What Really Happens When a Key Team Member Leaves? (And What YOU Must Do Next!)

Are you really prepared for that gut-wrenching moment when a trusted member of your team hands in their notice? I’ve just lived it—twice in one week—and let me tell you, it’s a genuine test of any entrepreneur’s leadership and resilience. This isn’t theory, it’s my life, and if you’re a business owner or manager, stick with me—what I’ve learnt could change the way you lead forever.

Losing a Team Member: A Business Owner’s Reality Check

You’re building your dream team, company culture is thriving, and then… the unthinkable happens. Suddenly you’re facing not one, but two key departures—both long-serving, trusted colleagues who’ve shaped your business. That was my reality this week, and honestly, it hit harder than I imagined.

Up until now, our staff retention was next-level—barely anyone had left by their own choice in five years. So when the departures came, I had to ask: Where did I go wrong? What could I fix for the future?

The Barefoot Marathon Mission Continues… Even Through Setbacks

Before I get into the nitty-gritty, remember: my daily run vlog isn’t just a diary—it’s fuelling my goal of completing the Runpreneur Challenge: 4,292+ days running, 40,075km barefoot, and £1,000,000 raised for children’s charities. Every lesson I share here doesn’t just make my business stronger—it helps save lives.

Why Good People Leave (And How You Must Respond)

1. First, Be Honest With Yourself

Sometimes, the root cause is you—and holding up that mirror is tough. In one case, ongoing change and stress led to clashes with a long-serving team member. We were both frustrated, but instead of burning bridges, I worked to keep our relationship intact. The solution? We compromised: dropping from full-time to one day a week. It’s not perfect, but it means their experience and value aren't lost completely.

2. Not Every Departure is in Your Control

The second team member—the longest-serving remote worker—had reasons outside my influence. But that didn’t stop me from digging deeper, scheduling a call, and exploring whether there might be a compromise or even just clarity. Sometimes, it’s not about preventing the exit, but making sure you understand it—to improve things for everyone that follows.

3. The Big Lessons

• Disruption is Inevitable – Losing people will shake up your business, but with strong systems and processes, chaos doesn’t have to follow.

• No One is Irreplaceable (Not Even Me) – Build a team and a business model that’s robust enough to survive transitions—including your own, one day.

• Always Seek the ‘Why’ – Don’t waste a departure: get feedback, be vulnerable, and use that insight to make things better for your existing and future team.

Turning Pain into Progress: The Runpreneur Way

Every challenge—whether on the roads in my barefoot marathons or in my business—is a chance to grow. When you lose a team member, it hurts, but it’s also crucial feedback for building a business people want to stick with for the long-term.

So, are you ready for the next exit? What systems would keep your business thriving? How honestly do you seek feedback from those moving on?

Join Me on the Mission

As I lace up for another run (or should I say, kick off for another barefoot slog!), remember: this journey for children’s lives isn't just physical—it’s about leadership, vulnerability, and always pushing for better. If you care about strong teams, resilient businesses, and helping causes bigger than all of us, stick around. Share your own storeys or questions in the comments—I reply to everyone.

Let’s go further, run stronger, and give more—together.

Stay positive, stay happy, and keep running your race.

Don’t forget: Every read, comment, or share brings us one step closer to £1 MILLION for children’s causes. Thank you for being a part of this journey. See you on the next run!