Exit

I’m just about finished the transition work at the office. And there has been a lot of transition work. Since I provided my notice to retire back in October of 2017, the pace of work has been pretty intense.

Now? The pace has backed off dramatically. My successor started last week and aside from introductions and transition planning discussions, my workload has reduced a lot. I have only a few days left before I retire so I am not surprised that things have started to wind down.

There is one task that I have been putting off and that is writing my retirement speech. My company is holding a reception next Wednesday and next Wednesday will come up fast.

My speech will be short as retirement speeches should be. 5 to 10 minutes at most.

Shouldn’t take long to prepare right?

A word of thanks, a few words about the company and the team and perhaps a few words of wisdom about corporate life.

Although I have spoken extensively over the years at industry keynotes, corporate events, boards, especially my years lecturing, there have been a few speeches that I found particularly challenging:

• I was asked to be the commencement speaker for the graduating students at the college where I used to teach.
• The father of the bride speech for my oldest daughter.
• The father of the groom speech for my oldest son.

I had such a hard time putting my thoughts together for each speech and even though I am very comfortable with public speaking, all three events terrified me.

I am just as terrified about this retirement speech next week.

Time to start working on it.