Back-to-School Vibes (aka Big Transitions)

My son starts middle school tomorrow. 😱 

He’s ready, excited, and a little nervous. His backpack is packed, his sports physical is turned in, and he has already started practicing with the cross country team. He is a smart kid, has a good head on his shoulders, and has close friends in his classes. 

Still, he’s anxious about the things he’s never done: having a locker, changing classes on his own, and finding a spot in the lunchroom. 

Sound familiar? It’s not just a flashback, or a scene from 13 Going on 30. 

The reality is that back-to-school season is a familiar metaphor for any transition in life or work.  

Take my client, Wes, who recently used his role as VP of Partnerships as a launchpad for rapid career growth—rising from sales account executive to VP to the C-suite—all within a year. That's right. One year. 

When Wes came to coaching, he was looking for an accountability partner. Someone to help him navigate the unspoken dynamics of leadership at the highest levels, sharpen his strategic voice, and accelerate his growth in a high-stakes startup environment.

After months of doing the work of getting clear on his goals, taking ownership of key leadership areas, and building the confidence to show up fully at the executive table, Wes landed a new role as Chief Strategy Officer at a larger, more complex organization. In his own words: 

“I’m most proud of the deep, sustained growth in confidence which impacts how I show up as a leader and my belief that I belong in these roles and conversations. Katie’s coaching helped me quiet the inner doubts, claim my seat at the table, and lead with the conviction that I can contribute meaningfully across organizations of all sizes and complexities.”

In other words, Wes had what it took in him all along. He simply needed a partner to help him navigate a major career inflection point. That’s the work we do in coaching. 

Transitions are tough. But with the right support, they can become your greatest growth story. 📈

If this season has you feeling like the new kid, let’s talk. I’m always in your corner. 

Real Talk

Talk about tough transitions. Recently, many seasoned PR professionals find themselves out of work, often for the first time, and struggling to land a new role, despite the depth and breadth of expertise they offer.

For my latest piece in PRSA’s Strategies & Tactics, I turned to several senior comms professionals for their insights on A) what they're really experiencing and B) tips for future-proofing your career.

In the Spotlight
Speaking Opps and Workshops

I’m excited to be among a great lineup of speakers appearing at the PRSA East Central District Conference on Sept. 13 in Dublin, Ohio. If you’re a comms pro in the Ohio Valley area seeking professional development, community, and inspiration, join us! 

Brain Food

“Do what you love. If you love it, you’ll be really good at it.” This is the opening line of Ina Garten’s bestselling memoir Be Ready When the Luck Happens. I’m not really a memoir person, but Ina’s was delightful, just like her. She’s led an extraordinary life, and I can only imagine what fun we’d have at a dinner party together. Alas, I recommend her book here because it is chock full of practical life, leadership and business lessons. Of course, my favorite is from her beloved, Jeffrey. 💕

On a Personal Note

My son might be ready, but this mom is still adjusting to her own transitions. No more cute photos in front of the school or walking him into class. Now it’s all independence and quiet confidence. Like all transitions, there's a mix of pride, nostalgia... and letting go. And that’s where the growth lives. For both of us.