"The greatest act of strategy is sometimes not to push forward, but to step back with intention."
After rebuilding trust and redefining presence in our first two stories, we come to a different kind of courage — one that asks not for more action, but for meaningful surrender.
This story is from Naoual Hanani, a leader and builder who reminds us that real transformation isn’t just about creating the new — it’s also about letting go with grace. This, too, is leadership.
Act I — The Departure
25 years ago, a new chapter of my life began.
I left my home country, Morocco, to study abroad. First France. Then Germany. Eventually, I made my way to Canada — where I live today.
The day I left is still etched in my memory. It was the first time I left my family behind, the first time I lived on my own, the first time I truly stepped out of my comfort zone.
It changed everything.
This experience shaped who I am today. It taught me how to navigate the unknown, how to redefine myself in unfamiliar environments. It sparked a deep curiosity — for people, for ideas, for possibility.
Act II — The Making of Impact
I’ve always loved being in international and dynamic environments, surrounded by open-minded people from different horizons — people who challenge the status quo and believe in shaping not only the future, but the present moment.
So the choice was clear: I decided to dedicate my career to entrepreneurship and innovation.
For over 20 years now, I’ve worked alongside founders and visionary leaders from different parts of the world. And I love it.
There is something magical about helping someone give birth to a vision that doesn’t exist yet. It’s a kind of co-creation that is deeply human.
But if I look back, the last 9 years were especially powerful. That’s where I grew the most — and the fastest.
I went from working in an organization supporting entrepreneurs, to participating, with a great team of leaders to whom I’ll remain forever thankful, in the building of a brand new organization to unite and position our local ecosystem globally.
Then came the temptation of a first merger, which didn’t succeed — but the second one did : two missions, two teams, one new identity.
And later, a complete reinvention : a new vision, a new mission, new services.
So many pivots — within just 8 years.
Every pivot brought big changes. Some decisions were tough. Some were unpopular. Some felt risky.
We launched services without guarantees. We made bold moves. We disrupted local dynamics. We didn’t always make friends:) But the entrepreneurial spirit and the desire to serve and make a difference were our drivers.
I learned something important during that time: bringing something new is rarely safe.
But I also learned — the hard way — that you can be bold and collaborative. Different doesn’t have to mean divisive. But that balance takes work, heart and humility.
Act III — When it’s time to let go
Then, something shifted.
After all those years of building, pivoting, pushing… I started to feel different.
The energy wasn’t the same. The spark wasn’t there anymore.
And deep down, I knew.
I had given it my all. My values were no longer aligned. And I had reached the end of that particular chapter.
And here’s the truth: when you know it's over— when you feel it in your body, in your heart — your responsibility is not to hold on.
Your responsibility is to step out, prepare your move and let others take over.
It was a strange feeling. It’s humbling. And it was hard — especially when you care.
But that, too, is part of the journey. Facing the unknown and letting go of the image or status you built over time.
You’ll be judged, criticized, and misunderstood by some, but encouraged and recognized by most.
Just like we celebrate the courage to start, we need to also honour, for ourselves, the courage it takes to leave, to stay true to who you are and to start over. To make space for something new — in the world, and in yourself.
Reflection — Evolution, not perfection
This journey — of building, of taking risks, of choosing to leave — wasn’t a straight line of wins or losses.
It was a spiral of growth. A path of evolution.
We often think innovation is about seeing the future.
But sometimes, real innovation is about seeing yourself more clearly.
Every experience, even the uncomfortable ones, is part of that evolution. There are no wasted seasons. There are only lessons.
And when we treat leadership and entrepreneurship not just as a business adventure, but as a path for personal and collective growth, we stop fearing failure — and start embracing transformation.
Because in the end, we’re not just building technologies and organizations.
We’re building ourselves, we’re building society.
🌟 Try This in Your World
1. End with clarity. Before exiting a role, ask yourself: What unfinished conversations or transitions need to happen for others to thrive without me?
2. Reframe the exit. Leaving doesn’t mean quitting. It can mean opening space — for new people, new ideas, and for yourself.
3. Reflect in motion. Take a pause — not to stop, but to integrate. Wisdom doesn't arrive when we push — it lands when we listen.
