Beyond the ‘Little Boxes’: Finding Authenticity and Purpose in Business and Life

I have a confession to make: I’m not usually a big fan of watching tv and I rarely get into shows – but I’ve been HOOKED on Weeds lately.

If you haven’t seen it, it’s an addictive satirical comedy about a suburban mom Nancy Botwin, who, after her husband’s unexpected death, turns to selling cannabis to support her family.

And while I’m not taking business notes from Nancy  – or for that matter Doug Wilson the dodgy accountant – (don’t worry, I’m not about to start any illegal side hustles!), watching this show has got me thinking about why it resonates with so many of us—myself included.

Neat Little Boxes

Every episode opens with the theme song “Little Boxes,” originally written by Malvina Reynolds in the 1960s, and  first released by her friend, Pete Seeger.

It’s a catchy tune (with roots in powerful activism) that delivers a sharp critique of conformity:

“Little boxes on the hillside,

little boxes made of ticky-tacky,

Little boxes on the hillside,

little boxes all the same….

And the people in the houses

All went to the university

Where they were put in boxes

And they came out all the same

And there’s doctors and lawyers

And business executives

And they’re all made out of ticky-tacky

And they all look just the same“

This song satirises the way society often tries to fit us into neat, identical categories: placing an expectation to ‘go to university, get a good job, and follow the same script everyone else does’.

But what happens when those boxes feel too small?

When you dream of a future that doesn’t fit the conventional mould?

That’s something I’ve felt personally, and it’s why in 2020 I made some big changes in my own life.

Leaving the Corporate World: A Personal Journey

Before I set up my business I found myself immersed in the corporate world, climbing the ladder and following the path laid out.

Beginning in the start up and non profit world supporting visionary founders, I’d ‘moved up’ to lead some pretty cool and impressive projects and roles working on technical and commercial finances within the realm of Fortune 500s, in M&A and Private Equity. 

From the outside, it probably looked like I had everything together—just another professional moving up in a respectable finance career.

But inside, I often felt like a cog in a wheel, moving but not really going anywhere meaningful – stumbling around in the dark side of finance.

My input was making these firms more profit, but who did it really serve?  Ultimately faceless shareholders and corporate executives.

It was like I was living in one of those “little boxes,” doing what was expected rather than what I truly wanted. That’s when I realised something had to change.

I didn’t want to spend my life in a box that felt too confining, doing work that didn’t align with my values or passions.

Doing what David Graeber coined a ‘bullshit’ job. One created by the inefficiencies and excesses of corporate and bureaucratic systems—roles so pointless or unnecessary that even those performing them recognise their lack of meaningful contribution, yet are compelled to perpetuate the illusion of purpose.

I wanted to build something meaningful, something that made a positive impact and allowed me to stay true to myself and make a difference to peoples’ lives and our wider communities – with ethics and integrity… and fun along the way.

So, I took the leap and started Below The Line Finance.

It wasn’t the safe or easy choice, but it was the one that felt right and one that brought me back into the light. Now everyday I get to do my bit as a Fractional CFO and Holistic Business Mentor, to help ethical founders and business owners further their mission sustainably – putting more money in the hands of good people.  

Whilst validating deeply held emotions around money topics and supporting collective healing from the financial trauma and oppression of capitalism, consumerism and colonialism. Shining a light that entrepreneurship as activism can lead us to a re-imagined world that is kind, caring and more beautiful. 

Are you stuck?

Watching Weeds, I see Nancy Botwin struggling to break out of her own set of “little boxes”. Her choices are definitely unconventional (and illegal!), but her underlying drive—to live authentically and support her family in the way she knows how—hits home for me. 

There’s something liberating about watching her reject the status quo, even if her methods aren’t exactly role model material.

Weeds uses humour and satire to shine a light on the absurdities of societal norms.

It’s addictive not just because it’s funny, but because it makes us think about the boxes we might be stuck in and how we can break free.

An Invitation to Craft Business On Your Own Terms

I know I’m not alone in this. Many of us on the mission-led entrepreneurial journey have broken free from conventional roles, channeling our creativity to build something meaningful through our work.

Becoming a founder is a true awakening—it opens up a new, often intimidating world of financial decisions and responsibilities.

This is for mission-driven entrepreneurs and business owners who want to make an impact while mastering their finances in a way that stays true to their values.

It’s about more than just growing a business for growth’s sake. It’s about using finances as a tool to authentically move forward, aligned with what truly matters to you.

A world where money doesn’t leave you feeling stressed or boxed in—but instead becomes a source of empowerment for your mission.

Here’s to forging our own paths, making a difference, and thriving beyond those little boxes. 🔥