There is often a point in our careers when we look back to our beginnings…where we started, how far we have come, and where our journey is headed in the future. There is a certain point in our careers where we start to ask ourselves meaningful questions, like "Am I happy?," "What is my purpose?," and "Am I fulfilling it where I currently stand?”
Those questions have taken me on a discovery roller-coaster. And while I have been able to answer those questions for myself over the past two years, with each answer I observed a widening gap between myself and my everyday duties as a Vice President at Norco College. You see, I have been in higher education for 23 years. It is expected that we advance from faculty to Associate Dean, to Dean, to VP, and then to a President. I worked hard, put in extra hours, earned five degrees, and got promoted. I always had a goal to bring through each position the strength of change I wanted to see in our institutions. I thought to myself that if I wanted things to progress, I should strive to wield the organizational power to steer the ship in the “right” direction. So, I climbed…just as I was expected to do. What I realized, though, is that I successfully got myself promoted away from what I loved the most.
Don’t get me wrong, for the last four years I enjoyed leading governance, grants, institutional effectiveness and marketing for Norco College as a Vice President. I worked tirelessly to improve our metrics, systems, and processes. And we were successful. Our college evolved and transformed in many ways. I’m told I was doing a pretty good job as a VP too. I was often asked when I’d be applying for Presidencies. But then I took a step back and carefully read (and read again) the mission I had previously identified for myself:
“I am committed to (re)defining education; eliminating the skills gap; helping students secure a competitive advantage; and equipping learners to identify and pursue their purpose on purpose.”
I was experiencing a misalignment. Even though I loved my colleagues and my college, I felt a career dissonance. Have you ever felt that before? It’s unsettling.
But I was fortunate enough to find pockets of complete fulfillment. For example, this past August I traveled to speak in Pennsylvania, Idaho, Washington, and California. I felt most alive as a keynote speaker and facilitator helping large regions and hundreds of institutions redefine the goal for their work. Simultaneously, I have felt a tugging in my heart…almost like a gravitational pull closer towards my “Why.” As a result, I started a national professional development company offering masterclasses to K-16 institutions and I committed myself to completing my fourth book. While dedicating myself to these activities, I felt like myself again. So, I observed and reflected. I realized I was my best self as I spoke, wrote, mentored, advised, co-created, and encouraged others.
To be clear, it wasn’t the podium, the applause, nor the delayed flights that I enjoyed. But it was the ability to serve my friends and colleagues under the CTE umbrella – united in a shared mission held with fidelity. I felt most congruent with my purpose, my passions, and my ‘Why’ when I was dedicating my time and talents towards Career & Technical education (CTE) and career-connected learning.
A friend recently asked me, “Where can you make the most impact?” That single question gave me pause. That’s when I knew a change was necessary. So, after much conversation and prayer, I resigned.
I am excited to be returning to what I love most.
I am energized to dedicate all my work again to our field, from which I have learned so much.
I am grateful to be true to my mission.
I am thankful to stand where I can make the broadest impact possible.
I am honored to begin service to the learners and institutions of Los Angeles County.
The Los Angeles Regional Consortium supports 19 community colleges, 88 cities, 10+ Million residents, over 500,000 students, and the 17th largest economy in the world. Its Chair, Narineh Makijan, Ed.D. , is a visionary leader ensuring true regional collaboration and employer engagement to increase the availability of a well-trained skilled workforce in LA County. I appreciate the trust and opportunity she has afforded me in leading Strategic Development and the creation of a regional Apprenticeship Network for the Los Angeles Regional Consortium. In this role, I shall work with several motivated CTE units and progressive districts who are truly mission-aligned.
The needs are deep. The challenges are real. But the opportunities are limitless.
I recently resigned as a college Vice President to achieve a better alignment for myself, my career, and my soul. I will be refocusing on CTE, employer engagement, work-based learning, apprenticeships, and equipping learners to find their purpose, on purpose.
I am returning to my Why.
I am choosing happiness.
I am manifesting my purpose.
Onward, Together!
KEVIN J FLEMING, Ph.D.
Innovation & Strategic Development Specialist, Los Angeles Regional Consortium
Founder & CEO, Catapult
Change Agent & Philomath, www.kevinjfleming.com
Author of (Re)Defining the Goal, Maintaining Strategic Relevance, There’s A Hat For That! and Words Are Your Superpower
“We have been blessed to have you for the years we did. Thank you for being such a great colleague, door opener, resource machine, connector, spokesperson, networker on behalf of the college, exemplar of humility, encourager, friend, worker, and representative in the community.” - Norco College colleague
Comments