Navigating Change: The Gift of Pivoting in Business and Life .,
JoiB Consulting started as a subsidiary for a nonprofit I ran in 2018, focusing on working with couples and utilizing my Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. This role allowed me to pour into relationships and help them thrive. How ever, by 2022, a decision made in obedience required me to leave this path, marking a significant shift in my professional journey.
I was frustrated when this change occurred—it felt like a failure. I contemplated abandoning my passion for helping couples altogether. But as it turned out, God had different plans for me.
Unexpectedly, I landed a side gig that I hadn’t applied for—beginning a pivot towards strategic planning, project management, and website design, something I'd been doing for over 8 years at that point. This role soon led to more opportunities as people reached out for help with managing their operations and streamlining their processes. It was as if God was redirecting me towards a new way to use my gifts.
Here are some strategies I’ve learned about navigating such pivotal changes:
Embrace the Unexpected: Often, the best opportunities come disguised as unwelcome changes. Embracing the unexpected can lead to new pathways that align more closely with our underlying skills and passions.
Seek Learning: With every pivot, there is something new to learn. Whether it’s a skill, a lesson in resilience, or a deeper understanding of your own capabilities, each pivot offers a chance to grow.
Maintain Flexibility: Being flexible allows you to adjust more easily to changes. This adaptability is crucial in taking full advantage of new opportunities that arise from pivots.
Leverage Your Network: During times of change, your personal and professional networks can provide support, advice, and potentially lead you to new opportunities. Don’t hesitate to reach out and share your journey.
Now, nearly two years later, I am amazed at how JoiB Consulting has evolved. The chance to assist both men and women in realizing their visions has been profoundly rewarding. This journey has brought to life the words of Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Moreover, as Romans 8:28 reminds us, "All things work together for the good of those who love God."
JoiB Consulting has become a melting pot of all the gifts God placed within me, from administration to the gifts of helps. I am humbled when brainstorm sessions turn into therapy, and times of worship with clients leave them refreshed, renewed, and ready to push forward.
If you find yourself at a crossroads, feeling like your plans have been upended, I encourage you to embrace the pivot. Trust that there is a divine plan, always good, even if it unfolds differently than you expected.
I want to express my deepest thanks to everyone I’ve worked with, everyone who has referred clients to me, and all who have spoken fondly of me and JoiB Consulting. Your support has been instrumental, and I am incredibly grateful. I look forward to what lies ahead for JoiB Consulting and the amazing opportunities we will continue to explore together.
Thank you for being a part of this journey.