Transitions…

“We cannot become what we need to be by remaining what we are.” ~Max de Pree

Tis the season for transitions. Back-to-school season seems filled with them. If you’re on social media at all, for the past several weeks, you’ve likely seen numerous photos, blogs, and commentary about the latest round of transitions for Gen Z and the emerging Gen Alpha. With one daughter in college and one in her senior year of high school, transitions are top of mind for me, too. I’m particularly empathetic towards friends who are seeing their kids off to college for the first time and those who are experiencing “empty-nest syndrome.” How about you?

With every transition comes an end and a beginning. Maybe that’s why empty nesters find this time filled with both sadness and joy. This is true with many transitions, don’t you think? It reminds me of finishing a book that’s part of a series. There’s the feeling of happiness because you’re done, but melancholy that the good book is over. If it was an excellent read, then likely you’re also feeling an eager anticipation to start the next one.

Perhaps prophetically, I’m amidst a professional transition right now. For the past two and a half years, I’ve been responsible for AT&T’s National Business team. I’m so thankful to have had an opportunity to support a wonderful team that serves millions of customers around the country. Now it’s time for me to transition to a new role.

Earlier this week, I was announced as the new CEO, AT&T Business. To say that I’m humbled and honored would be a massive understatement. The good news is that I’ll still be able to support my prior team, however, I do have some feelings of sadness as I won’t be working with them as closely on a day-to-day basis as I have been. Have you ever felt this way?

Leadership is filled with transitions – both personal and professional. Importantly, one of a leader’s key competencies is to help their people develop and grow. With this growth comes change. With change comes the opportunity to transition. I find the distinction made by William Bridges very relatable, “Change is situational. Transition, on the other hand, is psychological. It is not those events but rather the inner reorientation or self-redefinition that you have to go through in order to incorporate any of those changes into your life. Without a transition, a change is just a rearrangement of the furniture. Unless transition happens, the change won’t work, because it doesn’t ‘take’.” Sage perspective – relevant for new jobs as well as new stages of life – whether for ourselves or those we care about.

I’d like to say thank you to my #NationalBizNation for our terrific experiences together. And I’d like to say thank you to the entire AT&T Business team for all the amazing work we’re doing around the globe, serving clients with industry-leading solutions which help their businesses grow. We are all the face of this modern media and communications company and together, we’re making a difference through our relationships, ecosystem of partners, innovative services, and dedicated support – both for our customers and our communities. I’m excited to write our next chapter together.