 As part of my research for my upcoming book on Career Evolution and Career by Design, I have been interviewing current and former clients about their experiences with career scenario planning.
One theme has surfaced again and again. Before participating in a scenario-planning session, many had ideas, interests, and aspirations they had been carrying for years. Yet they had never fully explored them. The ideas remained in the background—interesting, but largely unexamined. Possible, but unexplored. What surprised me most was that the challenge was rarely a lack of options. More often, it was a lack of time and space to think about those options. “What we discovered was the ability for me to be creative, to make an impact, to create. That word kept coming up.” CHRO, Mutual Community Bank Why We Stop Exploring As careers progress, many professionals become increasingly focused on execution. They manage larger teams, take on greater responsibilities, and become experts in their field. Yet in the process, they often spend less time asking questions and more time solving problems. The very skills that helped them succeed—focus, efficiency, accountability, and delivery—can unintentionally narrow their field of vision. Over time, many stop asking:
Instead, they become focused on optimizing the path they are already on. Making Space for Possibility Career scenario planning creates an opportunity to step away from day-to-day responsibilities and think differently about the future. Rather than asking, What is my next job?, participants begin asking broader questions: What kind of impact do I want to have? What energizes me? What have I always been curious about? What else might be possible? One of the most interesting discoveries from these interviews was that many participants already had ideas worth exploring. Some had been quietly carrying them for years—a possible business, teaching, consulting, board service, a move into a different industry, or an entirely different chapter of life. Yet these ideas were rarely written down, researched, or discussed with others. Just as often, entirely new possibilities emerged through the process itself. As participants reflected on their values, strengths, experiences, and aspirations, they began to see connections they had never noticed before. “The scenario-planning process opened my eyes to the fact that there wasn’t just one path forward. There were many possibilities I had never seriously considered.” Former SVP, Global Insurance; now Director of a Non-Profit The Space to Imagine Perhaps the greatest insight from these conversations is that the challenge was not simply a lack of options. It was a lack of space. Space to think. Space to imagine. Space to connect experiences and interests in new ways before rushing to find answers. Sometimes the most valuable outcome of a career scenario-planning session is not choosing a path. It is rediscovering the curiosity, creativity, and openness to possibility that may have been waiting quietly in the background for years. As one participant reflected: “There was more, more that I could be doing than I realized, which gave me a sense of freedom and opportunity. It was what I needed to take the first step and begin the journey.” Former Senior Vice President of Communications and CEO of a Professional Association; now a Visiting Professor and Board Director If you are looking for space to think differently about your own career evolution and future possibilities, I’d be happy to have that conversation.
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 In September 2026, I am looking forward to reuniting with a group of friends with whom I completed the Swim for Life event on Cape Cod for ten consecutive years. Although our lives have taken us in different directions, we are coming together again to swim the Wellfleet Lake course.
