This blog revolves around my experiences in work-life and business within the complex, multidimensional matrix of the corporate world.
In my career, I worked for a software company specializing in financial and investment management software. As a product manager with extensive experience and expertise, I was deeply involved in the development of our software. This company stood out divinely compared to my past experiences; the executive management was not only engaging and caring but also genuinely enthusiastic about our products.
Previously, I had been part of companies where the atmosphere was quite different—most employees were there just to collect a paycheck or were living in a fear-based mindset. The prevailing thought was, “I have to keep my job to pay my bills and support my family, so I’m just going to suck it up and do whatever I have to do. Life’s hard and companies treat you awful, and that’s just the way it is.” I didn’t agree with this outlook; I desired to bring joy and enthusiasm to my work and to truly believe in what I was doing.
At the software company, I felt that the environment matched my values, and I knew the CEO, CTO, COO, and CFO personally. I had even vacationed with the CEO—although not intentionally—we just happened to be at the same hotel for a vacation and spent time together, which enriched our work relationship. My role required me to wear many hats. Beyond product management, I assisted in implementing the product, supported the consultants and pre-sales, and even helped close sale’s deals. I was involved in training, both internal and public, spoke at conferences, and went on-site with clients to comprehend their pain points firsthand. This comprehensive involvement ensured that I was not just a bystander in the company but an integral part of its operations and success.
I also had the chance to learn about the various functions within our team, from what the developers and quality assurance team did to how the documentation and training teams operated. This cross-functional exposure was not only fulfilling but also instrumental in ensuring that we delivered the best product experience possible. I cared deeply about this—my goal was always to ensure that users had a seamless and effective experience with our software.
During my time there, I appreciated the trust and freedom I was given. If I felt something was necessary, like flying to another country to meet a client or attend a conference, I could do so with the company’s support and without needing extensive permissions. This level of trust was because I had demonstrated that I could produce results; clients liked me and felt confident in our product, which often led to additional sales or upgrades.
One notable instance was when a client, who had been exploring our product for seven years, requested my involvement in a crucial meeting. Despite being at a conference at the time, I rearranged my schedule and attended the meeting, where the primary concern was the authenticity and risk associated with implementing a new system. Because of the personal rapport we had developed—they had even tried to hire me before—I was able to address their concerns effectively. By the end of the meeting, we had signed a contract, and they committed to implementing our product.
Sadly, despite the success and strong relationships we built, the company’s direction changed when it was taken over by a larger corporation focused solely on profits. This new management did not value employee welfare; they were fixated on growth and profits and started cutting costs wherever possible, including reducing employee benefits like profit sharing and paid time off. The culture of trust and care that had made the company great was eroded, replaced by a culture of fear and cost-cutting.
In response to these changes, I shifted my focus toward helping others outside the corporate environment. I began consulting for small and medium-sized businesses, helping them to set up and manage their operations more effectively. I leveraged my extensive accounting and bookkeeping background, (I had previously studied and passed 3/4 of the CPA exam in 2010 and 2011) helping them understand the nuances of different business structures—whether to form an LLC, S Corp, or C Corp, or operate under a DBA. This work was fulfilling because it allowed me to help others avoid the pitfalls I had experienced in the corporate world.
Ultimately, the desire to do meaningful work that was aligned with my values led me to retire from the company I was working in the role of product management and focus on personal development and helping others through consulting and retreat services. This allowed me to do some business type work and some self mastery type work both. This decision was driven by my experiences and the lessons I had learned about what truly matters in work and life: authenticity, joy, and making a positive impact in life and with others.
At a pivotal point in my career, I felt a profound call to entrepreneurship, a desire to cultivate a business reflective of my personal values and vision. With this in mind, my husband and I moved to a more secluded location, purchasing a larger property that could accommodate the retreat business we envisioned. Our goal was to create a sanctuary where individuals could come to learn not just from us but from within themselves, focusing on self-mastery and personal growth.
We designed our retreats to be immersive experiences that encouraged participants to delve deep into understanding their own lives and actions. The curriculum included teachings on how to harness personal energy, understand the body’s meridians, and utilize acupressure points for self-healing. We emphasized the importance of practical, hands-on learning that guests could continue to apply after they returned home—be it through meditation, breathing exercises, or asana body movements.
However, we encountered the challenges of aligning our business model with the realities of our clientele. Many of our friends expected significant discounts or even free services, which posed an initial hurdle. More daunting was the discovery that while many people sought our help, those who could afford the retreats often preferred to engage only superficially. They were attracted to the immediate relaxation of a massage or body work rather than the deeper commitment of learning and self-practice. Others, who genuinely wanted to embrace our teachings, unfortunately lacked the financial means to do so.
This disparity highlighted a broader societal issue: a resistance to the demanding work of authentic self-improvement. Many guests loved the idea of transformation but balked at the sustained effort required to achieve it. They sought quick fixes—easy solutions that didn’t require them to confront deeper truths or to change longstanding habits. The challenge for us was to find a way to make our business financially viable while still holding true to our principles of deep, meaningful engagement.
The realization that not everyone was ready or willing to commit to the path of self-mastery was disheartening. It led to a reevaluation of our business approach. While the retreats brought profound satisfaction and were effective for those who engaged fully, the financial and emotional strain of maintaining such a business, coupled with inconsistent client commitment, proved too great.
Reflecting on this venture, I learned valuable lessons about the nature of personal growth and business. True change requires not just a teacher, but also a willing participant. The experience reinforced my belief in the importance of authenticity and integrity, not just in business but in every aspect of life.
This journey, though not without its challenges, was a critical chapter in my development both personally and professionally. It has informed my approach to all my future endeavors, emphasizing the importance of alignment between one’s business practices and one’s values. As I continue to navigate the complexities of work and finance, I carry with me the lessons learned from this deeply personal enterprise, aiming to integrate them into whatever I undertake next, be it returning to a corporate role or continuing to guide others on their path to financial and personal enlightenment.
As I look to the future, it is unknown and a road of misty opportunity as I walk forward in an evolving world, I am committed to finding opportunities that align with good and divine values, where I can continue to make a good difference and achieve goals of divine personal growth and growth for finances, wealth, good products, good services and joy for all employed and working with in a way that is ethical, enjoyable, and truly beneficial. This journey has taught me the importance of aligning one’s work with one’s values and the transformative power of doing work that you truly believe in.
Namaste,
Gage