I really had no idea that on April 2nd, 2009… something pretty big was happening.

It was the kickoff call for my very first Certified OBM® training program.

We had 21 people in that first cohort (I just found the original roster of folks who were a part of that very first group)… and I remember being NERVOUS as can be.

Little did I know what Certified OBM was about to become. That it would not only set the standard for the Online Business Manager profession (and become the template for countless similar trainings that have come along since), but it would also become a model for the power of creating a certification program.

In the 17 years since then, over a thousand OBMs have been certified. They in turn have served tens of thousands of business owners. Certified OBMs have become “the magic” operational foundation for countless businesses.

Which brings me to today.

I’m overjoyed to announce that leadership of the International Association of Online Business Managers and Certified OBM has now been handed over – to Amanda Hyde-Pierce — and I couldn’t be more excited about what’s ahead.

Since 2020, Amanda has been part of the community as a Certified OBM, a licensed trainer, and every possible capacity: student, solo OBM, agency owner, behind-the-scenes collaborator.

She knows the OBM world from the inside out and I could not have asked for a better person to pass the torch to.

What makes this moment feel especially right is the timing. In the new AI era, where everything is changing – tools, the way we work, the way businesses are run, and what leadership actually looks like, the need for strategic, human-led operations has never been greater. Amanda understands this and has a clear vision for the incredible opportunity it represents for Certified OBMs and their clients.

With that, I wanted to share the big news. After 17 years, I am stepping out of leadership and thrilled to leave Certified OBM in Amanda’s more than capable hands.

As for me?

Certified OBM has been my greatest teacher… through the highs and the lows. It challenged me. Because of it, I learned to step into my leadership – to own my strengths and face my growth edge. I can’t wait to support more leaders on this journey.

Of course, in 17 years, I worked with some of the most dedicated and smart people in the industry. People who have cared about the Certified OBM community as much as I have. A special shout out to Tiffany Johnson who helped me build the foundation from day one, to Dori Tattrie for her unwavering support of the community and to Jen Caswell and Jen Hazlett for being the ‘magic behind the scenes’ today. I’m also grateful to our Certified OBM Trainer Keldie Jamieson who – alongside Amanda – has been such a caring and committed leader for our students. I’m excited to see the next adventures they will create.

And of course, thanks to my business bestie Andrea J Lee – who was there with me on that very first call back in 2009 and who was the little voice in my ear telling me I could do this and it would be amazing.

Seeing a business through from idea to exit is a unique and empowering experience. It was unexpectedly challenging at times and I’m quite proud of where we’ve ended up.

Now I will have more time to do my favorite thing: help leaders turn their IP into certification/licensing programs that scale… into industry-changing movements and build true wealth. Now that I’ve done exactly that, I’m even more fired up to light the way for others.

I am also leaving myself open to possibilities – giving myself the space and time to exhale and just be – without immediate plans or expectations. I’ll continue to spend my days walking my pups and doing my puzzles, with a bit of golf now that spring has sprung here in Alberta.

Oh, and yes! Time for fun hosting the upcoming Canadian Jigsaw Puzzle National Championships at the end of May, which is being livestreamed (I’ll keep you posted! You can come geek out with me in the exciting world of speed puzzling ;-)

Please join me in celebrating the news – a 17 year legacy and vision has come to a close, with incredible things ahead. Stay tuned for more writing about leadership, scaling and becoming who we are meant to be – perhaps even more transparent now that I have space to process things more deeply myself.

Thank you for sharing the journey in big ways and small.