Issue 38: The Messy Middle of Change (And Why It Matters More Than You Think)

ISSUE 38

16 APRIL 2025 | READ ONLINE

Hi Reader,

Let’s be honest: transformation looks great in hindsight. The breakthroughs, the pivots, the big “aha” moments. They make for great storytelling.

But while you’re in it?

It’s usually awkward. Uncertain. Uncomfortable. Kind of like that phase where your hair’s doing its own thing, and you’re just hoping it’s a phase.

I’ve been sitting with this a lot lately. That weird, floaty space between what was and what’s next. The old title, identity, or way of working no longer fits. But the new chapter hasn’t quite revealed itself. It’s not a breakdown. It’s not a breakthrough.

It’s … the in-between.

And the in-between is where most of us give up or try to rush ahead before we’ve listened to what this season is trying to teach us.

The Middle Gets Overlooked. But It’s Where We Evolve

We don’t talk enough about the middle. We rush to the results, the outcomes, the proof.

But I’ve learned (the hard way, of course) that if you skip the uncomfortable middle, you miss the actual transformation.

You miss the recalibration. The redefining of what matters. The small inner shifts that prepare you for the bigger leap.

I used to think clarity came first. Now I realize it often comes after confusion. When you stop trying to force answers and start listening for better questions, you know.

Three Anchors That Help Me Through It

If you’re in a season of transition (whether in work, life, identity, or direction), here are three reminders I keep coming back to:

Just because it’s uncomfortable doesn’t mean it’s wrong. We’re wired to think discomfort = danger. But when you’re evolving, discomfort can mean growth. It’s not a signal to stop. It’s a signal to pay attention.
The timeline is rarely linear. There’s no magic formula (and definitely no perfect spreadsheet) for how long it takes to reinvent yourself. Some shifts are slow burns. Others move in a sudden flash. Most are somewhere in between.
Let yourself be “in progress.” This is a big one. You don’t have to have the new title, strategy, or 5-year plan to be valid. Being in progress is enough. In fact, it’s where most of the good stuff starts.

And if you’re a purpose-driven leader, it’s especially easy to hold yourself to impossible standards. But purpose doesn’t mean perfection. It means showing up with intention, even when you’re still figuring it out.

What I’m Reading and Listening To This Week

📖 The Way of Integrity by Martha Beck: This book is a balm for anyone untangling themselves from roles, expectations, or patterns that no longer feel true. Gentle but powerful.

🎧 Pulling the Thread by Elise Loehnen: Loehnen’s interviews dive deep into the spaces between endings and beginnings and how to stay anchored when your path feels blurry.

This Week’s Highlights

Here are some of my most recent LinkedIn posts:

Mindset Shifts: I included a carousel and post with 7 strategies to become a more effective leader. Read it here.

A Poll on Leading with Purpose: In preparation for an upcoming keynote, would you click here and answer this poll question please?

This Week’s Reflection

Where are you in the transformation process?

Are you clinging to the past? Rushing the future? Or can you allow yourself to just be here (in the middle) long enough to let it shape you?

Because the middle? It’s not the detour. It’s the work.

And you’re doing it beautifully.

Until next week, Megan

Upcoming: 90-Minute Masterclass Back By Popular Demand!

Last week, I hosted a special 90-minute session on “Elevating Your Impact and Influence as a Safety Leader.” It was so well received that I’m running it again on May 8 (May 9 AEST), and if you missed it, this is your chance to join.

Whether you’re looking to position yourself for a promotion, navigate a career pivot, or finally get the recognition you deserve, this session is packed with practical takeaways, including:

✅ A fresh roadmap to grow your career

✅ Tools to elevate your visibility and strategic voice

✅ A workbook and tailored leadership template for safety professionals

Seats are limited, so if this feels like your next right step, grab your spot here:

👉 Reserve Your Seat for the May 8 Masterclass.