In early 2025, I sensed a significant setback was coming for me. I had been executing a 3-year growth strategy for my firm, and while early results had been strong, sustainable success was elusive. I knew I had to watch the indicators honestly, not optimistically. You can’t pivot well in a panic. Recognizing failure early allows you to redirect in thoughtful, measured ways.
What I had on my side was 22 years of experience in guiding my company forward. I had built the ability to think provisionally. That meant that rather than clinging to one absolute goal, I had consistently maintained a portfolio of valuable options—paths I’d genuinely thought through and would be at peace pursuing. Markets today are volatile, and conditions shift quickly. Plus, as leaders, we always have more to learn. Provisional thinking supports successful pivots because you’ve already done the contingency work in a calm season.
As disappointing as it was, by March of 2025, I began to pivot away from the grand growth plans my team and I had so joyfully envisioned. I had to sever the emotional tie to the path we were stumbling along and embrace the redirection that would allow us to battle back. Famed investor Warren Buffett offers this wisdom that reminds us of the value of directional freedom: “You don’t have to make it back the way that you lost it.” Staying the course with losing efforts or continuing to put effort into what isn’t working depletes the energy needed to rebound.
As we approach the midpoint of 2026, my firm is once again thriving. I’ve emerged from the fog of disappointment and loss stronger. I have new hopes and plans. What I’ve learned is that we must be ready to respond to what life gives us. The wisdom and experience we’ve built isn’t just for one strategy or dream; it’s for adaptability itself. We don’t get to pick the era in which we are leading, yet when we work to see reality as clearly as possible, we can navigate forward with the best options for the times we are in.
Founded in 2004, Lead Star is the company behind the best-selling books SPARK, Leading from the Front, and Bet on You. Lead Star helps professionals reach new levels of success through its innovative leadership development programs.
