Why walking away is the key to unlocking value in your career

Our founder, Abadesi, shares why:

"In my early startup days, I was turned down for a promotion because they were looking for a ‘big dog’ and to them, I wasn’t one. I wasn’t a ‘big dog’ despite leading a successful team of 15, smashing targets and winning awards. Despite having all the results and the track record, I didn’t quite fit their mould. Here’s what I did next, and how I more than doubled my earnings in the end.

I asked the team what they meant by a ‘big dog’ and was met with vague answers. What the guy at this company was REALLY trying to say was that he had a clear image in his mind of what this ‘big dog’ looked and sounded like. 

He was looking for someone who looked like him.

He wasn’t interested in the evidence of how capable I was. 

No matter the results or testimonials I showed him… I was never going to transform into a reflection of him. It was a lose-lose situation. So here’s what I did next: I didn’t accept defeat.

If he couldn’t see my value, then someone else would - I just needed to find them. 

I worked on my personal LinkedIn and eventually I was headhunted, I was offered a higher salary, a generous starting bonus and a ton of equity. I moved to a better organisation with a better role and more than doubled my earnings.

Moral of the story? 

Know your value and know when it’s time to leave.

Never let someone else’s bias impact how you value your achievements.

If they can’t recognise your worth, you’re in the wrong place.

If you or members of your team need some dedicated career planning advice, get in touch. We'd be happy to help. 

We’re launching something special for International Women’s Month 👀

International Women’s month is just around the corner, and we’ve been working behind the scenes to create your #1 destination for building a career on your own terms. You’ll learn how to navigate environments where you’re underrepresented and steward change in your organisation from the inside out.

For team leads, you’ll learn what it takes to attract the most talented, underrepresented people into your company and help them reach their maximum potential.

It’s a win-win. The Academy, coming soon. Click here to express your interest and you’ll get early access when we launch.

40- Minute Mentor: Listen to Abadesi’s Episode

Our founder Abadesi was recently featured on JBM’s 40 Minute Mentor Podcast. Take a listen as she shares her own story with us as well as some very candid advice on:

➡️ Navigating layoffs and what helped her bounce back twice.

➡️ How Founders should navigate redundancies.

➡️ Why not all businesses need a community.

Plus, find the real story behind Hustle Crew and why being a bootstrapped business does not mean you failed raising capital. Listen now