REALISING THE SKY IS THE LIMIT
My corporate career has been a pretty successful and consistent one. I’d say it was akin to a transatlantic flight rather than a cross-country road trip. There was a big take-off climbing to 36,000 feet with only some slight turbulence crossing the Atlantic, a few memorable highlights like free champagne and afternoon tea (obviously it’s a first class flight), all finished off with a smooth landing. If I’d opted for the road trip it would have been exhilarating, roof down (yes it’s a convertible), speeding around bends, climbing hills for spectacular views, whizzing down to the next stop-off, back in the driving seat the following day, visiting as many places as I fancied with no specific final destination in mind.
I celebrated 20 years of service at the Swoosh not long before leaving, and can easily recall my first day turning up looking like an extra from ‘Working Girl’. That was the only time a trouser suit was adorned to the office!
Nike was probably the least ‘corporate’ corporate brand going in those days! It had all flown by.
My flight began with a rapid take-off, a career jump after only 2 years into something very different. From then, I cruised steadily, either moving sideways into different roles or got tweaks in my responsibilities. I became a manager and with it more money and new opportunities. I loved leading teams and coaching people. Every new role motivated me and developed fresh skills. I worked hard and played hard until I reached my final destination.
I hadn’t significantly climbed the career ladder, I’d progressed steadily with great performance and feedback on my contribution to the business. I didn’t step up to a director role, like some of those I’d interviewed and brought into the company years before. I suppose I'd plodded, always contributing and diligent, but never taking the next big leap. Something had held me back, that inner voice chattering endlessly, making sure I knew my limits.
It didn’t upset me as my voice and I were close. I did sometimes question it, but didn’t dare to answer back; it seemed to know me better than I knew myself. So I cruised steadily through the different roles, making sure I delivered results and drove the business forward, occasionally wondering if I had what it took to get a more senior position. But that voice was always piping up to talk me out of it.
Upon reflection I realise that I shouldn’t have listened. I should have had a stronger voice myself. I should have took the road trip rather than the smooth flight. I should have reached way up into the sky rather than cruising through it.
Having to leave Nike behind and think about what my next role is going to be has allowed me the chance to do lots of self-reflection - and have a big conversation with that inner voice (more to come on that one!). I needed to do this. To look back at my journey through those 20 years and examine the route I took and the impact it had on me.
Fathoming out what I do next opens up a vacancy for a new destination. I want to make sure the journey to get there is as exhilarating and exciting as possible, because the destination is a long way off; in fact I don’t even really know where it is! Yet it feels ok, because there are many things I want to do, see and feel along the way. I’ve realised the road to your destination is probably the most important part of the journey, because it’s where you are now; and living life now, to it’s fullest is what we should all be doing every step of the way.
