As I sit here typing on my laptop, hot-spotting from my phone at a very un-ergonomic temporary kitchen table and chair, I can't help but think about the curious parallels in my life this summer. About three months ago, I stepped into my new role as Chief of Staff at Bovitz, and about a month ago, I stepped into a new life in Germany.
Neither move was something I had carefully planned. I hadn't meticulously curated my career to land a Chief of Staff position. And as a military spouse, I certainly didn't have much of a say in where we'd land next. Planned or not, though, I approached both transitions the same way: I went all in. I dove headfirst into new projects at work and immersed myself in German culture.
Then somewhere along the way between the balance sheets and Bretzels, it dawned on me: These changes were largely unplanned, but I wasn't unprepared. If anything, I'd been preparing for them for years without even realizing it. Two previous overseas moves and a college minor in German. Years spent navigating ambiguity, building relationships across teams, balancing strategy with execution, and figuring things out without a clear roadmap.
At the time, none of those experiences felt connected. I wasn't intentionally collecting experiences that would someday prepare me for a Chief of Staff role or life in Germany.
Looking back, though, it's clear they were all a part of a bigger story. One about keeping an open mind—to new career paths and new ways of living. About approaching life and work with curiosity and not being afraid to ask the "silly" question when you're the newest person in the room. About saying "yes" to the unexpected and embracing the ride wholeheartedly. And perhaps most importantly, about knowing that when things get a bit (okay, a lot) stressful, you've got it because you've been preparing for this exact ride all along.
I'm settling into my new role much faster than my new house. But for now, I'm grateful for both new beginnings—and for all the experiences that brought me to this moment. 🥨