“What is that feeling when you’re driving away from people and they recede on the plain till you see their specks dispersing? – it’s the too-huge world vaulting us, and it’s good-bye. But we lean forward to the next crazy venture beneath the skies”. Jack Kerouac always had a way to capture a moment. And this is the moment, at the 2-year mark, to say goodbye.

When I first launched this project, it was to provide a platform for perspectives in a changing time. It was to add new voices to a shifting conversation. And it was to provide guidance where I felt none existed. Change has not stopped. The conversation has grown louder. But the guidance I am able to provide in this context, in this format, and in this conversation has run its course. We live in interesting times, and I feel that my ability to add something new, something valuable is no longer possible through this platform.

I am immensely grateful to the people that have contributed, shared and commented. What we created together is a space and a community to provide guidance and perspectives to people navigating their careers in a difficult time. It will persist and be available to those that look for that guidance. But there will be no more episodes in this format, because I believe all that needs to be said has been said. To say more would be redundant. Strategy is straightforward, and if we can’t provide the guidance necessary to navigate a career in strategy over the course of 2 years, we aren’t being truly strategic.

A couple of final thoughts before I sign off. I believe this is the best career in an uncertain world. I believe the rewards and experiences it gives us are unparalleled in any other career. And I wholeheartedly encourage those that would look further, that would work with people, that thrive in chaos to pursue this career. You won’t be disappointed.

The octopus will return. But on its return it will find a new environment, a new landscape. And it will have adapted to this landscape, because it is water. It may be unrecognizable. But it will still be the same creature. Until then, I leave you with this thought from the great sportscaster Ernie Harwell, who said “it’s time to say goodbye, but I think goodbyes are sad and I’d much rather say hello. Hello to a new adventure”.

Thank you for listening to octopus. I’m Nasser Sahlool.

Listen to the podcast in iTunes, Stitcher or Soundcloud or below now.