There comes a time in any job, project or existence, when you wonder if the challenge and excitement this represents is enough for you – a form of “mid-situation crisis” if you will. The answer largely depends on “who” you are and what your motivations and aspirations are. Life and work have taught me something about myself; that I am happier when initiating than maintaining. It’s time to move on …
Not without some difficulty therefore, I have decided to leave the Journal and hand over the keys of editorship in the Journal of Business Compliance to Irina Jäkel, who together with Laurenz and our excellent editorial board, will continue the valuable work of the Journal. Although there is still much to be done at the Journal – Laurenz and Irina have many new ideas and projects to build on - I need to “cut the umbilical cord”, start new projects and pursue my continuing aspiration to contribute in whatever way I can to promote integrity and the science of good decision taking. I wish them every success, and indeed trust them to build on what we have so far achieved to take the Journal to even higher levels of reach and influence.
As for me, I am grateful for the learning I have acquired in this process, not to mention the many new, inspiring friends, I have met. My new projects revolve around writing projects and new forms of conferencing and communication of message, and perhaps even more importantly, the creation of new platforms of collaboration between the innumerable experts and activists operating in the field of governance, compliance and ethics - some known to me, most not (yet). I believe that working more closely together, pooling energy and thought leadership, we can achieve higher levels of innovation and influence than we can individually, and if as a facilitator I am able to help release that creativity, I shall certainly do my best to do so.
It is now Christmas and almost the New Year. A time frequently considered appropriate for reflection and taking stock. Let’s therefore see what 2016 will bring. I’m not yet entirely sure myself – but I am excited by the potential of what may emerge. I wish you a peaceful and loving holiday season, and every success for 2016.