Sharing (Part) of Your Story

Everyone has an origin story. There may be many versions of that story. Origin stories are sharings of a piece of your past that illuminates how you got to where you are today. Since we are evolving creatures, and change annually, monthly, weekly, daily, and even hourly, how we frame or share our origin story may vary widely. We may tell a different anecdote, a different memory, something that informs our current state. 

Have you ever been asked to tell your story in some way? Here are a few prompts for you to respond to, and I will share my responses here in case that stirs the creative juices for you. This isn’t my personal origin story but I will get to that in a later post. As always, I look forward to hearing from you- your thoughts, your reflections, your reactions, your stories. 

How would you describe yourself professionally?

Builder- At my professional core, I am a builder. I help organizations design and execute on a vision that furthers their mission. 

Translator- I am a translator between people and data. People are the center, and data can be a powerful tool to inform how those people can mobilize collectively to make positive change. 

Mover- I facilitate high-in-the-sky big-picture thinking and help translate that into an actionable plan. I help organizations make forward movement. 

What inspired you to start your own business?

I had the pleasure of working for a small consulting firm in Washington, DC and realized how much I enjoyed helping clients tackle their challenges. I saw how adeptly and magically the CEO connected with clients and understood their needs. As I leaned into my network to help me think through my next steps, I got my first few clients. Once the work started coming in, my business began. 

What is strategy consulting?

That can feel so jargony, right? Consulting is outside support that helps an organization in some capacity. Monarch helps organizations better use their data to move forward in a targeted, clear way to reach their goals. I call this strategy, and I refer to myself as a data strategist, but let me know what words this description concurs up for you. Maybe can find new or better words to describe what Monarch does. 

What is the significance of your business name?

I have been a butterfly for as long as I can remember. I have been on a lifelong journey towards wellness, and I often call myself a liberated butterfly. When I was brainstorming business names, I knew it was going to be in the butterfly theme. I was brainstorming concepts with a peer while participating in the facilitation certificate program at Georgetown University and my friend paused, looked at me, and said: Monarch. I think I gasped. I looked at her and said, that’s it. That’s it. Monarch butterflies are delicate but powerful creatures who fly remarkably far distances in their lives. If a butterfly doesn’t finish its flight path, the next generation takes up the journey. It’s so aligned with how I see the world and my place in it. I help organizations get in flight and will do so for as long as I am blessed to be here on this Earth. Then, my time will sunset and the next generation will take up the torch. 

What is one value you are proud to have driving your business and work?

One value that comes to mind is that we move at the speed of health. We have heard from multiple people that this stood out to them when looking at our values on our website. There are some consultants who approach organizational change as a race, with a focus on speed, sometimes at the expense of people’s health and wellbeing. We take care in making forward movement, but only if everyone is ok and able. Pushing people past their limits will only exhaust and demoralize people. We want to help energize and renew people and the work. Centering wellness in how we work makes us unique. 

What is something special you bring to your client relationships?

Intuition. A lot of consultants lead with their heads, and that makes sense. But we lead with our hearts first. We want to connect with and build a trusting relationship with clients. We want to understand their needs. Where are they now and where do they want to be? A lot of times I will listen to a potential or current client, and let them go on for a bit. Swirl even. Just get all of their thoughts out. I usually pause. I like a moment to process and think. Then I like to let my inner voice, my intuition, bubble up and help me guide the client to a potential approach for making the change they want. It’s a gift that clients feel deeply in the work we do. It’s a gift that makes me a unique data strategist.