Leaving my safe harbor

For years, I’ve been afraid to start my own business. So, a favorite quote from Mark Twain seems fitting: “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do…Sail away from the safe harbor.” ⛵

Today that changes as I launch KTH Communications. 🚀 Read about why I’m going out on my own, taking my biggest gamble yet. Thanks for the support and (hopefully a few shares) to kickstart my journey away from safe harbor.

I’m the type of blackjack player that keeps my winnings in a separate pile. I always know my bottom and exit plan. I’m a rule follower, raised in a time when hard work paid off in a series of new opportunities and roles. I had my first job at a daycare center at 14, and by 16, I had broken into the (often cut-throat) world of television. 📺

I’ve always worked hard, it’s in my DNA, hard-wired to start the day at zero, focusing on what I can accomplish. Throughout my journalism and healthcare communications career, I’ve shared that work ethic and time with multiple companies (ABC 26 News, Bayer, GSK, APCO Worldwide, Worldwide Clinical Trials), spanning more than 25 years. In return, I’ve gained so much more from every experience. With each role, I went “all in” and I’m truly grateful to the companies and colleagues who bet on me. In the end, we all won.🏆

Now, it’s time for my biggest gamble 🎲 yet and leaving my safe harbor. Instead of seeking the next perfect role or company, I’m launching my communications consultancy, KTH Communications providing a variety of healthcare communication services.

Anyone who knows me well knows that when I say I’m going to do something, I get it done. So, I don’t take this announcement lightly. I did this once before in 2019 for two weeks until my client at the time (APCO) hired me. My husband jokes I had the shortest run as a business owner ever.

This time is different. Why? I still want to work hard, but I want to work smarter. I’m lucky I love what I do, but I want more control over the work. Plus, I’ll have the opportunity to say no if the work isn’t the right fit for me or if I’m not the right fit. Honesty and transparency are core to who I am, and I won’t tell you I can do something if it’s not in my sweet spot. 🎯

When I mentor young professionals, I tell them that if they don’t have a pit in their stomach about a new role or opportunity, then they aren’t growing. If they aren’t a bit nervous, and ask themselves, “Can I do this?” then true growth probably isn’t happening. That pit is the source of growth and learning. Lean into it, let it teach you, and lead you to the next step. 🆕

It’s time to listen to my advice and bet on myself. I hope you will bet on me, too.

Need strategic communications counsel? please reach out to me directly: karen@kthcomms.com or go to KTH Communications for more information on core offerings. #communicationconsulting#publicrelations#hypewomen#consultant#pharma#leavingmysafeharbor