16 years ago, I took a leap of faith.
I’d just walked away from what I thought was my dream job at the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA). It wasn’t entirely my decision, sometimes life nudges you (or shoves you) in a different direction, but looking back, it was exactly the shove I needed.
I’d spent about 15 years before that working as a self-employed tennis coach. I loved it… it was hands-on, people-focused, and active, all the things that suit me. When I moved into a role at the LTA, it felt like I was stepping into something more “grown up”. A job with a title, a salary, meetings and strategies. It ticked a lot of boxes.
So when that chapter came to an end, it was emotional but there was also this quiet voice inside me saying “now’s your chance”.
Your chance to build something for yourself, something bigger than just a job.
That’s when the idea of starting a business really took hold.
Starting a business isn’t the same as being self-employed
I’d been my own boss before, but this? This was different.
Being a self-employed coach and running a business are not the same thing.
The leap from doing the job you love to building a whole structure around it, with systems, processes, people, clients, goals, is massive.
It’s exciting, yes – but also overwhelming and at times, terrifying.
I didn’t have a business degree or a team of advisors, I didn’t even have much of a plan at the start, if I’m honest! I just knew that I wanted to do something that mattered, something that gave me purpose and freedom.
I wanted to build something I could be proud of.
So I learned. And learned. And kept learning.
In those early months (and years), I realised just how much I didn’t know.
Marketing – Real marketing. Not just standing around at a club bar getting to know members but actual campaigns, school outreach, leaflet drops, running Facebook ads (which were new-ish at the time!), building brand awareness and understanding how to talk to people who’d never heard of you.
Sales – Again, not just chatting and hoping they sign up. This was about writing proposals, understanding the customer’s needs, pitching, following up, managing objections, and learning when to walk away.
People – Hiring them, managing them, motivating them, supporting them and sometimes letting them go. It’s one of the hardest parts of leadership, but it taught me so much about compassion, communication and clarity.
Finance – I’m still figuring this one out, to be honest! I learned the basics, I got help where I needed it, and I tried (and failed) at a few different budgeting systems before finding one that worked. The important thing is, I kept at it.
There was so much to juggle, so many hats to wear. Some days I felt like I was flying, other days I felt like I was drowning in admin, uncertainty, or just plain self-doubt.
But… I kept showing up, I kept trying, I kept working at making it work.
I needed it to work – not just financially, though that mattered of course, but emotionally. I needed to prove to myself that I could do it, that I could turn that difficult career moment into something amazing.
I could be my own boss and thrive, not just survive.
Looking back now…
…I can see just how far I’ve come.
That scared-but-determined person 16 years ago would be amazed at what we’ve built today. He’d also probably be exhausted just thinking about it!
He’d be proud and grateful, and full of respect for the journey.
It hasn’t been easy but it’s definitely been worth it.
And through it all, I held on to one simple truth:
You gotta have faith (thanks, George Michael!)
- Faith in yourself.
- Faith in the process.
- Faith that the scary things might just lead to something incredible.
So let me ask you this…
When was the last time you took a leap of faith?
When did you step into something new, even though it was scary and uncertain, because you knew, deep down, it mattered?
- Maybe you’ve just done it.
- Maybe you’re thinking about it.
- Maybe you’re standing right at the edge, wondering if you should jump.
If that’s you – here’s a gentle nudge from someone who’s been there.
You can do hard things, you can learn new skills, you can mess up and still succeed.
Just keep showing up, keep learning, keep asking and keep going.
And above all… have faith.
