Something new to thrive in ’25!

As I contemplated a big career transition in late 2024, stepping away from full time employment, a team I loved, in a role that stretched and challenged me, I took time out to reflect and think about what is really important in my life.

I had some great help from people generous and willing to give guidance, share their own experiences and listen to where I was at to help me on my journey and with my decision-making process. If you were one of those people (there were quite a few, some of the stand-outs mentioned below!), I am very grateful, thank-you.

I wanted to share a couple of the things I found most helpful, on the off chance that they resonate and help someone else in a similar position. As I considered my next step, Rob Bishop shared with me a blog that he had written back in 2021, which he loosely described as an exercise in "what you can do, vs what you want to do". ?I realised that I had, without intentionally doing so, moved over time into positions that I could do. I thought that this that stretch and growth in each bigger role would bring me joy through my love of learning, and mastering new challenges, but I found out that it also involved such breadth that I ended up doing less of what I love to do, which left me feeling a whole lot less like my authentic self, and not necessarily showing up as the best leader and colleague I could be. That was an ‘a ha’ moment!

I wouldn’t say I had accidentally climbed the career ladder, because I absolutely did that with intention, I just had not thought so much about what doing that would mean in the context of the life I want to live outside of work. When people asked me “what did you do on the weekend”, I realised that I was spending a lot of time on weekends recovering from the working week, getting ready for the next working week and also sometimes working just to keep on top of things.

In thinking about transitioning into a new way of working and living, I also spoke with Leeanne Carson-Hughes, who gave me such a lot of helpful information about in 30 minutes, that I think I will still be working through the list of helpful suggestions in a few months’ time! Leanne asked me some great questions, gave me some great tips on how she organises her own time, and shared some learnings from her own journey.

Thinking about Leanne’s advice led me in the direction of thinking about my ikigai, which roughly translated refers to that which brings value and joy to life: from people, such as one’s children or friends, to activities including work and hobbies." The Philosophy of Ikigai: 3 Examples About Finding Purpose.? Mine is here:

So, after a good solid period of navel gazing, you will find me here, partnering with Bishop Associates to enable people and organisations to thrive.

Reach out to me for a coffee catch-up, if you’d like to find out how I can help you or your business! If you’re not in Christchurch, I can meet you online.

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Lisa Fawcett is an experienced Leader, HR Professional and Good Human. You can reach her on 03 2650 667 or [email protected]