Transition as Transformation: Leading from a New Place of Power

Written by Dorothy A. Martin-Neville, PhD.

“The greatest danger in times of turbulence is not the turbulence—it is to act with yesterday’s logic.” – Peter Drucker

In working with leaders who have had extraordinary success, who have frequently reached the top of their fields, yet who are now ready for a whole new stage in life, whether because they need/want new challenges or because life has thrown them a major disruptor, I frequently see that they are trying to approach their new career with the mindset of their past. It doesn’t work.

They no longer have a major institution behind them. They no longer have the well-trained support staff handling all the details. They are beginning new. The gift is in recognizing they may be new in this element of their field, or a whole new field, yet they are bringing a lifetime of wisdom, experience, and instincts to their next adventure.

They have built success in the traditional way: with hard work, discipline, vision, and often guidance from someone within their organization. But now, in this new world, something inside needs to shift. An unrecognized, or forgotten, strength needs to be called upon along with a new self-mage. Leading differently and bringing out their creativity in a new context, doesn’t mean abandoning what they have learned, it means evolving their approach and style to create greater impact, deeper fulfillment, and sustainable success.

In these instances, leaders must embrace transformation and not just adapt to the changes happening throughout their lives—they are called to create them. They shift from:

• Control to Trust: Empowering new teams (even if fully 1099’s) and themselves to innovate without micromanaging.
• Achievement to Legacy: Moving beyond short-term goals to create something that matters deeply and lasts. Legacy is a term I frequently hear at this point.
• Reaction to Intention: Aligning actions with purpose instead of being driven by external pressures. They and their vision are now the sole drivers.

Reflection Questions:

1. What legacy do you want your leadership to leave behind?
2. How can your leadership become a force for positive disruption rather than preserving the status quo? Who do you want to be in your next stage of life?
3. What do you need to let go of to make space for something new?

This isn’t just about doing things differently—it’s about being different. When you stop playing by rules that no longer fit and begin leading with courage, vision, and authenticity, you don’t just change your life; you change the lives of everyone you touch.

Choosing a new stage of life is the moment to redefine what leadership means for you—and to lead not just a company but a movement of change. Call if you’re ready!