Working with the TEAM (Partners)

So it has begun...

I started just at the end of last week working with the partners that I will have in this venture... and it is truly amazing how like-minded we are.  We started working one-on-one with an Executive Training Course given by one of the partners, which Identified our WHY, HOW, WHAT, WHERE, and WHEN of the company - along with our CORE VALUES.

I have been in meetings like this before where the executives discuss these important details, but with some type of anxiety because they don't hold as much value to them.  This was different.  The Partners feel as passionately about these Values as I do.  They only care to change lives, and to do it in a wise and profitable way.

This is an amazing experience, and now that the thinking is done - I need to start working on the doing.

My Dream

What an interesting few days... A lot of reaction from those at work, but one thought came from one person who encouraged me... When I said "I hate to feel like I am leaving people with more work or high and dry."  She responded with mature wisdom... "But this is just a job- and that is your DREAM!" And she was right!  It cleared everything up... It make it clear to me that my dream was to help other people fulfill their dreams and this was the way to do it!

Gave Notice

So today was the day - I sat down in the office of one of the owners that I had been working with the last few months, and told him I was leaving.  I explained the backround to my decision and why I was going.  I stayed positive and focused on the opportunity before me - I expressed how much I loved him, and wished him the best - and that what I would miss most would be him.  I always am prepared for the worst in those situations - but his response surprised me.

He asked me not to go, and to tell him anything I wanted to stay - any position, any pay, he was even willing to request that his partner leave the business if it was necessary... I was surprised.  It was an opportunity of a lifetime right before me.  I was flattered, honored, and grateful for his trust in me.

However, as I mulled this over, and he asked me to take the night to consider it (out of respect I agreed to do so) - my answer came down to one simple thing:  no organization change, no structure change, and no position or pay would change their WHY.  Their reason for being in business was not my reason - they wanted to make money and do whatever it took; my reason is to change lives and impact the world in a positive way and making money is a natural consequence to those actions (done responsibly).  Our foundations couldn't mix.  I love him, I wish him success and I will even committ to him to help him in anyway I can... And I will... But there is more out there for me to do for others.

Unofficially Official

Today was quite a busy day, but as it relates to Fast Fashion it was important.  I had my finally meeting with the managing partner if my employers for this new venture.  We answered all remaining questions and continued to discover that we are very like minded... Which has been a comforting confirmation.  I nervously made my suggestion for the real name of "Fast Fashion" (not to be revealed here at this time or place) and the significant meaning it had for me... And I feel like he loved it!!! That was important to me... The name means more to me than a logo or branding - it means culture, messaging, and sets the tone for what I want to accomplish and what my future team will want to accomplish.  If successful this will have the opportunity to change lives around the world and do so in the most meaningful way!!!  Here was taken the next step towards that!