Reflecting on the Journey

I’m often asked, “What are you doing now?” or “How’s the job search going?” While my next opportunity will be announced in the future, I believe it’s important to take a moment to reflect on where I’ve been and how I arrived here.

To set the stage, let’s go back to the pandemic. Like many companies, ours faced severe financial turmoil and the loss of exceptional leaders. When the dust settled, I was the sole field executive, partnering with the CEO to navigate our field operations through one of the most challenging periods in businesses history. Thanks to the dedication and resilience of the remaining team, the company not only survived but began to thrive again.

As we emerged from the pandemic, we started rebuilding our leadership team. With the retirement of our pandemic-era CEO, we saw transitions in key leadership roles. I was deeply involved in the discussions and interview processes for these positions and felt confident about the company’s future. Having worked with numerous CEOs and leadership teams over my 25 years there, I was well-versed in adapting to change.

In Q2 of 2022, I received yet another top rated performance review from my two new supervisors, including praise for my leadership during the pandemic and statements like “the company would not have survived without your leadership”. However, over the following months, it became clear that one of my new leader’s approach was problematic. Their frequent use of profanity in discussions, especially in the presence of subordinates, was a behavior I could not condone. Having seen that this behavior would not be addressed by company leadership, legal leadership, or HR/ER leadership, I raised this concern directly with them in the second half of 2022, but the conversation was poorly received.

Following that discussion, my leader began to distance themselves, avoiding meetings, cancelling check ins, and offering vague reassurances about 2023’s future planning. By the end of the year, it was evident where things were heading.

In the early days of 2023, I met with my two supervisors over lunch, where they informed me that my position was being eliminated. Within minutes or dropping this news on me, my boss stops and asks “is that Vice Vaughn” sitting over there. ? Why yes, @VinceVaughn is unknowingly seeing me lose my job, thanks for noticing. The rest of the meeting was brief and impersonal, and my concerns about the decision were dismissed. I left the lunch knowing I had to choose between pursuing a lengthy legal battle or ensuring a fair and equitable separation agreement.

The following weeks were spent negotiating that agreement while networking and exploring new opportunities. After much back-and-forth, including a direct conversation with the one individual that should not have called, the one responsible for my dismissal, I secured an agreement that met my terms and ensured that my shares, vested and non-vested were paid out.

A New Chapter Begins

On February 1st, 2023, I officially embarked on a new chapter—one that began with an unexpected emergency. Early that morning, a fire engulfed the storage shed beside our house, threatening our home. While trying to contain the flames, I sustained burns on my face and hands, requiring treatment at a burn center. This was the start of many months of healing and repairs to our home.

Despite these challenges, I pressed on with my job search. Just two days after the fire, I joined a Zoom interview, bandages and all, because the company refused to reschedule. The CEO was visibly startled by my appearance and I politely made it clear I wouldn’t join any organization that treated applicants with such disregard.

The job search has been full of surprises. I experienced everything from unprofessional panel interviews to startling displays of internal conflict among leadership teams. I encountered scams, fake job postings, and even expletive-laden responses when I called out unethical fraudulent practices.

The most disheartening experience, however, came when former colleagues attempted to disparage my reputation, breaching the mutual non-disparagement clause within my separation agreement.

Looking Ahead

Despite the challenges, I continue to move forward. I’ve had insightful discussions with executive leaders seeking guidance, pursued self-education, and dedicated myself to personal growth. I’ve cycled over 13,500 miles, lost 30 pounds, grown out the Santa beard for the season, and remain always optimistic about what lies ahead.

For companies seeking an executive leader with integrity, resilience, drive, and proven to run at the fire — I’m always ready. And for my former colleagues, I encourage you to take a hard look at the values and actions of some of those around you.

The journey has of course been challenging, but it has also been an opportunity to grow, reflect, and prepare for what’s next.

Here’s to running toward and through any challenges and to continued successes in the future.