From Vacation Rentals to Leadership Coaching: What I Learned About Real Success
I built a business during one of the wildest times in recent history—the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. I grew it. I poured everything into it. And then, I made the hardest decision of my career: I sold it.
That one choice changed everything for me.
Recently, I had the chance to talk with Shae Spitz on her R.E.A.L. Moms Podcast. We went deep not only about business, but also about what happens behind the scenes: overworking, identity loss, boundaries, emotional triggers, and learning to trust your gut. Let me also share with you the biggest takeaways from our conversation!
Starting a Business in the Middle of Chaos
In 2020, when everything was shutting down, I did the opposite. I started a vacation rental business from scratch. I admit, it may not of made sense on paper, but I was first-learning to follow my heart and do something for me for once.
Some people thought I was crazy. But I knew the travel industry would bounce back. I had spent nearly a decade in property management and believed in the long game. Most importantly, I believed in myself. Failure wasn’t an option.
By the end of that first year, we were hosting guests and gaining traction. But a few years in, even with the success, I started to feel… off. My spark was dimming. I didn’t feel excited anymore. That scared me more than failure.
So, I took a step back, started exploring personal development, and eventually made the decision to sell the business I had built with my own two hands. That’s when the real work began.
Losing and Rebuilding My Identity
When your identity is tied to what you do, walking away feels like losing a piece of yourself. I wasn’t just Brittany; I was Brittany the property manager, Brittany the problem solver, and Brittany the one people relied on.
So, when that title was gone, I felt lost. The thing that saved me? Coaching.
Every week, I had a space to be honest, to cry, to get curious, and to rebuild. I learned that I was a people pleaser, a control freak, and a perfectionist. And while those traits had helped me succeed, they were also destroying my peace.
Letting go of who I thought I needed to be gave me space to discover who I actually was. Not the version of me shaped by pressure or outside expectations, but the real me.
Boundaries, Energy, and Being More Present
Running a business takes a toll, especially when you never turn it off. I lived in a constant state of hyper-responsiveness, checking emails every few minutes, answering texts late at night, and carrying my business stress into my family time.
Here’s what I’ve learned since then:
- Boundaries matter. You get to decide what’s urgent and what’s not. Most people are fine waiting 24 hours for a response, especially if you just tell them that up front.
- Use tools. I now schedule emails and texts to protect my off-hours. It keeps me from reacting in real time and gives me mental space.
- Protect your energy. Notice what drains you and what fills you. Adjust accordingly.
- Create real “off” time. Silence isn’t a luxury but a necessity. My best processing time happens on a bike at the gym with no music and no distractions.
- Pay attention to your relationships. One of the hardest moments came when my stepson told me that it’s better for everyone that I sold my business. That hit hard. But it opened my eyes and taught me to pay attention proactively moving forward.
Hustle, Triggers, and Toxic Environments
I used to wear hustle like a badge of honor—the 100-hour weeks, the constant mental load, the performance-driven, people-pleasing grind, etc. But guess what? No one’s handing out trophies for burnout. Now, I believe in working hard, but not at the expense of your health, family, or peace.
One thing I didn’t expect as I grew my career? “Adult mean girls”. Yep, they exist. I ran into them at industry events and networking circles. The cliques, the whispers, and the side-eyes. Suddenly, I felt like I was back in high school, hustling to fit in and earn approval I didn’t even want. It drained me.
So, I got coached on it. I gave those people nicknames in my head just to stop taking it so personally. I reminded myself of who I am, that my worth isn’t up for debate. And that I didn’t need to shrink just to fit in.
Coaching Changed Everything—And It Can Change You Too
After selling my business and doing the internal work, I knew I wanted to help others do the same. That’s why I created Discover Freedom, a coaching and consulting platform for high-achieving, servant-hearted leaders and managers who want to lead with clarity, confidence, and peace.
I coach professionals who are tired of feeling like they’re drowning; want to be present at home and respected in business; and want to do it without burning themselves to the ground.
But I also believe coaching isn’t the only way to grow.
Other Ways to Keep Growing:
- Join a mastermind group or podcast network. Being part of a community of learners keeps you inspired and supported.
- Block time for reflection. Schedule time like you would a meeting, even 15 minutes counts.
- Read personal development books. One book a month can completely shift your thinking.
Want to hear my entire conversation with Shae? Listen to our podcast episode!
Ready to Stop White-Knuckling Your Way Through Success?
If you’re feeling burnt out, stuck, stretched too thin, or just off, I want you to know this: you don’t have to do it alone!
There is a different way to lead.
At Discover Freedom, I help people just like you untangle from pressure, perfectionism, and overachievement. We work together to build something sustainable, not just in business, but in life.
You can lead with confidence. You can reconnect with your intuition. You can feel like you again. You just have to take the first step.
Just start here!