I got uninvited from a team meeting.

It was my own two-person family team.

And I have to tell you, I was relieved.

In the fall of 2024, Megan and I were working on merch decisions for the Draw for Hope store. Looking at inventory, products, what to offer, how to set things up.

I kept asking questions. Waaay too many questions. And then from those questions, branching into possibilities instead of moving toward decisions.

What about these options?

Should we do this format or that format?

Have we considered this other approach?

I was making it more about the art and less about actually getting anything done.

It was getting overwhelming before it even began. So, Megan put on her CEO hat and uninvited me from the meeting.

Then she canceled the meeting entirely.

She said: “Wade, there are too many branches in this business tree. We need to figure out what we can actually do instead of having a thousand things stretching out all over.”

Yup, that line hit.

When Megan disrupts me, I’m relieved.

I was overcomplicating something that needed to move forward, not expand into more possibilities.

A Little Fear, A Lot of Freedom

Getting removed from something can be a scary moment.

Realizing “You don’t need me for that, huh? You don’t need me, umm, at all?” can make you take a step back.

That fear is real. The fear of becoming unnecessary. Of discovering the thing you thought was essential about your role actually isn’t.

But it was a wakeup call that I should stick to what I think I’m doing best (my words, not hers). Sitting down. Making art regularly. Being disciplined enough to show up and create consistently.

Realizing that maybe I should not be involved in building a store, which involves updating inventory, managing logistics, and figuring out operational details.

If I'm the person relied upon to handle all of that, it won't happen quickly. And it definitely won't be efficient. Because those aren't my strengths.

After this realization, my next question was: How quickly can you do this effort without me?

And the answer was: honestly, much faster.

And so, I was thankfully uninvited to the meetings about it. Disruption for the better.

Disruption Is Simple

I didn’t figure this out by studying disruption or reading thousands of pages about business optimization.

It was more because someone I trust said: You’re trying to do too much. Stop. Get focused on what you’re doing well.

That’s it. That’s the disruption.

One small structural change. One clear boundary. One person stepping out of the way so something could actually move.

Being open to being uninvited when you’re not helping the process only works when you trust the people you’re working with. When you know their intention is good. When you believe they’re not removing you to diminish you, but to help both (or all) of you move forward. This clarity is what allowed us to actually focus on the store.

To make decisions instead of endlessly exploring options. To get something done. And we love the way it’s turning out.

Your Turn

What are you overcomplicating right now?

What meeting do you need to be uninvited from?

I’m not saying you should wait around hoping someone kicks you out of something.

But if someone you trust says “Hey, we’ve got this. Sit this one out,” consider the possibility that they’re doing you a favor.

Getting uninvited can feel ok.

And if you’re the person doing the uninviting? You’re not being mean. You’re being helpful.

Sometimes the best thing you can say is “It’s covered, you can go.”

Trust me. I’ve been on the receiving end. It’s great.

Grateful you are here,

Wade