| It’s that time of year – graduation caps are flying, parents are fighting back tears, and Target’s seasonal aisle can’t decide if it’s graduation, Father’s Day, or Fourth of July. Even if you’re not the one rocking a graduation cap or marching across a stage, this season still prompts all of us to pause and ask: What chapter am I closing? What chapter am I choosing next? (Heck, even the Vatican is turning the page – we’ve got a new Pope, and for the first time ever, he’s American! Turns out fresh starts really are in the air.) Maybe your kid is the one graduating, and you’re suddenly staring at an eerily quiet house and wondering who keeps leaving all the lights on. Welcome to the land of empty nesting – equal parts freedom and “what now?” Because here’s the thing: life and leadership are full of transitions. Some are big and bold – like taking a new job, stepping into retirement, or completely changing careers. Others are more subtle – like realizing you’re ready to delegate something you’ve been clutching with a death grip… or that your team needs fresh energy and it’s time to promote someone or make a new hire. In every one of these moments, we face choices. And those choices?Yep. They shape who we become – and how we lead. I’ve made some choices that changed the trajectory of my life (Dramatic enough for ya?). I’ll never forget when we moved back to our hometown. We had two kids in tow and another on the way. I’d decided to quit my job and stay home with the rugrats—something I’d never done before, other than maternity leave. That first morning after the move, the hubs grabbed his coffee, kissed me, and headed off to work. That’s when it hit me: I was literally barefoot, pregnant, and in the kitchen. And I thought, WHAT DID I JUST DO?! That one (somewhat terrifying) choice led to another, and then another. I started consulting because—fun fact—I’m a terrible employee and have a deep need to be in control of my schedule. Consulting led to certifications… which led to creating my own leadership program… which led to speaking and team, group, and private coaching. One step at a time. With each choice, I followed my gut and my heart (which, for me, are pretty much synonymous with God). None of those choices were particularly easy or comfortable – at least not at first. But that’s usually how growth goes, right? It’s scary and uncomfortable until you get your footing. And lately, I’ve been reminding myself—and my clients—that just because we’ve always done something one way doesn’t mean we have to keep doing it. |
| We’re allowed to change. We’re allowed to grow. We’re allowed to say, “Actually, that version of me served her purpose. Now I’m choosing something new.” In fact, not only are we allowed to change and grow, but we should be growing and evolving all the time. Sometimes that means shifting your own leadership style. Sometimes it means creating space for others to step up. Sometimes it means retiring from a role – not because you’re done – but because you’re ready to REFIRE and evolve into something else. And here’s the kicker: We won’t always get it right. Some choices will be ah-mazing. Others will leave us face-palming and muttering, “Welp, that was a character-building experience.” And I’ve had puh-lenty of those! But we learn. We grow. And we keep choosing—on purpose. |
| Here are a few prompts to jump-start your thinking: Ask yourself: What’s one choice I can make this week that aligns more with who I want to be – not just who I’ve been? Is it choosing to rest? To delegate something that I’ve been holding onto for too long? To mentor someone and help them grow into their next role? To finally stop trying to be Captain of the Universe and let others help me? To actually lean into summer and plan some fun activities or vacations? To finally explore that next opportunity—or start planning what’s next for me? To walk away from something good… to make space for something better? |
| Leadership isn’t just about making decisions for today – it’s about intentionally shaping tomorrow. And it starts with one choice. Make yours count. And if you’re entering a new season – personally or professionally – and feel like the conductor of the Hot Mess Express, just know you’re in good company. Sometimes we all need a grown-up permission slip to change, delegate, promote, retire, or pivot. If you or your team could use a coach, a sounding board, or a fresh perspective (minus the sugarcoating), I’m your gal. I’m just an email away. |
