I’ve never forgotten the advice I received from Dr. Fiona Wilson, a former supervisor and forever mentor at the University of New Hampshire’s Sustainability Institute. She once told me how critical it was to step back and think strategically - not just about the work, but about the mission, the team, and the long-term direction. At the time, in the midst of nonstop meetings, events, and programs, it felt nearly impossible to lift my head above the day-to-day.

Now, sitting here as a solo entrepreneur, it feels impossible not to.

Launching Twinbell has been both a joy and a test of endurance. I no longer have the structure of an organization or a team to shape strategic conversations - at Twinbell, it’s just me. I’ve had to learn quickly that working on the business is just as important as working in it. Strategic thinking is no longer a special retreat that happens once a year with a group of smart colleagues, it’s a discipline I now have to practice weekly, sometimes daily.

To make that possible, I’ve had to build my own version of a strategy room. Just like going to the gym is easier (and way more fun) with friends, strengthening my “business muscles” has meant finding accountability partners. One of the smartest decisions I made early on was reaching out to the NH Small Business Development Center NH SBDC) and reconnecting with Andrea O’Brien. Through that connection, I was matched with two no-nonsense SCORE business advisors, Gary Bedrosian and Maureen Bilodeau. These individuals - my new strategy workout buddies - keep me stretching, reflecting, and growing.

What about you?

How have you built your own “workout buddy” network for your business or personal growth? What’s helped you make strategic thinking feel less isolating and more energizing?

While we may be building something on our own, we don’t have to build it alone.