As I prepare for the event, I’ve found myself reflecting on a question that leaders face as well: What does success look like over the long term? Learning to Play the Long Game Last year brought both new adventures and unexpected challenges. I completed the Marseille swim and the Brissago swims and prepared for the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, spending several weeks learning the skills needed for offshore sailing. The Clipper experience reminded me how energizing it is to be a beginner again. Whether learning to sail, training for a swim, writing a book, or taking on a new leadership role, growth doesn’t stop simply because we become more experienced. Then, a sailing accident forced me to rethink my training and recovery. Rather than trying to return immediately to where I had been, I gradually rebuilt my routine: swimming several times a week, adding strength training, and occasionally going for a short run. Today, what strikes me is not how much I can do, but how sustainable the routine feels. I feel strong in the water. I have the energy to train, work, write, coach clients, and pursue new projects. While I may not be swimming as far or as fast as I was a year ago, I feel confident that I can continue doing the things I love. Beyond Peak Performance As I reflected on that change, I was reminded of Olivier Hamant’s concept of robustesse – the idea that living systems thrive not because they are perfectly optimized, but because they are resilient enough to adapt and continue to function over time. The same is true for leaders Much of our culture celebrates optimization, efficiency, and doing more. Those qualities certainly have value. But over the course of a career, another question becomes equally important: How do we sustain the energy, health, relationships, and capabilities that allow us to continue contributing over the long term? Leadership is not simply about reaching the next milestone. It is about maintaining the capacity to continue learning, adapting, and showing up for others. What Happens Between the Milestones I still enjoy preparing for an event, challenging myself, and crossing a finish line. There is something deeply satisfying about setting a goal, putting in the work, and discovering what is possible. What has changed is my appreciation for what happens between those milestones. The greatest benefit of training is not the race itself. It is the way a sustainable routine supports every other part of life. Swimming, strength training, and occasional runs give me energy. They help me think more clearly, manage stress, stay focused, and bring more presence to my work and relationships. Perhaps that is where sport and leadership intersect. Ambitious goals inspire us to grow, but the habits we build along the way are what sustain us. They give us the capacity to continue learning, contributing, and enjoying the journey over the long term. As I look ahead to September, I am grateful not only for the opportunity to swim but also for the chance to reconnect with old friends. Both remind me that some of the most important things in life are not achieved once and for all. They are maintained, renewed, and strengthened over time. This year, I will once again be participating in Swim for Life on Cape Cod, an event that has supported local organizations and community initiatives for decades. If you’d like to learn more about the event (https://swim4life.org/) or support my fundraising efforts (https://charity.pledgeit.org/f/e9fed2o03l), I would be grateful. If you would like to explore your own career evolution or think intentionally about sustaining your leadership over the long term, I’d be happy to have that conversation. [email protected]  I’m excited to have begun interviewing former clients for my upcoming book on Career Evolution and Career by Design. Through these conversations, I’ve been exploring themes such as leadership growth, career transitions, and the role coaching can play in helping people navigate their careers more intentionally.
One theme continues to surface: the importance of talking openly about your aspirations. Not just with a coach, but with people who can help shape your future, such as leaders, mentors, sponsors, and sometimes even colleagues in other parts of the organization. There has never been a better time to think intentionally about where your career is headed. Organizations are changing quickly. Roles are evolving. AI is reshaping how work gets done and what leadership requires. While setting career goals is important, sharing them with others may matter even more. The Conversations We Often Avoid Many professionals focus only on the next promotion within their current department. But careers rarely unfold in a straight line. Sometimes growth comes through a cross-functional move, a stretch assignment, or an opportunity that broadens your perspective in ways you never expected. Sometimes the role that prepares you for the future is not the one you originally had in mind. Those possibilities are much harder to discover if no one knows what you hope to achieve. The Power of Three- and Four-Way Conversations This is where three- and four-way conversations can be especially valuable. In some organizations, that might mean a conversation involving the client, the coach, and the leader. In others, an HR business partner may also participate. The goal is not to create another meeting. The goal is to create alignment. These conversations give people an opportunity to share their aspirations, discuss development goals, and receive direct feedback from those who can help shape their path. Sometimes leaders fully support the proposed direction. Other times, they may suggest alternative opportunities, experiences, or relationships that may be an even better fit. Just as importantly, these discussions help clarify readiness, timing, and expectations. They create space for honest dialogue about what is possible now and what may require additional growth and experience. As one of the leaders I recently interviewed shared: “Don’t forget that your manager or boss is not a mind reader. You need to clearly communicate the value you are bringing, the ideas you would like to bring to fruition, and how those ideas can create value both for your leader and for the organization.” Managing Director, Marketing & Communication, Global Investment Too often, people assume their aspirations are obvious. In reality, some of the most important career conversations never happen because no one starts them. Careers Grow Through Connection What I continue to learn from coaching conversations is that careers rarely evolve in isolation. They grow through reflection, dialogue, relationships, visibility, and the willingness to explore possibilities with others. Career growth is no longer only about climbing upward. Increasingly, it is about building experiences, adaptability, and relationships over time. Sometimes the opportunity that changes your career begins with a conversation. If you would like to explore your own career evolution or engage in a career scenario-planning conversation, please feel free to reach out.  I recently reunited in Paris with three crew members from the Clipper Race Scotland Leg 1, and I was reminded that some experiences don’t end when the journey itself does. They continue to teach you long after.
