September has always been a transitional time at SleepingGiant. As summer winds down, it often marks the conclusion of many partnerships and ushers in a whole new set of faces, too. Recently, I wrapped up a 6-month coaching program with senior leaders at JTP, a fulfilling experience that reinforced my passion for supporting leadership growth.
This month also brought closure to another area of my professional life; involvement in the Women in Architecture (WIA) committee is ending - or at least evolving to a much less significant part!
Six Years with Women in Architecture
This image from LinkedIn recently popped up in my inbox, reminding me that it’s been six years since I joined. It was a bittersweet moment, reflecting on the incredible journey we’ve been on and the community we’ve built, and knowing that it is time to take a much-needed break from the voluntary work.
My WIA Highlights
I have many highlights, including one of co-hosting 11 WIA virtual 'Lean-In' sessions over Zoom in one month alone (during the pandemic). We provided safe and friendly support to women during a challenging and isolating time. We became a closer community because of it. Another source of pride is the mentoring program, which started with 20 mentoring pairs in its first year and has since expanded to 370 partnerships. I look forward to its continued success!
LtoR: WIA Steering Committee - Rachael Davidson, Yamon Phuu Kyaw, Annie Cosenitino, myself, Loreto Flores, Anna Ifanti (Missing Dr Ana McMilllin).
While stepping back from day-to-day WIA operations, I will continue to support the committee in an advisory capacity. This is to ensure a smooth handover and the continued running of the mentoring programme as it gears up for the 2025 applications in October.
Stepping away from these partnerships is a mix of emotions—a sense of loss and celebration. Many of my clients feel the same way when transitioning between jobs or leadership roles. You start reevaluating your identity, deciding what you leave behind and take forward. For now, I'm giving myself permission to embrace the unknown. I want to allow space to think about what’s next. I’m open to ideas and opportunities!
Embracing Transition
For my new clients this month, the question is often, “What’s my next step?” Transition can feel like a no-man's-land—uncertain and uncomfortable—but that's part of the growth process. Whether you’ve left a job, been made redundant, or find yourself at a crossroads, remember there is value in the in-between spaces. In these moments, a new you and new beginnings quietly take shape.
Kind regards
