How EO Empowered Me to Transform My Business and Confidence

Kelly Cunningham
Co-Founder Your Leasing Co.

I don’t know if you can relate, but looking back I unconsciously used to struggle with imposter syndrome, in many ways it used to paralyse me. I often questioned my place in the business world, doubting what I could offer and didn’t think I could achieve the success of those I had heard about in EO. But overcoming this self doubt led me to a profound transformation.

When COVID-19 hit, we pivoted and started Your Leasing Co to focus on levelling the negotiating field for commercial tenants, a significant shift from my previous role representing landlords that I had been doing since 2004. Despite this change, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I didn’t fit the mould for EO, as a successful business owner.

My husband, who’s a long term EO member, had been encouraging me to join EO for years. I was skeptical, not of EO, but of what I could contribute and how it could be valuable for my little business. How wrong I was.

In July 2023, just as my business was chugging along nicely, I faced a major health challenge that made me question everything — my mortality, my business direction and my self worth. I could have retreated and focused solely on my health, but instead, I decided to reassess and take a bold step: I joined EO’s Accelerator Program.

The results were transformative. Within a year, our revenue is now on track to double and our team has grown from 1 to 6 staff. More importantly, I found new confidence in my abilities. I learned that my experiences and knowledge were valuable and I confronted my health issues head on. I even got back to running and completed my first marathon in July 2024.

EO’s Accelerator Program has been a game changer for me. It pushed me to be more accountable, reflect deeply on my business and seize opportunities for growth. I discovered a community of incredible people who, like me, have faced their own challenges and learned from each other.

My new mantra is “Just get on and do it”— a mindset that has reshaped both my business and personal life. Embracing this has been my path from self doubt to unstoppable progress.