We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful April Eldridge. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with April below.

Alright, April thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

My biggest risk was starting my business in August of 2022. After experiencing layoff after layoff, with the most recent being in August of 2022, I had an epiphany – with remote work becoming more commonplace, why not offer my specialized expertise to SMBs and entrepreneurs on a fractional basis? Recognizing that these businesses require executive-level support but may not be able to afford full-time staff, I integrated with their teams to manage their business needs and provide operational management as they scaled.

I had no idea whether it would succeed or fail or if I’d even find a client. But I’m beyond thrilled to say that I landed my first client within two (2) weeks of forming my business and have had a steady roster of clients since.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Transitioning from a successful career in retail to corporate America and eventually embarking on my own entrepreneurial path, I’ve certainly had a transformative journey.

​I’ve become empowered to take control of my own professional destiny, unleash deeper creativity, pursue my passions, and make a tangible impact on small businesses worldwide. Through determination, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, I aspire to blaze my own trail while inspiring others with their entrepreneurial journey.

My career started in 1999 in Retail. This is where I honed my skills in managing a bustling clothing store. From merchandising to team leadership, I learned the ins and outs of providing exceptional customer service. Today, that focus on putting clients first is still at the heart of everything I do.​

In 2004, after a period of soul-searching, I discovered a calling in legal operations. For over a decade, I worked tirelessly to streamline processes, manage complex projects, and deliver results exceeding expectations. That experience shaped me into the professional I am today.​

After over a decade of mastering a wide range of tasks and responsibilities, I focused on providing high-level executive support beginning in 2015. That journey took me on a global adventure, working with leaders in diverse industries and cultures.

I entered the world of generalist roles in 2017, where I wore many hats and built my skills across diverse industries, from e-commerce and ag-tech management to non-profits. Though the responsibilities varied, they all had one thing in common: improving operational processes and driving efficiency across distributed teams.

With a background in both executive support and corporate operations, by 2019, I had developed a deep understanding of what it takes to drive success at the highest levels of the tech industry. Whether I’m working with a pre-IPO startup or a publicly traded corporation, I bring a keen eye for detail, a collaborative approach, and a commitment to delivering results. From managing complex projects to streamlining operational processes, I’ve helped organizations achieve their goals and reach new heights of success.​

By 2021, with a background in executive support and operational management, I had been drawn to the intersection of these two critical functions. But it wasn’t until I discovered project management that I truly found my niche. Over the course of my career, I’ve had the opportunity to build a PMO from scratch and scale operations for a fast-paced fintech company, delivering results that have helped these organizations grow and succeed.

In late 2022, after the 5th layoff I had experienced in seven (7) years, I decided to go a completely different route. My own route.

I took the best of what I learned and mastered in my twenty (20) years in corporate and applied that to my offerings for clients.

Custom and intentional support. Integrity. Solid work ethic. And a new perspective.

Client’s needs aren’t one-sized-fits-all, and neither is the work I provide.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

Referrals, 100%. If you are intentional about your work and stick by your values, the clients will come. I’ve done very little in terms of marketing other than organic social posts.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

My resiliency has been tested many times over throughout my career.

In the world of corporate giants and office politics, I spent two decades of my life climbing the ladder, dedicating my heart and soul to the corporate machine. I was a loyal soldier, but the relentless stress and uncertainty began to take its toll. In the span of just seven years, I found myself laid off not once, not twice, but an astonishing five times.

Each time the dreaded news came, it was like a punch to the gut. I was left feeling lost, my sense of security shattered, and my self-worth hanging in the balance. I had given my all to these companies, and yet I was disposable.

But in the face of adversity, I discovered a wellspring of resilience within me. Instead of letting these setbacks define me, I decided to take control of my destiny. With 20 years of corporate experience under my belt, I knew I had valuable skills to offer the world. That’s when I embarked on a journey that would change my life forever.

Sixteen months ago, I made the bold decision to become a fractional COO, charting my own course in the world of business. It wasn’t an easy path but a path of freedom, self-determination, and empowerment. I applied the skills I had honed over two decades to help businesses thrive, all while maintaining my own sense of purpose and direction.

Through this journey, I discovered the true meaning of resilience, adaptability, and the power of taking control of your own destiny. Today, I stand before you as a testament to the fact that even in the face of adversity, you can rise stronger, find your own path, and create success on your own terms.

My story is a testament to the human spirit’s ability to not only survive but thrive in the face of challenges. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most significant opportunities arise from the ashes of adversity. So, embrace your journey, seize your opportunities, and never underestimate the power of resilience in shaping your destiny.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.aprileldridge.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aprileldridge_consulting/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AprilEldridgeConsulting
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aprileldridge-consulting/
• Twitter: http://twitter.com/imaprileldridge