PICA Member Spotlights
Q&A with independent consultants who successfully “made the leap” and created the consulting career of their dreams
Q: Who are you and what’s your business?
A: My name is Lisa Sherwin, and I provide consulting services to healthcare technology companies and healthcare providers, focused on execution of strategic initiatives and improvements in operational efficiency.
My company is Sherwin Advisors. I made it plural, because I can help connect companies to other groups/small companies that can provide support beyond my scope.
Q: How long have you been independent?
A: Since March 2024.
Q: Why did you become an independent consultant?
A: I have always enjoyed consulting but knew I did not want to return to a consulting firm. I wanted more independence in choosing my projects and clients and really wanted to do work that was focused on being a trusted advisor to my clients and supporting their growth opportunities, not just selling another project. I enjoy working with smaller companies and helping them get through their growing pains, and fractional/part time work fits with their needs.
Q: How did you “make the leap”?
A: I had actually been talking with my boss for a while about moving on, but whenever I looked around the market there was just nothing I was that interested in, either because the companies were huge, I would be a road warrior again, or the roles were just not interesting. When our company was having RIFs I decided to volunteer and take the leap into solopreneurship! It helped to have some runway to think about it, get myself set up, and test the waters.
Q: How did you get your first client?
A: I have been in the healthcare industry for over 25 years, so my first, second and third clients were all from my network. Over the years my network has grown into senior roles. I try to keep in touch with friends and colleagues, discussing what they are doing and letting them know what I am doing and my availability if there is a fit. If not, at least we had a chance to connect and catch up!
Q: What advice would you give to someone who’s thinking about making the leap to solopreneurship or who is just starting out?
A: As Liz says, FUD is real! You have to be comfortable with having some months that are great – you are busy, making good income, and then others where fear, uncertainty and doubt creep in and you wonder when you will get another good project. You need to get comfortable with it and use that time to write, expand your skills, network AND take some time to recharge.
Q: What’s surprised you the most about being self-employed?
A: How interesting all of my work has been! It has its challenges, but it has allowed me to do some really great, impactful and fun work with some really fantastic clients.
Q: What’s been your biggest challenge?
A: How to describe what I do, and it is still a work in process! I have had a lot of varied experiences over my career, and describing what I can do for my clients in a succinct way can be challenging. It has made me stop and think about what I have accomplished and what the common threads were.
Q: What does the word “solopreneur” mean to you?
A: Flexibility, personally and professionally.
Q: What is something that many aspiring solopreneurs think they need that they really don’t?
A: That you need to have it all figured out before you start – a website, perfect messaging, marketing. While you need to know your capabilities, and it helps to have a client or two, a lot of what you think on day one will change and you need to be able to flex and figure out what really works for you.
Q: How can people find out more about you or your business?
A: Through my website and from LinkedIn.
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