An adventure like this is experienced differently by everyone. From preparation and training to the intensity of life at sea to not completing the full leg myself to reconnecting months later, I keep learning from it all. And that may be the point. If life—and leadership-aren’t about learning, then what are they about? At the moment, Scotland is holding second place at Stage 10, resting in Seattle before heading toward the Panama Canal and Washington, DC. The race continues, just as our own journeys do. Not for the Faint of Heart One thing became very clear to me: this race is not for the faint of heart. My fellow crew members reminded me of that, and so did two falls and a broken toe along the way. Two of my colleagues completed Leg 1, and another continued on through Cape Verde and all the way to Australia. Every single one of them described different challenges. For some, it was the physical endurance. For others, it was the human dynamics of living and working closely with eighteen people who barely knew one another before stepping onto the boat. Personalities, stress, fatigue, uncertainty, leadership styles—all of it became part of the experience. It reminded me how difficult it is to predict what happens when people are placed together under pressure. And honestly, leadership is not for the faint of heart either. Leadership Requires Constant Adjustment In my work, I see leaders navigating mergers, acquisitions, organizational restructuring, CEO transitions, and shifting expectations inside companies. Like sailing, leadership requires continual adjustment. Conditions change quickly. Plans have to change with them. Often, the hardest part is not the strategy itself, but the human dynamic underneath it. There is no perfect playbook for that, whether you are crossing an ocean or leading through uncertainty inside an organization. This spring, while delivering workshops on change leadership, I found myself thinking again about how deeply change transforms us, not just professionally, but personally. The experiences that stretch us most often become the ones that reshape how we lead, relate to others, and understand ourselves. The Next Adventure This latest adventure certainly transformed me, and I suspect the learning is still unfolding. So, what comes next? I am considering becoming certified as a day captain in Greece through the Royal Yachting Association, inspired by one of my fellow crew members. Our small, international cohort from Brazil, France, Spain, the United States, and Canada is already talking about future sailing adventures: Patagonia, Galápagos, and perhaps even a reunion in Rio. We will see where the next chapter leads. Because leadership, like sailing, is rarely about certainty. It is about continuing to step into experiences that stretch you, humble you, and expand your capacity to lead. So, I’ll leave you with this: What experience in your own life or career has stretched you the most? And how did it change the way you lead? Feel free to reach out at [email protected].  Lessons from Coaching ConversationsAs I work on my upcoming book on Career Evolution, I have been reconnecting with former clients to reflect on their career journeys and the role coaching played along the way. These conversations have been enlightening for both of us.
