By Dr. Cheryl Gibson
In the high-stakes world of senior leadership, career transitions can feel like seismic shifts. For executives who’ve built their identities on decades of achievement, the challenge isn’t just finding the next role—it’s rediscovering themselves. Dr. Cheryl Gibson, a clinical psychotherapist and advisor at Directioneering, outlines here some evidenced–based strategies she has tailored to assist senior executives in navigating what’s next.
Maintaining Resilience and Staying “Match-Fit”
A cornerstone of Cheryl’s work is helping executives stay “match-fit”—physically and mentally ready for what lies ahead. “For many, transition can bring stress, anxiety and even some symptoms of burnout”, she explains. To counter these effects, Cheryl encourages executives to establish routines focused on wellness, emphasising hydration, exercise, sleep, and social support.
“These daily practices provide stability,” she says. By grounding themselves in a strong physical and mental state, leaders are better prepared to take on new challenges with confidence and clarity.
Re-storying: Rediscovering Professional Identity and Purpose
During career transitions, many executives feel disconnected from the achievements and values that once defined them. Cheryl guides them through a process she calls “re-storying,” which encourages leaders to view their career journey through a fresh lens. “A ‘creative audit’ of skills allows executives to recognise and honour what sets them apart,” she explains. “It’s incredibly powerful for rediscovering motivation and shaping future directions.”
With this approach, Cheryl helps clients reframe the narrative from a sense of loss to one of growth and self-discovery. Re-storying becomes not only a confidence-building exercise but also a way to chart the path forward, where their personal strengths play a central role.
Finding Meaning During Transition: Three Essential Sources
Cheryl emphasises three core sources of meaning that can stabilise and inspire executives during times of change:
- Satisfaction in Doing: Cheryl advises leaders to recognise moments of accomplishment, no matter the scale. “Notice when you’re satisfied—whether it’s completing a major project or fixing a child’s skateboard,” she suggests. These small moments of fulfilment reinforce a sense of capability and progress.
- Connection to Others: Social bonds are a profound source of meaning. Cheryl encourages clients to practice “lingering” when someone expresses gratitude—holding eye contact a little longer to deepen connections and fully absorb the warmth. “Extending these brief moments can help us take in the good and shore up our connection to others,” she says.
- A Sense of Safety: For executives facing uncertainty, recognising safe, stable moments is grounding. Cheryl advises clients to find and appreciate these moments, which create a foundation of stability even amidst turbulence. “Notice when you feel secure,” she says, as it reminds them that resilience often comes from appreciating small anchors of safety.
Practical Strategies for Managing Stress and Burnout
To meet the physical and emotional demands of transition, Cheryl emphasises simple, consistent wellness routines. “Small, daily practices make a big difference,” she notes. By incorporating these manageable wellness habits, executives can better handle stress, maintain perspective, and stay balanced during career shifts.
Dr. Cheryl Gibson is a specialist advisor partnering with Directioneering, known for her solution-focused, strengths-based approach. She is passionate about helping individuals navigate role transitions, rediscover meaning in work and self, and build resilience through stress management and recovery from loss or trauma.
