From Setbacks to Success: My Journey to Founding Support Connect

Starting and running a business is often portrayed as a path paved with creativity, freedom, and the thrill of building something from the ground up. However, the reality is far more complex and glosses over the hardships, sacrifices, and resilience required to navigate the rocky road of entrepreneurship. My journey to becoming a founder and owner of Support Connect—a thriving company dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities in education and the workplace—has been marked by challenges, personal sacrifices, and a steadfast commitment to resilience.

When I reflect on my journey from education to becoming the founder of a successful business, it feels like a story of resilience, determination, and the power of never giving up. My path was far from straightforward, filled with twists, turns, and more than a few challenges. But every obstacle was a stepping stone, each one shaping the person I am today and the success of Support Connect.

Education was my first major hurdle. I remember vividly how some teachers doubted my ability. Their lack of faith could have easily dampened my spirit, but instead, it fuelled my determination. I knew I had to prove them wrong, not just for myself, but for anyone who had ever been told they couldn't achieve something. I threw myself into my studies, working harder than ever before. The journey was tough, but the effort paid off. I passed all my GCSEs, a moment that marked the first of many triumphs over adversity. This experience taught me the importance of perseverance, a lesson that would serve me well in the years to come.

After my GCSEs, I continued my education at sixth form college, where I obtained my A-Levels. The transition from school to college was a significant change, and while the challenges of balancing studies with personal life were still present, I was determined to succeed. With my A-Levels in hand, I was ready to take on the world of full-time work.

Family Trauma and the Path to Reinvention

My career began like many others, with a deep passion and the desire to make a mark in the world. I was fortunate enough to land a promising job early on, eager to prove myself and climb the corporate ladder.

Just as I was beginning to gain traction in my career, tragedy struck. A family trauma required me to step back from my professional life to become a full-time caregiver. This was one of the most challenging periods of my life, filled with emotional and financial stress. But it also provided me with a new perspective. I realised the importance of supporting those who are vulnerable, whether due to disability, illness, or other life circumstances. This time away from my career wasn't a setback but rather an opportunity to refocus my energy and priorities.

When I returned to work, I knew I had to make up for lost time. I knew that, as a woman, I would have to work twice as hard to prove myself. The corporate world can be unforgiving, especially to those who step away, even for valid reasons like family obligations. I encountered bias and resistance, but the resilience I had built during my time away served me well. I worked harder, longer, and smarter, determined to rebuild my career.

Despite consistently delivering exceptional results, I often found myself overlooked for promotions and opportunities that were readily handed to others. This was my first lesson in resilience: I had to persist, even when the recognition and rewards were not forthcoming. There were moments when I felt underestimated, overlooked, and even dismissed. But rather than letting these challenges discourage me, they fuelled my determination. I immersed myself in my work, taking on extra projects, volunteering for leadership roles, and continuously pushing the boundaries of what was expected of me. I had to demonstrate not only my capability but also my unwavering commitment to my career.

Navigating Corporate Turbulence: Redundancy and Reinvention

The corporate world is anything but stable, and this truth hit home when I faced redundancy not once, but twice. The first time, it was due to a company buyout. The news came as a shock, and I felt as though the rug had been pulled out from under me. However, rather than wallow in despair, I saw this as an opportunity to pivot and explore new avenues. I took on roles that were outside my comfort zone, each time expanding my skill set and professional network.

The second redundancy came due to a company restructure. By then, I was more prepared emotionally, but it was still a significant blow. However, it was during this time that I reconnected with an old friend a chance meeting that would change the course of my life. This friend happened to be my childhood sweetheart, and our reconnection led not just to a personal relationship but also to a professional partnership.

A New Beginning: Founding WSDAC and Support Connect

My partner had extensive experience working with neurodiverse individuals, both personally and professionally. We shared a passion for supporting those who faced challenges in education and the workplace, and we realized that together, we could make a real difference. This led to the founding of WSDAC, a company dedicated to providing support services to disabled university students.

The early days of WSDAC were tough. We had to navigate the complexities of setting up a business while ensuring that our services met the high standards required to truly make an impact. But our hard work paid off. The dedication we showed to our clients was recognised with numerous national awards, validating our approach and boosting our credibility.

Building on the success of WSDAC, we decided to extend our services to a broader audience. This led to the creation of Support Connect, a company focused on providing support not just in education but also in the workplace, with a particular emphasis on apprenticeships. Our goal was to create an inclusive environment where individuals with disabilities could thrive, whether they were pursuing an education or entering the workforce.

The Road to Success: Lessons in Resilience

The journey to building a successful business has been anything but straightforward. It has required perseverance in the face of adversity, a willingness to take risks, and an unshakable belief in the value of the work we do.

Along the way, I've learned several key lessons that I believe are crucial for anyone looking to succeed in their own career or business venture:

Resilience is Key: Whether it's proving your worth in a sceptical work environment, navigating personal challenges, or bouncing back from redundancy, resilience is what will carry you through. Success is rarely immediate; it requires the ability to keep going even when the odds seem stacked against you.

Embrace Change: Life is unpredictable, and your career path will likely be far from straight forward. Embrace the changes and view them as opportunities to grow and pivot. Every setback can be a setup for something greater.

Build a Strong Network: Relationships matter, both personally and professionally. Reconnecting with my childhood sweetheart not only rekindled a personal relationship but also led to a fruitful business partnership. Don't underestimate the power of your network.

Focus on Impact: Our success with WSDAC and Support Connect didn't come from chasing profits but from a genuine desire to make a difference. When you focus on providing value and making an impact, success naturally follows.

Never Stop Learning: The business landscape is constantly evolving, and staying ahead requires a commitment to continuous learning. Whether it's acquiring new skills, staying updated on industry trends, or learning from others, never stop growing.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Support Connect

As I reflect on my journey, I'm proud of what we've achieved, but I also recognise that the work is far from over. There are still countless individuals who need support to reach their full potential, and at Support Connect, we're committed to expanding our services to meet those needs. Our vision is to create a world where everyone, regardless of their abilities, has the opportunity to succeed.

For anyone just starting out in their career or considering starting a business, my advice is simple: be resilient, stay true to your values, and never lose sight of your goals. The road will be tough, but the rewards of creating something meaningful are worth every challenge you face along the way.

In the end, success isn't just about achieving your goals; it's about the journey you take to get there and the impact you make along the way.

 

Caroline Fillery

Co-Founder & Managing Director of Support Connect Limited & WSDAC Limited. Founding Partner of the Association of Apprentices.

You can find out more and connect with Caroline on LinkedIn.