Recently, I had a profound conversation with Bryan Wish on his podcast, the "One Away Show". We explored the power of a single pivotal moment that can completely alter the trajectory of your life. At the heart of my story is the decision to step away from a long-standing and high-profile CEO role that had become central to my identity. This is deeply relevant to any leader who must find the courage and clarity to make a choice which could transform the entire course of their company or career.

How can we recognize when the familiar path no longer serves us professionally or personally and how can we have the foresight to forge a new one? Whether it's a critical strategic pivot for our company or a personal leadership evolution, the principles remain constant:

Sense the Shifting Landscape: As leaders, we must develop a keen ability to recognize when the environment—whether market dynamics, competitive forces, or internal culture—is signaling the need for change. For me, that moment came with the post-sale misalignment of values, which ultimately led me to uncover my true purpose.
Embrace a Strategic Pause: When contemplating significant change, the instinct is often to move quickly. Yet, there is immense value in slowing down and taking a deliberate pause allowing for deep thought and space for clarity. I spent two weeks hiking in the Colorado Rockies—an intentional retreat that cleared my mind and gave me the confidence to pursue a bold new chapter in my career.
Redefine Leadership Beyond the Role: Leadership is not confined to a title, a position, or past accomplishments. My own journey taught me that true leadership is about who you are and the legacy you choose to create. Stepping away from my CEO role allowed me to repurpose my experiences and channel this wisdom into coaching and empowering others—an even more fulfilling form of leadership.

Ultimately, as we expand our understanding of leadership beyond traditional roles, it becomes equally important to redefine how we measure success. The most impactful leaders recognize that success goes far beyond financial performance—it's about adopting a beginner’s mindset, contributing meaningfully, and building a legacy that creates lasting, positive change.

A Holistic Definition of Success: My own measure of success has evolved to include the personal joy of being a grandmother, and the deep fulfillment I gain from coaching leaders and executive teams, watching them grow and thrive.
Passion as a Strategic Advantage: When you align your work with what truly energizes you, it ceases to be a duty and becomes a calling. For me, coaching is not just a profession—it's my “hobby” and greatest passion. It’s a continuous pursuit of impact, where I share my experience and wisdom, and take pride in seeing the success of others.

We’re all one decision away from something. And this something could lead to an unexpected path, which is exciting and a bit scary at the same time. I’m grateful that when I let go of who I was and what I had built, I was able to step into who I was meant to become.

You can listen to my full conversation on the "One Away Show" podcast here: One Decision Away from Letting Go of a 30-Year Career