Navigating Career Transitions as a Leader

By Heidi Sadecky, MA,PCC – Executive Coach & Director, Townsend Leadership Program

In the dynamic landscape of leadership, many executives are contemplating changing jobs and even questioning their career path. I’ve noticed this recently with a number of my own clients. Whether prompted by the challenges of navigating a business through chaotic circumstances, a longing for the flexibility of remote work, or personal health concerns, leaders are reassessing how they can lead a more joyful, fulfilling, and purposeful professional life.

Realizing that you've surpassed the challenges of your current job, or that your current role no longer aligns with your well-being, can be profoundly unsettling. Questions about the value you bring, financial considerations for your family, and concerns about disappointing your team may arise. I came to a crossroads like this 13 years ago. At the time I was working for a distinguished corporation with exceptional colleagues and a generous compensation package.

Despite the external success, I felt unfulfilled and drained. Recognizing there was more inside me to contribute, I began a journey to discover a better fit for my passions, skills, and available resources. I reviewed the leadership assessments from my past, thought about my experiences and skills, and began taking note of the problems I wanted to solve and what made me feel energized. It took a little time and a lot of courage, but my efforts paid off. Ten years ago, I left that job and established my own coaching and consulting business.

Are you thinking of making a drastic career change?

Here's the guidance I offer to my clients when facing crossroads such as this:

Clarify Your Purpose

Ask yourself: What problems do I want to solve in the world? What brings me energy and joy? What moves me to tears?

Utilize Reliable Assessments

There are many assessments available. I recommend Gallup StrengthsFinder or Patrick Lencioni’s Table Group Working Genius. Explore various options to find what suits you best.

Invest in Coaching

Consider hiring a coach or joining a Townsend Leadership Program team. Working with a coach can help you clarify your purpose, set goals, and navigate your journey with confidence. A cohort-based program such as Townsend (TLP) offers a full day each month amongst a network of like-minded men and women who create a supportive network and valuable feedback. This is a very effective way to gain clarity, work through challenges, and make tough decisions.

Address Guilt

Understand that making a professional change is not wrong or harmful. Work is not family; when you feel the need to redirect your expertise and time, it often benefits both you and the organization. Consider timing considerations for ongoing projects, but remember that your change can open opportunities for others in the organization. Often, your change helps a co-worker or direct report to step into a higher-level role.

I hope that these suggestions can guide you through the process of repurposing yourself as a leader. Remember, embracing change is not only a personal growth opportunity but also a chance to contribute more meaningfully to the mission of your organization.

Want to talk more about the changes you’re considering? 

Need some help deciding which assessments are best for you? Schedule a phone chat here.

Heidi Sadecky is a highly-trained executive coach with over 30 years of combined corporate and coaching experience. She helps her clients operate at a higher level, overcome workplace challenges and achieve measurable results.

She is an in-demand facilitator of the only Townsend Leadership Program, a unique and highly effective group coaching program located in the North East United States. Her newest leadership development program, E4 (Equip. Explore. Experience. Excel.) launched in the spring of 2023. Invite Heidi to speak to your group, or learn about her upcoming programs here.