10 Reflections on 10 years of Amy Brugh Consulting
Truth. I’ve been able to stay true to who I am. I’ve been fortunate to consult with organizations that are doing work that matters. For the most part, I can be myself with the people I’m working with.
People. Besides paying the bills, I think getting to work with smart and interesting people is the reason to go to work. There certainly have been some difficult personalities and egos along the way, but I do believe I kinda hit the jackpot on the smart and interesting people side of work.
Solo. I like working with those previously mentioned smart and interesting people, and I also really really like working by myself. It’s been good to have a mix.
Money. I’m a good consultant. Perhaps not the best capitalist. I probably undercharge. Nobody’s getting rich over here. That’s partly in line with my values, and partly something I should consider changing.
Troubles. I’ve weathered some troubling external factors. Our previous “president” with the spray tan? Yeah, that election had some really difficult ramifications for me and my work. 2017 was a tough year for me and for a lot of the groups I work with. I learned some difficult lessons from that year that likely helped me make it through the 2020 pandemic year.
Feelings. I’m a fairly confident, self-aware person. Being a facilitator and an interim executive director are roles that I’ve chosen and that I enjoy for the most part. Sometimes when you’re the one up in front of the room or at the top of the hierarchy, others sometimes forget that you’re a human too, with your own mistakes and feelings and opportunities to learn and change. I’m looking in the mirror and working on myself every day.
Jobs. My past jobs as a lifeguard, childcare worker, lobbyist—these are the jobs that helped me learn how to be a consultant. I think I know what I’m good at and what I could be good at. And I’m pretty aware of what I’m not good at and what is better left for someone else to do.
The IRS. The IRS does audit little tiny baby sole proprietorship LLCs.
Luck. I never thought I’d still be a consultant 10 years later. I’ve been impossibly lucky.
Celebration. I think we need to come up with a new and different word for the kind of work I do. For now, I’ll celebrate 10 years as a consultant with Amy Brugh Consulting.