In their words

"I couldn't keep trading my time, energy and health for a payslip that capped my freedom. After 10 years in corporate HR, I realised security wasn't actually secure, and I wanted choice."

"Even though I enjoy my job, I kept wondering how I was supposed to work like this for decades when it took up so much of my time and energy, leaving little room for family, friends, hobbies, and simply enjoying life."

"I owe it to the 20 year old me who moved to England with one suitcase to build a life she actually enjoys living."

"There had to be more to life than the toxicity of the working environment. This is when I started my online business."

"I started this business to gain more freedom. What I didn't expect, and what actually means more than the business I'm building, is the connections I've formed."

"I didn't want to be limited or stuck by a 9–5 that wasn't evolving with the world around me."

"It's not supposed to be easy, but it's supposed to be worth it!"

"Go for it … this is a truly amazing opportunity that if I didn't take, I would definitely regret not doing."

"I know it's scary at first, but you have so much support … so just start and go at your own pace. You won't be judged."

"You can do this … It's not a journey you have to, or will, go on alone. The community makes all the difference."

"Trust the process. You're not selling, you're sharing."

"If there's a spark in you, this community and all the people in there will help you create fire."

"I was worried about what other people would think … So I decided to start quietly. Over time, as I grew in confidence, I began talking openly about what I do and those same people have been supportive."

"What if it doesn't work? What if I leave something "stable" and fail publicly? … I realised that staying was actually riskier."

"I made myself a promise before starting this business that I would say yes more, even when it made me feel uncomfortable. It's definitely changed who I am as a person."

"Fear of it not working, of not being good enough, and of putting myself out there online … So I chose to back myself instead."

"The self development that has come from being in Aligned is huge. I wasn't expecting it but am incredibly grateful for it."

"I've grown my confidence, gotten to be more creative and learnt how to be ok with going a different path than some other people."

"A growth in my confidence, and knowing that I have a community behind me that I can always look to for support, inspiration, and guidance."

"I no longer make decisions purely based on career progression. I make them based on the life I actually want to live."

"Trying new things and deciding to trust myself more, as I never would have before."

"My mindset, and the belief I have in myself and what I am capable of."

"I feel like I became a completely different person in terms of the way I trust myself and respect and accept myself."

"Everyone here is a leader, not a cheerleader. We push each other forward … It's people helping you lead your own business rather than carrying you through it."

"It's a pretty unique experience to find yourself on zoom calls with complete strangers and be more vulnerable than you are with people you've known for years, feeling totally safe and seen."

"There are people out there who I would've probably never crossed paths with, that feel like home."

"You don't feel alone in this journey. You get inspiration from other people's stories, successes and challenges."

"I would not have been able to start or continue with my business without this incredible community."

"Throughout my life I've always felt like an outsider … Since joining Aligned I've formed genuine connections and finally found a place I belong."

"New friends, stronger friendships, and so many memories of laughing until I almost cried."

"I still get nervous coming to events. But immediately after arriving, and spending time with people who fill my cup instead of emptying it, I'm already at ease."

"Meeting someone through zoom calls is great, but you don't see their actual personalities! Meeting face to face people who support you is something else."

"It sounds like Devon was really special … I know from previous times how great it is to be with community, which would encourage me to say yes to the next one and not let timing and budget hold me back."

"I think I have already been persuaded to come to the next one just by listening to what everyone has said this morning."

"Just meeting all you amazing people and getting to know you and learn from you would be amazing."