We were lucky to catch up with Sydney Jackson-Clockston recently and have shared our conversation below.

Sydney, appreciate you joining us today. If you’re open to it, can you talk to us about the best (or worst) investment you’ve made. What’s the backstory and the relevant context behind why you made the investment

The Best Investment I’ve Ever Made Was in Myself

As a business owner, the best investment I’ve made—hands down—was in myself. Not in a flashy tool or a trendy platform, but in my own growth, healing, and clarity.

When I started Citrine Unlimited, I was carrying the weight of toxic/traumatic work experiences, imposter syndrome, people-pleasing habits, and a deeply ingrained belief that success had to come through struggle. I had all the strategy, the spreadsheets, the certifications—but something was missing. I realized I was building a business with my foot half on the gas and half on the brake.

That’s when I made the decision to pause and invest in something intangible but transformational: inner work. I hired a coach —not only for business tactics, but for leadership embodiment.. I invested in therapy, spiritual guidance, and sacred rest.

It wasn’t cheap. It wasn’t convenient. And to be honest, it scared me. But it shifted everything.

From that place of deeper alignment, my messaging became clearer. My offers resonated more. I was no longer chasing validation—I was creating from purpose. And my community could feel that difference.

The lesson? WE are the foundation of everything we build. Investing in yourself isn’t just personal—it’s strategic. When you operate from a (sustainable & restorative) whole, supported, and aligned place, your business grows with more ease and integrity.

So while I’ve made some questionable financial choices (hello, random software subscriptions and marketing courses I never finished!), nothing has given me more ROI than becoming the woman I needed to be to lead boldly.

Sydney, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

At the Heart of My Work Is a Belief: When Women Lead from Wholeness, We All Rise.

My name is Sydney Jackson-Clockston, and I’m an award winning Author and the founder of Citrine Unlimited LLC, a coaching and consulting practice rooted in bold leadership, holistic growth, and sustainable impact. I’m also the creator of the Passion Over Perfection (POP) Collective—a leadership and empowerment coaching community designed by and for women who are ready to lead with more authenticity, alignment, and ease.

My journey into this work started because of burnout and lack of psychological safety in the workplace. Like so many of my clients, I spent years checking all the boxes, being pidgin held in traditional leadership roles, and quietly carrying the weight of imposter syndrome, racialized trauma, and unrealistic expectations. I have a Master’s degree in Tourism Management with an emphasis on sustainability, a Bachelor’s in Natural Resources Recreation and Tourism, and professional certifications in coaching, facilitation, and leadership development. But the real turning point came when I realized: I didn’t want to perform leadership—I wanted to embody it.

That’s when Citrine Unlimited was born.

Today, I support both individual women and mission-driven organizations through:

🌿 Leadership & Empowerment Coaching
One-on-one coaching and group programs that focus on embodied leadership, confidence-building, burnout recovery, and navigating transitions with grace and strategy.

🌿 Workshops & Retreats
From sound bath sessions to strategic planning intensives, my workshops and retreats blend personal healing with professional development. Our retreats are immersive experiences that center wellness, clarity, and connection.

🌿 Consulting & Speaking
I consult with organizations on equity-centered leadership, inclusive strategy, and sustainable business practices. I’m also a speaker and published author, often leading conversations on imposter syndrome, leadership reinvention, and the ripple effect of empowered women.

🌿 The POP Collective
My latest offering and one I’m incredibly proud of—this community brings together expert coaches, live workshops, private support spaces, and monthly connection calls. It’s a place for changemakers to grow, expand, and root into who they are beyond the titles they hold.

What sets my work apart is the blend of strategy and soul. I don’t believe in quick fixes or generic blueprints. My work honors the complexity of women’s leadership journeys, especially those navigating systemic barriers, identity transitions, or mission-aligned entrepreneurship. I use a triple bottom line lens (people, planet, profit), trauma-informed practices, and a deep belief in the ripple effect: when one woman reclaims her power, she creates space for others to rise too.

