Part 1 of 3 – Lessons in Courage, Branding, and New Beginnings

I still remember the day I decided to hand in my resignation as Director of Human Capital.
My heart was pounding and it wasn’t because I didn’t know what was next, actually it was something I have been preparing for mentally for a while so I understood what it meant. I was stepping away from the comfort of a leadership role, a familiar environment, and an industry I had poured into for years… to relocate to Canada with my husband and start fresh.

This was not a spontaneous decision. It was a faith decision.
God had been stirring something in me for months, reminding me that obedience often feels uncomfortable at first, but it always produces fruit in due season.

Sometimes, bold moves don’t look logical on paper. They don’t check every box or come wrapped in a guarantee. But they’re the kind of moves that align with your purpose, stretch your capacity, and pull you into the unknown where God can reveal more of Himself and your potential.

One major part of this bold move, was building a brand from the ground up in a new territory.

When Passion Meets Aptitude

Recently, I had the privilege of hearing Adam Rodricks, National Director, Social Growth and Experience, at KPMG, speak about branding and influence. One line from his talk hit me right between the eyes:

“Where passion meets aptitude, there’s great work and magic.”

In that moment, I thought about my own transition.
Passion without skill can burn out quickly. Skill without passion can feel hollow. But when passion and aptitude collide, it’s not just work—it’s an assignment.

When I made the move to Canada, it wasn’t just about changing my address. It was about aligning my skills, my calling, and my environment in a way that would allow me to show up at my fullest.

Zig Where Others Zag

Adam also said something that has stayed with me: “Zig where others have zagged.”
It’s tempting to follow the well-trodden path; do what’s expected, stay where it’s safe, and build what others understand. But safe isn’t always where you’re called.

For me, zigging meant leaving a senior leadership role without a ready-made replacement opportunity, because I knew my assignment required space, faith, and a willingness to be different.

Find the Niche, Fill the Gap

One of the practical takeaways from Adam’s session was that strong brands, whether corporate or personal, have two things in common:

1. They know their niche.
2. They fill a gap.

For me, my niche has always been transformation. I help leaders and organizations navigate change in a way that nourishes people, aligns with purpose, and drives performance.

The gap? For years, I felt like I was pouring into others but didn’t have the physical or mental space to pour into building the vision God gave me for by companies. Moving to Canada gave me that space. It allowed me to think strategically, dream boldly, and step into opportunities that were waiting for me on the other side of obedience.

But I have made the move, now how do I build the impact? This was the question that was daunting me having relocated to a new territory, with no contacts or connections.

Influence Over Vanity

Another powerful insight Adam shared was this: Social media is not about vanity metrics—it’s about creating influence.

We live in a time where 93% of buying decisions are influenced by social media. That means what you put out into the world matters. But here’s the thing: influence isn’t built on how many people “like” your post. It’s built on how deeply you connect with the people who need your voice.

My application of this is simple. When you share your bold move, your testimony, your lessons—you’re not chasing numbers. You’re creating ripples. You’re planting seeds. You’re giving someone else permission to believe that they can take a step of faith too.

Therefore, social media became not just my friend but a loyal ally.

Two Questions to Guide Your Influence

Adam further expressed that every piece of content, every conversation, and every decision you make about your personal brand should answer these two unspoken questions:

1. Why should I care?
2. Why should I share?

When people can answer those for themselves, you’re not just seen—you’re remembered. And when you’re remembered, your influence grows beyond a title, a company, or a platform.

The Faith Side of Bold Moves

Let’s be real—bold moves aren’t glamorous when you’re in the middle of them. They can feel like freefalling.

There were days after resigning when I wondered if I had made the right choice. But every time doubt crept in, God reminded me of Isaiah 43:19:

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”

The wilderness can be scary, but it’s also where provision flows in unexpected ways. Your job is to keep moving forward, trusting that the One who called you into the unknown has already gone ahead to prepare the way.

The Bold Move Challenge

If you’re reading this and sensing that God has been nudging you toward your own bold move, here’s my challenge for you this week:

• Pray for clarity. Ask God to confirm the step and give you peace that overrides fear.
• Identify your niche. What do you do so well that it feels natural, and how does it serve others?
• Find the gap. Where is there a need that your gifts and experience can meet?
• Zig where others zag. Don’t be afraid to take the path less traveled if that’s where your calling is leading.
• Speak it out. Share your journey with others—it may be the spark they need.

What This Means for You

Making a bold move is not just about career change, relocation, or business decisions—it’s about obedience. It’s about saying yes when God opens a door, even if it leads to a hallway you’ve never walked before.

Bold moves will test your faith, stretch your capacity, and redefine your identity. But they will also position you for influence, impact, and the kind of fulfillment you can’t manufacture by playing it safe.

In Part 2 of this series, I’ll share how I began rebuilding my network, influence, and opportunities in a brand-new country and the surprising strategies that work no matter where you are in the world.

Until then, remember: You were not created for comfort zones. You were created for Kingdom impact.