A senior leader returned to work after treatment for a serious illness with a very different perspective on her career. A difficult relationship with her manager had existed before, but her experience had changed her ambitions, priorities and what she considers worthwhile — and her willingness to continue accepting a situation that no longer worked for her.

She decided to leave, but finding the right next role would take time. Our conversations are now focused on how she can continue doing the parts of her work that energise her, without allowing the difficult relationship to dominate her experience, while thinking about what she wants from the next stage of her career. The transition is still underway — and our work is about making that transition a more deliberate one, rather than simply waiting for the next opportunity to come along.