You Are Not Your Predecessor: Leading Forward Through Change

You are not your predecessor, nor should you try to be - when leadership changes, so must the organization.

Imagine stepping into a role where the previous leader served for 20 years - that's two decades of relationships, decisions, influence, and embedded ways of working. Recreating what they had isn’t just unrealistic, it’s counterproductive.

The better path is to build from where you are.

Your presence alone marks a shift. It signals a new chapter and offers a legitimate rationale for change - not just in leadership, but in how the organization moves forward.

That said, this doesn’t have to feel abrupt. Transitions can be made thoughtful and intentional, here are a few ideas:

• Retain the outgoing leader in an advisory, mentor, or chair role.

• Implement a phased succession plan with early introductions to key stakeholders.

• Create structured programming to support mutual understanding between you and the organization.

When you’re new, own it. Use it.

Because when approached deliberately, newness can inspire renewal.