What's in a name... err... title?

After about 26 years in the corporate, I've decided to start on my own as an entrepreneur. This transition brings me closer to fulfilling my passion around growing and developing people.

I wanted to announce to the world the beginning of a new phase in life. The question, was where do I start?

Do I update my LinkedIn profile first or do I need to name and form my venture first. Is it OK to put the title of Founder yet or do I wait till I start to make money? Would my title now be Founder, or CEO, or Director or Partner…phew! they all sound soooo heavy and unrelatable. What will people think, feel and say about this soundingly "boastful titles"? Will people be relate these titles to the brand I've created for myself? All such questions have been looming over me for the past couple of days.

Then, there were family members, who are super proud of this decision and totally supporting, asking me to update LinkedIn to reflect what I do now. There were vendor partners who wanted to connected to work with me in my previous capacity, and the LinkedIn title sure misled them. A few youngsters reached out to see if there is an opportunity in my team or organization. Again my LinkedIn title mislead them. All of this made me realize the urgency in updating the LinkedIn title.

Evidently, in my head I was not able to relate to the heavy titles such as CEO, MD, Partner, or Founder. I wanted a title that I more related to. So I decided to put out what I do well, what I am able to relate to more. I am an ICF certified Coach. My niche is Leadership Coaching, Performance Coaching and Team Coaching. And coaching was a huge motivator and enabler in this decision of mine start the entrepreneurial journey. So the first part of the title was sorted…Leadership Coach, Performance Coach and Team Coach.

I also facilitate Leadership and Professional development journeys. In fact, I take pride in the journeys I've designed so far. The ultimate intent is skill or competency building leading to behaviour change for growth. To get there, I am able to easily craft a blend of instructor led sessions, pre and post reflective work assignments, coaching, mentoring, project work and the likes. So yes, I am also a Leadership and Professional skills facilitator. Glad I nailed the second part of my title too.

The next question that stared in my face is who am I doing this for? I am looking to partner with a few organizations, I am looking into a few collaborations, I am also looking to work on a few projects on my own. I also have decided on a brand name, "Grow with Satori". 'Growth with Satori' is intended to enable awakening through self-discovery. Satori by definition is a sudden enlightenment and a state of consciousness attained by intuitive illumination representing the spiritual goal of Zen Buddhism. It refers to the inner, intuitive experience of Enlightenment. So all in all, I am a creator, collaborator and coach at 'Grow with Satori'. To add a little zest to this title, I decided to call myself the Chief Creator, Collaborator and Coach at 'Grow with Satori'.

Lo and behold, my renewed title at least for the near term is "Leadership Coach, Performance Coach, and Team Coach | ICF ACC | leadership and professional skills Facilitator | Chief Creator, Collaborator, Coach at Grow with Satori"

In my new journey, I look forward to partner with many and grow and develop many-many more.

I do look forward to our paths crossing shortly.