I recently had the opportunity to assist a women-owned start-up.
What they needed wasn’t extensive. It didn’t require much time, and it didn’t cost me anything to help. So I offered to assist free of charge.
Their first reaction was immediate:
“Why would you do this for free?”
And my answer was just as immediate:
Why not?
The only thing I asked in return was that they commit to growing their own business. To take it seriously. To build something with intention.
Because for me, this isn’t about giving things away.
It’s about giving people a chance.
I am a woman in business. And I believe in paying it forward — especially when it comes to supporting other women who are building something of their own.
Not in a performative way. Not in a “we should all…” kind of way.
But in a practical, grounded way: if I can help, I will.
Over the years, I’ve made it part of how I work.
Each year, I’ve had requests from small businesses or charities needing support. I treat it as a business development initiative — my way of creating space for others to grow.
If it only costs me time, I don’t charge.
If there are costs involved, I charge what it costs me — nothing more.
That’s the boundary. And it works.
Because this isn’t about building a business that extracts as much as possible. It’s about building one that contributes where it can.
My philosophy has always been grounded in helping others grow into their best selves. It’s not something I’ve added on. It’s who I am. And it’s how I choose to show up.
My very first clients took a chance on me.
So when I have the opportunity, I take a chance on someone else.
It won’t make me rich in the traditional sense.
But it does something else.
It makes me feel useful.
And I’ve come to believe that being useful — in a way that helps others move forward — is one of the most human ways to live.
I still want to believe that we can exist in a world where people are kind because they care. Not because there’s something in it for them.
So when I can, I choose to be part of that.
