A Steady Voice

One of the things I don’t talk about often - but value deeply - is that I’m often one of the first calls or messages former team members make when they’re thinking about leaving their current role.

It happens multiple times a month. “Can I run something by you?” “I’m not sure if it’s time.” “Am I overreacting?” “Would you look at this offer?”

Those conversations aren’t about resumes (although I do get asked to review those often). They’re emotional. They’re about doubt. Identity. Fear of making the wrong move. Excitement mixed with anxiety.

And then there are the other messages. The ones that simply say: “Just wanted to let you know I took a new role.” “We moved to a new city.” “Things are going well.” “Life’s taken me here.” No ask. Just an update.

When someone reaches out years after we worked together - whether for advice or just to share where life has taken them - it tells me something important. The trust didn’t end when the job did. Mentoring. Coaching. Teaching - those aren’t tied to payroll. They’re tied to relationship.

If someone still feels safe enough to call you when they’re at a crossroads or thoughtful enough to keep you in the loop long after you shared an office -
that’s not about title. That’s about how you led.

Careers are long. Chapters change. Companies come and go. But if you can be a steady voice - or simply someone worth updating - long after the org chart changes - that’s impact that lasts.