I’m done twisting myself into shapes to fit in.
I’ve always thought of myself as someone who “doesn’t play the game well.”
I speak my mind, stand up for what’s right, and go out of my way to help people thrive—even when it takes more time. But that doesn’t exactly fit the mold of corporate life.
For years, I thought the problem was me. Maybe I wasn’t nice enough. Maybe I wasn’t direct enough. Maybe I needed to dress differently or crack fewer jokes. I twisted myself into every shape imaginable to fit in. But no matter what I did, it never seemed to work.
Then, while working on this series, a friend sent me a report by McKinsey. As I read through it, I felt so seen.
The report articulated everything I’d struggled with in corporate life: being passed over, being mansplained, having my ideas repeated by male counterparts and praised as genius. It wasn’t just me—my experience was shared by the majority of women in corporate environments.
And the response from women like me has been clear: we’re leaving.
The Rise of the Project Economy
Women are leaving corporate in droves, starting their own businesses, and thriving in the Project Economy. Women now own 39.2% of all U.S. businesses, generating $3.3 trillion in revenue and growing at twice the rate of men-owned businesses [NWBC][IWOB].
But this shift isn’t just about women—it’s about redefining the way businesses operate.
The traditional full-time employee (FTE) model is under pressure. Companies are grappling with rising overhead costs, outdated structures, and the economic inefficiencies of maintaining bloated payrolls. Add to that the push for in-office mandates—driven more by optics than necessity—and it’s clear why the corporate model is straining under its own weight.
This is where the Project Economy offers a solution.
What Makes the Project Economy Work?
The Project Economy isn’t just a trend—it’s a smarter, more agile way to work. Here’s how:
1️⃣ Reallocating Costs:
Instead of tying up resources in long-term FTE salaries, benefits, and office space, businesses can move these expenses to the COGS (Cost of Goods Sold) line. This preserves EBITDA while giving companies access to the talent they need, when they need it [NWBC].
2️⃣ Eliminating Overhead:
With 92% of companies now offering remote or hybrid work, businesses are no longer bound by the same office-related expenses. The Project Economy takes this one step further by allowing companies to pay for results, not the infrastructure to support full-time roles [McKinsey].
3️⃣ Focusing on Outcomes:
Traditional roles often pay for time and effort, but project-based work is all about measurable results. This approach ensures that every dollar spent is tied directly to deliverables and outcomes [IWOB].
A New Way to Access High-Quality Talent
One of the biggest advantages of the Project Economy is the ability to hire top-tier professionals without the commitment of full-time hiring.
With the Project Economy, you can hire someone like me to plan, strategize, execute, and measure an entire campaign—all within three months. It’s the same high-level expertise without the inefficiencies of onboarding, training, or long-term salaries.
How I Help Businesses Thrive
Here’s how my Brand Elevation Model works to deliver results in just three months:
1️⃣ Vitality Marketing Plan™:
The first step is to check the vitals of your business and understand your goals. Following the session, you’ll receive a Vitality Plan™ with actionable steps to guide you forward. (Bonus: The cost is credited toward a Brand Elevation Package.)
2️⃣ Elevation Method™:
This is the catalyst for change. We activate the Vitality Plan™ with a full-funnel strategy tailored to your goals. The Elevation Method™ is designed to attract your ideal customer, maximize their lifetime value, and position your business for long-term success.
A Final Thought
The corporate world was built on rigid systems that rewarded longevity and conformity more than innovation and results. But the Project Economy changes the game.
By hiring project-based experts, businesses gain:
Agility: Adapt quickly to changing needs without long-term commitments.
Cost Efficiency: Reduce overhead while accessing top-tier talent.
Strategic Results: Focus on fixed-cost projects aligned with measurable business goals.
And for professionals like me, it’s a chance to deliver meaningful impact without the barriers of corporate politics.
If your business is ready to embrace the future, the Project Economy isn’t just an option—it’s the solution.
Reports Used
International Women-Owned Business Report
International Women’s Business Council. (2024). International Women-Owned Business Report 2024. Retrieved from [https://stories.wf.com/iwob/].
National Women’s Business Council Annual Report
National Women’s Business Council. (2024). Annual Report 2024: State of Women-Owned Businesses. Retrieved from [https://www.nwbc.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/NWBC-2024-Annual-Report.pdf].
Women in the Workplace Report
Lean In & McKinsey & Company. (2024). Women in the Workplace 2024. Retrieved from [https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/diversity-and-inclusion/women-in-the-workplace].
