Sometimes you can feel a little lost - wondering if you're living up to your potential and making the impact you hope to make.

Sometimes, the right compliments have a way of validating your own personal narratives at the exact right time. They hit right at the heart of your intent and your hopes for how you show up in the world and add value.

I was just digging around in my Apple Notes to do some digital housecleaning and randomly discovered some words people had shared with me that I'd totally forgotten about.

They made me smile because they were exactly this kind of compliment.

Here they are, identity redacted, for posterity.

👏 Note 1

“Early last year I was, somewhat embarrassingly, unsure of the role I was supposed to play in my own company […] I’m sure that it was as frustrating for [the engineering team] as it was for me!

To be honest, taking back the design process with you […], and implementing the whole PRD process has been absolutely transformational for both me personally, but [the company] as a whole.

So a huge thank you to you […] for giving me the tools […] I’m having so much more fun, get way more satisfaction, and I think we are really kicking goals. We had our first offer of investment the other day.”

- Founder at early-stage startup

👏 Note 2

“[Working with you] has been the most productive and inspiring time during my two years in the company”

- Product Manager at Scaleup

👏 Note 3

“Just wanted to say a massive thank you for everything you’ve helped clarify in SUCH a short period. It’s been awesome.”

⁃ Startup Founder