Hi Reader,
​
This week, I shared a story about Stacy West—a waymaker who changed my family’s life and taught me what leadership behind the scenes can really look like.

It’s a reflection on the people who don’t get the spotlight but make everything better—the ones who heal, support, and move mountains quietly.

If you haven’t read it yet, I hope it lands with you the way it’s landed with so many others.

Warmly,
Ify

When my husband hired his first executive assistant.
I knew the moment she arrived.
Not because of what she looked like.
Or what she said.
But what she did.
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A slew of Piggy & Gerald books arrived for my then toddlers.
Blocks of time were suddenly held for date nights.
My husband no longer worked when I woke up and went to bed.
She would respond to my emails on behalf of my husband and say, "Ify, I've got you. Here is the answer to the question." But also knew when the answers needed to come from him.
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She was privy to all the inner workings of our life.
Trusted without reservation.
At a time when we were drowning.
Her timing and her taste were impeccable.
She saw what she needed to see --unseeing what she did not.
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So, when a card from Stacy West arrived for me months after my husband had stepped down as CEO.
I should not have been surprised.
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She said three things I will never forget.
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You are beautiful.
Your husband loves you.
Thank you for advocating for me in ways that I will never know.
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Minutes from a Zoom call - I gasped.
I sobbed.
Who was this woman? Still answering my questions.
This time, unspoken ones I'd long since asked and answered during a 10-year marathon as the wife of a founder.
Speaking affirmation. And healing. To all that had been left unsaid —but not unnoticed.
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So, to all the Stacy Wests of the world.
Who are supporting women directly or through the executive they support.
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Your name may not appear in the company TedTalk --but know this:
You are a waymaker.
A magic maker.
Executives and their families are here -- healed and whole-- because of you.
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At Offor, we help founders with executive hiring & finding their Stacy too.
So after the startup lore is written.
And wins and wounds are counted.
We can wrap ourselves in something that isn't growth, scarcity, or even abundance—but the comfort of enough.

P.S. If you’re ready to invest in yourself, don’t miss the 15% discount on Premium Access—it’s our way of helping you finish the year strong. And if you haven’t already, download your free CEO scripts before the new year—they’ll only be available to paid subscribers after that.