Knowing When to Leave—And What Not to Carry Forward

In executive roles, we often stay too long—out of loyalty, unfinished goals, or the belief that we can fix what’s broken. But when the environment becomes toxic or abusive, staying isn’t leadership. It’s self-neglect.

If you're considering a transition, pause and reflect: Are you drawn to a new opportunity because it feels familiar—or because it’s truly healthy? Comfort can be deceptive. As an executive recruiter for the past 30+ years, I’ve witnessed candidates leave poorly cultured firms only to accept roles in nearly identical environments. Familiarity isn’t always safety—it can be a trap.

Don’t let past dysfunction become your compass. Growth begins when we choose environments that challenge us to thrive, not just survive.

Have you ever stayed too long? What helped you finally move forward?