MyNextSeason

The first next season

I had been with Delta Airlines for nearly 30 years. Initially, I held off on leaving because I wanted to support the organization while it navigated the emotional and organizational aftereffects of 9/11. With the support of an Executive Advisor, I discussed my desire to transition into something different, ultimately leading me to a decision that changed the course of my life.

Testing the waters

Through advisory support and my network of connections, I landed on spending a year working for the Mayor of Atlanta, Georgia—supporting her rebranding efforts for the city. Following an advocacy event in the city that I had attended with her, we discussed what my next season might be. She asked, “Vicki, when are you going to do something really great with your life? Something that will really affect people.” Her words stuck with me and her guidance was a catalyst for my second next season.

A rewarding pivot

That’s when I started looking for full-time not-for-profit opportunities. I knew I had been fortunate in my career and that whatever came next didn’t need to involve making a lot of money. I joined America Second Harvest as its CEO, leading the rebranding of its network of nationwide food banks to Feeding America, which now stands as the number one not-for-profit in the United States. I later became CEO of Opportunity International, expanding my not-for-profit impact by supporting global communities and helping break the cycle of generational poverty.

The ups and downs of moving forward

I’m a pretty tough cookie. I had strong parents who taught me some really valuable life lessons about moving forward. These new seasons had their challenges, and I was not blind to that when I dove in. One of the hardest things about it all was moving to Chicago after joining Feeding America as its CEO. I missed the family and friends I left behind in Atlanta. But the good news is I made new friends quickly with Feeding America’s Board, its wider network, and its staff. I also became reacquainted with a high school friend who lived in the area, who took me around and showed me the sites. I fell in love with Chicago.

Balancing heart and mind

My first piece of advice to others deciding what to do next would be to go with your head but also go with your heart After doing a ton of research around the companies I considered joining, I really got to know every organization, CEO, and board member of each before joining the team. It was important for me to understand why and with whom I would be making these big organizational decisions. It also had to be something that I loved.

Use a pie chart to see where your time goes. How much time are you spending with your faith? Exercising? Sleeping? Working? Nurturing relationships? Have a heart-to-heart conversation with yourself or an Advisor about where you are spending your time now and where you hope to spend it in the future.

New seasons, new perspectives

Raised in a middle-class family, I did not realize the extent of food insecurity we face in the United States. Millions of Americans don’t have enough to eat—mostly kids, single mothers trying to raise children while living on minimum wage, and senior citizens whose wages are tapped out.

After joining Opportunity International, I traveled all over Africa and India and saw poverty like I had never seen before. People who have nothing but are so gracious—they would invite us into their homes, serve us tea, and celebrate our presence. The experience showed me how truly fortunate many of us are. Regarding the leadership adjustment, I still had growth targets and metrics to meet and strategies to implement to sustain and grow our impact. The Board’s goal was to operate like a for-profit business with a heart.

Meaningful influence in each season

I now share my experience and lessons learned as an Executive Coach for The Boston Consulting Group, advising not-for-profit leaders. The greatest joy I have found throughout all of these seasons is being able to influence people in a meaningful way. I don’t know what’s next, but I know there will be another next season for me. I hope to find something driven by my passions. There are plenty of unique opportunities out there; you just have to discover which is meant to be yours. Go with what you love, and you will find it.