"It took a leap of faith and some insanity to make the leap from Operations leadership to being a solo consultant. What guidance would you give to folks thinking about this career path?"

It really does take a leap of faith — and maybe a little insanity — to move from corporate leadership into solo consulting. But with the right preparation, it can be one of the most fulfilling career paths you’ll ever take.

A solo consultant can be considered an entrepreneur, but I just learned that a solo consultant is often described as a solopreneur. The distinction lies in scale and intent: entrepreneurs typically aim to grow beyond themselves, while solopreneurs intentionally build a business of one. Both paths are valid, powerful, and entrepreneurial in spirit.

Step 1: Reflect on Your Strengths 

Take time for personal reflection about your natural talents, career strengths, and work preferences. The traits most often suited for entrepreneurs include resilience, adaptability, creativity, risk tolerance, vision, and strong communication skills. These qualities help you navigate uncertainty, inspire others, and turn ideas into sustainable businesses. 

• Resilience + Adaptability → Entrepreneurs face constant setbacks; these traits ensure survival and growth.

• Creativity + Vision → Innovation is the lifeblood of entrepreneurship; vision keeps efforts aligned.

• Risk Tolerance + Decision-Making → Businesses thrive when leaders can act decisively in uncertain conditions.

• Communication + Leadership → Success depends on rallying others to believe in the mission.

• Financial Acumen + Self-Motivation → Keeps the venture grounded and sustainable.

Reflect on your work history: do these strengths show up in your personal brand and accomplishments? If yes, you already have a strong foundation for solo consulting. 

Step 2: Assess Your Readiness 

Look honestly at your home and financial situation. 

• How will you handle health benefits? 

• Do you have savings to cover living expenses while building your client base? 

• Are you prepared for the uneven income that often comes with consulting? 

This step ensures you’re ready to handle the independence and risk that come with being your own boss. 

Step 3: Test the Market 

Before fully committing, validate your idea in the real world. 

• Talk to potential clients to gauge interest. 

• Offer pilot projects or short-term engagements to test demand. 

• Research competitors to understand pricing and positioning. 

This feedback helps refine your offering and gives you confidence that there’s a market for your services. 

The Foundations of Solo Consulting

Before you jump in, it helps to think about the building blocks that make consulting sustainable:

• Clarity of purpose: Know why you’re choosing this path — independence, flexibility, or a new challenge.

• Defined expertise: Be clear about the problem you solve and the value you bring.

• Business basics: Understand how you’ll handle contracts, pricing, taxes, and benefits.

• Support network: Have mentors, peers, or professional groups to lean on when challenges arise.

  
  

These foundations give you stability as you step into the uncertainty of running your own business.

Bottom Line: If, after reflection, preparation, and testing, you’re still excited about being your own boss and setting your own career path — then make the decision and go. Don’t let fear or past experiences hold you back from the possibilities you can create for yourself and the world.