How do you learn and improve from a distressed exit experience?

Firstly, reflection on the circumstances leading to the exit allows for a deep understanding of the contributing factors, be they internal or external. This self-awareness forms the foundation for improvement. Embracing the discomfort and emotional challenges of the experience fosters resilience and adaptability. Analyzing the decisions made during the exit, whether they were effective or not, provides valuable insights into one's decision-making process. Seeking feedback from trusted mentors or colleagues further enriches the learning process by offering diverse perspectives. It is crucial to identify patterns and lessons from the distressing exit, transforming setbacks into stepping stones for future success.

When you begin communicating about the exit, withdrawal symptoms kick in. People who are your superiors, Juniors begin to think you have betrayed them and now you are leaving. This usually happens when in a company you are close to your co-workers and now have taken an independent decision. The dilemma is when you are thinking of taking such a step you can't be very vocal about it. The best you can do is start acting independent, create boundaries and be very subtle in communicating your plan to your seniors and your team members to prepare them mentally. Assess who is your partner, who can go against you, prepare well in advance, know what can be negotiated. People are not against you, they just can't cope up with the loss.

In facing a distressed exit experience, it's crucial to view it as a stepping stone to growth and wisdom. Start by conducting a comprehensive analysis to understand the specific factors that contributed to the situation. Next, focus on personal growth and professional development, seeking to refine your strategic skills and decision-making processes. Finally, remember that resilience and adaptability are key attributes in your role as a global marketing and business development strategist. Embrace the lessons learned, apply them to future endeavors, and continue to strive for excellence in your field.

In fact, before jumping into analysis, allow yourself time to process the emotional toll of the experience. Acknowledge your feelings and allow yourself to grieve any losses. This emotional grounding will help you approach the situation with a clearer and more objective perspective.

Learning from a distressed exit starts with brutal honesty. I always ask: What were the signs I missed? What decisions could I have made differently? It’s not just about analysing the numbers but understanding the dynamics; how I communicated with stakeholders, how I managed the emotional weight of the situation, and where I hesitated. A distressed exit reveals more than just financial gaps; it highlights areas of personal growth. By assessing both my actions and inactions, I gain insights that sharpen my instincts for the future, ensuring that each challenge becomes a stepping stone to stronger, wiser decisions.

In Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas, we've delivered ALL ALTERNATIVES ON THE TEXTBOOK: Operational optimization, cost reduction measures, product diversification, new products, and market expansion strategies; Debt restructuring, bankruptcy alternatives (RCE the Brazilian new SAF Law), merged and consolidated subordinate companies and their balance sheets into a NewCo. Wise asset sales without destroying value like lending players free of charge-free or undervalued player transfers; Advanced revenue streams, asked for bridge loans, and leveraged possible favorable legislation.

To truly learn from a distressed exit, I focus on evaluating the alternatives I had along the way. What paths did I explore, and what criteria shaped my choices? It’s about understanding the trade-offs, risks, and the potential outcomes I anticipated. I reflect on how I prioritised each option and how I monitored the results. The key is not just analysing what happened, but understanding why it happened. By breaking down the logic and rationale behind my decisions, I gain valuable insights into the decision-making process itself, helping me navigate future challenges with more clarity and foresight.

One of the most valuable steps after a distressed exit is seeking feedback from those who were in the trenches with you. I always ask: Who did I trust during the process, and what insights did they offer? It’s important to embrace both the support and challenges others brought to the table. Their perspectives often highlight blind spots you missed or confirm the strengths of your decisions. By being open to diverse viewpoints, I’ve found that post-exit reflection becomes richer, and it helps me adapt my approach for the future with a more well-rounded perspective.

Reflecting and documenting after a distressed exit is essential for truly internalising the experience. I take time to write down the key lessons, both the hard-earned mistakes and the successes I can be proud of. It’s not just about analysing actions but also acknowledging the emotions that came with them - stress, frustration, relief, or even pride. By processing these feelings, I can better understand how I coped with the challenges and recovered from the strain. This reflection isn’t just for closure; it’s a roadmap for future growth, helping me approach the next chapter with clarity and resilience.

True growth from a distressed exit comes when you apply what you’ve learned and share it with others. I focus on how those lessons enhance my skills and mindset, preparing me for future challenges. It’s not just about personal growth but leveraging those experiences to create new opportunities, build stronger networks, and form valuable partnerships. By sharing my insights with others - whether through mentoring, writing, or speaking - I not only solidify my own learning but also help others navigate similar paths. This creates a ripple effect, turning one tough experience into countless future successes.

It's natural to have moments of disappointment and reflection after a distressed exit, but it's essential to keep them brief. Allow yourself that short "pity-party" and enjoy your ice cream, but then swiftly shift your focus back to your goals and aspirations. The key to success lies in your ability to learn from setbacks, adapt, and persevere with renewed determination.

In my last job at Botafogo, which I consider my biggest Turnaround gig ever, we had an “extremely healthy exit”. However, it didn't shield us from prejudice, misinformation, and huge pressure from the press, legislators, and politicians. The ultimate postdoctoral fellow. So, my advice? Never expect accolades from clients, communities, employees, past or present owners, government agencies, or suppliers. Do what is right for the company and always be prepared for the worst.