When I first started in my role in spring 2012, I started working with a wonderful mentor, Margaret. Initially it was meant to be a short-term measure to support me as I stepped up into my first executive role. As it turned out, Margaret and I established a long term relationship that reached well into 2018, and has since turned into a wonderful friendship. We co-wrote three blog posts in 2018, mentoring unpacked, reflecting on our journey and work together.
Recently Margaret forwarded me an email I sent to her in my first week as CEO. It was lovely to go back to those early days and read about them in my own words. Although I applied for the role as an external candidate, I had in fact been working for the organisation since 2008 in different roles, and so my first day turned out to be a bit of a non-event. I just turned up for work as usual, as did everyone else, and we got on with our lives. The fact that I was now officially in charge wasn’t mentioned by any of my colleagues. My email brought that palpable sense of leadership transitions always being a bit weird right back to me.
I worked so very hard in that first week, and my words, although upbeat and confident, reflect that in every word. Establishing authority, setting boundaries so that I could meet my new expanded remit and responsibilities, holding colleagues to account when they challenged me. It definitely wasn’t easy, but I loved it. I was so excited, and that excitement carried me through many years.
Fast forward to the present and this week is a special week, as it rings in the final stage of handover and transition; and afforded me and our current team two days to meet in person together with Billy, our new CEO. A rare treat indeed and, as it turns out when you are challenged in the crystal maze, a huge amount of fun! We had the best time solving puzzles, eating pizza and planning ahead for what is promising to be a wonderful 30th Annual Conference for the Association (incidentally, if you have not yet registered, do it before the early bird deadline on 6th August).
For me, personally, it feels a lot like my first few weeks on the job in reverse. Instead of a post-it note at the bottom of my monitor reminding me of my new role, I now have welcome reminders everywhere that I am stepping away from the CEO perspective and into a new mindset. Although it’s bittersweet, it feels like the right step for me, and it feels good to have such a committed and inspiring individual step into that space. If you don’t already, follow Billy on social media and find out more about the transition on Billy’s blog!
Next month, there will be no transition update as we will be completing our handover! So instead look out for a big thank you post from me as we ring in a new era of leadership for ALT.
Previous posts in this series:
- Career transition update: June 2023
- Career transition update: May 2023
- Career transition update: April 2023
- Career transition update: March 2023
- Career transition coming up
Preparing for my new career chapter
So whilst this is all happening, how am I preparing for my new chapter you might ask?
Well, at the moment, I work with my coaching clients in the evenings and some weekends, and it’s inspiring for me to work with emerging leaders and managers who are finding their footing leading projects and people.
Having had some wonderful mentors and coaches myself over the past 15 years, I feel very lucky indeed that I now get to support people who are developing in their careers whilst finding work/life balance and being there with them every step of the way.
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