New Beginnings

Change

Image courtesy of istockphoto/clu

“There is no real ending. It’s just the place where you stop the story.”  Frank Herbert

Today I’m announcing personal news.  I am stepping down from my role as CEO of Ingram Content Group and turning over the leadership reins to John Ingram.

Five years ago, I joined Ingram in large part because I was excited about the possibilities ahead for the company.  Excited to work with John Ingram, I signed up to accomplish certain goals, and those goals have all been met one by one. 

Ingram Content Group is better positioned than ever before to navigate all of the changes happening in the industry.  Whether it’s digital textbooks from VitalSource, the leading content distribution platform of CoreSource or the new physical Ingram Publisher 3PL services, the company has many avenues for continued growth in coming years.

Part of leadership is knowing when you have completed the mission.  My timing for wanting to move to a new phase coincided with John Ingram’s desire to assume a more direct role.  I’m excited for what’s ahead for Ingram and also for me as I embark on a new path.

I’ve decided to consult, speak and coach before jumping into a new CEO position full-time.

 

Do you embrace change or find it difficult? What strategies do you use to help you through changes in your own life? You can leave a comment by clicking here.
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  • Roger Stapleton

    Skip, It was great having dinner with you in Atlanta. If I had known this was coming, our conversation that evening would have been much different! Congratulations on the new chapter in your career (and life.) Looking forward to watching how it all unfolds! Very Best to you and yours.

  • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

    Thank you for the many inquiries.  I am only doing very targeted consulting work (for instance, private equity acquisition due diligence).  Additionally, I am accepting keynote speaking opportunities.  And yes, I am working with a very limited number of C level coaching clients.  I am so grateful to the many people who are asking for my help.  When the time/opportunity is right, I will take a new CEO role.

  • Matt Mills

    Go for it! You can do whatever you set your mind to do. You have a lot of people who believe in you.

  • Nina Mcclain

    Skip-Now we know where you get some of your leadership wisdom from. Your mom is a smart lady! Best to you and your family. I hope to continue to read your blog. No matter where you end up next.

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

       Thanks, Nina.  No doubt–she’s an inspiration.  Thanks for the note & I’m excited about the future. 

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Kat-Nove/100001410370625 Kat Nove

     Best of luck on your new path. Enjoyed talking to you on Twitter.

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

       Thanks Kat. I’m on a high with so much positive anticipation of the future!

  • sparkvoice

    Curious to see what’s next on your journey as it unfolds.  It’s interesting to hear from people who are able to determine the right exit time – as well as their decision process.  Too many leaders overstay to the detriment of others.

    Best wishes for your future endeavors!

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

       Thanks DS. I already have so many things to do that I’m trying to make sure I slow down to take some time.

  • http://twitter.com/atoppins Angela Toppins

    I’m sorry to see you go.  I’ve enjoyed reading the Viewpoint and listening to you at author signings and employee wide meetings.  Change can be scarey but you have always made them exciting and something to look forward to.  I wish you all the best.

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

      Thank you for the note.  I’ve been overwhelmed with emails–topping 1,000 in my 4 email accounts.  I’m honored to have served that role, and also to move forward.

      It’s my belief that change is what keeps your brain active and engaged. A rut is when you do the same thing for too long. Better to explore new paths, even if it’s just a different route to get to work!

      Wishing you much success.

  • Mom

    Continue to live by faith.  Change is life.  Only the Lord remains constant.  You have always grown in love and nutured those around you.  So as your mom I look forward to your next adventure.  Always look to God for direction and He will continue to light your path.

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

       No one could say it better.

      • Kelly Clifton

        Smart Mothers are true blessings.   I have one and apparently you do too!  Best wishes on your next adventure.

        • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

           I sure do, but she is not very computer savvy so someone is helping behind the scenes. Pretty sure it’s my rather brilliant father in the background…

  • http://danblackonleadership.com/ Dan Black

    What a big step Skip. Looking forward to seeing what you do in the future(after you do some consulting).

    Though it might be hard it embrace change. I think if leaders don’t embrace change then they soon will be living in the past and eventually lose their leadership position. 

