This is a relatively personal post in some ways, but there’s a sound lesson here that I hope you’ll hear.

In 2007, I was working in the corporate world, and I wasn’t too happy. But one bright spot for me was the work I was doing with Gini Dietrich and her PR and communications firm, Arment Dietrich. Gini became not only a trusted business adviser for my work as a marketing director, but she became a dear friend.

I’ll never forget that she brought me my first ever bottle of Dom Perignon when my beautiful daughter was born, not for the champagne itself, but for how she insisted that I not go through life having not had Dom. Nor the Superbowl party in her basement when the Bears were playing, and I couldn’t have a sip of anything to drink because I was 8 bloody months pregnant, so instead I paced the whole time. And she paced with me.

But I digress.

Gini was always smart, pragmatic, and fun to work with. But while we were doing all that PR stuff, gutting through those plans and budgets and messy other stuff, I was watching something very different.

I wanted to go do something…more. My job at the time had some wonderful upsides, but some serious downsides and I was considering alternatives.

Gini was a brilliant, dynamic entrepreneur and I admired her work. Her business skills, not just her discipline in communications. I was inspired by her courage in starting a business on her own, how real and vulnerable she was about the challenges and the things that were exciting but that I knew scared her to death. I was – if I’m honest with myself – utterly envious of how she did it all so effortlessly, with such grace and level-headedness.

Gini probably didn’t know this for a long time. And I told her personally, but I’m going to tell you, too: she’s a big part of the reason I ever had the courage to walk away from that job and pursue the career I really wanted. Because she made it look possible. Not easy, not without effort and risk, but possible. And possible was what I needed to believe in at the time.

So I did it. I leapt, when I was scared out of my mind.

Now, four years later, I’m looking at the calendar and realizing that this is exactly my four year anniversary of saying goodbye to the things that no longer inspired me, screwing my courage to the sticking place, and getting the hell off my ass to go do what I believed I could do.

The ride has been nothing less than exhilarating.

And there’s no question that I’ve worked really hard along the way. But I’ve been remiss in not telling Gini – and you – how much her success, adventures, encouragement, friendship, leadership, and even her challenges – helped light the spark that led to so many other amazing and fruitful adventures, and helped whet my appetite for proving what I was really capable of.

Now, I’m looking at the road ahead, and I cannot believe how utterly fortunate I am. There are nothing but possibilities in front of me, nothing but open doors and incredible people and opportunities for which I can hardly express my excitement. I am hungry. I’m inspired. And I’m ready.

But Gini, I needed to say all of this publicly not just for me or for you, but for everyone reading this.

You never, ever get somewhere alone.

The path you walk is the mosaic of so many things, experiences, and people. You are a collection of experiences and souvenirs of same, and the insights and wisdom that they bring you…if you’ll let them.

Many, MANY people have touched my life in so many ways. But I’d be remiss if I didn’t credit my friend with showing me – even when she didn’t know it – what perseverance, determination, and a little courage can do.

Thanks, Gini. I admire what and who you are. I think you do amazing work. And? I owe you one.