Happy Friday, all!
When I started my firm in 2016, if you’d asked me whether I’d ever hire someone, I would’ve told you 1000% no. Actually, I was still saying that to many people just last summer!
I’ve managed people before, had a few less-than-great contractor experiences, and I was honestly okay running solo, even at full capacity.
But sometimes the universe opens a door you didn’t expect. This past year, that door opened in the form of Jesica.
Jesica and I worked together for seven years at a previous tax firm. We became close during that time, and I got to know her well—her diligence, her deep care for clients, her love of organizing and improving systems. When she left that firm, we started tossing around the idea of working together again. Last summer, she came on as a contractor. And this January, she officially became my first full-time employee.
Jesica now serves as the firm’s Operations Manager. Her role focuses on operations—bookkeeping, taxes, systems, workflows—the work that links financial data to planning and compliance. You can learn more about her on LinkedIn.
But beyond the job description, she brings a calm precision to everything she touches. She’s smart, steady, and proactive. She wants the work to be better, not just done. I can’t tell you how good it feels to have someone like that in my corner.
The first two weeks of the year are always intense in this line of work—and these were no different. But this time, I wasn’t doing it alone. Jesica handled things I would’ve taken on myself. She shared the stress. She made space for me to breathe. That’s new for me. And it’s exciting.
This hire isn’t just about handing off tasks—it’s about making space for my Zone of Genius, as Gay Hendricks puts it in The Big Leap. (More on that in the coming weeks!) It’s a mindset shift from doing everything myself to trusting in a shared vision. From surviving capacity to designing sustainability.
If you’re feeling stretched or wondering whether you’re ready to bring someone on, here’s what I’ll say: sometimes you have to go where the universe leads. You may not feel 100% ready. It may feel scary—because now someone else depends on you. But if it feels aligned, take the leap. You might be surprised what it opens up.
Questions of the Week
- Where are you currently working outside your Zone of Genius?
- What stories are you telling yourself about hiring or asking for help?
- What’s one small step you could take to invite more support into your business?
Tool of the Week
📘 The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks
This book dives deep into the concept of your Zone of Genius—the unique blend of passion and skill that lights you up and delivers the most value. One of my biggest takeaways? Sometimes we need to delegate not just what we don’t like or aren’t good at—but also what we are good at, if it keeps us from playing at our highest level. A game-changing mindset shift for any mission-driven entrepreneur.
Read more or grab a copy here.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Best,
Brian