In this episode, Roxanne welcomes Oliver Johnston, a leader in development and consulting. They delve into the Goldilocks Dilemma in leadership roles, discuss the importance of executive coaching, and explore the challenges of leadership. The conversation also covers financial planning for retirement, redefining traditional retirement, and the concept of "stepping out". They conclude by addressing succession planning imbalance.
Quote: “When does the golden ladder become the golden hamster wheel?” Oliver Johnston
As senior leaders, we work hard to claim our place in the company and do our best to create a good environment for those whom we work with, but how do we know when it’s time to let someone else take over the reins? Senior leaders can step out too early, and they can step out too late. Getting it just right isn't as easy as it might seem. On this episode of Authentic Living with Roxanne, we welcome (all the way from Belfast, Ireland) the Founder of Stepping Out from the Top, Oliver Johnston, to share his ideas and expertise on offboarding and the support that may be required for this significant career and life transition.
This was such a great interview packed with so much interesting information that we decided to turn it into a 2-part series. Be sure to tune in again next week for part II.
Oliver Johnston is the Founder of Stepping Out from the Top Team. Stepping Out is a specialist coaching practice that helps senior leaders step out from the executive suite successfully. In December 2020, Oliver retired from his professional coaching practice in order to concentrate solely on leading the Stepping Out practice. He is an accredited Stepping Out Coach and a highly experienced top team advisor and facilitator.
Authentic Touch Points:
• Oliver’s 2nd encore career. 2:00
• What is The Goldilocks Dilemma? 4:30
• How do you know when it’s time? 10:30
• Exploring options to transition. 18:30
• Arrivals and departures. 27:00
• How companies prepare for succession. 31:00
Oliver was a highly successful business consultant with an international reputation in change, organizational and leadership development. He has extensive experience working in a wide variety of sectors, including accounting, banking and finance, academic and research, law, consulting, IT, pharmaceuticals, engineering & manufacturing, food & beverage, retailing, public service & administration, energy & utilities, transport & logistics. Oliver’s passion is supporting senior executives as they think, plan and execute their journey from the top team to the exit door and move on to new adventures.
As I offer executive coaching, I encourage leaders to reach out for guidance about presenting their authentic selves to develop an improved workplace for everyone with less conflict.
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Links:
Oliver’s website: https://www.stepping-out.co.uk
Click for Oliver’s Report: https://roxannederhodge.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/STEPPING-OUT-SURVEY-OCT-22.pdf
Oliver’s LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliver-johnston-steppingout/
Roxanne’s LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roxannederhodge/
Roxanne’s email: [email protected]
Chat with Roxanne: https://roxannederhodge.com/chat/
Roxanne’s previous podcasts: https://roxannederhodge.com/blog/
(0:00) Introduction and welcome to guest, Oliver Johnston
(1:41) Oliver's journey from social work to leadership development and consulting
(3:33) The Goldilocks Dilemma in leadership roles
(7:41) The timing and process of "stepping out" from senior leadership roles
(11:09) The role and importance of executive coaching in leadership transitions
(14:21) The challenges and sacrifices associated with leadership roles
(18:09) Financial planning for retirement and life after retirement
(22:20) Identity crisis and changing perceptions of traditional retirement
(30:00) The concept of "stepping out" instead of retiring and its impact on organizations
(34:01) Redefining and addressing the imbalance in succession planning
(36:36) Announcement of the second part of the interview