With mixed emotions, I announce the resignation of Carole Marmell, Leading Consciously's beloved and conscientious content editor. Carole's decision to fully retire, though long contemplated, marks a significant transition for our team.1
Carole's passion for words and her ability to communicate complex ideas accessibly have been invaluable to our work. Her expertise has shaped our blogs, newsletters, proposals, and social media content.
I relied heavily on Carole's candid criticism of my first drafts. She never sugarcoated her feedback, often declaring "Nothing new here" after I'd spent agonizing hours writing pages of text.
Her seemingly off-the-wall comments would reveal when my writing failed to convey my intended message. This process of rewriting and patient critiquing continued until we were both satisfied with the result
She leaves behind her imprint on most of our public documents—a mountain of concepts and words that will live on the web and in our memories forever.
Carole was a student in several of my classes when I taught at the University of Houston’s Graduate College of Social Work. I did the best I could then to maintain boundaries with her since I was professor and she was student, but that was quite difficult.
She and I are three months apart in age, and our children are in the same age bracket. We automatically bonded together as mothers and as firm advocates for social justice.
Carole's brilliance was readily apparent in the classroom. I could count on her to ask the exact right insightful question that would then lead to clarity among the rest of the students.
After she graduated, she would send me interesting articles about politics, philosophy, and human nature, and eventually we became friends.
In other words, Carole has been a part of my life one way or the other for over 30 years.
As I contemplate Carole's departure, I'm reminded of a workshop on "Holding On and Letting Go" described to me many moons ago by my friend Dr. Darya Funches. She and I have discussed it frequently since then.
Letting go is hardest when it affects our core identity. Rather than change with the times, we try to hold on. The more central the thing, person, or idea we are losing, the harder we cling.
Yet holding on is a futile effort when the change is inevitable. One way to move on is to remember that innovation requires change, and change necessitates letting go.
While someone else may fill Carole's role as content editor, her unique presence in Leading Consciously is irreplaceable. To me, she was a confidant, a challenger when she saw things weren't right, as well as someone who performed the task of content editing.
This transition, though tinged with sadness, is just another shift in our enduring relationship.
I asked two team members who worked most closely with Carole to share their thoughts:
Eillen (Webmaster and researcher):
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"Carole has been a joy to work with. I'll miss her eagle eye for details and her insightful questions." |
Virginia (Graphic Designer and scheduler):
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Carole and I would pick up each other’s minds when it slipped. We would cheer each other on when we needed a “YIPPEE.” We understood each other when we were a bit puzzled, and we would put our minds together when it didn’t make sense. But TRULY, I’m going to miss the teamwork we had. Carole is a wonderful friend who I enjoyed working with every day. I REALLY will miss her company…at work. Text, phone, Zoom and email will keep our conversations going, though. Enjoy every minute of your time Carole, however you spend it. Enjoy YOUR moment. |
As we navigate this change, we're actively seeking a successor for the content editor role. Note I said “successor,” not replacement. Carole can’t be replaced.
Yet letting go of one role doesn’t mean it all ends. Carole sent me a note yesterday saying, “I’m still invested.” True to her sense of responsibility and commitment, she offered to pick up on a task left hanging.
While we adjust to Carole's absence, please bear with us if our content isn't as polished as usual. Since I started the blog and newsletter, this is the first one I’ve written without her review.
Through this transition, I continuously remind myself that holding on can stifle growth, while letting go is an essential part of life's journey. That doesn’t make it easy.
What it does mean, thankfully, is that I’m not plagued with feelings of “this shouldn’t be,” which ends up being a form of holding on.
Several people have asked me how I feel about her leaving. Yes, I’m sad. But I’m also naturally optimistic. Things will work out, although I don’t know how yet.
What I do know in my bones though, is that while Carole’s and my professional relationship is changing, our friendship endures as we adapt to this new chapter in our lives.
[1] Personal Journey: How to Ride Your Emotions as You Change for the Better (#80)
