Thinking like the CEO of your own company
- Dr. Sharon Rudy
- Apr 16
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 21
The key mindset of being a “Business of One”
One of the concepts that I encourage all my coaching clients to create is a particular mindset regarding their relationship with their employer. Try thinking about yourself as a “business of one.” This concept is a mental posture that releases you from the unhelpful aspects of feeling attached to your organization when those feelings keep you from your own best interests.
Most of us in international development gravitated to that industry because we value meaningful work. You don’t have to sacrifice this vital source of joy to make decisions that support you. A “business-of-one” strategy acknowledges that your organization, by its nature, will put its survival and success before any one individual.
Before I moved into global health, I spent a decade+ working in international exchange programs. I was very focused on cross-cultural communication and adaptation, as well as training and counseling. After years of outstanding performance evaluations, I was topped out, exhausted but stuck. I didn't want the next job up, but I just couldn't let go of the familiar. This was my tribe! Then, I lost a political battle and was fired. I was devastated, but It was the best thing for me.
I was frozen in a job that no longer met my needs, but I was horrified at the idea of job hunting because I had no idea what I wanted next nor how to go about getting it. The whole thing was overwhelming and stressful. I’ve learned a lot since then about keeping the mindset of “your-last-name, Inc” and I never gave my heart away again. Don’t feel too bad for me - I got a one-year full-salary severance package.
I love being part of a team or an organization, but I have learned to make myself a priority and not fall head over heels in love with any organization. In the end, I knew it would be unrequited. I want you to benefit from what I learned so that your “business-of-one” can be fully equipped to trust the decisions you make—without the stress of regret or later resentment.
Even if you are happy in your current work, you don’t want to ignore, or even worse, not know about other opportunities to meet your evolving needs. Sometimes, a good job is the enemy of the best job. It is not disloyal to keep abreast of different opportunities. Try on the idea that you are CEO of your own corporation, your business of one.
It’s ok to be open to something better. As your understanding of yourself, skills, and experience evolves, your awareness of your purpose and what is meaningful does, too. You don’t have to hate your job or boss to want something else. Knowing what’s out there and deciding to stay is one of the most empowering spaces for anyone. Don’t wait to hate your job before you start investigating.
If you are ready to create and execute your career strategy,
go to "SERVICES" and....... Let's GOOOOOO!!!!!
What else do you want to hear about??? Let me know at sharon@drsharonrudy.com. Feedback is welcome – Email me your questions and concerns.
THE GLOBAL HEALTH CAREER
A Practical Guide to Finding and Sustaining Your Place in a Changing Field
An essential guide to navigating global health careers with strategies for planning, networking, skill mastery, and achieving personal and professional goals.
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