Transitions, Growth, and the “Messy Middle” -Supporting Leaders in Career and Life.

I shared a post on recently about how for years I longed to move back to Brighton, a place that once felt like care-free living.  It reminded me how often, in times of transition, we yearn to go backwards. Back to comfort, to familiarity, to simpler times.

It also brought me full circle to the very first topic I wrote about in this newsletter back in 2022: transitions.

Navigating redundancy, career change, or a shift in identity is never easy,  but it’s deeply human. Whilst it would feel idyllic to live in a world where we weren't faced with difficulties that life throws our way, it does lead to growth and resilience, as well as a renewed sense of self.

But let’s be honest , transitions can feel really challenging, due to our modern lives and the constant change that goes on around us: restructures, tech advances, economic shifts. Without the right support, mindset, and self-compassion, it’s no wonder so many feel lost, stuck, or overwhelmed.

It’s so tempting to look back or compare, to chase what we once had or who we once were, or even to believe others have it easier. But that’s not the truth. Our minds often go into overdrive, feeding us stories of failure or lack, so what’s so important, is to pause and reflect, practice gratitude and look inward to find what we are truly seeking from our next chapter.

🦋 Transition isn’t simple. It’s messy. It’s real. It’s life-changing and deeply human.

We all face chapters that close too soon:

• Roles we thought were secure that vanish overnight
• Routines that disappear
• Identities that no longer fit
• Relationships that end or we grow apart from

In those moments, it’s easy to feel like you’re the only one trying to hold it all together.

But you are not alone.

Transition isn’t just something we survive, it’s something we move through. It’s a recalibration. A shedding. A season of searching for what truly matters right now, not what mattered then. 

If you're in your own “messy middle” right now, I want to offer you three gentle truths that helped me through mine:

1. You don’t need to have it all figured out. Just take the next right step. Then the next one.
2. Your story isn’t over. It’s simply evolving. Trust me, some of the most beautiful parts come after the reset.
3. You are allowed to rest, reflect, and rebuild at your own pace.

There is no timeline for transformation!

🦋 My long standing followers will know my business is closely linked to the image of a butterfly. For me, they are natures proof that in time, we will all shift and change, and the outcome is worth the wait...

But to take meaningful action, you often need the right support. People who remind you of your strengths when you've forgotten them. People who reflect back what’s still possible, even when it all feels hard.

That’s what I aim to provide through my coaching and through this online space, a reminder that your journey matters, your voice matters, and your next chapter is still unfolding, even when the page feels blank.

Whether you’re here because of redundancy, burnout, growth leadership, or just a deep “Is this it?” moment...I see you. And I’ll keep showing up here to share the real stories, the lessons learned, and the imperfectly perfect path that comes with building a career, and life you actually want.

Let’s keep this conversation going.  I’d love to hear from you:

✨ Where are you in your career journey right now?

✨ What’s been the hardest part of your transition?

✨ Or , what’s been your biggest lesson?

How can I support you on your journey?

Want to join an empowering community to navigate your transition?

🦋 I am creating my new online community for leaders in transition, a space for reflection, connection, and real support. Whether you're facing redundancy, a new chapter in your career, or just a quiet “Is this it?” moment, you're welcome here. DM me or drop a comment and I’ll share the details, I have no fancy sales page as yet, but this is going to be an empowering space for leaders to come together and not feel alone.

🦋 Empowered Leader- My next group programme has just 10 places and starts in September. I deliver this for leaders in organisations and offer an online version if you want to join leaders in other organisations to come together. DM me or drop a comment and I’ll share the details.

🦋 Corporate Workshops: A full range of outplacement coaching and workshops (live, digital and 121) to support endings, and for new beginnings, I offer team workshops including “taking control of your career” and personality profiling for new teams. Find out more in my featured section.

Until next time...Keep going. You’ve totally got this.

With love and light, Suzanne

Empowered Space