And Speaking Of... New Chapters

As I prepare to write my LinkedIn article each week, I always start by staring at the blinking cursor in an empty Word document. While there are some weeks where my words flow with ease and inspiration, there are others when I feel overwhelmed by the pressure of filling in that blank space.

This week, I found myself experiencing a strange mix of both emotions. While I felt like I knew exactly what I wanted to write, I also felt a bit overwhelmed, with a side dose of imposter syndrome creeping in.

I knew this week's article needed to answer one big question: How do I authentically share how to navigate a new chapter while simultaneously navigating one myself?

This question has been top of mind as I reflected on what I wanted to share in light of a new chapter for Gifted Travel Network . In case you missed it, we announced last week that GTN has been acquired by Trevello World Holdings. This is a significant and exciting development for both GTN and Trevello Travel Group , marking a new chapter for our respective companies and teams. Our shared vision - to provide the best travel advisor support in the industry - is deeply aligned, and the opportunity to amplify our collective impact is immense.

While there is a buzz of excitement about the opportunities ahead for both our preferred partners and advisors at GTN, new chapters (and the blank, proverbial pages they bring) can also feel daunting. For me, navigating this change feels different than previous transitions. For the first time in my career, I am navigating a major leap alongside a team, not just as an individual. Working with a team adds layers of complexity but also immense strength. Balancing individual goals with collective vision has been a fascinating and rewarding challenge.

In the lead-up to this announcement, I focused on alignment and staying grounded. Each morning, I prioritized rituals that helped me start my day with clarity: Journaling, quiet reflection, and intentionally avoiding the endless scroll of social media. I resisted the pull of my inbox and stayed mindful of the topics and conversations I engaged with. When stepping into a new chapter, protecting your energy becomes one of the most powerful actions you can take.

Starting a new chapter, whether personally or professionally, is a chance to approach life with greater intentionality and focus. It's an opportunity to be deliberate about your choices, your energy, and how you show up. Yet, it's also easy to get hijacked by the chaos of daily life.

For my first LinkedIn article of 2025, I spoke about my intention to be a more conscious leader this year. Being clear about my intentions and how I direct my energy is not just important; it's the foundation for how I aim to shape this next chapter for myself and those around me.

There's no universal formula for navigating a new chapter, nor is there a checklist of rules to follow. Each opportunity is unique, and the way you move through it is defined not just by what you do, but by how you show up and who you choose to be. I am choosing to show up as a supportive, positive, and curious leader, focused on creating forward momentum for everyone involved.

In life, we go through cycles of learning, growth, and transformation. New chapters symbolize the next step on this journey, offering the chance to start fresh, refocus, and embrace the possibilities ahead. As you navigate your own journey, here are three things to keep in mind:

1. Protect Your Energy: Be intentional about what you give your time and attention to, ensuring it aligns with your values and goals.
2. Stay Aligned with Your Values: Use your core values as a compass to guide decisions and actions during times of change.
3. Embrace the Unknown with Curiosity: Approach uncertainty as an opportunity to learn and grow rather than a source of fear.

To close, I want to leave you with a quote that resonates deeply with this moment:

"Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future."

—John F. Kennedy

How have you navigated new chapters in your career or personal life? What lessons have you learned along the way? I would love to hear your perspectives in the comments below. Thank you for supporting this LinkedIn series and being part of this shared journey!