A few weeks ago, I wrapped up the 12-week Aspire Business Accelerator – a program designed to support entrepreneurs building scalable ventures. When I first came across the opportunity, I hesitated. I was about to have baby #2, I was still finding my rhythm as a mom of one, and the idea of committing to anything, let alone a startup accelerator, felt far outside my comfort zone. But something told me to try. Fast forward to pitch day: I walked away with 3rd place and $5,000 in funding for my business. For me it wasn’t just a win financially, it was a deeply personal win. The program stretched me in ways I didn’t expect and taught me lessons I’ll carry into every future pitch, partnership, and business decision. Here are a few takeaways from that experience that I hope can help others.
1. Expand beyond your usual circle. Throughout Aspire, I was surrounded by entrepreneurs building businesses in tech, venture capital, and innovation, spaces I hadn’t really stepped into before. I made incredible connections with mentors, investors, and peers who offered fresh ideas and support I didn’t even know I needed. The experience reminded me how important it is to intentionally grow your network beyond your familiar spaces, whether that’s industry, location, or life stage. New connections can open new doors.
2. Tap into your “why” when times are tough. There were plenty of moments when I felt like quitting. Late nights, early mornings, balancing Zoom sessions while holding a newborn — it was a lot. What kept me going? My kids. I want them to see that even when something is hard, you push through because your dreams (and theirs) are worth it. That vision kept me grounded, especially on the tough days.
3. Don’t be your own worst critic. It’s so easy to spiral into negative thoughts, especially when you’re sleep-deprived and questioning whether you belong in the room. During this program, I had to actively kick out self-doubt and remind myself: I’m here because I belong here. I have something valuable to offer. And I’m doing this not at 100%, but still showing up. That’s strength.
4. Don’t count yourself out before it even starts. If I had let hesitation win — the voice that said “This probably isn’t for someone like me” — I would have missed out on an opportunity that helped my business grow and brought in $5,000 in funding. The lesson? Stop disqualifying yourself from opportunities you haven’t even tried yet. Apply. Show up. You just might win.
5. Good things happen when you embrace discomfort. I didn’t know anything about business accelerators. I don’t love public speaking. And I was 7 weeks postpartum on pitch day, barely feeling like myself. But I leaned into the discomfort anyway — and it paid off. I’ve learned that the magic happens right past the edge of comfort. Sometimes, saying “yes” even when you’re unsure is exactly what leads to growth.
6. Flexibility is a Superpower. Many of my classes, workshops, and pitch prep sessions happened with my baby in my arms — literally. Zoom calls with a clingy infant, adjusting timelines around naps and revising pitch decks at midnight was not something I dreamed of when I planned my maternity leave. But it taught me that adaptability is just as valuable as grit. Motherhood didn’t pause for my goals, and my goals didn’t have to pause for motherhood.
I’m walking away from this experience feeling proud, energized, and incredibly hopeful. The Aspire program helped me unlock a new version of myself — one who leads with courage, grace, and fire.
To anyone wondering if you should take the leap, especially when it feels inconvenient or scary — do it. The you on the other side of that risk might just thank you for it.