CEO | Board Member | Transformational Leader | Fortune 10 Executive Leader | Private Equity
Maryam, thank you for bringing attention to our previous discussion and for your candid insights on the topic of sabbaticals during last fall's Fortune Most Powerful Women event. Your words have continued to inspire ongoing conversations on this important subject. When I left my CEO role almost a year ago, I quickly began receiving calls from headhunters and industry colleagues about job opportunities and "what's next." As someone whose identity has long been intertwined with work and thrives in team environments, my initial impulse was to jump into the next role without hesitation. However, several coaches and mentors advised me to take deliberate time for myself before deciding on my next role. While this idea was daunting at times, I took their advice and made a personal commitment not to work for at least six months. This past year has been unexpectedly rewarding. It has provided me with deeper insights into my purpose and what truly energizes me. I've also enjoyed precious time with friends and family, traveled, explored new hobbies, and participated in transformative retreats that led to valuable new connections. Month by month, my creativity has flourished. My sabbatical has not only refreshed me but has also positioned me to return as a more well-rounded and enthusiastic executive than I've been in years. Coincidentally, my friend Ania Smith is featured in today's Broadsheet discussing her own "adult gap year." It's definitely worth reading about her experiences!
Managing Director @ Fortune Media C-Suite Exec: Tech . Hospitality . Media | Public Company Director | Trustee | Advisor I Creator I Speaker + Proud New Yorker I Co-Founder NYCNext
𝗡𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗱𝘀: 𝟱 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗟𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗝𝗼𝘆 Let's be real - career transitions can feel like an 𝗲𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗼𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿🎢. One moment you're soaring, the next plunging into uncertainty.💡 𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗽𝗶𝘃𝗼𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗺𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗯𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗹𝘆𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵, 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗷𝗼𝘆. I sat down with Shelley Huff, remarkable member of our Fortune Most Powerful Women Community. Despite her impressive achievements, she was navigating her own career transition (because let's face it, even the most powerful among us face ups and downs!). Afterwards, based on our candid conversation she shared key takeaways - because that's true leaders pay it forward. With her permission, I'm sharing them with you. 𝟭. 𝗔 𝗣𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗗𝗼𝗲𝘀𝗻'𝘁 𝗠𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗻𝘁 A career break doesn't have to signify a complete change in direction. Sometimes, a pause is simply a chance to recharge and return to your calling with a fresh perspective and renewed passion. 𝟮. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 Documenting your thoughts, feelings, and experiences can bring incredible clarity to your journey. But don't forget to give yourself permission to prioritize joy along the way. 𝟯. 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 "𝗞𝗶𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘁" During a sabbatical or transition, surround yourself with a trusted circle of individuals who can reinforce your goals and aspirations. Positive influences can be a powerful source of motivation and encouragement. 𝟰. 𝗔𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲𝘀 When re-entering the workforce, have the courage to seek out roles that align with your values and priorities. As my friend shared, "I found a place I was willing to go again. It's never perfect, but it hit my four boxes: I respected the people, I cared about the work, I could learn, and I could have an impact." No job is perfect, but you deserve to find one that resonates with your authentic self. 𝟱. 𝗘𝗺𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗯𝗯 𝗮𝗻�� 𝗙𝗹𝗼𝘄 Lastly, remember that fluctuations in confidence are perfectly normal during career transitions. By recognizing and accepting these ebbs and flows with self-compassion, you can navigate these periods with greater resilience. ❓ Which lesson resonated + why? Share in the comments. 📕 Also Samhita Mukhopadhyay book that drops today, "The Myth of Making it" is topical + so worth reading! BUY it here: https://lnkd.in/e-87Q49f #careertransitions #workculture #community #burnout
Shelley, good for you! When life gives us moments that beg for stillness and reflection, we are fools if we don’t take them.
Excellent perspective, as always!
Shelley, you are incredibly tough and brave. I admire your confidence in taking the time to listen to your heart and ask the questions that lead to discovering your true purpose.
Love the perspective! Giving ourselves permission to learn and grow outside the confines of career can be frightening, exhilarating, enlightening -- all at once. I'm glad you took advantage of the opportunity!
Shelley - you have approached this career “pause” with patience and persistence that will play out with amazing personal and professional reward! Excited to see what the next chapter looks like for you!
This resonates so deeply - thank you for sharing Shelley!
I’m proud of you and your personal and professional growth!! Whoever gets you next is very fortunate ❤️❤️
Shelley Huff you are always inspiring others! Thank you for sharing your insights so other women leaders can benefit!
My adult gap year(ish) was absolutely necessary! I can't recommend it enough.
Business Development Executive
1moShelley, I've taken three gap years during my career. I've used each one to do something completely outside the norm for me and unrelated to what I typically get paid to do. I share stories from these experiences. I share and use knowledge gained from these experiences. I encourage people to do this if they can. There's definitely a cost to doing it, not only financially, but professionally. But for me, well worth it.