They give me insight into what supported their growth during the coaching process, while also giving them the opportunity to pause and reflect on their own paths: what helped them move forward, what challenged them, and what ultimately emerged from those moments of transition. What I continue to learn from these conversations is how often career clarity begins with reflection. Seeing New Possibilities Through Scenario PlanningIn a focused, immersive session, scenario planning creates space to step back, explore multiple futures, and clarify direction. One former client described how scenario planning helped him move out of a “funk” during a period of unemployment. Instead of focusing solely on what had been lost, the process helped him recognize his transferable skills and begin to imagine several possible paths forward. Another client, now a CEO, reflected on the impact of the visualization exercises we used while exploring board opportunities and other career directions. What stayed with her most was not the action plan itself, but the clarity that emerged during the reflection process. “The future visualization exercise was very impressive. It was a really interesting experience. I sometimes wonder what would happen if we repeated the exercise today—whether I would see the same future again. But I think the scenario and visualization exercises were actually more fundamental than the action plan itself. In a way, they lowered the pressure and the questions I had. Once that became clear, I knew the rest would fall into place.” Another leader shared how the career scenario-planning session helped clarify the type of role she wanted next, something larger and more strategic than her previous marketing leadership role. That clarity eventually led to a position with significantly broader organizational responsibility. Often, career movement begins with this kind of clarity: seeing possibilities that were not visible before. From Reflection to Action Through Career CoachingOver time, coaching builds on that clarity, supporting leaders as they translate insight into action and sustained career movement. Career evolution ultimately requires action. One client in global finance once described coaching as an accountability mirror: “Coaching forces action on known goals, preventing them from being shelved by daily tasks.” She used our coaching sessions as a sounding board to prepare for important conversations with her manager about the role she hoped to pursue. Those conversations ultimately led to the promotion she had been working toward. Another client in the financial sector described a similar turning point. Through coaching conversations that deepened her self-awareness and strengthened her collaborative leadership approach, she positioned herself successfully for a new role. Each story is different, but the pattern is familiar: reflection creates clarity, and clarity makes action possible. Your Career Path Is Uniquely YoursOnly you possess the particular combination of experiences that has shaped your professional path. No one else has followed the same educational journey or developed the same insights along the way. The roles you take on, even those that initially feel uncomfortable, help build what many call career capital: the knowledge, skills, and perspective accumulated over time. Along the way, you also bring your personality, your values, and the experiences that have shaped your resilience and creativity. Psychologist James Hillman once described this individuality as our acorn—the unique imprint each person carries. Taking time to reflect on the career capital you have developed can help clarify the value you bring and where that value might create the greatest impact. In many ways, career evolution begins with recognizing the strengths and experience you already carry. Continuing the JourneyWhat strikes me most in these conversations is how thoughtfully many leaders continue to reflect on their careers. They acknowledge their accomplishments while remaining curious about what might come next. Many ask themselves questions such as:
Career evolution is not a single decision. It is an ongoing process of learning, adapting, and moving forward with intention in a constantly changing world. Sometimes the most important step is simply taking the time to reflect on what might be possible next. As you reflect on your own career journey, it may be worth considering the career capital you have already built, where you are today, and what possibilities might lie ahead. For some, that reflection begins with a dedicated moment to step back and explore future possibilities. For others, it unfolds over time through ongoing conversation, challenge, and support. If you would like to explore your own career evolution or engage in a career scenario-planning conversation, please feel free to reach out. [email protected]  Life is precious. How are you starting 2026 in a fast-changing world?
I remember being in my postdoctoral clinical psychology program at the California Medical Center in San Francisco, CA, when we lost an intern to a seizure. He loved NPR. He was young, brilliant, and full of potential. His life ended suddenly, without warning. He is not the only person who left this world too early. Moments like that stay with you. They remind you that we are on a journey without guarantees and that awareness changes how you live, if you let it. As the year begins, I find myself reflecting on what it means to live fully now, not later, and what truly deserves my energy and attention. Reflection and Action I usually start the year with both reflection and action. Practices like meditation, reading, daily routines, and physical exercise help me stay centered, while I also remain intentionally open, agile, and future-focused in the face of ongoing change. My clients are doing the same. They have full lives with families, friends, responsibilities, and ambitions. They are navigating organizations in flux while trying to lead well, do meaningful work, and make thoughtful choices about what comes next. Many are keenly aware of how precious life is—not in an abstract way, but in how they spend their time, how much they carry, and where they draw boundaries. As the year unfolds, it is worth considering what you may be carrying that no longer serves you and what you are intentionally choosing to protect. Living and Leading Amid Change Life is changing quickly. It demands new ways of thinking, learning, and adapting. I have not yet mapped my next sailing or swimming steps, or even what my next adventure might be, but this moment itself feels like an adventure. I am focused on continuing to grow my two businesses while staying open to what emerges next. I see that same openness in many of my clients. Across industries, we see that reorganizations, leadership transitions, and geopolitical factors are reshaping how work gets done. Many leaders are stepping into new roles, navigating uncertainty, and redefining priorities in real time. This requires agility, flexibility, and the capacity to think clearly under pressure. Some of my clients have been practicing these skills for decades. I see them responding thoughtfully to new information, data, and research as they navigate change. Staying steady when the ground shifts often comes down to knowing what helps you re-center and think clearly. Choosing How to Move Forward Even now, I believe in continuing to dare to dream. I’m thinking about how to deepen my own learning so I can better support my clients, while remaining curious about what my next chapter may hold. The pace of change makes internal grounding more important than ever. Reflection, physical strength, and awareness are not luxuries; they are foundations. Ethical and effective leadership requires learning from challenge and uncertainty, then allowing those lessons to shape what comes next. I see my clients doing this every day as they adapt, refine how they show up, and continue to contribute thoughtfully and creatively. We are alive on this earth. We owe it to those who came before us, and to ourselves, to live life fully and consciously: life-affirming, aware, grounded, and agile. As the year begins, what kind of year are you choosing to create? If you would like support as you reflect and plan, feel free to reach out at [email protected]  In every coaching engagement, there is a moment when career transformation truly begins. It’s not during a training session, a strategic workshop, or even a stretch assignment.
