I'm in my 7th week of returning to full-time work after a two-year retirement "sabbatical." I used that time to think about what I do well, what I enjoy, and how I should continue to use (and grow) my skills and experience as an architect. I had the great opportunity to teach, volunteer, sketch, and do a little travel. At the same time, I found an unexpected community of others who are exploring next opportunities on their terms. This Fractional Executive Community, led with conviction, purpose, and endless optimism by Shirley Cress Dudley, helped me determine that I wanted a new direction to do fulfilling work, because the way I had been doing it for years was neither sustainable nor smart. Without this perspective, I would probably not have considered the path I'm now on. It is a different approach to what I care about doing as an architect - solving problems, improving communities, and affordably/smartly building - within an organization that supports its people by valuing their clients' needs and operating profitably. As we know, we can't use our talents to help others without providing for ourselves as well. I encourage everyone, at any point in their working life journey, to find your tribe (as Leah expressed on today's FEC call) and learn how to recognize and consider next steps... all journeys start with one.

I’m happy to report a win, a little long in the making. I accepted a position this week as a principal architect/project developer leader for North Carolina, with a design-build firm based in Indiana. I’ll be focused on K-12 schools and government projects across NC, which is a good match for my project background. I expect it’s a combination of my age and the world today, but an initial reach out by a senior corporate talent specialist with the company occurred in early September (she spotted me in the great LinkedIn Ocean, so thank you, Shirley and others in FEC, for emphasizing the importance of staying active on this platform). Over a three-month period I have met with at least a dozen company leaders, taken two personality assessment tests, and visited the home office in Indianapolis for a day of interviews, starting with the company founder and CEO at 8:00 AM. For me, there have been a couple of benefits from this process. First, it’s clear that this company cares very much about hiring strong fits for their culture and mission, and second, it’s given me a good impression of who I’ll be working with and what our expectations for success will be. I am very much looking forward to this next adventure, armed with a sharper perspective on what drives me and provides balance, gained from my two-year professional “sabbatical” and exposure to meaningful working (from volunteer teaching to live theater ushering). The support, encouragement, and insight from our FEC team has been instrumental to my new understanding, and greatly appreciated.

It's a small world! Last December (2025), a friend of mine had coordinated a group of International Santas to walk around a holiday festival located inside a Ball park in center city Charlotte. One of the female Santas was unable to attend, one night, so I was asked to fill in for her that night. I was quickly introduced to other other Santas, as we changed into our costumes, to start our volunteer shift at the park. Months later, (Summer of 2025?) Kevin Utsey (standing behind me in the photo) now a member of our community, realized that we had met, and sent me the photo.

I can't remember all the wins from the last 2 meetings, and hope members will fill in the blanks (add more details): La Tonya has 4 new clients, recently spoke at a conference. Doug is hoping to hear back for a second CRO position. Kevin- I see your building going up more and more each day- I'm looking forward to using this beautiful downtown library!