When Systems Crumble: Running a Values-Based Business in a Dumpster Fire World

Confessions with Jess and Cindy

What do you do when the world feels like it's falling apart and you still have a business to run?

In this raw and powerful conversation, Rachel D'Souza from Gladiator Consulting opens up about navigating one of the most challenging years in recent memory. From losing a third of projected revenue when Black-led clients had funding pulled, to making the choice to double down on values instead of backing down, Rachel shares what it really looks like to lead with courage when everything feels impossible.

But this isn't just a story about surviving crisis—it's about the radical decision to choose community over competition, transparency over pretense, and love over fear. Rachel breaks down the practical strategies she's using to keep her team together, the emotional toll of leadership during unprecedented times, and why she believes "community is survival."

Whether you're struggling with how to show up authentically in your business right now, wondering if you should tone down your values to protect revenue, or just need to hear that you're not alone in feeling like the world has gone completely sideways, this conversation will remind you why doing the right thing—even when it's hard—is always worth it.

Highlights:

• Crisis reveals your true values—and that's your competitive advantage. When Rachel's business faced significant revenue loss, doubling down on equity and justice messaging didn't hurt her business—it attracted clients who specifically sought them out because they trusted Rachel's values and approach.
• Radical transparency builds stronger teams. Rachel's weekly staff meetings include discussions about cash flow, revenue projections, and the reasoning behind difficult decisions. This vulnerability has created a team culture where people proactively find solutions and support each other through challenges.
• Business development timelines are longer—plan accordingly. What used to be predictable revenue streams now require patience and relationship-building. Rachel went from knowing her full year's revenue by May to having conversations in June about work that won't start until January.
• Community over competition creates sustainable growth. Instead of hoarding opportunities, Rachel actively refers work to other values-aligned consultants and builds referral networks. This collaborative approach has created a stronger pipeline for everyone involved.
• "Enough" is a business strategy. Rachel's commitment to having "enough" rather than maximizing profit has allowed her to make decisions based on values rather than pure financial gain—from taking compensation cuts to ensure team stability to closing for three weeks every summer for rest and family time.

Resources Mentioned

Connect with Rachel:

• LinkedIn: Search for Rachel D'Souza or Gladiator Consulting
• Instagram: @gladiatorrds (for cooking content with her kids!)
• Website: gladiatorrds.com (sign up for their monthly newsletter)

Connect with Cindy:

• Cindy Wagman Coaching: cindywagman.com
• Fractional Fundraising Network: fractionalfundraising.co/
• LinkedIn: ca.linkedin.com/in/cindywagman

Connect with Jess:

• Out In the Boons: outintheboons.me
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jesscampbelloutntiheboons/