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Angela Edwards

Being indispensable is not the flex you think it is.

Published about 16 hours ago • 2 min read

Hey there Reader,

Last week I caught up with my FABulous friend Shanna K., and I walked away with a full heart and a reminder I didn't know I needed.

Shanna and I have been involved in a few things together over the years: The Storytellers Channel's Stories Matter Showcase, Gutsy Tales Off The Rails: Living Out Loud, and her incredibly awesome FABWomen. Now she's pouring herself into her work with Needle's Eye Ministries and the community she's growing there. Hearing about it was a gift.

Here's what stuck with me: nothing worth building was ever a solo act. Communities, books, channels, all of it took more than one person willing to show up, share the load, and trust the room. The things that last are the things that don't need one person standing in the middle holding them up.

Which is exactly why I just kicked off a new blog series on what happens when your business can't function without you. (Spoiler: it's not the flex you think it is.)

And because I clearly don't believe in doing anything quietly, I'm on two stages this month. I'm speaking at Women in Business with the Goochland Chamber on Communication as Culture Shaping. Then on Friday, October 9, I'm at Richmond Curious for Women's Small Business Month in downtown Richmond, talking Done Is A Decision™, thanks to the amazing Jolinda Anderson of Shapes & Colors. Details are below. Come say hi.

Cheering you on (and delegating something today, watch me),​
Angela
Castle Thunder Consulting
Bold strategy. Smart systems. More sanity.

PS: Quick gut check before you open this week's post: if you were unreachable for two weeks, how many things would break? Write that number down. You'll want it.

Steal This

A business that only runs when you're in the room isn't a business. It's a very demanding job with your name on the door.

Try It:

Pick one decision you made this week that someone on your team could have made. Tell them out loud: "This one's yours from now on." Then do not take it back.

In the Blog

Quick test: if you were unreachable for two weeks starting tomorrow, what would break?

If you just got a little twitchy, this week's post is for you. It kicks off a brand new series on owner dependency, the sneaky structure that makes you indispensable, caps your revenue, and quietly turns your business into a very demanding job. We break down what it actually looks like, what it's costing you, and the first step to start seeing it clearly.

The Sass & Strategy Tour

One part business brilliance, one part bold attitude, all results.

Richmond Curious: Women's Small Business Month​
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Done Is A Decision™​
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Friday, October 9th
8:30 to 9:45 AM

Gather Arts District​
313 East Broad Street
Richmond, VA

If you're leading hard and still feel like something's missing, this one's for you. We're talking about how to stop white-knuckling your way through growth and start building a business that works without the burnout. Light breakfast bites, plenty of hot coffee or tea, and a room full of Richmond business owners. Doors open at 8:20 AM.

Special thanks to Jolinda Anderson of Shapes & Colors for the invite.

Goochland Women in Business

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​Speak Up in the Room (Even When You're the Only Woman)

Tuesday, October 27th
11:30AM to 1 PM

Goochland Cares​
2999 River Road West
Goochland, VA, 23063

Culture isn't built in the mission statement. It's built in the way people talk to each other every single day. This session digs into how your communication sets the tone, the standards, and the habits of everyone around you, and how to shape that on purpose instead of by accident.

If your team culture feels a little "accidental," start here.

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Castle Thunder Consulting

9962 Brook Road, #206, Glen Allen, VA 23059

Angela Edwards

Castle Thunder Consulting

Business Strategist • Small Business • Since 2007 Are you tired of feeling like your business is running you? I take business owners from being overwhelmed, overworked, and undervalued to being strategic, productive, and profitable. Many business owners are too busy working in their business to work on their business. They get bogged down with wearing many hats, trying to grow their business, and deliver their product. I show business owners how to avoid the pitfalls, ignite a spark, and let their sparkle shine through.

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