Transformation & Strategy Leader | Helping Leaders Drive Change, Culture & Growth | Exploring Practical AI Through Audits, MVPs & ‘’AI That Works’’ Podcast
There was NO career path. Just tasks, meetings, and hope that someone would notice. Even after being selected for a prestigious rotation program across EMEA, I assumed the company had a vision for my future. I thought they’d be eager to leverage my experience working in a new, critical department for a full year. I imagined they’d see the value of someone who understood the full end-to-end process—and could help improve cross-functional collaboration. Until I asked the wrong question—and got an answer that stopped me cold. I asked a senior leader in my original department: “What’s the plan for me after the rotation ends?” He replied: “I don’t know. We’ll see when it’s time. Nothing’s defined yet. Maybe we can give you back your old job—if it’s still available.” That moment changed everything. It became clear: there was no plan. Around the same time, I received an offer to stay in the new department I was working in during the rotation. I wasn’t sure whether I should take it. So I reached out to a C-level executive I trusted—someone uninvolved but wise. We sat down for 30 minutes. I told him the full story and asked for his opinion. He said: “Sometimes it’s good to try the new car rather than spend the next 20 years wondering what it would’ve felt like.” That was it. The message was clear. I made my decision: I would no longer leave my career path to randomness. I chose to try the new car rather than wonder what could’ve been. And looking back now, it was absolutely the right decision. Because it gave me something most leaders crave but never claim: Clarity. And clarity is the fuel for momentum. Have you ever faced a moment where you had to choose clarity over comfort? I’d love to hear what it taught you. #leadership #management #career
P.S. I’ll soon share more of these strategic insights privately through my new leadership newsletter. If you’d like early access before the public launch, drop a quick ‘include me’ or send me a message.
This is a very good reminder Mohamed Hanbal - clarity is so good for our motivation and vision. We should not forget that it can take a while to get clarity - it’s not a quick trick.
“Sometimes it’s good to try the new car rather than spend the next 20 years wondering what it would’ve felt like.” such a clear, meaningful and powerful quote to live by!Always proud 👏
Wow. What a powerful post and story. It shows how clarity is important and also shows how companies can boost the performance of their employees (and retain them), if they aimed for more clarity. Thank you for sharing 🙏🏻
Yes, Mohamed. I thought I had the support of a group because I always supported their goals however I was thinking of kindness and they were thinking transactions. I just didn't meet there transactional goals and that provided a moment of clarity for me to decide what are my goals and where am I expending my energy and why. These can be uncomfortable moments but necessary for growth so I sold my old car and bought a new one aligned with my goals.
Mohamed Hanbal great reminder that we own our career paths, not the org charts. Clarity often begins with the courage to ask tough questions
Love this take, Mohamed
Well said Mohamed
Companies, managers, consider employees only for that one task that they want you to accomplish, nothing more. The big wake up call is to realize that everything you do in life you do it for yourself, and no one else. We must become masters of our own destiny, not sitting ducks at someone else’s mercy.
Transformation & Strategy Leader | Helping Leaders Drive Change, Culture & Growth | Exploring Practical AI Through Audits, MVPs & ‘’AI That Works’’ Podcast
5moHave you ever faced a moment where you had to choose clarity over comfort? I’d love to hear what it taught you.