As I write this, I'm in the midst of my own leadership transition. After running my executive resume business, I'm stepping into an Operations Director role within my former organization. What excites me most about this change is the opportunity to translate my experience facilitating personal transformations onto a broader scale, helping groups understand and rally behind the "why" of what we're doing.

Any significant transition brings both challenges and opportunities. Whether you're changing roles, organizations, or even industries, how you navigate this period can set the tone for your next chapter. Here's a framework for approaching transitions with full power and intention.

How to Navigate Transitions

Step One: Honor Both Chapters

Before rushing forward, take time to acknowledge what you're bringing with you and what you're leaving behind. Your past experience is a foundation that informs your future success. Reflect on:

1. What skills, insights, and relationships have you built that you treasure?

2. How can these assets serve you differently in your new role?

Remember that you don't have to completely reinvent yourself; often, the most powerful transitions happen when we build upon our existing strengths while remaining open to new ways of leading.

Step Two: Set Your Leadership Intent

This is your opportunity to consciously choose how you want to show up in your new role. Reflect on:

1. What aspects of your leadership style are core to who you are, regardless of context?

2. What might need to adapt to serve your new environment?

3. What does success look like for you? Don’t just think in terms of outcomes, but in how you want to feel and what impact you want to have.

This clarity will guide your decisions and actions as you step into new territory.

Step Three: Sustain Your Energy

Transitions require significant energy, and it's easy to underestimate the mental and emotional resources they demand.

1. Create small rituals that support your transition - scout out your new coffee spot, plan your new routine, set up your workspace in a way that energizes you.

2. Be strategic about what other responsibilities you might need to dial back temporarily to make space for this change.

3. Build in celebrations and moments of acknowledgment before you transition – mark the space between one chapter and the next.

4. Take care of practical details early - figure out your commute plan, lunch strategy, and workspace setup before you start.

Most importantly, give yourself permission to pace the transition rather than trying to do everything at once.

Remember, transitions aren't just about changing what you do - they're opportunities to evolve how you lead and expand your impact.

One thing to ask yourself:

"What elements of my leadership style are core to who I am, regardless of my role?"

One thing to try:

This week, identify one small ritual or practice that will help you feel grounded during your transition (or prepare for future transitions). It might be as simple as finding your new favorite coffee spot or setting up a comfortable workspace.

Lead boldly,

Lauren

P.S. Stay tuned for an exciting announcement! Coming soon: A powerful 28-day nervous system reboot designed to transform your leadership confidence from the inside out. More details to follow in future issues.