GETTING OUT OF THE COMFORT ZONE

When we recruit proven talent out of a company where there is an established track record and place them in a new position, they experience vulnerability, judged from day one. Some find this transition exhilarating and chase this rush every few years. Others proceed more tentatively until they’ve mastered the halls. I have always fancied myself the latter: a thoughtful risk-taker. Having spent a career in long-tenured jobs, I decided to venture into the unknown in 2013 to sense the groundlessness that all candidates feel (even a twinge of) when changing companies and jobs. By putting myself outside of my comfort zone, I could better understand how significant the changes were for my clients and candidates. I wanted to walk the walk, not just talk the talk. In January 2013, I ventured off alone to a small cabin bordering 5,000-plus dark wooded acres. In March 2013, I jumped off my first cliff in Utah (on skis). I survived both ventures. Not only did I survive, but along with an amazing sense of accomplishment, I wondered why haven’t I done this sooner?

This energy remains today as I bullishly face the biggest challenge of my career: the management of my own firm.