I Took an Unexpected Break… But Here’s What’s Been Happening Backstage

I didn’t plan to be away this long. But life, as it often does, had other plans.

The year kicked off with a whirlwind. I suddenly wore multiple leadership hats: stepping in as interim chair for a Scottish charity, starting a new project, mentoring a few senior managers, and, surprise, leading a new team at church. A team I had just joined. A team responsible for babies and toddlers. (Side note: When joining and being chosen to lead, my only real experience was raising my own son!)

There was no time to second-guess myself. I just got on with everything.

Was I nervous about leading a Scottish charity? Not really. Did imposter syndrome sneak in at some point? Absolutely.

Chairing my first board meeting was a bit nerve-wracking. Not just the meeting itself; it was all the prep leading up to it. But fast forward a few months, and I’ve now chaired three successful board meetings. And in July, I’ll be receiving The Kings Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS award) on behalf of MISS Charity. A proud and humbling moment.

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But while all this was going on… Career Beacon stayed on my mind.

Not because I thought the newsletter would be gathering dust, but because I kept asking myself, How else can I create impact? What more can I do to help professionals and businesses?

That question led me to dust off an idea that I had for 2 years and finally start a virtual podcast.

I can hear you already: “Oh jeeez… not another podcast.” (Yes, I heard that thought. 😄)

But hear me out; this one is different.

For starters, it is not about founders, nor is it about romantic relationships.

But speaking of founders, let’s be honest: the founder spotlight is already well-lit, as it should be, because they are visionaries and economic drivers.

However, as one who has worked in operations and also as a right-hand woman to some founders, I know firsthand that behind every founder is a whole village making the vision work.

That’s where my podcast, Business Backstage, comes in.

It’s a virtual podcast that widens the lens to reveal the full cast behind the daily runnings and growth of a tech business – the strategists, the COOs, CFOs, product owners, HR business partners, engineers, investors, ecosystem builders, etc.

Each episode will unpack the frameworks, practical strategies, losses, wins, and hard-won lessons that keep businesses going long after they’ve launched.

The first episode drops on 30th May on YouTube, with new ones rolling out monthly. And yes, key takeaways will land right here in this newsletter.

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Ways you can support me

Two simple ways:

1. Follow the Business Backstage LinkedIn page
2. Subscribe to my YouTube channelso you don’t miss when the episodes drop.

This project is personal. It’s something I’ve never done before, and truthfully, it scares me (but in a good way).

As I write this, I’m reminded of a conversation I had a few days ago with a mentee who’s stepping into a new role. He said, “I pray I succeed in this new role because I’m new to it.”

I told him, “There’s always a first time. It’s a sign of growth.”

I’ll be holding onto those words as I kick off this journey that’ll be filled with many firsts.

Wish me luck, and I hope to see you in the front row as you tune in to the podcast!

Thanks in advance as you hit the follow and subscribe buttons.

Until Next Time,

Bukola Osuntuyi.