I had just checked into my hotel the night before the attorney ethics exam at Mercer University in Georgia when my phone rang. It was my son. My husband, Mike, had fallen off a ladder and was in bad shape. That moment changed everything—our life, our business, and our future. It set us on an unexpected journey, one that shaped me into the businesswoman I am today.
We recently marked the seven-year anniversary of Mike’s accident. For those new to my community, Mike and I built a multi-six-figure consulting business, UNEQ Consulting, in early 2011. On November 1, 2013, his near-fatal accident turned our world upside down. He lost his hearing, suffered four skull fractures, and sustained a severe head injury. The company closed overnight. We went from making well over $200K to zero, leaving us in severe financial distress. The experience completely shifted my path into consumer law and financial coaching—ultimately making me a far better businesswoman than I would have been had UNEQ continued. Here’s how I’ve grown:
1. I Am 10x Better at Business Strategy and CEO-Level Planning
UNEQ was successful, but we lacked true strategic planning. Yes, we had projects and a calendar for execution, but never once did Mike and I sit down and ask, “Where are we going this quarter, and how do we get there?” That lack of planning became a major liability when we had to close the business. With no emergency fund or continuity plan, we had to turn back $375K in contracts for 2014.
Now, planning is non-negotiable. I map out annual, quarterly, and monthly goals—what we offer, when, projected revenue, and when to bring in additional help. I focus on long-term business strategy, not just sales and marketing. I also carve out dedicated CEO time to reflect, strategize, and align with my vision. This allows me to maintain a clear three-year and five-year roadmap for the future.
2. I Operate from a Place of Service, Knowing There Are No Coincidences
I believe people cross our paths for a reason. I didn’t always think that way. Back then, we lived in a company bubble, convinced that success came solely from great execution and a strong team. Looking back, I can see that UNEQ carried a touch of overconfidence.
We were great at what we did, working almost exclusively on referrals, and never had to market ourselves. But that confidence led to unnecessary risks, financial blind spots, and an unsustainable way of operating. We focused on contracts, not on being in service to our clients at the highest level.
Today, my entire approach is different. I lead with service—helping my clients reach their business and financial goals. Sometimes that means a lot of hand-holding; other times, it’s tough love. But everything I do is grounded in service and a mission to help others achieve success and profitability.
3. I Make Decisions Without Fear, Based on the Best Information I Have—With No Regrets
During the UNEQ years, I spent too much time second-guessing myself, overanalyzing every decision. I would map out 100 different scenarios, afraid of making a mistake. That fear caused unnecessary anxiety and hesitation, leaving many day-to-day and strategic decisions in Mike’s hands.
After the accident, I no longer had the luxury of overthinking. I was responsible for closing the business, managing Mike’s medical care, and making every financial decision for our household. There was no time to worry about failure—I had to make a choice and move forward.
One of my coaches, James Williams, often says, “You either win or you learn.” At first, I resisted that idea. Even after starting my next business, I found myself wavering again—Do I hire social media support? Should I pay a copywriter? But I finally embraced the mindset: There are no mistakes, only lessons. Now, I trust my due diligence, make a decision, and keep moving forward.
Final Thoughts
Losing UNEQ was painful, but it was also one of my greatest teachers. It forced me to become a more strategic, service-driven, and decisive businesswoman. The lessons I learned have shaped how I operate today, and I wouldn’t trade them for anything.
If you’re facing challenges in your business, know this: Every setback has the potential to be a steppingstone—if you’re willing to learn and grow from it.