Join Me In Embracing Uncertainty
As I write this farewell note, it is with mixed emotions. Leaving the work I am passionate about and all the many friends and colleagues I have met and collaborated with along the way leaves a bit of a hollow feeling, a certain loss. Yet, it’s time.
Even as I reflect on the photos that were chosen for my retirement notice I see the younger me, first entering the field in my 20’s – young, naïve, idealistic and thinking I could change the world. Ah youth! Ah hair! Then I see the older me – somewhat cynical, frustrated, a little grumpy but also very satisfied. Except for the hair part!
Satisfied. Satisfied in that the first two or three years, and the last four or five years, have been the best and most rewarding of my career. And, thanks to a terrific Board of Directors sharing in a common vision, a fantastic team of passionate, talented and dedicated staff and all of you who are committed to improving the lives of people who have a disability, I think we are changing the world.
Oh, there’s still plenty to do, but in all my years, we haven’t come as far as fast as we have in the last five years. The change we seek and the change we need is very close. You can almost touch it.
As much as I’m looking forward to retirement, there’s a great deal of uncertainty in embracing the process. After working in the sector for 43 years, moving into retirement involves redefining my purpose.
I know many of you can relate to this feeling of uncertainty, as our sector once again experiences tremendous change.
The other reflection on those two photos is the change that has transpired – not just the physical me, but in the world around us. What I have learned during my career is change is inevitable, it’s part of the process and it will always play a role in what we do. It’s what we want actually – for people who have a disability.
But, that doesn’t come without a certain degree of discomfort. Sometimes we need to get out of our personal comfort zone and when we overcome our resistance to change and embrace the uncertainty – we grow, we innovate and we develop better ways to support people who have a disability to find meaningful and lasting employment.
I have tremendous respect and confidence in the ability of all of you to continue this work and achieve our network’s vision that all people who have a disability in Ontario have access to the labour force and the ability to achieve meaningful employment.
Building and working with ODEN’s Centre for Excellence in Employment Services has been the highlight of my career. It has been my greatest pleasure to work alongside ODEN’s members, Business Champions League, Board of Directors, staff, colleagues from all provinces, government and the business community. Together, we have accomplished so much and I thank each and every one of you for your contributions.
I am delighted to pass ODEN’s leadership torch to Jeannette Campbell as I officially retire today. Jeannette’s vision, dedication and energy as CEO will be of tremendous benefit to the organization moving forward.
Until we meet again,
Joe Dale, CEO
Ontario Disability Employment Network