To run away or to dive-in deep
Originally published May 16, 2023. Written by Rafif Jouejati.
Updated February 17, 2026.
Images have been generated using AI.
Reflections on a 20-year journey
When I packed up my office at BearingPoint (now Deloitte), I never imagined the roller coaster ride that awaited me. I had spent 3 years running BearingPoint’s Federal Proposal Group and was ready, once again, to launch my own business. Wayne Wallace joined me in forming P3 but kept his full-time job.
Starting all over in business was not easy. At first, I served as CEO, BD, proposal manager, office staff, and janitor. But contracts and services agreements rolled in one by one, then a few at a time. Once Wayne and I felt we had some financial stability, he joined me full-time at P3.
Fast forward: This year P3 is approaching its 20th anniversary, and the ride has been exhilarating, rewarding, terrifying, and sometimes just horrible. But all in all, here’s what we’ve been able to do in our nearly 20 years of existence:
Pathways to success.
Prime government contracts at GSA and the National Weather Service
Support literally hundreds of billions of dollars’ worth of proposals for small and large companies
Supported economically disadvantaged businesses
Organize conferences, provide targeted training, and coach executives for public speaking engagements
As we have matured as a company, so too have our offerings and our outlook on what really matters. At P3, we are not just consultants; we are passionate activists who fight for equality & diversity, human rights, and nonviolent change. Wearing our activist hats, we have also:
Activist contributions.
Provided organizational development and strategy consulting for small civil society organizations (CSOs)
Served on boards of rights-based organizations in the hopes of making a small dent in global abuses
Architected and managed human rights-based projects on an international level
Mentored emerging professionals, particularly women
Here’s what I’ve come away with during this 20-year ride: We can combine our thrill for competition and delight in winning with positive growth for Small Businesses. We can support opportunities and initiatives that bring meaningful democratic, economic, and justice-based impact. And yes, we can bring about positive change in disadvantaged communities. We’ve learned to never give up and to learn from our losses. We’ve learned to remain humble in our accomplishments and be responsible for our mistakes.
To anyone out there considering becoming an entrepreneur, you really only have two choices: to either run away fast because it’s harder work than you ever imagined. Or to dive-in deep headfirst, eyes closed, knowing that if you believe in yourself enough, work hard enough, and are just a little lucky, you’ll make it.
Ready to take your business to the next level?
Whether you’re facing an urgent deadline or planning for long-term proposal success, let’s talk about how we can support your next win.
Further Reading:
A day in the life: How my proposal client drove me to distraction.
P3’s Top 10 To-Dos when you’re close to that deadline!
Read about Wendy: what NOT to do in the workplace.