Mandy Gresh

In early 2011, I realized I needed to make a change. I was earning six-figures as an internet media executive and had been with the same company for more than six years. While I loved my colleagues and the product we produced, I wasn't happy or passionate about the road I was on.

I came up with a crazy idea. Was it possible to indulge your interests and passions, become CEO of yourself and create the life you want? I would soon see, as with eight weeks' notice I leapt into my Six Months Off to do just that. Part of the journey involved spraying sweaty shoes at my favorite spinning studio for $15 an hour simply because it made me happy. But the majority of my time was spent discovering that when you open yourself up to anything, anything is possible.

Six months after taking the leap, I'm a coach, consultant and contractor who works with a number of organizations on the strategy and execution of business development and marketing projects. My clients have included Devi Kroell, Maletzky Media, Sugarfly Marketing, Travelzoo and Wanderfly. Additionally I provide guidance to women-owned start ups as an Incubator Leader at Ladies Who Launch and as a private business coach. My personal start up Waglee gets whatever time's left, as I work to build a site that creates community for urban dog lovers through events, meet ups, branded merchandise and city-specific knowledge. Regardless of what I'm focusing on, I wake up every morning excited for the work that day brings. I'm living the life I want and loving it.