Enjoying Entrepreneurship: Using Values to Navigate Growth

As my business grows, I’ve noticed how easy it is for it to take on a life of its own. Without pausing to reflect, it’s easy to get caught in the grind — long hours, mounting pressure, and rushed communication with clients and colleagues.

This week, I asked myself: what do I truly value in this work? What should guide my decisions and priorities? These questions have become my compass as I navigate the winds of change.

A Fresh Breeze (1913) painting in high resolution by George Wesley Bellows (public domain)

Although I started this journey, the real strength of the African Research Accelerator lies in the team that has grown around it. Together, we focus on what we value most, and it keeps our work grounded, joyful, and impactful:

• Friendship – We genuinely enjoy each other’s company, have each other’s backs, and celebrate one another’s wins.

• Excellence – We help extraordinary people reach even greater heights through radical support and an exceptional client experience.

• Playfulness – Research is serious business, but that doesn’t mean it has to be heavy. We bring humour, colour, and lightness to our clients’ thinking and branding.

• Empathy – Researchers are whole people, with families, spiritual practices, and creative passions. We design strategies that honour their needs, values, and wellbeing.

  
  

This work is deeply personal to me. It’s about lifting up people whose ideas can change the world — and building the friendships, skills, and visibility that make that change possible.

By staying anchored in what I value, work stops feeling like work… and starts feeling more like dancing. 💃