When Everything Is at Stake
The Conversations Where Executives Find Their Footing Again
When senior executives lose their roles, it is rarely their competence that fails first. It is their identity. The silence after the board meeting. The questions that cannot easily be answered.
Who am I now—and where do I go from here?
This is the space where Signe-Lise Narum has worked for more than two decades.
She has seen strong leaders lose their footing—and regain it. Not through quick fixes, but through disciplined work, honest conversations, and an uncompromising belief that lasting career transitions must be grounded in self-awareness.
“Those who succeed take full ownership of their process,” she says.
“They understand that this is not something that happens around them. This is their job now.”
No Shortcuts
One of the most common mistakes she sees is the urge to bypass the most demanding step.
“Many go straight to headhunters and networks before they truly understand who they are or what they want. The result is unclear conversations—and weaker opportunities.”
At Narum, everything begins elsewhere. With clarity.
“You cannot position yourself before you have done the inner work. Many arrive with long lists of competencies and experience. Our task is to distill. Three to five core strengths. No more.”
It sounds simple. In practice, it is often painful.
Demanding—Yet Deeply Human
Signe-Lise Narum is often described using two words rarely paired: demanding and deeply caring.
She sets high expectations. Candidates must work. Reflect. Let go. At the same time, she meets them with warmth and respect—even when emotions run high.
“Losing a role at the executive level is, for many, a shock. It brings grief. Shame. Anger. A sense of failure.”
These reactions must be acknowledged, she believes—not to be prolonged, but to be processed.
“Only then can you rebuild confidence. And pride.”
Beyond the Next Role
When she developed the Narum Method, her ambition was to make career transitions more than a transactional journey toward the next position.
“I wanted to create a process people could look back on with dignity. Perhaps even with a sense of meaning.”
Exclusivity, as she defines it, is not about surface—it is about presence. About relationship. About being truly seen.
“These are individuals in a vulnerable phase. How we meet them matters.”
The Life Around the Leader
A defining feature of Narum’s work is its holistic perspective. Career cannot be separated from life.
“Many have barely been at home. Their partner has carried much of the load. When the role disappears, it affects the entire family.”
For this reason, partners are often invited into the process—not for analysis, but for stability.
“If things are not working at home, it is almost impossible to function well professionally. It is all connected.”
She also asks the questions few others dare to ask:
“Why did you lose the role? Was it the position—or was it the life around it?”
Working with Christian Rynning-Tønnesen
Over the years, she has worked closely with Christian Rynning-Tønnesen, former CEO of Norske Skog and Statkraft.
What left the strongest impression on her was how he handled difficult restructuring processes.
“He conducted the conversations himself. Calmly. Discreetly. With respect. Not delegated to HR.”
She describes him as introverted, thoughtful, and clear—without any need for self-promotion.
“More action than words.”
A New Reality for Executives
Looking ahead, Narum is clear: career transitions will become more frequent—and happen faster.
“More mergers. More volatility. More leaders will be forced to step down, whether they want to or not. This will become a natural part of executive careers.”
At the same time, expectations of human leadership are rising.
“Leaders must be authentic. They must connect as people. Build trust. Create psychological safety. The ‘soft’ side is no longer optional—it is fundamental.”
Still Listening
After all these years, one thing continues to surprise her:
“How much inner unrest exists behind strong facades. Many are far more uncertain than they appear.”
To remain sharp and present, she combines high capacity for work with mental discipline, reflection—and silence.
“I learn something new from every single candidate.”
When Everything Is Open
If she were to offer one piece of advice to an executive in transition, she is clear:
“Do not go through it alone—it can be deeply isolating. Seek support. Do the work properly.”
Because in the space between what was—and what comes next—something more than a new role is formed.
It is where a person is reshaped.
One Piece of Advice
If she were to give one final recommendation, she leaves no doubt:
“Join the Narum programme. You will move forward—and you will find your footing in life again.”
By Marita M. Christensen, partner i Narum Partners.