Editor's Note: The original intent for interviewing Linda was to speak about her rise in the title and escrow industry, from starting a service provider business in 2006, weathering the storm of 2008 and 2009, and eventually selling that business to another company. The context for the article was going to be about how to build a business that is not simply putting out fires, but fireproofing itself, and how to build a strong company that can succeed past the founder. In talking to Linda however, a different story emerged, one that anyone who has risen in leadership is well accustomed to. I hope you enjoy.
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The Journey
The scene was set in 2006 when Linda Aparo, brimming with ambition, embarked on her entrepreneurial voyage. Her eyes sparkled with the promise of a big title - Chief Executive Officer - as she envisioned herself at the helm of FinalTrac, a burgeoning service provider in the title industry which specialized in release tracking. The years ahead were not without their trials; the economic downturn of 2008 and 2009 tested her resolve.
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Yet, Linda's tenacity saw her through, and in 2014, Final Trac was acquired by reQuire, the largest independent release tracking company in the country.
But as Linda reminisced with me about her journey, a profound realization dawned upon her. The coveted title of CEO, which once symbolized the pinnacle of success, felt like a cage.“I wanted to be CEO,” says Linda, with a smirk on her face. “That was, until I was CEO. . .” As she looked back, Linda realized that the demands of leadership had taken her away from the part of the business she loved most: working directly with customers and driving sales.
She missed the thrill of the deal, the rush of adrenaline that came with closing a sale, and the sense of satisfaction that came from building relationships.
Linda’s reflection took a poignant turn as she shared, “I had always loved sales. The more I invested, the more I reaped, and my competitive nature thrived on the 'high' of a win. Meeting new people, many of whom became friends, and solving problems and helping people find solutions—these were the aspects that genuinely fulfilled me. But as my business grew, and I was forced to wear countless hats, I realized that all the managerial tasks were diverting me from what I truly loved.”
The acquisition marked not just a change in her professional landscape but also a liberation of her true self. Freed from the constraints of the CEO role, Linda could finally immerse herself in her passion—sales.
Linda's odyssey underscores a vital truth: the essence of fulfillment lies in discovering where your passions, values, and skills converge. The pursuit of a title or position, while significant, often pales in comparison to the joy derived from doing what you love.
For those navigating their own paths, consider these steps to unearth your own sweet spot:
- Reflect on Your Past Experiences: Dive into your history—both personal and professional. Whataspects of past roles or activities have brought you the most satisfaction? What achievements are you most proud of? Identifying recurring themes can guide you toward your true calling.
- Explore Your Values and Passions: Pinpoint what truly excites and motivates you. Aligning your work with your core values and passions can illuminate your path to fulfillment.
- Ask Yourself "What If?": Imagine a world where fear of failure or judgment does not exist. What would you pursue? What changes would you make? This exercise can reveal your deepest aspirations and help you overcome barriers to achieving them.
Linda’s journey serves as an invitation to each of us: to seek out our own sweet spot and embrace it with vigor. Whether it’s sales, leadership, or something entirely different, the pursuit of what genuinely fulfills you is worth every effort.
It’s never too late to make a change and forge a life that resonates with your true self. Which ultimately leads to a happier and more fulfilling life.
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The Growth & Scale Report is published by CloseSimple, and explores strategies for growth and tools for scaling your title or escrow company. The report emphasizes the art of balancing growth and scale, with a focus on personal and organizational success stories. It aims to share insights from industry leaders who have navigated these challenges, providing a platform for broader conversations in the business landscape.
