The Court Wasn’t Built for Me—But I Played Anyway
I used to think I had to prove I belonged. Now I know I already do.
I remember lacing up my first pair of legit basketball shoes for a game when I was 8 years old. They were red Converse high tops and they were perfect.
I loved those shoes. At the time, they were the best basketball shoes I had ever worn.
But what I loved most about them is how they made me feel.
In those red high tops, I was unstoppable. I could pivot quicker, run faster, and jump higher.
And that was good, because I had something to prove: I was lacing up in an all boys league.
But would those shoes be enough? Would I be enough? I had to be, or they wouldn't let girls keep playing.
If they wouldn't let girls play, I'd never get to play in the NBA. (And if that didn't happen, how would Michael Jordan ever know we had the same birthday??)
It sounds crazy, but these were real thoughts to 8 year old Kate.
And if I’m honest, business ownership often leaves me with the same feeling of lacing up high tops before stepping onto a court not designed for me.
But now 36 year old Kate knows when I start asking myself if I'm enough, I am burned out.
And that’s exactly when I need a fresh perspective. Renewed motivation.
So I take a break and walk around the Studio because I love seeing:
I am no longer the only girl on the court (of business.)
globally inspiring workspaces filled with art from local creatives.
people who understand running and/or leading a business is hard.
Where ever you’re at in your business, don’t let the endless burnout question who you are.
You are a badass regardless of how your business does this quarter, season, or if it fails tomorrow.
You aren’t alone. Grab a Day Pass so you can spend some time coworking around people who get it.
See you around the Studio,
Kate Carnahan, CEO & Sportsfan
✨ P.S. I still lace up a good pair of high tops when I need to feel unstoppable. Take some time today to do something that makes you feel unstoppable. ✨
