Burnout sneaks in when the well runs dry. For me, that happens when I’m not coaching enough clients, delivering enough workshops, or standing on stage doing what I love: helping people connect and communicate better. Without that work, my energy fades. I feel tired. Deflated. My sense of purpose disappears.

As an extrovert who thrives around people, working solo for over a decade has taken its toll. I’ve been running my own business since 2012, but these days the loneliness of working alone is louder than ever. I love using my strengths to solve problems, develop effective strategies, and help others bring their ideas to life. But I’ve reached a point where I know I don’t want to do it alone anymore.

I want to take an existing organization to the next level, together.

After my ADHD diagnosis in 2023 and subsequent treatment, I finally had the clarity to recognize something I’d always been too overwhelmed to see: I’m not great at everything. I don’t have to be. My mind had been moving so fast for so long that I never stopped to ask where I truly thrive and where I need support. I don’t want to build in a vacuum anymore. I want to collaborate with like-minded colleagues who bring strengths I don’t have. I want to take an existing company or cause to the next level, together.

I work across various industries and am open to different sectors. I’m especially passionate about partnering with organizations focused on areas such as:

Areas of Interest

• Nashville-area nonprofits that support our community

• Live events

• Ethical AI

• Digital literacy

• Behavioral and mental health

• Performing arts and film

• Neuroscience

• Higher education

Yes, I have many interests. 😉 I’m also well-versed in the technology and agency industries.

That’s the heart of it. I’m eager to build something bigger than myself.

I’m open to where this leads: remote, hybrid, in-person, or even relocating in the US, to Canada, or Europe (so long as I can visit my family in Nashville). What matters is people. Team. Mission. Momentum.

IF you're feeling burned out

And if you’re reading this feeling the same burnout or loneliness, questioning your next move, here’s what I want you to know: You only have one life. Do what’s best for you and your family. If you’re feeling stuck, find the others. Join a local group, attend a meetup, or connect with your industry peers. You’re not alone.

And hey, if you’re building something meaningful and could use a communication strategist by your side… let’s talk.

I was saddened to hear Darren Barefoot died last week following complications from metastatic cancer. I had never put my finger on the legacy his message had on me until now; more on this in a moment.

I recently enjoyed an overdue, deep conversation with my seventeen-year-old son over dinner. We were talking about supporting causes we care about and his college plans.

One thought that has stirred in my head for years, that I shared with him, is about how knowledge workers can support the causes they care most about with money instead of time. 

I made the case that while volunteering your time is a beautiful act, supporting the cause with a healthy donation can be much more impactful. I explained that I support causes I care about by donating a small percentage of my business profits. My goal is to increase this percentage as I reach my financial goals. 

There is nothing negative with donating your time working in a food bank, for example, but if you can generate more money, that donated money can have a much more significant impact on supporting the food bank. Better to have a surplus of food than helpers to restock the shelves, right?

The thought about donating money for knowledge workers over volunteering time came from a presentation I saw in 2007 at Gnomedex by Darren Barefoot. 

What legacy will you leave?

Sadly, Darren passed away last week from cancer. His untimely death led me to rewatch his presentation. He opened his talk by empowering us to consider what legacy we will leave. This message is something I've reflected on and written about since seeing his speech so many years ago.

Subtly, Darren’s message of giving what you can stuck with me. His legacy is this point. His wit, smarts, and charm impressed the importance of philanthropy upon me. I never credited this to him until now because I never realized where these thoughts had come from.

I invite you to spend thirty minutes watching Darren’s presentation; thankfully, it's preserved on YouTube. 

Rest in peace, Darren. You impacted me, and I've already passed these ideas along to my son, so your kind thoughts live on.

My deepest condolences to Darren’s family and friends. If you knew Darren, perhaps you would like to leave a comment here about how he touched your life.

Dear reader, what legacy will you leave?

I've been in a bit of a creative funk lately. I have some ideas on projects I want to work on, including a new book, but I have had to rethink things. The long and the short of it, is I need to be sure what I create is aligned with where I want to be longterm. Things are still fuzzy, the funk is still here. Maybe something is holding you back too. Rather than dwell on this today, I wanted to share this inspiring short film. This might be just the kick you need to stop waiting.

Watch as Brad O’Neill looks to take his childhood dream and turn it into a reality by jumping a bike high enough to be able to base jump from it. O'Neill asks a few thought-provoking questions and shares some profound statements. It raises the question, what was your childhood dream?

"Why keep waiting? The perfect time is now."

"Usually, the things you are most apprehensive about are the ones that will bring you the most joy."

"There is a serious struggle balancing what your mind is telling you and what your heart is telling you."

"How long your life is isn't what's important. It's about how you spend your time."

Hat tip to Chris Guillebeau for sharing this on his blog today.