By Athena Alliance

Nature knows what we often forget: growth requires letting go.

Each spring, trees shed old branches to direct energy into new ones. Gardeners clear space so fresh shoots can thrive. It’s a season of purposeful pruning—and in your career, it should be no different.

Your leadership journey is alive, evolving, and worthy of tending with intention. This spring, we invite you to pause and ask:

What needs to be pruned so something more powerful can grow?

Here are five places to start…

1. Outdated definitions of success

What got you here won’t necessarily get you where you want to go. Are you still chasing goals that no longer resonate? Letting go of an old vision doesn’t mean failure—it means evolution. Today’s success might look like impact, influence, autonomy, or alignment. Define it on your own terms.

2. Roles that no longer stretch you

If you’ve outgrown your seat—or it’s become misaligned with your values—it may be time to gracefully move on. Don’t wait for permission. Leaders don’t stagnate; they reinvent.

3. Networks that keep you playing small

We all need mirrors, not just megaphones. If your current circle isn’t challenging your thinking or opening new doors, it may be time to expand it. Surround yourself with those who reflect your future, not just your past.

4. Assumptions that limit your path

“I’m not ready for a board seat.”
“I don’t have the right background.”
“I’m too late to pivot.”
These are not truths—they’re stories. Prune the limiting beliefs so your ambition can take root in possibility, not fear.

5. Your own neglect

Busyness is not a badge of honor. If you’ve deprioritized your growth, your health, your strategic thinking—it’s time to cut back on noise and reclaim space for what matters. Your leadership demands nourishment.

🌱 This Spring, Clear to Cultivate

Pruning is a strategic act—it clears space for what matters most to thrive. So let go. Make space. And watch what flourishes. At Athena, we’re here to support you in growing what’s next—whether that’s a new role, a bold board seat, or a richer sense of purpose. Let’s clear the path, together.