Dear Reader
It’s been just over a month since I launched Volante - my advisory and mentoring practice for leaders at pivotal moments and I’ve already learned a huge amount, both from others and through doing the work.
First thank you. So many people have reached out to wish me well, offer feedback, or explore ways we might work together. I’ve already started working with a few wonderful clients and have more exciting conversations underway.
Here are a few things I’ve heard and what I’m thinking about as a result:
“Are you still based in Kenya?”
Yes absolutely. Kenya remains home. I plan to continue living here full-time, with a few trips each year to the UK to spend time with family and collaborate with clients from there.
“We’re a small African organisation and we’d love your help but we can’t afford your rates.”
This has come up often and I want to help. Supporting locally led organisations is something I care deeply about.
But I also want to be fair to my time and ensure Volante is sustainable. So, I’m exploring:
- Cross-subsidising this work through better-resourced clients
- Helping organisations raise funding to bring me in
- Offering group mentoring as a more affordable option
If you have other ideas or if you’re connected to funders who support strategic leadership development - I’d love to hear from you.
“I’m tired. I’m not sure what kind of help I need. But I know I can’t keep going like this.”
Several founders and CEOs have shared this kind of sentiment. Not needing another strategy retreat but seeking clarity, relief, or just a way to lead differently without burning out.
This is something I’m spending more time thinking about: what kind of support helps when you’re not even sure what you need but you know something has to change?
“I know a CEO who could really use this, but I don’t know how to raise it with them.”
This one really stuck with me. I’d like to find ways to make it easier for boards, funders, or senior team members to open that conversation with care, not judgment.
And here’s what I’ve learned (fast) in the past month:
I’m a solopreneur now.
Even without full-time client work yet, this is definitely a full-time job. Not just the (expected) admin, but:
- Business development with real intentionality - thoughtful outreach, following up, listening closely, writing proposals
- Shaping services - testing what leaders actually want and need, and iterating in real time
- Learning and staying sharp - so I can show up with credibility and perspective
- Sharing content - to stay visible, yes, but more importantly, to add value as a thought partner
I was probably a bit naive about just how much time and energy this would take.
But I also know: if I want to do this seriously, I have to invest the time and effort to give it a real go.
Because this matters to me.
I want to amplify impact through others, helping leaders get clear, stay grounded, and move forward in a way that’s sustainable and smart. But yes, I also need to pay the bills.
So, I’m learning to balance mission and sustainability and reminding myself: it’s a long game.
Thanks for being part of the journey so far and to all of those who have offered support - my best quote now on my wall by my desk
“ Better done than perfect – progress will come through iteration”
If you have thoughts, feedback, or ideas - I’d love to hear them.
And if you know a leader who’s at a pivotal moment, I hope Volante might be something you feel you can share.
Warmly,
Liz
Strategic Advisor | Former CEO | Founder, Volante
Based in Kenya, available globally
