In this talk I’ll share how being part of the WordPress industry enabled me to pursue my two passions: family and professional development.
My story begins with the founding of a WordPress development agency, a venture born out of a love for web development and the endless possibilities offered by the WordPress platform. I’ll share the highs and lows of entrepreneurial life—tackling client projects, navigating industry trends, and building a team—all while balancing the responsibilities of a growing family.
Selling the agency after thirteen years paved the way for a new venture: Strattic. This new direction brought with it new challenges, and demanded I learn the ins-and-outs of the startup business model. We’ll dive into the dynamic landscape of startup life within the WordPress space. After being acquired by Elementor, I had to learn to transition from being a founder and CEO for seventeen years to being an employee. This brought its own challenges, and demanded that I adjust while learning a lot about myself.
Central to this narrative is the unparalleled experience of being an active participant in the WordPress community. I’ll share the demands it places on time and resources but, more importantly, how it gives back in so many meaningful ways. The WordPress community has been a transformative force, exposing me to diverse perspectives, introducing me to individuals beyond my immediate circles, and immersing me in rich and varied cultures.
Working in the WordPress space has been a unique experience—one where the lines between work and passion blur. I’ll delve into why contributing to the WordPress community doesn’t feel like traditional work but rather a collaborative journey of knowledge-sharing and enablement of personal goals.