We had the pleasure of chatting with Melisa, who generously shared insights into her journey, the challenges faced during the transition to independent consulting, and what inspired her to become a business coach:
Q: Could you share with us your journey from a software executive and Accenture alum to becoming an independent consultant? What led you to this path?
M: In 2012, my husband was offered a career opportunity in Hawaii, so we decided to move. When I resigned from my executive position, the CEO asked if I would stay on as a strategy consultant. With that, I became an “accidental independent” and haven’t looked back.
Q: What challenges did you face when transitioning from a corporate role to the independent business model, especially in the realm of consulting?
M: There were quite a few challenges along the way. When I first started, I was grateful to have a client (my former employer) and didn’t think about my business from a strategic point of view. I took on projects that approached me and agreed to the pricing they offered me.
It wasn’t until I started thinking about my business as a business, instead of as a career filler, that I was able to proactively land engagements that were fulfilling and financially rewarding.
Q: What inspired you to become a business coach for independent consultants? Was there a specific experience or realisation that motivated you to help others in this field?
M: As a consultant, I helped start-ups scale, which included coaching executives and executive teams to improve their communication and effectiveness. I realised that coaching is a skill that comes naturally to me. So, I decided to move more in that direction, starting with investing in several coaching certifications.
It was around that time that I started getting more and more former colleagues, friends, and acquaintances asking me how to get started and succeed in independent consulting. I was excited to help them have the same freedom and flexibility I enjoy.
It was then that my business model became very clear. I decided to merge these two passions - coaching and independent consulting - to help others take control of their professional lives, work on their own terms, and without worrying about being forced back to corporate.
Q: In your coaching programs, you emphasise achieving success while maintaining flexibility and fulfilment. How do you guide consultants in finding this balance in their professional lives?
M: I help consultants find balance in their professional lives by aligning their financial goals with making an impact and how and when they want to work. From there, we define their business model and work together to execute them until they’re able to have a repeatable and sustainable business.
Q: How do you foresee the landscape of independent consulting evolving, and what advice would you give to consultants aiming for long-term success?
M: The corporate rules and practices are rapidly changing. What was previously unacceptable in the corporate world is now the norm. The future of work looks very different from what we’ve been used to or even what we’re seeing now. This opens the door wide open for consultants who are creative and innovative about landing new work, the type of work they land, and what’s possible for consultants to achieve in their businesses.
Q: Top advice for first-time freelancers?
M: My advice for first-time freelancers and consultants is to focus on your mindset in parallel with the tactics of running your own business. It’s important to build up a consulting business owner mindset, cultivate confidence (even before you see the results), and commit to your success so you can learn and grow through the ups and downs.
