The Weight of the Decision
Planning a transition that will have a meaningful impact—not only on oneself, but also on colleagues, clients, and stakeholders—requires careful thought and preparation. When done well, there are often structured processes in place to ensure a smooth and seamless handover.
For me, this transition took five years of planning.
Moving From Emotion to Clarity
Initially, I needed to get my mindset right. I knew there would be grief in leaving a role I loved and a service I had been responsible for establishing. I needed time. In those early stages, I kept my thoughts to myself—reflecting, processing, and considering what the bigger picture might look like.
As the idea became more concrete, my thinking shifted. Instead of looping thoughts and emotions, I moved into a more structured space, beginning to capture my ideas on paper. At that point, it felt right to share this with my husband—inviting his perspective and support. This decision would not only impact me professionally but would also ripple into our personal lives together.
The Role of Support and Perspective
Choosing a life coach/supervisor to hold me accountable throughout this staged transition was essential. Over the five-year period, I worked with two different coaches. Each brought a slightly different focus, both equally valuable.
While my thoughts and emotions continued to fluctuate, having someone external—who was not personally invested in my professional or personal life—allowed space for honest reflection, while also supporting me in a pragmatic and safe way.
When Passion and Change Coexist
My energy and passion for the mahi I had been involved in for many years remained strong.
My strategic mindset continued to focus on growth and development for the organisation. This is where the grief sat—knowing I still had energy in the tank and a deep love for the work. I often found myself questioning whether this was the right decision.
Each time, I returned to my core values.
