I've been quiet over the last couple of months because I've been going through a job change cycle. About a decade ago, I promised myself that every 5 year interval, I'd at least have a look around to see if there was something else that might interest me. The thought process behind this was relatively simple:

• 5 years is enough time to understand an organization and drive positive impact. On delivery (service and project) and most importantly, on people.
• Complacency is something I want to avoid, especially in the latter stages of my career. Cyclical job change can help keep things fresh.
• I'd like to continue to learn and grow. Try new things. Whether it be new industries or even new roles.

So with that background out of the way, I can say that I started looking at new opportunities in late June / early July. I was happy in my previous role leading the Digital Innovation & Technology department at the Nova Scotia Community College (what a wonderful team there!), but I was pleased to at least have opportunity to speak with several different organizations during this time.

I'm sure if you asked anyone who knows me well in a professional context, they would have assumed I would have moved on to another senior leadership role with another organization or institution. Honestly, I think I probably felt this way at the beginning of my search... but ultimately, I decided to pursue a slightly different (but familiar) track.

In early September, I joined the Info-Tech Research Group as a Senior Director, Executive Services. Info-Tech is a research and advisory firm that produces relevant research and actionable tools for Chief Information Officers and IT Leaders to help them drive improvement in their organizations. In my role, I'll be working closely with those IT Leaders to help them get the most out of their Info-Tech membership and to provide insight from my own experience that may help optimize their work.

I've long debated a transition to the private sector following over 20 years in the public sector, and this opportunity excited me enough to take that step. I've only been on the team for two weeks but I've already learned a lot and I look forward to getting directly engaged with our members in the weeks ahead.

There is a lot of discussion right now about "The Great Resignation" coming out of this pandemic. That we're seeing more people leaving employers for new opportunities based on reflection during this time of crisis, or a desire to continue working remotely going forward. For me, I would say that this wasn't the result of grand reflection, but more me sticking to the core principles of my career plan. I will say that with 2 children transitioning into their teen years, the opportunity to continue working from home was definitely a factor. We are a tight knit family that's only grown tighter during this extended period together during the pandemic. At this point, commuting doesn't seem like a high value activity when I can transition that time to greater pursuits personally or professionally.

Wish me luck and if you're considering job change... don't be afraid to take the leap. Change is healthy.

Kirk out.