It is now two years since I commenced “What’s Next”. I am no longer the man in the suit peering over the fence to see what’s there. I am living, and dare I say loving “What’s Next”!!!

Source: http://innovationpov.com/evolution-of-concept-stimuli/

I am well into my PhD, with my Supervisors telling me I am on track. There is still an enormous amount to do, however it does seem to be coming together. I have completed my Major Review, a year one milestone. I have written more than 20,000 words, some of which might even make it into my thesis!

We have enjoyed a significant stay in Italy, a cornerstone of my planning for “What’s Next”. We have also had a short trip to the USA, courtesy of a paper built on my Honours research and are now planning another trip.

My bike riding has been consistent, but I am not riding as often as I’d like. I read Jim’s Fit Recovery Blog  and realise how much more I could be doing, buy hey, I am out on the bike!!!

I have continued with my blog. it was one of my first planks in my planning for “What’s Next”. I have a small group of followers whose comments and likes tell me that my writing is of interest to some people. I have stayed true to my vow of not posting or commenting on politics, although the temptation too, grows with each day.

I now feel completely disengaged from my previous firm. I don’t feel the need to connect with the “mothership” anymore. I feel this is important, as while my old firm was a wonderful place to work, and is a place I have great affection for, I need to move on and now feel that I have.

Interestingly, in recent months, I’ve explored doing some more consulting work. I have had some opportunities to add to my existing small base and quite enjoyed it; although a recent full day of contract negotiation, riding shotgun for a colleague, reminded me why I decided it was time to move on. I don’t think I am cut out for the “red eye” flights, briefing on the plane, meeting, debrief on the plane home and collapse as I walk in the door at home anymore.  Sure the money is nice, but as I concluded at a pivotal moment in my planning for “What’s Next”, if I wanted to continue doing what I was doing, I wouldn’t have left my firm when I did.

What has been exciting in recent months has been linking up with another leadership consultant with a view to presenting seminars on career transition. My colleague and I have now pitched the concept a couple of times and have received a positive reception. It provides me an opportunity to bring both my story and academic research together creating what will hopefully will be another string to my own “What’s Next” bow.

I continue to listen to music of all forms. I have discovered Country Music , much to my favourite person’s worrying looks, enjoyed iTunes weekly suggestions, fixed my turntable enabling me to listen to my vinyl again, and added to the list of female vocalists I love, finding Charlotte Martin, a vocalist in the mould of Tori Amos and Regina Spektor.

It’s been an interesting two years!

Source: http://christinaleaman.com/