Many readers will by now know that last week we announced the planned departure from my current position here at WorkersCompensation.com. The outpouring of comments and support has been overwhelming. Many people have wished me well via text, email, telephone, LinkedIn, and Facebook. I was traveling last week (and this one as well, actually) and have not had a chance to respond to everyone. So please know I thank you and am extremely appreciative of your kind words and support.
I also had several people send me rather urgent texts asking if I was ok. They seemed to be concerned about my health. In conversations with people at a conference in Charlotte, I learned that speculation was afoot in some quarters that I must be seriously ill. Let me take this moment to assure you that this is certainly not the case. I am fine. My doctor will certainly confirm that during my next annual physical, which I will most likely undergo within the next 5 years or so.
Besides, if you know me, you know that if I was ill I would probably be blogging about it. I never could keep a secret.
Being the CEO of this company has been the highlight of my career and an honor to perform. As noted in my statement we issued last week, I have had the privilege of working with the best team around and have made many friends within an industry that I greatly respect. This position has given me the opportunity to be creative in developing new products and services, as well as a platform from which to offer opinions and ideas that have been well received by the industry. Still, lately, I have not been able to escape the feeling that after 22 years in the same position there is more to be done and to accomplish new things you may at times need to step away from the old. For me, this is that time, and it feels like the right thing to do.
I have had many people wish me good luck in my “next chapter.” I am not entirely sure what that chapter holds (I should probably buy the book and turn to the end to see how it finishes), but I am optimistic about the future as well as my continued involvement in the workers’ comp industry. I am working on one very exciting project, related to education, that will be announced in a couple of weeks. While it is not the specific reason for my departure, it is an example of some of the things that remain undone, and of challenges that I would like to pursue.
I have been asked if I will continue writing and speaking around the country. My answer has been that I intend to do so for as long as people would like to hear what I have to say (or at least pretend to – I have a fragile ego, after all). This blog will continue to exist, possibly on this site, or elsewhere if that is determined to be best. I will keep you posted on that.
In the meantime, through much of the summer, I will be busy in my current position, working to ensure a smooth transition that will enable the company I love to continue to grow and succeed. And I will note that I am doing it in good health, as the rumors of my physical demise have been greatly exaggerated.
Thank you again for your many comments and support.