Life After Fortune 500 CEO: From CEO to Citizen

Brad D. Smith  •  June 8, 2026

In my last post, I shared some of the signs that helped me recognize it was time for a transition after 11 years as President and CEO of Intuit. Being a CEO can be the job of a lifetime, but it is not the job for a lifetime. It took real reflection to know when the time was right to step away.

Once that decision was made, the follow-up question came quickly. Well-intentioned friends and colleagues asked what my next career move would be, and I appreciated the interest. However, asking a leader who is still in the final stretch of an “always on” role what they want to do next is a little like asking a marathon runner in the final mile if they want to sign up for another race. The answer may very well be yes — but first, let me finish this race with style!

I was certainly optimistic about the future, but I also knew I needed a little space and time before fully answering that question. I just needed to finish the race I was in, then give myself room to discern what I wanted to run toward next. Looking back and comparing my experience with others who have made similar transitions, I have come to believe this period can be understood in three phases.

Phase One: Decompress, Recharge and Reconnect.

The first phase was simply to pause. This is a step you cannot skip.

At the time of my transition, our oldest daughter was graduating from law school, and our other daughter was graduating from college. Alys had always wanted us to take an African safari as a family, but for years, I could not find a way to step away for two full weeks. This was finally our window, so we took it.

I could not be more grateful for that trip of a lifetime. That trip gave us the chance to celebrate two major milestones for our daughters and create memories together as a family. It also became an important part of a larger recharge period for me: a chance to decompress, reconnect with the people who had sacrificed alongside me for many years, and create a little space after a long chapter.

More importantly, that time was valued and earned. It was something I owed them, and something I owed to myself.

For me, that recharge period lasted about three months until that question of “what’s next” started to really excite me. This coincided with an influx of inquiries and offers that started to pour in. It was as if the universe knew that three to six months was enough time, and my engines started to reignite.

Phase Two: Saying ‘NO’ before saying ‘YES.’

Like most, I found it challenging to sit on the sidelines after decades of being “always on.” When new opportunities presented themselves, it was tempting to engage quickly. The fact that I had the time did not mean I had to say yes. It also did not mean I should.

This is where the carpenter’s golden rule came in handy: measure twice, cut once.

I practiced the art of design thinking, falling in love with the problem while consciously avoiding the temptations of the offers being proposed. This chapter of my transition was entirely dedicated to rediscovering my ‘Why’ and the impact I wanted to have in my next chapter.

For me, this phase lasted roughly three to six months. Having experienced it, I would offer two simple reminders: no is a complete sentence, and do not confuse being busy with making an impact.

If someone brings you an opportunity, it is perfectly fine to say, “That is a great opportunity. I appreciate you thinking of me. Let me reflect on it.” If they tell you it is time-sensitive and you have to decide now or never, be comfortable saying no.

It is easy in a transition to confuse being busy with making an impact. Opportunities can be exciting, flattering, and even meaningful. But filling the calendar is not the same as finding purpose.

Phase Three: Stay Curious and Find Your Entry Point.

The third phase was about learning, doing the homework, and getting clear on where I could make a meaningful contribution.

I had never considered higher education for my next career move, but my commitment to curiosity led me to explore every angle. That reflection brought me back to a truth I cared deeply about: education does not simply change lives; it reshapes family trees for generations who follow.

After countless conversations, deep research, and thoughtful consideration, I returned home to serve my alma mater, Marshall University. I was ready to take on this new opportunity fully recharged, with Alys as my co-pilot and partner, and with more energy and intention than I had ever imagined possible after serving as a Fortune 500 CEO for 11 years.

That turned out to be a pretty good test.

For me, the next chapter became rooted in championing the overlooked and underserved, with Alys as my co-pilot and partner. Once we were clear on that purpose, the path became much easier to see.

What’s Pulling You Forward?

The transition from one chapter to the next gave me the chance to recharge, reflect, and recommit to a new horizon of possibilities. It reminded me that the goal is not to rush into the next role. The goal is to give yourself enough space and time to understand what is truly worth running toward.

If you are in a season of transition, pay attention to what gives you energy. Notice what sparks your curiosity. Notice what makes your heart beat a little faster. Those signals may tell you more than a title, offer, or impressive opportunity ever could.

That is where the next part of my journey began: moving from dreaming about what was possible to building it. Until next time!

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