July 2025 - Break to Focus
My Biggest Q2 Lesson: Thriving in Transitions
Hi there!
What a quarter it's been! Between travels across the USA, France, Austria, and Switzerland, launching Leadership-Paradox.ch, and running my updated procrastination course, I learned something crucial: I need to get better at thriving in transitions.
The Reality Check
Those beautiful hikes and meaningful work came with real challenges. Balancing energy for both hiking and work, shifting from solo entrepreneur to team member, and navigating the uncomfortable "in-between" of personal growth at 63 - it all took more out of me than expected.
The photo I took 30 hours into my "journey from hell" back from the USA says it all. (Trust me, I don't usually look that worn out!)
What I'm Learning
Three big transitions are happening for me right now:
Location transitions - My location change plans need serious rethinking. Some parts work, others don't.
Work transitions - Moving from solo ValCOACH to being part of the Leadership-Paradox team means new approaches to finances, decision-making, and work pace. Check out this video about showing up "above the line" vs "below the line" - it's been helpful for reminding me to reconnect with why I am doing all this.
Personal transitions - Evolving as a coach, entrepreneur, and someone who craves more outdoor time and adventure, while managing to have enough focus and energy to still be able to do all.
None of the transitions above are complete. I am still inbetween, with a foot in the past, and a foot tentatively probing the future.
For You: A Quick Assessment
I created a simple transitions assessment for myself to help me with this inbetween transition state - feel free to try it! It's not perfect yet, but it's already proving helpful.
Your turn: What went well in your Q2? What would you like to improve in Q3?
Business Updates
Leadership-Paradox is growing beautifully, focused on building leadership skills for change makers. Our next first-time leaders program starts in September (early bird ends July 31st).
ValCOACH stays too - It's where I help leaders become high-performing through one-on-one coaching, e-learning, and leadership development organizational solutions.
The beauty and challenge is helping both businesses grow and add value in the world :-) while enjoying it in a peacefully productive manner!
What's New for You
- Newsletter changes: Now sent from my learning platform (valcoach.courses) - thus the new format. You will probably also get a newsletter from Leadership-Paradox since you are interested in leadership.
- Four new free assessments: Leadership Procrastination Impact, Leading Change, Life Satisfaction, and Personal Transitions Skills
- Overcome Procrastination course: Online version ready now, live webinar version coming soon
- Platform evolution: New blog posts, stored newsletters, free "Are you ready for coaching?" course, and much more in development
Summer relaxation
I am not sure why we think summer is a time for relaxation, more than any other time of the year, apart from the fact most people take holidays during this time.
But, just in case you do want to relax with a good book, I found this McKinsey summer reading list interesting and thought you might too.
What books are resonating with you this summer?
Wishing you a terrific rest of the summer!
Susan and the WonderWoof!
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