Consulting is a solo business. It was never meant to be a lonely one. Here are the three kinds of support every successful consultant has behind her — and how to tell which one you’re missing.
For decades, I had a standing dinner date with my “Party of 5” in Atlanta.
Once a quarter, we gathered around a table — sharing great wine, real talk, and a kind of support that’s hard to put into words.
Each of us came from a different corner of the professional world: a CIO of a major private university, a CEO of an 8-figure executive search firm, a CTO of a Fortune 100 transaction processing company, a VP of Partnerships for the largest SaaS companies on the planet. And me.
We were brought together through our work on the board of Women in Technology. But we stayed together because we were more than colleagues.
We laughed. We cried. We celebrated wins, unpacked failures, and solved problems over appetizers. But more than anything, we were a felt presence in each other’s lives.
That kind of support doesn’t just make life better. It makes everything possible. And as a consultant, this kind of support is essential.
Do you need a coach to start consulting?
One of the most jarring moments in the transition from corporate to consulting is the silence.
You go from back-to-back meetings and constant collaboration, to sitting at your kitchen table with a laptop and a dream — and no one to bounce ideas off of.
No team. No recognition. No colleague pulling you aside to say, “You’ve got this.”
The truth? Consulting might be a solo business. But it’s never meant to be built alone.
Behind every successful consultant is a network of support, even if you only see one face on LinkedIn. It might be a mentor who shows you the shortcut. A coach who keeps you focused. Or a community that reminds you you’re not crazy for leaving corporate.
Because success doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens in conversation, with people who’ve been where you are and can show you what’s next.
What kind of support does a new consultant need?
You don’t just need motivation. You need a support system that actually works. Here’s what that looks like.
1. A guide who knows the way
You need someone who’s credible, experienced, and proven — a guide who’s been there, built that, and has a success path to back it up.
This kind of structure doesn’t just inspire you. It accelerates you. When you follow a proven framework, you skip the guesswork, shorten the timeline, and reach your goals faster.
That’s what the right guide can do. They’re like having a fast pass for every ride at Disney.
2. A coach who reflects the truth
When you become a consultant, your brain has to be rewired. You’re not just executing anymore — you’re selling, leading, and showing up as the face of your brand. That brings up fear, doubt, and a whole lot of overthinking.
You need a coach who will challenge your thoughts, help you break through fear, and keep you accountable for staying in momentum.
Because left unchecked, self-doubt can masquerade as “preparation” — and stall your progress.
3. A hive of like-minded women
There’s something powerful about women who really support women. You don’t need 100 women. You need 5 who get it — women who are in the arena, building businesses of their own.
Not stuck in the same corporate cycles. Not recycling the same outdated definitions of success. But listening to new podcasts, reading new books, and creating a new version of work and life.
This is your Hive. And it’s your rocket fuel, especially on the days when you’re questioning everything.
The bottom line: you don’t have to do this alone
If you’re craving real support — not just surface-level cheerleading, but true momentum-building support — the kind most women dream about when they leave corporate comes from having the right guide, coach, and community around you.
This is where clarity meets confidence. Where your consulting business becomes real, and profitable. And where you’re no longer doing it alone.
And remember — you were made to thrive.
Ready to stop guessing and start signing?
ThriveHive Passport turns 20+ years of experience into a client-ready consulting business in 8 weeks — proven curriculum, live coaching, and strategic advisory across your whole business.
Ready to stop guessing and start signing?
ThriveHive Passport turns 20+ years of experience into a client-ready consulting business in 8 weeks — proven curriculum, live coaching, and strategic advisory across your whole business.
