I hope to join from the Azores! Thanks for organizing, Susanne.

This is a really good question. I recently overloaded myself because I did not want to turn down a new and interesting project. One idea I have had is to establish a solid referral network so that if you if have to pass on a project, you can at least redirect the potential client in a meaningful way and provide someone in. your network with an opportunity. Hopefully this would go both ways. I look forward to hearing what others have to say.

This is a great idea; I’m in. I also love the idea of the “look at my website” sub-committee.

Right now I have stepped away from empire building and am kind of in “phase 2” of my Portuguese farmhouse renovation. My plan is to be back at my desk at least half-time by May 1.

Please hold me accountable!

Hi Susanne,

Just wanted to say that I am also struggling with pricing. My prices as an independent consultant over the years have been all over the map, ranging from several stints of full-time pro bono organizational development work for grassroots organizations in Tanzania, $20/hr academic editing jobs, $70/hr international development consultancies for the EU, all the way to a high-flying strategic health policy consulting gig that paid $13,000 per week.

I was using some similar and some different skill sets in each of these consultancies, and I understand that I was operating in really different markets, but still… having such wildly different payment experiences has created a lot of confusion in my head about what I am actually “worth.” Another concern I have is that I don’t want to price myself so high that grassroots organizations can no longer afford my services. After living and working in sub-Saharan Africa for many years and seeing what people there are up against (many of these people have become dear, dear friends), I really struggle with economic disparities in different parts of the world and with my own privilege, which feels so yucky sometimes.

The word “greed” keeps popping into my head. I don’t want to go back to the corporate mindset I left behind in 2009, after that high-flying consultancy and several stints in the pharmaceutical/insurance world.  I also cannot afford to work for a pittance. I absolutely believe that it is possible to do great and meaningful work in the world and be well compensated, but something inside of me (guilt?) is blocking me from achieving this in my most recent professional incarnation. It looks like serendipity is on my side and Stephanie sent out some podcasts to listen to that address these issues. Hoping to dive into those later today.

Right now I don’t have answers but I am going to be following these discussions closely. Hoping others will weigh in. Thanks for starting this thread.

This is a great thread. Go team! Denali, thank you for your willingness to be vulnerable and share with the group.