why an alternative approach?

It all started when…

I wasn’t seeing any entrepreneurs in the mainstream that were aligned with my values, convictions, and ethics.

When I started my journey of building Terra Incognita Media it appeared that there were only two ways to be. You could take the #Girlboss route, buy a lot of fashionable outfits, do a photo shoot, create a perfectly curated Instagram account, and “fake it until you make it,” or you go the Gary Vaynerchuk route, HUSTLE YOUR BRAINS OUT, and leave no room for intention and thoughtfulness. I ended up being exhausted, mentally and emotionally.

WHY THE MAINSTREAM APPROACH DOESN’T WORK

I deeply believe that doing “business as usual” is not sustainable on so many levels. It’s unsustainable on an individual, institutional, and systemic level. It’s unsustainable in regards to the environment, as well as our capacity as human beings. It’s unsustainable because “business as usual” is rooted in extraction and exploitation, white supremacy and capitalism, not interconnectedness and regeneration.

There is another way. There is a way that is anti-oppressive, conscious, and mindful of the earth, of the people we work with, how we treat each other, and how we treat ourselves. An alternative approach to entrepreneurship and business is one where we take into consideration the history of the land we occupy, the indigenous stewards of the land, and how we can be advocates for returning the land. An alternative approach to entrepreneurship and business looks like holding ourselves accountable for our individual and unique positions of privilege and power, and how we can work to create safe(r) spaces in our spheres of influence.

WORKING WITH ME

I’m excited to share what I have found in my alternative approach — an approach that ditches the hustle, allows us to show up fully as ourselves, and keep our values intact.

My approach takes into account the varying access, abilities, and learning styles that goes into an entrepreneurial path. It’s important to me to be transparent about my position and privilege as an able-bodied, neurotypical, cishet white woman from an upper-middle class background.

These are important to note because when giving advice for entrepreneurship we need to take into account where we are positioned in society and from what points we are entering this work. We need to be honest about how our paths are unique and not one size fits all. As a white woman it’s my responsibility to name the ways I have heightened privilege and access to this path.

I strive to do this work through an anti-oppressive approach because I’m not trying to “break through the glass ceiling” or find a “seat at the table.” This leads to emulating white supremacy, patriarchy and capitalism.

MY MISSION

My mission has always been to break from the fear of the unknown, to welcome the necessary discomfort that comes with disrupting toxic, generational patterns, and to empower others to choose an anti-oppressive, alternative path.

Get in touch if you’d like to chat about how we can collaborate: ekatmonahan@gmail.com