I’ve been working through Weeks 1 and 2 of the Fractional Playbook, and it’s stirred up a lot more than I expected. I’ve had moments of fear, sadness, anger, and confusion along the way. To be honest, I had to lean on a few people just to bounce things off and help me process it, because at times it felt heavy. Once I allowed myself to sit with it, though, things started to flow. I also know I probably went overboard with the amount of time I put into the thinking and writing, but it was what I needed to do to get it out of my head and onto paper, virtual and real. What surprised me was just how much surfaced once I started writing. There were old frustrations, unfulfilled dreams, and limiting beliefs that had been sitting there inside me quietly festering away. What frustrated me most was realizing how much time I’ve spent in environments that didn’t value my voice or ideas. Reliving that drove home that I can’t build a Fractional business that repeats those same patterns. This is where the work lies for me, as I have lived it for so long. My work going forward has to be about solving meaningful problems, creating systems that actually work, and working with leaders who want partnership, not politics. The biggest takeaway for me is that this isn’t just about building a business, it’s about unlearning old patterns and making sure what I create reflects my values, my expertise, and the kind of impact I want to have. I also know that I have to let certain things go from my current world, because they won't exist in my new world, or at least not in the same form. I hope those going through these exercises get the deep experience that I did. It was ugly, painful, sad, and frustrating. That's how I know I was making progress, for me, because I was hitting a nerve. I encourage you to find that sounding board if you feel stuck; don't just gloss over it, and keep going. Pry off the lid and get down into the hole. It may be a clue and a key to future success. At the very least, perhaps a little therapy that will allow you to toss some baggage overboard. Good luck on your journey.

I wish I had the backing to develop a product that counters or blocks AI submissions. The noise in the process has disrupted it, and until that noise is eliminated, it will not function properly. I wonder if we are witnessing a mini-apocalypse, where in the future we will have to revert to mailing and filling out forms by hand.

For me, I'd prefer A, the Cheat Sheet. I like something I can hold and refer to quickly; however, I will go with the majority.

When I got to the part about “abandoning security,” a quiet voice in my head said, What security? I’ve spent years as the hamster on the wheel, chasing it. If I’m the captain of my ship, that’s where true security will come from, not from someone else’s paycheck. The fear isn’t steering me; I’m already at the helm. The challenge is keeping the ship afloat. And when I wake up at 3 AM, I don’t feel regret; I find myself wishing I were a CEO, walking into the office ready to get things done. I don’t fear social isolation. My running joke is: If you want to hate me, get in line; there are thousands ahead of you. I’ve been called a dreamer my whole life. I see possibilities where others see boundaries. When people ask “Why?” I’m the one who says, “Why not?” The psychological weight of uncertainty isn’t new to me; it’s the air I breathe. I don’t buy the idea that “everyone else has their lives figured out.” If that were true, imposter syndrome wouldn’t be everywhere, and job dissatisfaction wouldn’t be so high. A meaningful grind? I’d welcome it. The struggle has never been the work; it’s been clarifying the vision enough to run toward it without hesitation. I’ve already lived through years when progress felt invisible. I’ve failed. I’ve been wrong. I’ve been in holes I wouldn’t wish on anyone. But I’m still here. And to me, that says everything.

1. Autonomy Appetite I’d choose A. I believe in taking ownership of decisions that directly impact my work. Having final say allows me to move quickly, stay accountable, and ensure the outcome meets the standard I expect. That said, I still seek input from others before making a decision, because multiple perspectives inform the best decisions. However, when it’s time to act, I’m comfortable making the call and owning the result. 2. Risk Tolerance Reality Check I’d lean toward A. While I might not have every revenue-generating play memorized, my instinct is to take action rather than freeze. I’d reach out to my network, look for ways to create value quickly, and explore multiple income streams. I believe in moving forward with purpose and adaptability, even under pressure, because momentum creates opportunity. 3. Identity Shift Readiness I’d choose A. I see my professional identity as the value I bring, not the title I hold. If my current role were to disappear, I’d introduce myself based on the problems I solve and the impact I create, whether that’s streamlining complex systems, improving operational efficiency, or leading transformation initiatives. Titles change, but the core of what I do remains the same. 4. Energy Audit I’d choose A. I get the most energy from seeing a project move from concept to reality and knowing I played a role in making it happen. For me, the satisfaction comes from the impact and results, not whether my name is attached. I enjoy leading initiatives from start to finish, but I’m just as happy when the recognition goes to the team. 5. Value Packaging Mindset I’d choose A. While I’m still refining the exact way I’d package it, I know my expertise delivers measurable value. My strength is in leading complex financial and technology transformations, aligning systems, processes, and people to solve operational and strategic challenges. Even without a company name behind me, those skills and results stand on their own. 6. Networking Style