It begins at the exact moment someone pauses long enough to ask: “Where am I, and where do I want to go next?” When I coached 16 women leaders from a global financial institution in a two-year career-advancement and leadership-development program, this was the turning point for all of them. Some arrived with well-formed ideas about their future roles. Others had never articulated what they wanted--not because they lacked ambition, but because no one had ever asked them to name it or shape their path intentionally. Many had not had a real career conversation with their manager before. A few had been promoted effortlessly in the past and had never needed to think intentionally about their next step. But as we began the work, one thing became undeniable: Career transformation is not accidental. It’s designed. For more insights, see Case Study: Coaching in a Career-Advancement and Leadership-Development Program for Women in the Psychology of Leaders and Leadership Journal. https://doi.org/10.1037/mgr0000140 Why Clarity Matters for Your Career When leaders define the roles they want, both short-term and long-term, they begin to shift from reacting to their environment to consciously designing their trajectory. They start to envision the contribution they want to make and articulate the kind of leader they intend to become. That clarity becomes the architectural foundation: · It guides conversations. · It informs priorities. · It determines which opportunities fit the design and which do not. During the first phase of coaching, every woman created a career-development blueprint outlining aspirations, strengths, gaps, and target roles. For many, this was the first time they had written these down. That process alone changed the trajectory of their evolution. Clarity Creates Momentum Once participants articulated their aspirations, alignment across the system became possible: · Their managers could finally see where they were heading. · Sponsors knew what to advocate for. · HR could connect talent with the right visibility and opportunities. · Leaders could intentionally stretch assignments to their development plans. The result? Almost 40% of the women were promoted into executive roles during or right after the program. Not because they became more competent, but because: · They became more intentional. · Their design became visible. · They took ownership of shaping what came next. Career evolution accelerates when design replaces guesswork. Design Also Requires Honesty Of course, clarity doesn’t automatically guarantee a quick promotion. A thoughtful design process includes constraints, recalibration, and honest evaluation. Some women discovered that their goals would take more time. Some realized they needed deeper strategic exposure. Others identified gaps that needed attention. And for a few, the organizational context shifted—new managers, new teams, new expectations. But even then, clarity served as an anchor. It gave them a roadmap when everything else moved around them. Where To Begin Designing Your Own Career If you’re considering your next step, or wondering why progress feels slow, start here:
Career transformation doesn’t happen in one sweeping redesign. It happens through intentional choices, steady refinement, and a willingness to shape your future with clarity and courage. If you would like help clarifying your career goals and building a roadmap for your own career evolution, I offer coaching to support leaders at every stage. Reach out at [email protected].  “You own your career.”
