I woke up to a Friday 8 AM shift. Nothing unusual about that. Except it’s my last work day. I arrived 5 minutes early and went about my day, with an Open Training and a few Personal Trainings. And I was apparently glowing. Life is about to change, and I see it and feel it happen, and it feels just right. I interviewed the last person for my position, and this week I have been so honored by my leaders, through their kind words of affirmation, hugs and lingering smiles. I have been involved not just in building and training my successor but interviewing them for my role. Full circle.
Mom has a saying “leave the party while you are still having fun”. I have always followed this advice, even before I heard it. And it feels the same leaving this party. As I begin a new adventure, I hope and pray that I will continue to carry on the torch that was strengthened during my 4+ years at Apple. You can be successful in business, following your heart, speaking up, speaking the truth, working with integrity and being generous with your time and resources. I have had the opportunity to have tough conversations, be feisty, be confident, be kind.
I have learned to keep my composure in stressful circumstances, take action, be informing and timely, I got to learn a new side of business appropriate humor, learn on the fly, listen, delegate, persevere, plan, gain perspective, learn about myself and understand others, negotiate and motivate others, set priorities and solve problems creatively.
At noon I had lunch with my team, and it felt natural and cozy. But as we were wrapping up Natalie said that this is the end of an Era. This team was formed a long time ago, and I am not taking for granted the tightly knit vibe.