Confession: I Miss Corporate HR (Sometimes!)

When I first stepped into the world of entrepreneurship, I thought I was leaving behind all the things I didn’t enjoy about corporate life — like the rigid performance review process and the overly constricted structure that often felt like it stifled creativity. But here I am, running my own real estate team, and honestly? I can’t help but admit that I miss some of those things more than I thought I would.

I never realized how much I took the simple structure of corporate HR for granted until I didn’t have it anymore. Back when I was working in a corporate environment, I had team meetings, clear feedback loops, and structured opportunities for growth. It wasn’t always fun, and sure, the performance reviews sometimes felt like a chore. But they created a rhythm and routine that made leadership feel more manageable.

Now, as a business owner, I am required to set my own structure and cadence, implementing weekly team meetings and scheduled one-on-one coaching opportunities with my team members. I don’t have the luxury of a formal HR department to help me plan for growth or to manage the delicate balance of being both a boss and a mentor. I’m the one setting the pace — and that’s a lot of responsibility.

The hardest part? There’s no one to talk to when I feel uncertain about how to be the best leader for my team. In corporate HR, I had someone to go to for advice, whether it was about handling a difficult conversation or strategizing employee development. Now, I’m left to figure it out on my own. Don’t get me wrong — I love the independence that comes with running my own business. But it can be lonely when you’re constantly trying to wear so many hats.

Running a business is an incredibly rewarding experience, but it’s also a challenge in ways I never expected. The freedom and flexibility are amazing, but the lack of a built-in support system can be overwhelming.

If anything, I’ve learned to appreciate those things I once took for granted: the one-on-ones, the growth opportunities, and the quiet confidence that comes from knowing there’s someone behind the scenes helping guide you. So, while I’m not planning on going back to corporate life anytime soon, I do look for ways to create that structure and support within the team. After all, leadership is a journey, and all we can do is keep growing and learning.

May it be of service! 💖