May 31, 2024
5 years ago, I took a big risk and left an organization I’d been with for nearly 20 years. I said yes to a handful of consulting offers that crossed my path, realized I loved the diversity of working with different organizations and people and haven't looked back since.
I also just finished my 5th decade of life, so it feels like the right time to share the 5 big insights that led me to launch Impact Navigators:
I used to feel restless doing similar work year after year, which led to feeling less invigorated on the job. Now, the diversity of working with multiple organizations at a time stimulates my thinking and sparks ideas for solutions and new ways of working.
Working on the global development and humanitarian agenda is tough work, and quite often lives are at stake. Working with people who inspire and make the hardest days rewarding is incredibly important. Surround yourself with people who embrace you and allow you to step back and admit none of us have all the answers. Bonus if they make you laugh along the way.
I had the privilege of working with a master networker for decades and learned more from her than I realized. It’s been heartening to see that the deep relationships I have built through all phases of my career are now opening doors. My world is full of change-makers who want to collaborate.
In each of my projects, I’ve plugged into existing teams or brought on colleagues to collaborate and amplify the work. This has been so critical to my work that I launched Impact Navigators – a platform that allows me to extend beyond my own capabilities and continue to ideate and implement with others.
When I left my job 5 years ago, I noted that taking risks doesn’t come naturally to me, but I’ve learned to do it thoughtfully. Putting myself out there publicly is tough, but I’ve also put in the work and now I want your feedback. Check out Impact Navigators, get inspired by the work we do, and reach out. I look forward to working with many of you to make change happen together.
