Samantha Clewes-King’s Post

I keep a list of every bridge I’ve burned. Here is why you should too. After 25 years in corporate and 4 building my portfolio career, I realised something: The bridges I burned taught me more than the ones I built. My list has 8 names. Not enemies - just relationships that had to end for me to grow. - The peer who bullied me, thinking it would earn them power. - The friend who disappeared every time I needed help. - The boss who promised growth but delivered growth to himself only. Every burned bridge had warning signs I ignored: - That uncomfortable feeling in meetings - The way they talked about others who left - How drained I felt after every interaction Some bridges need to burn - - The toxic client pays well but costs your sanity. - The “friend” who only calls when they need something. - The leader who sees you as a resource, not a person. But here is the twist: I also keep a list of the bridges I rebuilt. Because sometimes you burn from ego, not wisdom. Sometimes you are the problem. Sometimes time changes everything. What I learned: 1️⃣ Burn with intention, not emotion Take 48 hours. If you still need to burn it after the emotion passes, light the match. 2️⃣ Some bridges burn themselves You don't need dramatic exits. Sometimes walking away quietly is enough. 3️⃣ Quality over quantity I'd rather have 5 solid bridges than 50 shaky ones It’s not about grudges. Some bridges were never meant to last forever. 💬 Which bridge do you need to burn - or rebuild? ♻️ Share if this hits home ➕ Follow me, Ani Filipova, for daily truths about careers, leadership & change 📩 Get weekly insights: The Change Blueprint newsletter in the Featured section