MyNextSeason

The challenges of change

The transition to retirement was not completely unexpected. GE was going through leadership changes, so I knew it was time. Despite all that preparation, the initial transition was still a shock. I found myself concerned that my reputation, meaning, and relevancy would shift dramatically. With time, I found it didn’t. It just shifted into new areas of importance.

College-bound

Fortunately for me, many, many years ago, I decided I wanted to pursue my doctorate in my post-corporate season. I knew it would kindle my intellectual curiosity, and I was excited to begin. Retiring officially in March, I spent the first few months traveling, enjoying life, and reconnecting—as typical retiree folks do. By May, I applied to the University of Pennsylvania’s Chief Learning Officer Executive Doctoral Program, and by July, I had bought my textbooks.

Growing into new areas of strength

I found that my bandwidth to apply myself to my studies was exceptional. My children were grown, and I was not in a full-time role, so I really had the time and drive to get it done quickly. I finished the program in record time and was later asked to return and oversee it as its Senior Fellow and Director, which I gladly did. I challenged myself to grow into new areas of strength as I joined the University of Pennsylvania’s faculty team to lead the program and teach the coursework I had just completed as a PhD student.

Advice for those hoping to teach

Many executives have a wealth of experience that could be tremendously valuable to students. Unlike our purely research or academic counterparts, we come with the battle scars and practical learnings of a lifelong career. Experience counts. Therefore, don’t underestimate the power of what you bring to the table if you are able to synthesize and bring a scholarly overlay to what you present to students.

My background allows me to zoom in sharply and zoom out broadly. I can offer academic arguments, theories, frameworks, and models while being able to say, “And this is what happened to me,” providing students with an understanding of what it is like outside of the academic sphere.

Overall, having a mindset of endless learning and a passion for mentorship will be key indicators of your success and fulfillment in academia. I find so much joy in mentoring students and helping them achieve their eventual goal of graduating with their family and friends present.

A portfolio of next season interests

If you are considering a next season in academia, it doesn’t have to be the sole path you take. I consider myself to have a portfolio of next season interests I am actively involved in: keynote speaking, writing, consulting, and teaching. Overall, I found the support from MyNextSeason to be fundamental in refining these interests. The workbook helped me logically structure my thinking to be intentional about the choices I made while really making it clear what my next season would be.

My workweek as a post-career faculty member includes academic planning and preparation for lectures, as well as supporting students and attending faculty and administrative meetings. I find my weekends are typically my opportunity to connect with my C-suite consulting clients.

One of the best aspects of my consulting work is that it allows me to stay in touch with what’s happening in the corporate realm—to stay ahead of changing workplace dynamics and maintain relevancy for my own benefit and that of my students.

Protecting my energy

Although I still find myself working seven days a week, it’s a very different kind of seven-day workweek. It’s filled with exactly what I want to do, and I still have the flexibility to block time off for travel and quality time with my wife and family. Even within the consulting work I do, I have more agency to make sure it never becomes a workload that impacts my overall well-being.

With the decrease in required travel, my diet is better, exercise is more regular, I feel calmer, and my weight is under control. I am mindful of listening to my body and protecting my energy.

Although this is a question I still need to think fully through, I hope to carry over that energy and lean into my musical talent in some form to bring myself a different kind of joy in my next, next season.

Something to celebrate

Sometimes, I miss the buzz of something big happening and being part of that greater strategy in the corporate realm, but then I recall the contentment I have realized in this season. My retirement day, initially unnerving, is now a date my wife and I celebrate every single year. We view it as the start of my new beginning.