Goodbye Letter from Lauren

“Every leader is an interim leader.” - Dan Busby

Dearest Community:

On December 31, 2021 my time as a leader of this incredible work will come to an end.

The late Colin Powell once said that good leaders, “have to know when to get off the train,” and my loves, I’ve reached my station platform.

In a relay race, the moment of handoff between one racer and the next, the point the baton literally gets passed, is called “The Exchange Zone.” It is a time and distance sensitive area and once you enter this zone you have a certain amount of time to make a clean hand-off. 

Over the past four months, Maria and I have been working diligently within our own exchange zone to beautifully preserve the long-term health and vitality of The Motherhood Collective’s life-saving programs. 

Our mission and vision will remain the same, yet today I am thrilled for you to witness the passing of my half of the TMC baton to my work partner, the pepper to my salt, and German Shepherd to my Great Dane, Maria Hayden.

It’s been said that no matter how much a leader has achieved, it is ultimately meaningless if they have not actively prepared for the next chapter. And friends, I can confidently say that we are well prepared for this exchange. 

My transition into this next chapter is marked with gratitude for each and every one of you and celebration for what’s to come. 

In my tenure with The Motherhood Collective, I have held you and you have held me. As I have worked to educate, equip, and empower women, it is you who have reminded me time and again how much I still have to learn.

I truly believe that healthy successions are integral to long-lasting and mission driven work. I look forward to being TMC’s biggest cheerleader, for I know the work will continue to bloom and grow under Maria’s leadership.

I will deeply miss our weekly hugs and baby snuggles, but I hope that when you see me out in the community you will squeeze me hard and pass me a baby.

All my deepest love,