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My She Knows ShiFt Podcast interview with Dr. Susan Brien provided so many pearls with respect to how to know when it is time to take on a new role and embark on a new transition. Her career has spanned from clinical neurosurgery to recognized Medical Leader to Internationally recognized Medical Educator and Mentor. In her own words, it has taken her close to 30 years to build the skills that position her for success in her dream role that she took on six months ago, Vice President Medical, Academic, and Research at Horizon Health Network in New Brunswick, Canada.
One of the major considerations of any professional woman is when to give up something to make the room for the next adventure in her life. For Susan, it was the decision to give up clinical neurosurgery in order to dedicate her time to her dream role. This is something that many women grapple with. Susan found this easier in recognizing that she was providing the space for someone new to come in and embark on their passion for neurosurgery.
Susan knew she wanted to be closer to her parents and wanted to move into the job she always envisioned herself in – VP of a Health Region. Although she had been thinking about her next move for some time, it was a close colleague who pushed her toward this. This individual, also a professional coach, made the simple observation that Susan was not coming to her work in the same way she used to. She chose to reflect on how she was different and didn’t disregard that important observation. Time for reflection during COVID-19 and observing the difficult times that her physician colleagues were experiencing also contributed to the decision to shiFt. The when to shift was close on her horizon.
In my work with women leaders, I define the change as what is happening in the external environment and the transition as what is happening internally. The transition is a personal journey. Part of Susan’s inner transition is found in not looking back, not ruminating on “What have I done?” in leaving a comfortable role. Rather she actively chooses to focus on “What am I going to do?” She purposefully seeks to be courageous, confident, and flexible. Importantly, she recognizes that the organization is also in transition and that leadership is found in being comfortable in a space of ambiguity.
I just loved Susan’s reference to ‘You are not your CV!” For many of us, both inside and outside academia, many continue to list what they have done directly from their CV. Success is however found in what is in a cover letter, not a CV. It is found in looking forward. This is an important revelation for many women I coach – your CV is for looking backward. Your cover letter looks forward by outlining your passions, values, and specific strengths. A great revelation for you to think about in the interview and transition period in your next glorious adventure!
Susan’s last words of wisdom for us were to take the leap, align your values with what you choose to do, and have fun!
Let me know what you think. I really look forward to speaking to you about your next transition and guiding you through the journey in knowing your own shiFt!
Listen to She Knows ShiFt Podcast Episode Eight – You are not your CV! with Dr. Susan Brien now!
Don’t miss the last episodes on the She Knowns ShiFt podcast:
