I’ve always loved this quote by Bishop T.D. Jakes: “You will not go further than you think.” For many of us—founders, creators, dreamers—we know this to be absolutely true.
For those of you who know me, you know I’m a Toronto girl at heart. But when I first began my career, I found myself quickly running out of roads (or rather options) to explore as I scoured the city for opportunities. As sad as it was to admit, during my early seasons of brand building, I discovered that the city was an opportunity desert.
The dreamer in me was morphing into a budding founder, but tucked away in the (creative) safety of my city, I found myself hitting a ceiling earlier than expected; in how much I was able to make, but especially in the expansion of my network. With a vision for my future that only I could see, I had to remind myself that, if I was going to make it, I’d first have to establish a name for myself across the border.
In today’s digital-first landscape, it’s more than possible to make lifelong relationships and build real communities with the people you meet online. I can deeply attest to that. But this was a far cry from my reality when I was getting started in the early to mid 2010s. There was something so special about intentionally positioning yourself in physical places that ensured the bonds you built and the seeds you planted were nourished enough to one day bear fruit.
But while my 9-5 as an executive assistant to presidents and CEOs at the time came with unlimited PTO, every month, my pay cheques were spread thin between family responsibilities, and backend expenses required to help my company find its footing. Even though I was already laying the groundwork for a business that I knew would change my life, what I needed was the right environment—the soil, sunlight, and nurturing—to turn my seeds into an abundant harvest, and the money to get me there. Before long, I discovered that the environment I was in search of was none other than New York City.
I’ve always been drawn to the pulse of NYC, and knew from the very first connection I made outside of Toronto that it was the place for me to be…and build. Even though I had no personal ties to the city, it didn’t stop me from venturing there. I’d take advantage of every $250 roundtrip flight I could find, which meant planning my trips far in advance, and packing the two or three days I was there with as many people as possible.
Still very much pinching pennies, it also meant that there was never a luxurious hotel bed waiting for me after a day of work and travel. Most days looked like packed meetings from 9am to 9pm, or until the last person was ready to go home. As for me, “home” was sleeping on airport chairs with my legs wrapped tightly around my suitcase, praying it was still there when I woke up. It was far from pretty, but it stretched my dedication to my dreams in ways that truly defined the trajectory of all that was to come.
What many praised as my hustle was a necessity to expand my vision for my company and my career. Did I feel a small tinge of guilt for having to (temporarily) leave my city in my rearview, of course. But, as every visit filled me with more and more optimism and vigor, I knew that I had expanded the vision I once held close to my chest, and because of this, whether in my life or career, it was now possible for me to go much further. In time, those early seeds began to bear fruit, and connections quickly became friends—and places to crash when needed (no more airport floors!).
I bet on myself and allowed that unwavering self-belief to help me look beyond the struggles so I could follow my plan all the way to a life and business that, today, I am ridiculously obsessed with. I truly don’t know if it would have manifested if my sights were limited to just staying in my ‘hood.
During my 20s, I approached my vision with strategy, yes, but mostly with an unwavering confidence in what I truly believed was destined for me. I saw where there were limitations in where I was located, and was honest enough with myself to course correct. Despite birdbaths in airport bathrooms, and more sleepless nights than I can remember, I held on to my blueprint, my determination, and, of course, my faith, and allowed them to lead the way.
The extra mile is never crowded. I’ve always kept that in mind. Even now, when I am at a crossroads, the intersection between uncertainty and ambition, I ask myself: What would the average person not do in this situation? And I go for it.
Part of success is about your proximity to opportunities. The other part is about challenging yourself to to think outside the box and take an unconventional approach to the problem you’d like to solve. So be audacious enough to trust in the vision you have for your life, open yourself up to new people, places, and things, and watch your career change in unimaginable ways.
A BIT ABOUT ME: Hi! My name is Pauleanna Reid. I’m the founder and chief storyteller at WritersBlok where I lead an all-women of color team of celebrity ghostwriters. As a collective, we help industry leaders and doers who are shaping the future turn their personal stories into brand assets so they can stay relevant in a noisy world, communicate to their audience at scale, and turn any conversation into a meaningful and profitable lead. Clients truly trust me with their reputations and their legacies. In fact, when they want to speak up on a hot topic and shake the room, I’m the woman they call. Many of them have me on speed dial, why don’t you?