Let's talk about something we don't discuss enough: how lonely it can feel to be in the middle of change, even when you're surrounded by people.
As a former VP of Research and now a career coach, I've experienced this firsthand and supported clients through the same thing. Loneliness doesn't discriminate; it shows up whether you're navigating a career pivot, sitting in the ambiguity of "what's next," or just realizing the work you've built your identity around no longer fits.
Earlier this year, the Surgeon General issued a public health advisory addressing the loneliness epidemic; not just in the United States, but as a symptom of modern life globally. One group that carries a particular version of this weight: people in the middle of a transition.
When you're figuring out a pivot, you're often holding things you can't fully share yet — half-formed ideas, private doubts, decisions still in progress. That can leave you feeling isolated, unsure who to actually talk to about what's going on, even when you're not lacking for people in your life.
The pressure of navigating change on your own can take a real toll. Connection is what makes us human — and without it, it's easy to white-knuckle your way through a transition instead of actually moving through it.
Loneliness Doesn't Mean Alone
When I stepped away from my executive role to build Learn Mindfully, I knew the shift would be significant, and I needed a strong support system in place before I made it. So I proactively built my own "board of directors; a concept I first came across in Jan Torrisi-Mokwa's book, Building Career Equity.
A board of directors is a network of people who act as advisors and support during a season of change. Each person typically specializes in a different area, broadening your perspective and your approach to whatever you're working through. For me, that included a therapist, a coach, a peer circle, and friends and family.
Therapist: I've worked with my therapist for years. Together, we've unearthed the "whys" behind my thoughts, emotions, and behaviors — which has helped me build healthier patterns. A therapist can be an invaluable resource for navigating both the practical and emotional sides of a transition.
Coach: Coaching complements therapy well. It's focused on the present and future — expanding possibilities, creating accountability, and helping you move toward meaningful change. If you're trying to figure out your next step, or find more alignment in how you work, a coach can help guide that.
Peer Circle: As the most senior research leader in my company at the time, I wanted to keep growing my craft and stay connected to people navigating something similar. So I started a small peer group with others in similar roles. Our monthly gatherings became a genuine highlight — equal parts insight and camaraderie.
Friends + Family: You are more than your job title. Your life outside of work shapes how you show up for everything else, including a transition. It's worth protecting space for the people who know you outside of what you do.
Wired for Connection
Navigating change is hard, and it's worth remembering: you're human, and humans are wired for connection.
Building your own "board of directors" can genuinely change how a transition feels while you're in it. Take some time to reflect on where you actually need support right now — your board doesn't need to look like mine. It just needs to fit where you actually are.
The practice: Name one person, right now, who could be part of your board. Not someone to solve it for you — just someone who makes the messy middle feel a little less solitary.