Wednesday, August 30 was my final day as a part of Catalyst’s day-to-day operations. I’m still working, but now instead of being an ongoing part of what we do, my focus will be more on strategic initiatives, special projects and providing excess capacity when needed. I’ve left the daily activities in the hands of people who are well-suited to carry our agency into the future. In fact, based on what I’ve seen since stepping down as president on July 1, they are probably better suited; I probably should have done this a year ago.
It just so happens that at this point my capacity is needed, a situation that will be rectified shortly, so my “transition” will be barely noticeable to me. I’m back doing account work, which I’ve always loved to do. I’m not as good at it as I once was, but I still find it rewarding. It will be a good way to gently nudge me onto my ice floe bound for Boulder.
Over my 33-year career I have seen prosperity and desolation; amazing advancements and abject failures; new industries born and established ones destroyed. I can’t help but think the next 33 years will feature much of the same.
Passing the torch to current President, Melissa
While I can’t know how my successors will navigate the challenges that lie ahead, I do know that those challenges will be faced, and then met.
They are a good team of good people, and that team is going to continue to get better—and bigger. I would wish them luck, but they don’t need it; they already have the skills and the tools to handle this transition, and those still to come.
Chuck takes one for the team and models!
I am thankful for what Catalyst has done for me, and for the relationships I’ve had with our clients, employees, suppliers, reps and others with whom I’ve dealt over the years. But I can assure you, I am nowhere near done yet, so you’ve not heard the last of me.
-Chuck-