Category Archives: Observations on Transition

Introductions….

Posted on February 28, 2013 | 2 comments

“His contact info is on the sheet I gave you,” said Susie Q., a flighty woman who sat across from me in a meeting yesterday.   She previously chaired a major event in our community, a STEM celebration for children and their families.  STEM for those untouched by the K-12 education arena stands for science, technology, engineering and math.  It’s all the rage.  This year I hold the lofty honor of event chair.  “Give him a call,” she intoned.   Continue reading →

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What role….money?

Posted on February 21, 2013 | Leave a comment

“A lot of it comes down to the money,” shared a seasoned business leader from the executive outplacement arena.  I turned to him for some expert advice under the auspices of the Research Jam.  I wondered how to categorize people in transition?    From his perch folks in transition fall into three buckets: those who want to explore a dramatic life or career shift; those who simply wish to replicate their prior selves; and those who want to leverage their life or professional experiences to try something new or entrepreneurial.   What about a common underlying issue?  You guessed it.  Money. Continue reading →

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The other F word…

Posted on February 7, 2013 | Leave a comment

“You’re always equipped with your own voice,” responded Nina Senott an executive with Girls’ Leap during an interview on WCVB’s CityLine.   Host Karen Holmes Ward was inquiring about the non-profit’s focus on the safety and well-being of young women from crime ridden and violent neighborhoods of Boston.  Ms. Senott ticked off impressive programs…most of which encouraged young women to embrace who they are…despite incredibly difficult environments and even worse odds.   Voice. Continue reading →

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Permission?

Posted on January 31, 2013 | Leave a comment

“Medicine is gray.  It is rarely black or white,” conceded Dr.  Maher Tabba, the  fellowship director at a local teaching hospital.   We were discussing a challenging medical case.  A patient’s diagnosis eluded Tabba and his team.   He sought certainty.   But like so much…..informed instinct combined with knowledge and experience would have to lead the way. Continue reading →

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Time for questions?

Posted on January 24, 2013 | Leave a comment

“I have a passion to know things,” said Morgan Freeman, one of my all time favorite actors, as he responded to Charlie Rose‘s query.  Rose, installed unadorned at his round table, listened intently as Freeman described a pet project of his, “Through the Wormhole with Morgan Freeman.”  The cable series investigates the questions that have puzzled humankind, and Freeman, seemingly forever.   During the interview Freeman described himself as having, “a passion to know things.  (As a kid) I was not science minded.  I was an A student because I questioned.”  Questioned? Continue reading →

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Time to unplug?

Posted on January 17, 2013 | 1 comment

‘Why should he be any different,’ recounted my husband as he told me a story from a holiday party we attended.   He was indulging himself with some gooey treats at the buffet.  Two gentlemen who looked to be in their early 60s stood steps away from the table.  One sported a bow tie.    They were talking about a young friend who was searching.  A person trying to figure out who he was going to be AND make a living at the same time.  My husband’s ear engaged as these men agreed and chuckled, ‘that will pass.’ Continue reading →

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The Best Decision You Ever Made?

Posted on January 10, 2013 | 3 comments

‘I’m the best decision this organization ever made,’ said quarterback Tom Brady in an early conversation with Bob Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots.  Brady joined the team in 2000 as the 199th 6th round pick.   Team talk usually misses me.   I write this only after someone explained to me the meaning of a ‘sixth round’ pick.   199th? Continue reading →

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Your wish?

Posted on January 3, 2013 | 2 comments

“I want to work on policy for the federal government,” replied a bubbly twenty-something friend at a holiday-themed cocktail hour.  She and I were talking about her career moves.  Within the past thirty days she’d pivoted from wanting to attend law school to enrolling in a masters program for paralegals.   I have to admit this pronouncement rocked me.  Her spirited response came after I finally asked, “what is your dream?” Continue reading →

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Yuletide greetings…

Posted on December 20, 2012 | 1 comment

“I love yuletide,” chirped a friend as I explained a kooky Winter Solstice tradition in our household.  She threw me a little with her use of yuletide.   My favorite online dictionary defines it as, “the period of celebration of a pre-Christian festival associated with the (northern) winter solstice.” (Wiktionary)

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Listening to the sounds of the season…

Posted on December 13, 2012 | Leave a comment

‘It’s the and that I hate.  I get, what are you doing? all the time.  My parents.  Their friends.  My friend’s parents.  They’re only listening for the ands not what’s in between,’ shared a teenage girl in the provocative documentary, Race to Nowhere. (note, I’m paraphrasing)  The film spotlighted the unintended consequences imbedded in the US educational system.  A test-driven, high-achievement, schedule-intensive, anxiety-producing swirl.   The tormented teen pointed out that it isn’t enough to be taking honors courses AND volunteering AND playing lacrosse AND serving on the school council.  What then?  Continue reading →

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