In this edition of Lead Anew: Insights and Growth, I share what happened when I googled, “How do I restart my career at 51?” and why the honest answer wasn’t online. This issue focuses on trading “busy” for aligned, asking braver questions, and reconnecting with the values and passions we’ve sidelined (for me: health equity, education, writing, mentoring). If you’ve felt like a placeholder in your own life, this read offers a simple way to metaphorically “google” yourself and begin again with purpose. I once googled, How do I restart my career at 51? The results were…mixed. However, what I truly needed wasn’t online. It was hidden in the parts of myself I had quieted while trying to be everything for everyone, and staying in a job that no longer fit who I was. Somewhere along the way, I stopped asking what I truly wanted and started asking what would make the most sense to others. That was the first sign I had drifted from my own path. It’s easy to mistake productivity for purpose. I remained occupied, and reliable. Yet, I felt adrift. I lacked a sense of purpose and fulfillment. I felt like a mere placeholder in my own life; present, yet devoid of direction. I contemplated the possibility of a new job title or project. However, what I truly required was to reconnect with the values that once ignited my passion. So, I sat down, both metaphorically and literally, and began asking myself some uncomfortable questions: What do I miss? What am I avoiding? What would I do if I weren’t afraid of failure or the prospect of starting over? That reflection was far from glamorous. It resembled scribbles in a journal, voice memos at red lights, and moments of honesty that shattered my preconceived notions. In this process, I rediscovered the passions I had suppressed: health equity, education, writing, and mentoring. These became my guiding principles. Suddenly, it wasn’t about selecting the ideal next step; it was about choosing something that resonated with my values. It was about aligning my actions with the kind of leader I aspired to be, not just the kind of employee I had been.

In this edition of Lead Anew: Insights and Growth, I delve into a realization that often strikes you between your third cup of coffee and the moment you’re asked for advice, you feel unqualified to offer. It’s the day you realize that no one else is stepping up to make the significant decisions. It’s your turn now. You’re the grown-up, and surprisingly, you’re doing just fine. I used to believe that adulthood came with a specific set of tools: unwavering confidence, meticulously managed calendars, and the ability to fold fitted sheets without shedding a tear. I assumed that when you were “in charge,” you’d simply know what to do. However, leadership, like life, isn’t scripted. And more often than not, I’ve learned to lead through trial and error, and even midnight google searches. It gradually crept up on me. Initially, it was small decisions, budgeting better, advocating for myself, and prioritizing rest over hustle. Then came the significant ones: leaving draining roles, returning to school after decades, and speaking up in rooms where I used to remain silent. No one explicitly gave me permission; I simply started acting like the person I wanted to become. Sometimes, being the grown-up means giving yourself the advice you’d offer a friend, and then taking it. It means making tough calls with a compassionate heart, owning your choices, time, and peace. And when everything feels uncertain, it means deciding anyway. There’s a quiet strength in realizing that you’re your own anchor. You can comfort yourself, course-correct, and keep going. Your voice matters, and your instincts are worth trusting. I still seek guidance from mentors and ask questions, but I no longer assume that everyone else knows more than me. Leadership doesn’t mean having all the answers; it means creating a space where others can ask questions as well. It means modeling self-trust and humility, and knowing when to say, “I don’t know, but I’ll figure it out.” Turns out, grown-ups do that quite often.