When Did You Last Reinvent Yourself?

This morning, I braved two-degree weather in the rural Worcestershire countryside to meet an old friend and one of my first clients for breakfast. The venue was an old pub that had been transformed into a fantastic space called Toast.

Walking in, I couldn’t help but marvel at the renovation. The building, which had likely existed since the 1600s, was completely reimagined. It wasn’t just the new decor or the fresh menu; it was the entire concept that had changed. Toast was no longer just another pub-it was a modern, thriving brunch destination.

As I sat there, enjoying a perfectly cooked Full English, I thought about the transformation of this place. The pub it once was had served its purpose for generations, but over time, fewer people came through its doors. The world had moved on, and the pub hadn’t kept pace.

At some point, the owners must have faced a hard truth: the old model wasn’t working anymore. The gradual drop-off in customers likely felt subtle at first-a few empty tables, a slightly quieter evening. But before long, it would have become impossible to ignore. They had two choices: stick with what they knew and hope for a resurgence or take the leap to reinvent and adapt. Clearly, they chose the latter, and the result was astounding. Toast is now thriving, with a steady stream of customers and glowing reviews.

Are You Stuck in the Past?

Now, think about your career. Are you still relying on the same “menu” you offered years ago? Have you fallen into the trap of thinking what worked in the past will continue to work in the future?

The truth is, most leaders don’t realize their skills are out of date until it’s too late-until promotions are bypassed, recognition fades, and that quiet sense of frustration starts to build.

Like that old pub, it’s easy to think things are fine until they’re not. Leadership is evolving rapidly. Teams are more diverse, challenges are more complex, and the demands on leaders have never been greater. Yet, so many leaders are running on outdated strategies, trying to thrive in a new world with old tools.

The most successful leaders I’ve worked with are the ones who recognise when it’s time to upgrade their “leadership operating system.” They’ve stopped relying on the abacus when the world is running on algorithms. They’ve embraced the idea that reinvention isn’t a one-time event-it’s an ongoing process.

The reason most mid-to-senior managers burn out isn’t because they’re not working hard enough; it’s because they’re working hard on the wrong things. They’re still doing it all themselves, stuck in the details instead of driving the bigger picture.

Imagine trying to use a map from 20 years ago to navigate today’s cities. The roads have changed, new highways have been built, and shortcuts have appeared. Leadership is no different. What got you here won’t get you there.

Reinvention doesn’t mean starting over. Toast didn’t tear down the old pub; it built on its foundation, preserving the charm and character while making it fit for modern customers. Likewise, you don’t need to throw away your experience and expertise. You simply need to reimagine how you lead-updating your skills, reframing your mindset, and focusing on the things that truly matter.

• Learning to empower your team rather than solving every problem yourself.
• Focusing on outcomes, not just activity, so you stop spinning your wheels.
• Developing clarity around your vision and ensuring your team is aligned with it.

So, when was the last time you reinvented yourself? Are you leading with the same approach you had five or ten years ago? Are you feeling stretched too thin because you’re still trying to do it all yourself? Maybe it’s time to step back, reflect, and think about how you can evolve.

The next phase of your career doesn’t happen by accident. It’s a choice-a decision to invest in yourself, to adapt, and to thrive in an ever-changing world.

If you’re ready to stop burning out and start leading with clarity and impact, it’s time to take that first step. The world has moved on-have you?

“Great things in business are never done by one person. They’re done by a team of people.” — Steve Jobs.

When you are ready to find out more, here are a few ways you can connect with me

Originally published at https://www.linkedin.com.