Guest Lori K. Long, Ph.D., is a Partner at Shoreline Associates, where she works with entrepreneurs, organizations, and nonprofits to strengthen leadership, people strategy, and purpose-driven growth. She retired early from Baldwin Wallace University after more than 20 years in academia.

Dr. Long explores how to recognize when it’s time to take the next step, especially when you feel drawn toward something new but aren’t yet sure what ee holds. She emphasizes the importance of focusing on mindset before deciding what comes next.

For leaders who are accustomed to solving problems and making plans, pausing without a clear destination can feel uncomfortable. Yet this intentional pause may be the most critical part of the journey—an opportunity to step back from logistics and center your mindset before moving forward.