A quiet nudge toward change
Years ago, I led HR departments in large organizations. My work centered around leadership development, team dynamics, recruitment strategies, and building organizational culture. While I truly enjoyed many aspects of my role, as life evolved—especially with becoming a mum—something began to shift.
The corporate ladder brought more responsibility, but less time. I found myself constantly exhausted, my personal priorities pushed to the back burner. The work that once felt exciting now felt like a loop I couldn’t step out of. I’d reached what felt like a glass ceiling—not just in terms of growth, but in creativity and fulfillment.
I craved a new kind of challenge. One that would let me learn, evolve, and stay sharp. One where I could contribute at a high level without compromising my time or values.
That’s when I started exploring the digital space.
Finding my footing in the online world
I began by teaching myself WordPress design. Then came conversion strategy, then copywriting. Before I knew it, I was immersed in learning about what made websites effective, how messaging impacted conversion, and how design supported business goals.
What surprised me most was how much this mirrored my past experience: stakeholder alignment, strategic planning, project execution, problem-solving. Even though the medium was new, the skills felt familiar. And that felt really encouraging.
But even then—I felt like I could offer more. I didn’t just want to build a website. I wanted to build something meaningful inside a business.
Enter: OBM School
I stumbled across Sarah Noked’s OBM Week and felt like she was speaking directly to me.
She talked about online business management as a role that combined project management, operations, systems, leadership, and strategic thinking. These were the same muscles I used daily in HR—coordinating assessment centers, managing global recruitment drives, designing processes across departments.
The OBM role felt like the next step I was searching for.
So I signed up for the OBM Accelerator.
(Watch my interview here with Sarah Noked as I share what it’s like in the day of an OBM)
What the Accelerator gave me
The Accelerator program gave me the foundations I needed to start building my OBM business:
- I clarified my packages and pricing
- I built my website and messaging
- I deepened my understanding of what an OBM actually does
- I got clear on who I wanted to serve
I found myself nodding through the modules because so much of it felt aligned with how I already thought and worked. But I still had one lingering question: What does it really look like to work inside a business as an OBM?
And that’s when I decided to pursue the OBM Accreditation.
Why I pursued Accreditation—and why I’m glad I did
The Accreditation program was the piece that helped me build confidence in delivering OBM services at a strategic level.
It was rigorous in the best way. Through simulated projects, I learned how to:
- Think critically about systems and KPIs
- Manage operations using real business scenarios
- Collaborate with team members on complex challenges
- Deliver OBM services through practical application, not just theory
I especially appreciated the level of detail in the program—from communication, mentorship support, structured timelines, to Sarah’s own presence in hot seat calls. It felt like I was being trained to not just be an OBM—but to embody what an OBM stands for.
And the results spoke for themselves:
Midway through the Accreditation, I secured my first OBM client.
Who is OBM School for?
If you’re considering whether OBM School is right for you, here’s who I think would thrive inside this path:
- Strategic thinkers who always ask why, not just what
- Problem solvers who can connect dots across functions
- Organizers who spot gaps in systems and love improving them
- Lifelong learners who aren’t afraid of new tools or unknowns
- Collaborative leaders who enjoy working with a team and listening deeply
You don’t need to know all the tech. In fact, I didn’t—and still don’t. But tools are learnable. What matters more is your mindset. If you’ve ever said, “There has to be a better way to do this,” you’re already halfway into the OBM mindset.
Should you start with the Accelerator or go all in with Accreditation?
If you’re still testing the waters, the Accelerator is a solid and valuable starting point. It gives you a practical introduction to the OBM world and helps you build your business foundations. If you’re confident in your skills and ready to take action, the Accelerator will give you traction.
If, however, you know you want to become a professional OBM and want hands-on, practical training and strategic mentorship, the Accreditation will help you become a leader in the space. It’s especially helpful if you want to serve at a higher level and feel equipped to handle real client scenarios confidently.
Final thoughts: The career I didn’t know I was building toward
Looking back, it’s clear now that my entire career was pointing toward this kind of role. I just didn’t have a name for it until I found OBM School.
I now have the freedom to choose my clients, the clarity to offer services that align with my values, and the ability to design a career around my life—not the other way around.
Ready to explore your own OBM journey?
Start by downloading the OBM Starter Kit and explore what this role could look like for you:
You can also watch my conversation with Sarah Noked where we talk about the real-life joys and challenges of becoming an OBM, balancing motherhood, building confidence, and stepping into a role that allows you to thrive.
I hope it inspires you to take that first step.
*Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to enroll/subscribe, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend programs I’ve personally benefited from and truly believe in.