I’ve said this to so many clients over the years. And almost every time, I see the same expression, a mix of surprise and uncertainty. What does that actually mean? I often think about career growth the same way I think about sailing. Conditions shift. Challenges appear. But the moment you take the helm, you choose your direction instead of letting the wind decide for you. From Drifting to Steering A client recently told me they felt overlooked for a promotion while others seemed to sail past them. Their energy went into wondering why, feeling frustrated, and hoping things would change. But they skipped the essential steps, such as seeking clarity, asking for feedback, or initiating a crucial conversation. If they had taken just one step, they would have started steering instead of drifting. This is the heart of owning your career. What You Own Just as you’d own a client project or the success of a team, you also own your development. You chart the course. You choose the direction. No one else can do the internal work of clarifying your goals or the external work of taking the steps that move you forward. Many high-performing professionals don’t realize they can initiate these conversations. They wait to be noticed. They hope someone will eventually tap them on the shoulder. Meanwhile, others are already plotting their next move: identifying stretch assignments, strengthening relationships, and engaging in ongoing career conversations that build momentum. They’re not waiting. They’re moving. First Things First: Where Are You, and Where Do You Want to go? One of the biggest challenges is stopping long enough to ask yourself: What do I want next? Not what others expect of you. Not what seems safe. What you want. From there, the work becomes clearer: · Clarifying your goals · Communicating them · Exploring how they align with organizational needs · Building a development plan you can actually act on Career advancement isn’t guesswork. It’s navigation. Your Tools Have Expanded And now, you have artificial intelligence (AI) to support you in this work. AI can’t make decisions for you, but it can help you think more clearly about them. It can help you explore possible career paths, articulate your goals, identify the skills you need to grow, prepare for conversations with your manager or HR, and even map out a step-by-step development plan. It becomes a thinking partner that helps you reflect on what matters, organize your ideas, and move toward your goals with more confidence. You Can’t Wait You can’t wait for someone else to solve this for you. Career growth begins with one step… then the next… then the next. Progress works the same way in sport or at sea: movement creates momentum, and momentum builds confidence. You own your career, and you now have more tools and support than ever to shape your next chapter with intention and clarity. If you would like support in identifying your career goals and crafting a clear, actionable career plan, I offer coaching services to help you move forward with confidence. Feel free to reach out at [email protected].  The Clipper Race continues, but I’m no longer on the Team Scotland sailboat. The first part of Leg 1 — spanning from Portsmouth, UK, to Puerto Sherry, Spain—marked the beginning of this 11-month adventure.
I trained hard for five intense weeks, yet nothing quite matched nine consecutive days at sea. I was part of Team Scotland, a strong crew led by the excellent skipper Heather Thomas and her fully committed mate. We were still becoming a team, working our way through Tuckman’s arc (forming → storming → norming → performing → adjourning) when the Atlantic reminded us who’s in charge. A Start with a BangWe sailed into the remnants of Hurricane Erin. Race leadership warned it might be the toughest week of the entire circumnavigation. They weren’t exaggerating. Early Tuesday, I was preparing to head up to the deck as our boat, CV22, heeled sharply. My sailing boots slid, and I shot from one end of the boat to the other, hitting my head and shoulder. I was out for a few minutes. When I came to, the shoulder pain was excruciating. And then, as if to make sure I got the message, two green walls of water came through the door and drenched the skipper, a crewmate, and me. The pain meds took the edge off, but upset my stomach. The rest of the week? Call it storm school. Winning and Losing at the Same Time Team Scotland won that stage. And yet, even in the win, I felt like I had lost my love of sailing and wasn’t sure how — or if — I would recover. Across the fleet, a few sailors stepped off: some decided the race was too much; others were injured- broken ribs, a broken foot—and one was helicoptered to a hospital. The race goes on, with winners and losers on paper, and with lessons for everyone on the journey. When Storms Hit My Clients Over twenty-three years of coaching, I’ve seen clients weather their own squalls. During the 2008 global financial crisis, some renegotiated contracts simply to keep their company alive. CEOs leave, new ones arrive, and overnight, the alliances my clients had carefully built are rearranged. Constant reorgs churned the water until even the most capable paused to ask, “Does this still fit? Are my strengths relevant here? “ We talk a lot about agility and resilience, and we should. But the way through often begins with alignment and a reset: health first, values front and center, the right support around you. From there, it’s straightforward human work: tell the truth about what’s happening, ask for what you need, and take the right next step. Not flashy. Just steady. Leadership Lessons From the Sea It feels good to have learned to sail, and I know I’m still learning. I set out with one goal and met another, and with friends’ support, I was able to give through JustGiving and help children—that mattered. A colleague told me storms can be a badge of entry to the sailing world; this one certainly was. I put a high value on my health and my self-care, and I know when it’s time to heal and reset. Experiences like this shake you to the core, and they invite a clear re-look at goals, choices, and values. Interested in exploring how to re-examine goals, choices, and values after a storm? Let’s connect. desormeauxconsulting.com • [email protected]  “Attention, Ladies and Gentlemen—5, 4, 3, 2, 1 . . . let’s go.”
