My resignation in hand, I knew it was going to be a difficult afternoon. The CEO stepped up to the group of 200+ ad agency employees to announce her annual CEO Award. When she began to list off my accomplishments that year (working on the 150th celebration, managing comms for brands etc.) I knew it was me. When she called my name, a few of my trusted colleagues’ (who knew my exit plan) eyes widened.

I received the sole, annual CEO award in front of my agency, only to quit 1 hour later. The butterflies in my stomach felt like dragon wings.