A Friend's Gift: Navigating New Directions
You’ll be missed! That’s what the card said. Opening the goodbye gift after an enjoyable lunch with a friend and colleague was bittersweet. I had no idea what was in the small box and figured it was a nice memento to remember my new friend. I was right and wrong.
The card read:
“A compass represents going forward in a new direction and starting a new chapter in life. May you be proud of the person you are, and the difference you have made. May wearing this bracelet bring you fond memories and more joy in the future and remind you how much you are missed!”
Tears filled my eyes and teetered on the edge of my eyelids until they slowly cascaded down my cheeks. Have you ever experienced that when given a gift? That was my experience on that day in April.
A compass represents going forward in a new direction and starting a new chapter in life. Yes, that’s what I’m doing. Today is my birthday, and I feel like I’m starting over again. But that’s been my professional life. Although I worked at one company my entire corporate career, I had five or six different careers at the same company. Reinventing myself is one of my superpowers. But this time, it seems different. You see, I began this entrepreneurial journey of empowering female executives four and a half years ago, not knowing where it would take me. Leaving my executive position and friends was one of the hardest decisions I’d made. Two short years after leaving, my phone rang…AND they needed me. This time as a corporate coach and consultant. Jumping at the chance to go back “home” was easy. Fast forward two years and leaving again was like the first time, but now, I was leaving new friends.
Starting a new chapter in life…and never forgetting those women I shared my leadership techniques and love for international trade with. If you know me, accountability is my middle name, so I’ll be checking in on them from time to time.
So, what’s the new chapter? I’m launching an executive coaching mastermind called Executive Summit Circle Mastermind, designed for women at a director level and higher. A place for like-minded female executives to share, confide, learn, and grow. It’s a simple monthly commitment of an hour where I’ll teach content at the beginning and then facilitate group coaching and conversations the rest of the time.
One of the biggest lessons I learned in corporate was that it’s lonely at the top. Reaching the top means you can no longer share or commiserate with your friends unless they are at the same level. It’s stressful. I never forgot the feeling of isolation and loneliness so I’m building a safe place where executive women can grow, share, cry, and celebrate. A community of like-minded executive women.
Don’t worry. There will be a place for high-potential female employees who haven’t quite made it to the top. Hang in there – it’s coming soon.
May wearing this bracelet bring you fond memories and more joy in the future and remind you how much you are missed!
Thank you, my dear friend, for this bracelet that I wear daily. It brings me joy and reminds me of the fun we had working together.
Until I see you again,
Melissa
P.S. If you’re interested in learning more about the Executive Summit Circle Mastermind, email me at hello@graceandsaltleadership.com or call 815-846-4366.