And here we are. The Clipper Race is about to begin. https://www.clipperroundtheworld.com There’s an electric energy in the air fueled by final safety checks, last-minute trainings, and saying goodbye to family and friends who’ve come to cheer us on. We’ve just completed another PIE assessment (Preparation, Initial Action, and Equipment) for scenarios ranging from collisions and fires to flooding and heavy weather. The week before departure includes registration, a full day of sailing to ensure the boat and crew are ready, man overboard drills, and rehearsing maneuvers like hoisting and lowering sails. And of course, the big departure celebration. I’ll be sailing Leg 1 of an 11-month circumnavigation of the globe, alongside crew members - some completing a few legs, others the entire race. I’m joining for Leg 1 of 8, sailing from the UK to Puerto Sherry, Spain (about 8 to 10 days of sailing), where we’ll pause for a three-day boat check to ensure everything is working properly. Then, we’ll set sail on a 33-day ocean crossing to Punta del Este, Uruguay. Step by Step, Evolution by Evolution In sailing, every evolution (maneuver) builds on the last. Think of it: you learn to hoist sails, then to trim lines, and eventually, to helm confidently in rough weather. Through repetition and reflection, these skills become second nature. Leadership functions in a similar way. When I coach clients transitioning into new roles, we focus on small, deliberate adjustments, tackling one behavior at a time. Although progress might appear slow, these purposeful steps result in lasting change. Whether you’re on the deck or in a leadership role, real growth happens one evolution at a time. Stepping Fully Into Your Role You made it—new job, new promotion, new challenge. And now comes the moment to lead.. This is an exciting time, and it calls for your full presence, intention, and commitment. It’s not about having every answer on day one; it’s about showing up fully from the start. One client I worked with was applying for a senior role at a health insurance company, a department new to him. To prepare, he developed a 30-page plan outlining how he would lead the department. That detailed preparation helped him not only secure the role but also succeed in it. He stepped in fully from the start. I often meet clients six months into a new role, just beginning to see what’s holding them back. Maybe it’s executive presence, navigating peer dynamics, or adapting to shifting expectations. That’s precisely when we partner to strengthen what’s working and adjust what isn’t. After all, stepping into your role isn’t just about the first day—it’s about every day after that. Holding the Helm As I write this, I’ve spent more than a year training for the Clipper race, mostly in weekly sessions and shorter sails. Aside from a two-day practice event in May, I’ve never raced under pressure. Now, I’m here, part of a transatlantic crew, competing against nine other teams. I, too, must fully step into my role. Just like my clients, I’m drawing on my training and preparation. I’m remembering the PIE assessments. I’m listening to the countdown. And I’m holding the helm with full attention and trust in my growth so far. Whether on the ocean or in the office, stepping fully into your role means being ready when the moment comes. And committing with everything you’ve got. Let’s Talk Interested in discussing leadership, role transitions, or how we support high-impact leaders? 📩 Reach out to me at [email protected] or visit www.desormeauxconsulting.com |
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