to be stuck in what I call the “either-or entrepreneur lie”—the warped idea you can either grow personally or professionally, when in reality, each are possible. At the time, a life of personal growth and skilled success seemed not possible to attain.
This internal conflict triggered a shift in my considering and the way I spent my time. I started investing in myself by making time for cycling, a passion I had long neglected. This seemingly easy act of self-care didn’t come without consequences. I needed to delegate more tasks inside the company to make room for these activities. This forced us to face a difficult reality: Was our business model strong enough to support my reduced involvement? It became a crash course in building systems and cultivating a culture of trust.
Fast forward to fall 2018. Home Care Pulse, the company I had poured my heart and soul into, had undergone a remarkable transformation. It had develop into a “self-reproducing organism,” humming along with little to no each day intervention from me. This newfound stability had solidified what had once been a easy idea into a daring decision—it was time to step down as CEO.
But before I passed the torch, my leadership team suggested I take a seven-week sabbatical. It was meant to be the ultimate test for me and my team—could the company really operate without its captain? Even after the foundation was laid, the thought of leaving still terrified me. My self-doubts were putting a lot of pressure on me. But the confidence I saw blossoming in my team motivated me to take motion. I used to be optimistic that they might not only survive; they might thrive in my absence.
From self-confidence to competence
The first week was a melting pot. The urge to envision in—to supply guidance and make sure I used to be there just in case—was a temptation I continuously fought. While it was a real concern for the company and the well-being of the team, it was truthfully a lingering fear of missing out. Thankfully, my wife, the voice of reason, stepped in. She jogged my memory of the real purpose of the leave—to foster autonomy in my leadership team, which is only possible when they are allowed to completely navigate the ship themselves.
You could say the wait was initially painful. Honestly, I didn’t know how they were handling operations and the whole lot else. Luckily, they were masters. They followed the processes we created, adjusted them when mandatory, and continued to sell our services without any interruption.
Upon my return, I used to be met by a team filled with relief and pride. They guided me through the whole lot that had happened while I used to be gone. Their competence and confidence radiated from every word. It was an emotional homecoming that showed what trust and empowerment can do for your business and your employees. Honestly, tears got here to my eyes as I noticed the depth of their growth.
The power of letting go
My sabbatical confirmed my decision to step down as CEO. Watching the team’s ability to thrive in my absence confirmed that the time was right for me to take a different journey. My entrepreneurial skills lie more in building latest ventures from the ground up.
The company had entered a stage of maturity that required a different kind of leadership, one that I not felt best equipped to offer. Stepping back was a strategic move that allowed the company to take a more significant breakthrough.
After I left, Home Care Pulse experienced record growth. Rather than feeling like a blow to my ego, it felt more like a validation. It confirmed to me that I had began something truly amazing and impactful, laying the foundation for the growth it is experiencing now. Without my personal transformation in 2016, my commitment to building solid processes, and most significantly, trusting my team, the company wouldn’t be where it is today. This journey has been incredibly rewarding, a masterclass in the power of letting go.
Today, the company continues to thrive, with an incredible team working hard day in and time out to make sure its success in every aspect. In addition to allowing me to take a long-awaited break, my seven-week sabbatical was also a turning point in building trust and witnessing an incredible transformation for each of us. It was a powerful reminder that true success does not come from clinging to regulate, but from empowering others to soar.