What I’m most proud of? Honestly, it’s the community. Seeing women reflect, rise, and lead from a place of wholeness—there’s nothing like it.

If you’re looking for someone who will cheer you on and challenge you to show up fully, who will help you lead boldly while honoring your humanity—you’ve found your space.

Has your business ever had a near-death moment? Would you mind sharing the story?

When Life Hits Hard: How My Business Survived Personal Crisis

Running a business is often romanticized as freedom and flexibility—but few talk about what happens when life completely upends your plans.

In September 2024, I was struck by a car while walking—hit by an uninsured driver. I was physically injured, emotionally shaken, and suddenly navigating pain management, legal stress, and healing while still being the face of my business. To make matters worse, because the driver was uninsured I have to now pay out of pocket for all of my medical care and I had to cancel or turn down paid opportunities—opportunities I had worked hard to earn. There little financial safety net that I had was quickly eaten away at. There was just me, trying to recover and keep my business afloat.

Then came another curveball. In early 2025, my mother underwent cancer surgery. What was supposed to be a straightforward recovery turned into months of serious complications. I restructured my entire life to become one of her primary caregiver—while still trying my best to manage client deliverables,

In the mist of this I was also part of a major layedoff from my part-time employment that stybalize my income for the last 4.5 years.

There were days I couldn’t tell if I was running a business or just holding it together with prayer and spreadsheets. I had to pause events. I missed income goals. And yes—there were weeks I wasn’t sure if I could pay for my basic needs, But here’s the truth: my business didn’t collapse. It flexed.

Why? Because I had built a foundation based on values, relationships, and resilience—not just revenue. Clients extended grace. Team members stepped up. And more importantly, I gave myself permission to slow down and honor my capacity.

This experience taught me that sustainability isn’t a buzzword—it’s a survival tool. We don’t build freedom by overextending ourselves. We build it by planning for real life—grief, injury, caregiving, uncertainty—and still choosing to show up, even if it looks different than before.

Today, I speak more boldly about designing businesses that can weather storms—not because you have all the answers, but because you’ve rooted yourself in what matters. Rest. Community. Flexibility. Purpose.

So yes, I’ve had near-death moments in my business—physically, financially, and emotionally. But each one reaffirmed that my work isn’t just about leading others. It’s about leading myself through the hardest chapters with truth and tenderness.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Reputation Isn’t Built Overnight—It’s Built Through Alignment, Integrity, and Intention

I believe what helped me build my reputation within my market was staying rooted in who I am, not just what I offer. People may find me because of my coaching programs, speaking engagements, or leadership development work—but they stay connected because they experience consistency, care, and courage in how I show up.

I’ve never been interested in building a brand that’s only polished on the surface. I want people to feel the values behind my work—whether they’re attending a retreat, participating in a workshop, or scrolling past a post on social media. That means:

Saying the hard things with grace.

Honoring boundaries.

Following through.

Holding space for real growth—not just performative success.

I also think a big part of my reputation has been shaped by the way I collaborate. I’ve built strong relationships within the community—especially among women leaders, creatives, and mission-driven organizations—because I lead with generosity, not scarcity. Whether it’s co-creating an event, mentoring a new coach, or amplifying another woman’s voice, I truly believe in the ripple effect: when one of us rises, we all do.

Lastly, I’m proud to say that people associate my name with authenticity. I don’t pretend to have it all figured out, and I openly share the behind-the-scenes journey of entrepreneurship, healing, and leadership. That transparency builds trust—and in a crowded industry, trust is everything.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.citrineunlimited.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/citrineunlimited
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CitrineUnlimited/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/citrineunlimited/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CitrineUnlimited
• Other: https://linktr.ee/citrineunlimited
  https://citrine-unlimited-llc.newzenler.com?affiliate=Fx0uz2

Image Credits

https://noellewilliamsphotography.com/
https://noellewilliamsphotography.com/