Guest Blog: The Journey and Season of Change
Reflecting on 2024, I recognize a remarkable 8.5-month journey of navigating a season marked by significant changes—both in my professional career and personal life. I’m sharing my story and insights, hoping that they might resonate with anyone facing a period of transition and self-reflection.
Embracing a Season of Change
Professionally, the changes I faced were driven by both industry factors and a rapidly shifting economy. Personally, I experienced a great deal of loss and transformation: the sudden passing of three friends, revisiting the grief of losing a parent, and coping with both the heartbreak of a broken engagement and the tragic passing of my ex-wife. Each of these individuals, in their own way, shaped who I am today, and their losses were profound. Balancing these changes while actively seeking new opportunities was both challenging and transformative.
Amidst this emotional whirlwind, I established routines that helped ground me. Maintaining my workout regimen, volunteering regularly, and leaning on my close support network provided stability and helped me process emotions in real-time. I realized that a genuine, balanced life requires integrating the personal and professional, not keeping them separate.
Grounded in Mission, Values, and Faith
This season of change reinforced the importance of aligning my life with my core mission and values. My personal mission statement is simple yet meaningful:
"To Honor God in All I Do and to Serve Others. To pursue excellence through loving, serving, and giving."
My core values—discipline, respect, integrity, excellence, faith, and family—became vital guiding principles that I sought to align with any potential professional opportunities.
Throughout this journey, I leaned heavily on three powerful biblical verses:
Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Joshua 1:9: "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
James 5:11: "As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy."
These scriptures became pillars that I returned to, reminding me to move forward with hope and resilience.
Navigating the Job Search
After a career restructuring in early 2024, I took time to reflect, assessing where I was and where I wanted to go. Thankfully, my financial planning allowed me to be patient in my search. For anyone navigating similar transitions, finding time for reflection and assessing financial readiness are crucial first steps.
While navigating and leveraging all available opportunities, I found my new career venture advertised on LinkedIn and decided to apply. To maximize my chances, I researched the Director of Human Resources named in the listing, only to discover that I had a former Diebold colleague connected to this individual. I reached out, discovering an even stronger connection than I had anticipated. Through my colleague’s introduction, I connected with the Director of Human Resources, which led to a screening interview.
From there, the process involved a series of thorough evaluations: an initial screening, a phone interview with the hiring manager, an assessment, and both a 4+ hour and a 2+ hour interview, including a facilities tour. I walked out of the final interview with an offer in hand, feeling confident that the investment of time from both sides had fostered a meaningful understanding and an optimal fit.
Throughout the process, I remained deliberate about my interview conduct. I gave clear, concise responses to each question, followed up with timely thank-you messages via both email and handwritten notes. In a digital age where leaders are inundated with emails, a handwritten note can make a memorable impression.
The Importance of Reflection and Community
To stay grounded, I kept a daily journal documenting my progress, challenges, and small victories. This simple practice helped me identify patterns and make adjustments along the way. A successful job search is much like a marathon; it’s an endurance test that demands resilience and focus. Taking regular time to disconnect and recharge was essential for my well-being and sustainability in the process.
Networking groups provided invaluable resources, but even more importantly, they reminded me of the power of community. I’m particularly grateful for:
Hudson Job Search, which connected me with a dedicated job search coach.
North Canton Executive Networking Group, which supported my interview preparation and resume enhancement.
Therese McGroarty, who provided guidance on business ownership exploration.
Faith and gratitude anchored me throughout this journey, and I am profoundly grateful to family, friends, and newer connections who offered help, encouragement, and wisdom along the way.
Key Takeaways and Lessons Learned
Navigating this season taught me many valuable lessons, which I hope others might find useful:
Embrace Humility and Vulnerability: Opening up and being honest with those who invest their time in supporting you is essential.
Lean on Your Network: The power of a network extends beyond professional opportunities; it also provides emotional support and guidance.
Be Open to Surprising Connections: Support sometimes arrives from unexpected sources, while those you expect may not always be present.
Stay Accountable and Measured: Regular updates to my network were key, allowing me to showcase my progress and keep the momentum.
Pay It Forward: Supporting others in their career journeys is essential, even after landing a role.
Invest in Self-Development: Reading resources like Halftime by Bob Buford, Soul Care by Dr. Rob Reimer, and Rise and Go by Cory Carlson provided insights that helped me refocus and grow.
Trust in God’s Timing: Faith helped me find peace in knowing that everything unfolds at the right time.
Finally, I want to express my gratitude to two influential figures: Dr. Dan Fuline at Stark State College for offering me the opportunity to teach and share my experiences with future leaders, and Valeria Long, who inspired me to plant seeds of growth and connect authentically with others.
This journey, both challenging and rewarding, has brought me a renewed sense of purpose and the clarity needed to step confidently into my new role. I am deeply grateful to everyone who stood by me and look forward to this new chapter, committed to serving with integrity, compassion, and dedication.