Change affects all of us in different ways, but one thing is certain: it affects us all. Whether it's a shift at home or at work, change impacts us as individuals. Most recently, the kids returned to school, which is always an exciting time for them and, personally, a welcome change for me. As much as I embrace the return to a predictable routine after a busy summer, it comes with challenges, both in preparation and execution. Monday morning required an extraordinary amount of effort as my household adjusted to the start of the new week. Reflecting on change in general, I’ve noticed that no matter how well we prepare, it often feels awkward as we settle into the new normal.

I have some big changes on the horizon, as my dad recently announced his retirement at the end of 2024. I’m incredibly excited for him and this next chapter of his life. He and my mom have many years of fun ahead of them. While I’m thrilled for him, I also have a mix of other emotions as I consider what this means for me. I’ve had the privilege of working with my dad for the last decade, which has been an unparalleled experience. We've worked with fantastic clients and had a lot of fun along the way. I had the unique opportunity to learn from him and alongside him in ways I never could have if we weren’t working together. This has been my first experience in a family business, and I can honestly say it’s been truly special.

When facing change, we're all confronted with a range of emotions: nostalgia for the past, anticipation for what the future holds, and fears of what might go wrong. I’m feeling all of that right now. My kids experienced the same thing on their first day of school, and it’s the same for people in your organization every time a change is introduced. People will always carry a little bit of the question, “What does this mean for me?” when going through change. And yet, change is inevitable.

To bring clarity and grounding to what can feel like an unsettling time, it's important to have a clear vision for the future and a strong sense of purpose. My dad often gave me a piece of advice: “Don’t take counsel of your fears.” By this, he meant that when navigating complexity or change, we all have the choice to either hold onto our fears or hold onto our vision and purpose. Each of us will, consciously or subconsciously, decide where we focus. As I transition to being the sole principal of this organization, I choose daily to focus on my purpose and vision. 

In organizations, leaders must not only craft and articulate a shared vision and purpose but also communicate it effectively to align and focus their teams. This is a key role of leaders—to help build and sustain momentum through any period of change. Leading others through changes also requires a strong degree of self-awareness and the commitment to lead oneself first. Ultimately, change isn’t something to fear—it’s an opportunity for growth, learning, and new possibilities. As I move forward, I’m committed to embracing the challenges and opportunities that come with it, just as my dad encouraged me to do. And I encourage you to do the same. And if you would like support in navigating change for yourself or organization, please reach out and let’s see how we can help. 

‍