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

       I agree–change motivates and inspires me.

  • http://cindyhirch.com/ Cindy Hirch

    Skip – You are being prepared for a new role, one that will further utilize your gifts, talents and your calling.

    For some people embracing change is challenging, but a demonstrated leader such as yourself knows when the season is over for staying in order to be used in a greater way somewhere else.

    I’m excited to see where you will land and make a super big splash! -:)

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

       Thank you, Cindy, for the encouragement.

  • David Stone

    Looking forward to your next chapter, Skip.  Best of luck.

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

       Thanks, David. I’m excited to see what’s next.

  • http://successbeginstoday.org/wordpress John Richardson

    How exciting, Skip. I can only imagine where your ideas and creativity will take you. It’s great to hear that you will continue blogging. I’m doing a similar thing at the end of June. I’m leaving a job of thirteen years and headed off on my own. While it’s a little scary, I can’t wait to have an additional eleven hours a day to write, create, and motivate. Good luck on your new adventure!

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

       Bravo for staying 13 years. I’m generally more inclined to move faster, and admire those who stay longer. I wish you much success in your own upcoming transition, and know we will stay in touch.

  • Stacey Fox

    Skip, you’ve proved my dad right. He has always told me the best leaders in a corporation (or in any scenario) won’t stick around for too long. They figure out what needs to be done quick, decide the strategy for doing it & then execute the plan. Thanks for your great leadership and for keeping us relevant in the changing industry we are in for the last five years. All the best to you in the future!

    Stacey Fox

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

       Stacey, thank you. I think some people are wired for change, and I have always thrived with new challenges. I wish Ingram nothing but the very best of success, and you too!

  • Andy Bell

    would like to book you for a consulting gig with my new Real Estate venture.

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

       Always there for you sir.

  • Andrew Weinstein

    It was a real learning experience watching from the inside and outside  how you planned and navigated major changes at Ingram at the same time  the industry was continuing its transition. Looking forward to what you decide to do next. Best of luck!

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

       Andrew, thank you. It’s been a fun five years and I gave it all I could.  Hope to see you in NYC.

  • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

    You will be missed—at least in your capacity as Ingram’s CEO. You have done an outstanding job, Skip. You have really put the company out front in terms of new technology. I know you will be missed by my colleagues at Thomas Nelson.

    I’m just thankful that you are planning to continue your blog. You have so much to contribute and are just getting started.

    I look forward to hearing about the adventures ahead!

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

       Thank you, Michael. I will see you soon.

  • Patricia Genat

    Skip, I am a late comer to your blog, but have (mostly) enjoyed what you have to say. I am hoping that the new more market driven focus will be maintained at Ingram in these amazing changing times. Enjoy the next phase, and say hello if your consulting brings you to Australia.
    Tricia Genat
    patricia.genat@alslib.com.au 

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

       Thanks Tricia. You’re not a latecomer (I only started at the end of December). I appreciate the kind words and wish you all the best.

  • Pilar Arsenec

    Wow!

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

      It’s always wonderful to create “wow” moments!

    • Joy

      I second that wow!!!

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

       Wow! can create a powerful opportunity, and I appreciate your consistent encouragement.

  • Joshua Pearson

    Thanks for 5 great years. Best of luck moving forward.

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

       Joshua, thank you for the comment. It has been a time full of transformation and I’m confident in the future. I’m overwhelmed with the outpouring from people.  If I can ever be of any help, let me know.

  • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

    All, I’ve been inundated with so many emails today with more kind words than I could imagine and more than any one person deserves.  Thank you.  I am unable to respond to each one, but do plan to try over time to get to them.  I’m excited about the future, and appreciate all of you.

  • Marshallc1962

    Good luck

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

       Thanks Marshall.

  • Green_eyed_angel1955

    you are a wonderful and inspiring individual. Skip you will defiantly do well wherever you go!  I wish I had half of your talents!

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

       Thank you for the kind words. I appreciate it. Find your unique talents and soar!

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1260258662 Wooie Wight

    Will you be continuing this blog?

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

       Yes I will.  Thanks for asking.