Brook had done everything right. He was highly educated, successful, and respected—until his business partnership dissolved. For many in the “business sandwich generation,” a loss like this isn’t just a financial hit; it’s a systemic shock. He felt so burnt after the business dissolution that he has been avoiding the industry that propelled his success, thinking:
Maybe I’ll try something more stable or completely different.
The Friction of False Blueprints
Brook fell into a common trap. Doing what high-achievers often do, he looked for the next “right” credential. He spent thousands on courses and certifications, assuming the people leading the programs were living the life he wanted. When he didn’t see results for several months, he researched the programs more deeply and learned that only some of his instructors and mentors were producing the results they promised him. They were excellent marketers and salespeople, but not necessarily who he wanted to model his career after.
This is a classic conflict of interests that Brook overlooked because he was still grieving the loss of his business and the friendship he once had with his prior business partner. He was also feeling ashamed and questioning his professional competence. His guard was down, and he forgot to do his due diligence. Most of us have made this mistake more than once. It’s one of the rites of passage in entrepreneurship.
The Integrative Path Forward
Although we explored the possibility of a refund, there was not much we could do about Brook investing in courses that didn’t give him the results he wanted. He chose and completed them, so he paid what he agreed to.
Likewise, the business had already dissolved and could not be easily rebuilt, so there was little benefit to reopening those wounds. However, there was still much we could do to put him back on the path to success.
We didn’t just look at Brook’s resume. We considered his DISC Personality Profile and his holistic life goals. Rather than chasing credentials to outrun failure (reactivity), we designed a plan based on his unique skills and interests (proactivity).
Brook hasn’t found the “perfect” fit yet, but he has developed his conflict resolution skills so his next business or career venture is sustainable. He is also healthier, happier, and no longer avoiding the world. He is even considering a return to work in his prior industry.
Get a Neutral Analysis Now
Stop guessing and start strategizing. For a flat fee of $500.00, we will conduct a neutral evaluation of your current workplace or small business conflict. We’ll identify the “explosive assumptions” holding you back and help you take the next best step toward a legacy you’re proud of.