You’ll learn the inside story on how people make the shift to self-employment, including both practical and inner concerns.

As an introvert and highly sensitive person, and a specialist in helping others like me, all my courses have our sensibilities in mind, so you won’t be forced to do things that don’t fit who you are.

Here’s how some course participants described their experience inside the course:

I am in awe at how well laid-out this course is and how reassuring it is – it is laid out so clearly, so simply and removes any implicit fear/overwhelm with each section of content, each video. Your voice is also very reassuring. So glad I’ve found it. This course feels like a wonderful fit.”
~ N.S., introvert and HSP

I appreciate hearing from someone about how they made this work and that they went through some of the same scary periods that I’m going through.”
~ Vicki, introvert and HSP

I really liked the bitesized delivery and the mix of ‘theory’ and experiential examples. Recommended.”
~ Anonymous introvert and HSP

It has about 4-5 hours of course material. This includes time for videos and worksheets.

There are also opportunities to attend live group calls for questions and camaraderie. 

You can go at whatever pace works for you. You can also pick and choose the parts that are most interesting to you. I provide guidance for how to make it work for you and your needs.

For motivation, I’ll be sending your inspiring prompts to support your progress. I also include incentives to get it done within 8 weeks. 

You retain access to the course long term.

I encourage you to attend the included live group calls over Zoom.

There are two group calls per month, available to your over two months. They’re here so you can feel supported and connected, ask questions and learn from each others’ questions and experiences.

Dates/times of the gatherings are weekdays within 10 AM–5 PM Eastern time USA.  

Typical times are:
1st Thursdays at 11 AM Eastern time / 8 AM Pacific / 4 PM GMT
3rd Tuesdays at 1:30 PM Eastern time / 10:30 AM Pacific / 6:30 PM GMT

Here’s how an introvert described one of the live calls:

This was really helpful to simply be in the space with others having similar experiences with this journey. Definitely feels like a breath of fresh air to know you’re not alone in it. I see how support and connection is so valuable through this.”

This course is about getting you answers to concerns about making the transition to self-employment in a healthy way, but it’s not about getting you all the way there. It’s a starting place for understanding.

It doesn’t cover all the specifics of how to start a business. But I provide resources for where to find some concrete help from there.

I think the course would help you even if you’re not sure what you would do for your business, because it would help give you a framework for what’s important in making choices. 

Plus I think knowing more of the playing field and hearing stories can help you start to imagine new possibilities that you wouldn’t have thought of before.

Believe it or not, lots of people, including me, started dabbling in self-employment before knowing what they had to offer.  Some of those stories are inside the course.

I am aware that I have white privilege and many blind spots, so I continue to work on my cultural humility and awareness. I’m committed to anti-racism, anti-sexism, and inclusion of all kinds. I’m not new to the work but I’m far from perfect.

I’m purposely including a diverse range of people in the perspectives you’ll hear from in this course, including diversity of race, age, class, and cultural background.

The course is especially made for introverted and highly sensitive women because that’s who I’m best able to help. We have particular needs around our work, that I address in the course. The included interviews are all women plus one non-binary trans person.

I always welcome your feedback and suggestions and am committed to being non-defensive.

You can learn more about my Inclusion, Equity, Antiracism, and Reparations Commitment here.

I get it. I have the same worry about taking online classes! Because of that, I tried to think through creative ways to help you stay with it. First by making it engaging and interactive.

Also, I’ve built in support from me, plus opportunities to connect for camaraderie. (Kindred spirit connection makes a huge difference!) 

I’ve also built in some incentives to nudge you to work on it within 8 weeks. For instance, you get these extra course benefits within your initial 8 weeks: access to live calls, and an opportunity for a big discount on a private session. 

I also provide 8 weeks of guidance, next step ideas, and encouragement via email.

I’m invested in making this a positive learning experience for you. I don’t want it sitting on a shelf either!

They are similar in these ways:

1. We could go over similar information.
2. There’s individualized support available (although much more so with coaching).

Here are some key differences:

This course has these benefits over coaching:

1. Lower price.
2. Work on it on your own schedule.
3. Great for people who enjoy do-it-yourself.
4. Great for those who want a smaller taste before going deeper.
5. It’s available anytime, even when Val’s coaching calendar or groups are full.

Coaching has these benefits over the course:

1. It’s easier to make progress with more specific guidance on board with you.
2. We get in there and do the work together, which adds more ease and fun.
3. Built-in accountability structure so your part really gets done.
4. A more customized approach to your situation.
5. There are often group options where you can find ongoing, dedicated kindred spirit community.

You can combine the two! Such as:

1. Some people take the course and then add in a discounted private session, or more, to get unstuck, when needed.
2. Some first take the course and then see Val for the next steps in their journey, or for one of her groups. Thus finding a more economical approach overall.

Here’s what will be different than using a business book on your own:

1. This course is especially relevant for introverts and HSPs throughout, unlike most business books. Our energy and perspective is a big factor.
2. This is more geared for heart-centered solopreneurs, as opposed to growing a bigger business, which most business books are about.
3. You can ask me clarification questions at any point along the way.
4. You can attend live group calls to discuss your situation.
5. You’ll be able to book a private session with a big discount for course participants, to get something unstuck, or for help with some decision-making. 
6. It includes video interviews with people about how they found their way into self-employment, thus bringing things more to life.
7. A supportive course like this is a nice sweet spot between going it completely alone with a book and investing in coaching.