When senior leaders face a career transition, the decisions they make (and the support they choose) can shape what comes next. Tammylynne Jonas, recently appointed CIO, North America at Rentokil Terminix, has just come through one of those pivotal moments. In the Q&A that follows, she reflects on her executive career transition, sharing candid insights about what mattered most, how trusted guidance influenced her journey, and the lessons she hopes will help other leaders navigating a similar crossroads.
Q: What led you to work with Navigate Forward?
A: I was looking for support that would accelerate my search and bring clarity to the process. I didn’t need handholding; I needed direct, practical guidance from people who truly understand executive-level transitions.
That perspective reflects Navigate Forward’s approach to executive transitions. We work with leaders at pivotal career moments, providing experienced, impartial guidance that helps bring clarity and momentum to complex decisions. By adapting to each executive’s goals, pace, and decision-making style, our 1:1 support stays focused on what matters most: helping leaders move forward with confidence and land well.
Q: What stood out early in the experience?
A: The intake process. The team didn’t just focus on my background; they asked how I like to work, how I prefer feedback, and what pace I wanted. That led to an excellent match with my consultant, Jill, whose direct, flexible approach was exactly what I needed.
What Tammylynne describes is less an intake process and more the beginning of a working partnership. From the start, Navigate Forward invests time in understanding how each executive operates, how they process information, make decisions, and prefer to engage, so the support feels aligned rather than imposed. That early focus on fit and working style helps ensure the guidance that follows is both effective and trusted.
Q: How did Navigate Forward adapt to your timeline and needs?
A: The process was highly flexible. We focused on the areas that mattered most in the moment: interviews, opportunity evaluation, and decision-making. I appreciated that there wasn’t a rigid sequence, and my Executive Consultant, Jill Harmon, met me where I was and adjusted quickly as things evolved.
Navigate Forward’s approach is built to meet executives where they are, not force them into a predetermined sequence. By focusing on the areas that matter most in the moment, the team can adapt quickly as priorities shift. That flexibility ensures the support remains practical, timely, and aligned with each executive’s evolving needs.
Q: Was there a moment that felt especially impactful?
A: Having the space to share sensitive or uncomfortable circumstances and feeling genuinely heard. Jill handled those conversations with empathy and credibility and helped me put things into perspective in a way that was both validating and constructive.
Creating a space where executives can speak openly about sensitive or challenging circumstances is central to Navigate Forward’s approach. By listening with empathy and credibility, consultants help leaders gain perspective, validate their experiences, and explore constructive ways forward. It’s this combination of understanding and practical guidance that often makes the moments that feel most impactful.
Q: What value do you see in executive outplacement support?
A: It’s not about whether you can conduct a search on your own, but it’s about how long it will take. The perspective, structure, and acceleration are well worth the investment, especially at the executive level. Navigate Forward stays with you until you land, which makes a meaningful difference.
Executive outplacement isn’t just about being able to handle a job search; it’s about gaining the perspective, structure, and momentum that can significantly reduce the timeline. Especially at the executive level, having a trusted partner who remains engaged until a successful placement offers both practical acceleration and confidence. That ongoing support transforms a complex, high-stakes process into one that feels more manageable and purposeful.
Q: What advice would you give executives considering outplacement or career support?
A: Professionals are often very comfortable investing in help in other areas of their lives – we hire house cleaners, landscapers, decorators, and other services without hesitation. When it comes to our own careers, we tend to think we can just do it ourselves.
The real question isn’t whether you can run a job search on your own; it’s how long it will take. At the executive level, accelerating the process by even a month or two can more than justify the investment. Having experienced, impartial support brings focus, perspective, and momentum when you need it most.
Navigating an executive transition is rarely straightforward, but having experienced guidance can make all the difference. From gaining clarity and perspective to accelerating the search and landing well, the right support helps leaders move forward with confidence.
Explore how Navigate Forward can support your executive career transition, or contact us today to take the next step with a trusted partner by your side.
In this article, Ms. Jonas shares her personal experiences and opinions. It is not an endorsement by Rentokil North America, Inc., of any service or agency.
