I’m starting to write this while it’s still fresh, even though I don’t fully know what it will look like when it’s done.
I have a few goals with this post.
Goals
- To remember this moment. I know myself well enough to know that sometime in the next year I’m going to feel overwhelmed—maybe even frustrated with myself—for taking on more. When that happens, I’ll need a reminder that this really is something meaningful. I’m hoping this post can be that reminder.
- To be appreciative. I’m intentionally leaving names out—I didn’t get permission to share specifics—but if anyone involved happens to find their way here, they should know how grateful I am. This isn’t for show. I got a little faith back in the idea that if you work hard long enough, things eventually work out.
- To make an impact. Regardless of how things look years from now, I want to know that I tried to make an impact while I had the chance.
So—what am I actually talking about?
Let’s knock out goal number one.
I got a promotion.
I’ve had promotions before, but this one feels different. Not because I technically needed it to achieve my personal goals, but because I needed it in a different way—if that makes sense. As bad as it may sound, this was the one that finally knocked the chip off my shoulder.
I can see the surface of where I’ve always wanted to go. What I want to do next is starting to take shape.
People want me to lead.
I’m a Director now.
Here’s the part that surprised me.
If you asked me what the real value of a promotion is, I’d tell you it’s not the title, the influence, the money, or even the validation that the work mattered. Those things are real—and they’re nice—but the most meaningful feedback comes from the people you work with.
Over the last few days, I’ve let it sink in through conversations—face to face, messages, phone calls. There were plenty of polite, templated “congratulations,” often from people I barely interact with. I genuinely appreciate those.
But it’s the next layer that matters most.
I’ve watched others get their moment over the last 25 years in IT. The real signal is how direct reports react. How peers react. How people outside your org react. That’s where the truth shows up.
The moments that stuck with me
“Well, that was overdue.”
I only got a couple of these—and I wish there were more. These come from people who’ve been watching quietly and care enough to say you earned it.
“Does this mean you’re leaving us?”
That one carries real concern. It’s the worry that new responsibilities might pull you away from the day-to-day. Having to reassure people that things will mostly stay the same—at least for now—was one of the strongest signals that I’ve made an impact.
“You know I’m here because of you, right?”
These hit deeper. Over the last year, I won’t pretend I didn’t lose faith in the mission at times. Hearing this is both validation and reassurance—that they backed the right person.
“Does this come with more responsibility or staff? If so, how do I apply?”
It’s not the outside versions of this that matter. It’s when people in other departments say it. That’s when you know you’ve struck the right notes beyond your own team.
I’ve always been comfortable in servant-leadership roles—coaching, supporting, working backstage, sharing the win. That’s never bothered me. Every now and then, though, it’s okay to take a win for yourself.
Add in the fact that I didn’t have much support early in life, and I’ve always felt like I arrived at milestones later than others. This one, however, finally feels like I showed up right on time.
I’m far from done. But I’ve moved past the quiet “meh, you did alright” phase—and that feels good. For now, my soul (and maybe my ego) is full.
Leaders and mentors matter
Good leaders are rare.
Like anyone who’s worked long enough, I’ve experienced terrible bosses, legendary ones, and everything in between. Every few years, I run a simple test—something my mom used to say when I was a kid:
“If Johnny jumped off a bridge, would you?”
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When you think about the people you work for—if you wouldn’t jump off the metaphorical bridge for them, what are you doing there?
I’ve been lucky enough to have that kind of trust a few times, and I know I chose well because of what came afterward.
Right now, I have one leader who constantly challenges me to do better, and another who gives me honest perspective, trust, and the freedom to try things outside my comfort zone.
That combination is rare. I don’t take it lightly.
Impact
That’s what this is really about.
I’ve made some impact so far—but if I’m honest, not enough to justify the effort yet. The ROI question still matters to me.
So now it’s time to build. To decide what comes next.
There’s impact at the office.
Impact in the IAM community.
Impact locally, here in the Midwest.
Are there others?
I’ve reached that fork in the trail. It’s time to stop staring at it and pick a path—at least for a while—and see where it leads.
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