In late 2020/early 2021 I looked at my calendar and the many events that went from in-person to virtual and I felt isolated as an entrepreneur. I missed speaking at conferences and connecting with the people in my audience and other speakers, thought leaders, and business owners. I shared this with my closest friends (who truly are the best), but even the best of friends can’t relate fully if they’ve never danced the full time business owner tango. I sought meaningful ways to connect with others and did so successfully, but little did I know that applying for and being accepted into the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program was exactly would provide me with the community that I was seeking!

What began in September 2022 with weekly live classes, growth group meetings, paired partner calls and lots of homework in between came to a beautiful end (for this chapter) last week in New York and grateful is the best word that describes how I feel.

The photo above is of Section 4 of Cohort 18 (the best section, but don’t tell my friends in the other three sections). We met together twice a week for live classes, learned together, celebrated together, and problem solved together for over six months. Behind the smiling faces in the photo above are people who have encouraged one another, shared resources and contacts, hired one another, clapped for one another, cried with one another, uplifted one another and the list goes on.

In hindsight, it makes so much sense that coming together last week felt like meeting up with friends I’ve known for years! I wish that you could feel the love and support that was in the entire building last week at Goldman Sachs. I sat with strangers most mornings at breakfast and every person was so interested in learning about each other, not just what we do, but why we do it, how we do it, and who we are. There were no (negative) competitive vibes in the building and every person I had the chance to talk with was interesting, kind and curious.

Wednesday morning as I walked from our hotel to the Goldman Sachs building I reflected on that feeling of longing to be in community with more business owners and tears started to fall because that longing was fulfilled. I have found my people. I have found people who understand the hardship of business, but also the joy and freedom that comes with business ownership! I have found people who aren’t trying to be anyone except themselves and share the ups and downs of business with honesty and trusted vulnerability. I walked the streets of New York oozing with joy and gratitude and I will carry that with me in the days, weeks, and months ahead!

There are so many small moments from our time together that created the most unforgettable experience—the views from the 42nd floor of Goldman Sachs, seeing Best Today®’s logo on display inside of the Goldman Sach’s lobby, the conversations, hugging people I just met like we’ve known each other for years, walking back to the hotel after dinner with my growth group, doing yoga at the Peloton studios with Michelle from section 3 who I randomly overheard mention Peloton at dinner, beautiful runs along the water, sharing meals together, the amazing classes we took on Monday and Tuesday, getting to listen to everyone pitch their business on Wednesday and graduating on Thursday—it was a week I’ll never forget!

I am extremely intentional with how I share, live and give my time. The investment in time and energy required by Goldman Sachs was worth it 1000%! I am back home filled with inspiration and a renewed dedication to continue to do great work to help humans live and work well!