We all wish we knew the future, right? The truth is, starting a business is inherently terrifying, especially when you’re determined to forge your own unique path. It feels like stepping onto an unworn track, filled with thorns, snakes, and harsh terrain. There’s a moment when you’re so far into the wilderness, you wonder if turning back would be easier. What I’ve learned, however, is that this uncertainty is completely normal. No one begins this journey without a healthy dose of naiveté, arrogance, and even delusion, often followed by the realisation that you’re too invested to quit. But here I stand, eight years later, having weathered a pandemic, a cost-of-living crisis, and the seismic shifts of the AI revolution.
Reflecting on this journey, I’ve identified five distinct eras, each marked by a “fight song” that fuelled my resilience that I would like to share with you. If you are starting a business or are already well on your way, these might be perfect additions to your playlist.
My Entrepreneurial Anthems
2017 – 2018: Bobby Brown – “On Our Own”
In the very beginning, I was desperately looking for someone to tell me what to do! “If only I could find out what other agencies do,” I thought. Back then, there were no AI bots to give me the lowdown on what had come before. At some point, though, you realise that if you want something done, you gotta do it yourself!
The genius of Bobby Brown, coupled with the nostalgia of Ghostbusters II, makes this song an absolute shower-singing banger. This was my main fight song for about six months in 2017 before it settled into stable rotation. Seriously, stick this on for your commute!
2018 – 2019: Patti LaBelle – “Stir It Up”
This song was perfect for those times when I got a bit lazy or the work felt mundane. I’d start to feel frustrated and bored, but “Stir It Up” always gave me the confidence to start a conversation about new ideas, send that daring email, or simply go out and “touch grass” to get inspired. It’s about kicking up some dust, learning something new, and seeing where it lands.
If you have an opportunity, why would you let it dwindle into a daily grind that’s going nowhere? Stir it up, baby!
2020 – 2022: Little Mix – “Change Your Life”
This song appeals to my inner teenage girl in the same way Natasha Bedingfield’s “Unwritten” does. During this period, I was making mistakes, dealing with conflict, and just generally not getting things right. This tune is all about manifesting a growth mindset, using every experience to “become what you’ve always known.” It’s the perfect reminder that you can overcome the challenges and even the warranted disapproval from others—you’ll get there.
Nothing can teach you to reframe adversity quite like a banging pop tune. I wanted to give up so many times, I can’t even begin to tell you! Especially after making big mistakes, but this song helped me get back up every single time I felt like I couldn’t do it.
2023: George Michael – “Freedom! ’90”
I actually change the words to this one for myself: “I won’t let you down, I will not give you up. Gotta have some faith in myself, It’s the one good thing that I’ve got.”
2023 was a challenging year for me as I was dealing with mental illness in the family, the end of a big client relationship and the pressure of uniting the team under the banner of a rebrand and new direction.
I love that it speaks to everyone’s need to be of value and service to others. George Michael wrote this when he was separating from Sony; it’s about his struggle for authenticity under a controlling contract. For me, it gave some much-needed sass and empowerment to get through a tough year.
I also absolutely love the line “I don’t belong to you and you don’t belong to me.” I felt and witnessed the frustration of being sidelined and then diagnosed during this time – a maddening experience. This song absolutely soothed my soul and gave me the resilience to move on in 2023. Thanks, George, you legend.
2024 – 2025: Wicked – “For Good”
Ah, that beautiful piano.
Where do you go after eight years of grit, challenge, highs, and lows, and witnessing everyone doing their best in the situations they face? Well, this song leads me straight to gratitude for the people I’ve met and forgiveness for our shortcomings. It helps me view perceived villains and saviours in a new light.
After all, pink goes good with green.
“For Good” helps me realise that the last eight years have truly been a discovery of how to help others. And beyond the music, it’s the people along the way—those who took a chance on me, set me a challenge, or were helpers themselves (and there have been many!)—who have enabled and inspired me to be a better helper. And that’s gotta be the reason why, creating a legacy beyond the transactions.
So there you have it: my 8-year soundtrack to leadership. What track is next? Honestly, I might revisit Bobby Brown. I would love to hear what tunes are helping you tackle your own big challenges. Feel free to get in touch.
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