Growth Doesn't Require Destruction

Author

Rudy Banks
November 23, 2025

“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

― Maya Angelou

Growth Doesn't Require Destruction : Leave the Bridges Standing

This week, we went back to Virginia to visit family.

It's my wife's hometown. The place where we settled after college to build our careers and invest in our future. Where I spent most of my engineering career. Where we got deeply involved in the community. Where we eventually left to chase bigger opportunities.

Get this...

I ran into more people in one day than I've seen in the past nine months combined.

Former colleagues from different corporations. People I worked with on community projects. Former employees. Mentors and more.

And here's what hit me...

Your reputation isn't tied to a location — it's tied to you.

I'm a firm believer in growth. In elevation. In bettering yourself.

Sometimes that means taking a new position. Relocating to a different city. Leaving a comfortable situation to pursue something greater.

Even leaving your wife's hometown.

The truth is...

Moving forward doesn't mean burning what you built behind you.

Here's the thing...

I could have left my Virginia engineering career differently.

I could have been bitter about the limitations.

I could have talked negatively about the culture or the leadership.

I could have made my exit about what was wrong instead of what was next.

But I didn't.

And this week, I saw the return on that investment.

People were genuinely happy to see us. They asked about my business. They celebrated my growth. They presented new opportunities to me.

Can you relate?

The bridges you keep standing become the pathways to your next opportunity.

That colleague you worked with five years ago? They might be hiring for your dream role next year.

That boss who drove you crazy? They might become a client who respects how you handled your exit.

That company you outgrew? They might partner with your business down the road.

You never know when paths will cross again.

The challenge isn't staying somewhere that's wrong for you. The challenge is leaving in a way that keeps the door open for the future.

Even if you're chasing something bigger, never leave on bad terms.

Exit with grace. Exit with gratitude. Exit with your integrity intact.

Because sooner or later, you'll run into the people you left behind.

The Challenge: Audit Your Exits

This week, think about how you've left situations in the past.

Jobs. Relationships. Partnerships. Communities.

Ask yourself:

  • Did I leave on good terms?

  • Is there a bridge I need to repair?

  • How do I want to be remembered when I leave my current situation?

If there's a bridge that needs mending, reach out this week. A simple message acknowledging the past and expressing gratitude can go a long way.

And if you're currently planning an exit? Leave in a way that your future self will thank you for.

Your reputation is built in the moments when you think nobody's watching.

But they are. And they'll remember.

Cheers!

―――

I don’t know exactly where you are on your journey, but I share words of encouragement, lessons learned, and ideas to help you grow your business.

If you find value here, please share this newsletter with a friend. Deal?

❤ Rudy

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Thank you for taking the time to read today's TechPreneur Newsletter. I hope the information was helpful and inspiring. As always, I'm here to support you in your business journey, so please don't hesitate to reach out to me via all my links.  Keep striving for success!

Until next time!

~Rudy

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