Let’s talk about something that’s equal parts surreal and heartbreaking: watching the company you founded slowly edit you out of its story. It’s like being the author of a book, only to have someone else rewrite the chapters and remove your name from the cover. If you’ve been through this, you know how it feels—like a punch to the gut, mixed with a strange sense of disbelief. And if you haven’t, well, buckle up, because this is a wild ride of emotions.
So, let’s dive into what it’s like to watch the company you built from the ground up start to erase your contributions, your vision, and even your presence. We’ll keep it real, raw, and maybe even a little cathartic. Ready? Let’s go. 😊
The Beginning: It Was Your Baby
Remember when you first started? The late nights, the endless cups of coffee, the moments of doubt mixed with bursts of excitement? That company was your baby. You nurtured it, fought for it, and poured your heart and soul into it. Every decision, every risk, every victory—it all had your fingerprints on it.
Example: Maybe you started in your garage, with nothing but a laptop and a dream. You remember the first client you landed, the first employee you hired, the first time you thought, Wow, this might actually work.
Why It Hurts: Because it wasn’t just a company. It was a part of you. And now, it feels like that part is being erased.
The Shift: When the Tables Turn
At some point, things started to change. Maybe you brought in investors, hired a new CEO, or stepped back to focus on other projects. Whatever the reason, the company began to grow beyond you. And that’s when the editing started.
What It Feels Like:
- Your ideas are no longer “yours”: That strategy you came up with? Now it’s “the company’s vision.”
- Your name disappears: The “About Us” page gets rewritten, and suddenly, you’re not mentioned anymore.
- Your legacy fades: New employees don’t even know who you are or what you did.
Example: You walk into the office, and no one recognizes you. The walls are covered in motivational posters that feel nothing like the culture you built. It’s like visiting your childhood home, only to find out it’s been remodeled beyond recognition.
Why It Hurts: Because it feels like your contributions are being erased, like you never mattered.
The Emotional Rollercoaster: Anger, Sadness, and Everything In Between
Here’s the thing: watching your company edit you out isn’t just one emotion. It’s a rollercoaster. One minute, you’re angry. The next, you’re sad. And sometimes, you just feel numb.
The Emotions:
- Anger: How dare they erase me? I built this!
- Sadness: It’s like losing a part of myself.
- Confusion: Did I make a mistake? Should I have done things differently?
- Resentment: They’re taking credit for everything I worked so hard for.
Example: You see a press release about the company’s latest success, and your name isn’t mentioned. You want to scream, “I was the one who came up with that idea!” But instead, you just sit there, feeling invisible.
Why It Hurts: Because it’s not just about the company. It’s about your identity, your worth, and your legacy.
The Reality Check: It’s Not Personal (But It Feels Like It Is)
Here’s the hard truth: companies evolve. They grow, they change, and sometimes, they outgrow their founders. It’s not necessarily personal—it’s just business. But that doesn’t make it any easier to swallow.
What to Remember:
- It’s not about you: The company is doing what it thinks is best for its future.
- You’re not alone: Many founders go through this. It’s part of the journey.
- Your legacy lives on: Even if your name isn’t mentioned, your impact is still there.
Example: Think of Steve Jobs. He was famously ousted from Apple, the company he co-founded. But eventually, he returned and led it to even greater success. His legacy wasn’t erased—it was just part of a bigger story.
Why It Helps: Because it reminds you that this isn’t the end. It’s just a new chapter. {B}
The Way Forward: Reclaiming Your Story
Here’s the thing: you can’t control how the company tells its story, but you can control how you tell yours. This is your chance to reclaim your narrative and remind the world of your contributions.
What to Do:
- Celebrate your achievements: Write about your journey, share your story, and remind people of what you accomplished.
- Focus on the future: Use this experience as fuel for your next big project.
- Let go of what you can’t control: You can’t force the company to acknowledge you, but you can choose how you respond.
Example: Maybe you start a blog or a podcast where you talk about your experiences as a founder. Or maybe you launch a new venture, using everything you’ve learned to build something even better.
Why It Works: Because it shifts the focus from what’s been taken away to what you can create.
Final Thoughts: You’re More Than the Company
Here’s the truth: you’re more than the company you founded. You’re a visionary, a problem-solver, and a creator. The company may have moved on, but your story isn’t over. In fact, it’s just getting started.
So, take a deep breath and remind yourself of everything you’ve accomplished. You built something from nothing. You took risks, faced challenges, and came out stronger. And no matter what the company does, no one can take that away from you.
Now go out there and write your next chapter. The best is yet to come. 😊
You’ve got this. And remember, your legacy isn’t just in the company—it’s in the impact you’ve made and the person you’ve become. 💪