Creating Space for a Business—and Life—That Feels Like Mine

In our culture of hustle and high performance, we’re told that “yes” is the answer.
Yes to the opportunity.
Yes to the client.
Yes to more.

But what if “no” is the real power move?

This week on The Found Podcast, I’m opening up about five pivotal “no” moments in the last 10 years of my business journey—each one a decision that made space for peace, clarity, and alignment.

Before we dive in, I want to share a quote that’s become a guiding compass for me:

“Every time we say no, we’re also saying yes—to space, to integrity, to what really matters.”

Why This Matters

I’ve learned (the hard way) that if you don’t consciously choose your path, others will choose it for you. Expectations from your industry, your community, your family—even from the past version of yourself—can steer you into a life that looks good on paper but feels heavy in your soul.

And that brings me to one of the most powerful truths I’ve encountered in recent years, originally from Bronnie Ware’s The Top Five Regrets of the Dying, introduced to me through the work of my friends at The Restoration Project (listen to last week’s episode with the Partner and Energy Builder Brooke Fitzgerald for even more on their mission and work):

“I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.”

That regret lives deep in many of us, even when we’re nowhere near our final days. So today, I’m choosing to tell the truth about the things I said no to—because they ultimately helped me live a life that felt like mine.

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5 Moments Where I Chose No (and What That Made Possible)

1. Saying No to a Steady, Paying Gig

This was the job that made sense on paper. Stable. Familiar. Comfortable.
But something in me was stirring. A quiet whisper telling me there was more to explore.
Saying no to this job opportunity felt scary—but it opened the door to Molly Knuth Media and the freedom to follow my calling.

2. Saying No to a Client Just 6 Weeks In

Early on with a financial services client, I felt the misalignment—but I pushed through for a few more weeks, hoping it would click.
It didn’t.
When I finally said no, I learned one of the most important lessons of my career: not every client is your client. And that’s not just okay—it’s essential.

3. Saying No to the Building I Thought I Wanted

The downtown building was my dream. I imagined hosting events, creating a beautiful workspace, having a home base for my growing team.
But the timing wasn’t right. And when I let it go, I realized that what I really needed was flexibility, less overhead, and the spaciousness to evolve.
Sometimes, the dream has to die so the right one can be born.

4. Saying No to Building a Big Agency

There was a time I thought growth meant headcount. I thought success looked like a team of 10, 20, 30.
But in trying to scale fast, I lost something vital: connection.
Saying no to “big” allowed me to say yes to deep. Deep client relationships. Deep strategy. Deep impact.

5. Saying No to Staying in Services and Leaning into Leadership

For years, I stayed in the comfort zone of done-for-you marketing because I knew it, I was good at it, and it worked.
But the calling toward coaching, consulting, and leadership was too loud to ignore.
So I’m saying no to the safety net—and yes to the growth that comes from sharing what I’ve learned with other women building bold, brave businesses in their own backyards.

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What the Research Says

According to Harvard Business Review, sustainable leadership requires energy management, boundaries, and discernment. And yet, many women founders continue to burn out from chronic overcommitment.

Saying no isn’t selfish.
It’s strategic.
It’s soulful.
It’s essential.

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Want More?

And if you haven’t already, listen to this full episode of The Found Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.