A few weeks ago, the whiteboard in my office came crashing down – screw, wall plug and all. It’s the same board I’ve used every week for years to map out the print newspaper and website. Fortunately, we weren’t in a meeting at the time, as it landed squarely on the table where my colleagues DB and LR usually sit on Monday mornings. Yes, much like a family, we’ve all more or less got our usual spots at the table. A superstitious person might have called it a sign.
In the weeks leading up to that moment, there were editorial meetings I wasn’t allowed to attend, and conversations that stopped abruptly the moment I walked into the room.
In April, at the end of a public University Council meeting, I was caught off guard by a short speech from the chair, followed by applause from council members and the Executive Board. It felt a bit odd, to say the least.
Last week, I found myself in the Law Faculty garden with my colleague WD. Not for a lunchtime chat (we usually eat at our desks), but for an interview. And for once, I wasn’t the one asking the questions – I was answering them.
Then came Monday’s Editorial Board meeting, where some heartfelt words were said to me.
A bit emotional
And so here we are. Thursday 22 May 2025 is my last day as editor-in-chief. Am I feeling a bit emotional? Of course I am. But I also know that this is what I want. It’s been a good run, after 29 years at the helm, and it’s time to hand over the reins – no matter how warm, close-knit and professional my team is and always has been.
I’ve learnt a great deal over the years. One of my earliest lessons came from Kees Schröer, then chair of our Foundation Board. In a burst of youthful defiance, I’d attempted to confront a board member and fallen flat on my face. Kees told me, “It doesn’t matter if you’re right; what matters is getting others to see that you’re right.”
The enemy
Many more lessons followed. I’ll share two of the most important ones. First: the realisation that perfect is the enemy of good. If you always aim for perfection, you’re only setting yourself up for disappointment. Something will always go wrong, no matter how hard you try. Most weeks, “good” really is good enough. And that’s not a lack of ambition – it’s a healthy sense of perspective.
The second lesson came printed on a coffee mug a former editor once brought in: “Sometimes a colleague knows better.” I’ve come to understand that acknowledging this doesn’t make your team respect you any less – quite the opposite, in fact.
Front and centre
My highly esteemed colleague Wendy Degens will be taking over as editor-in-chief. I’ll be staying on as an editor until I retire – no longer front and centre, but writing articles in the relative calm of the sidelines. And I’m looking forward to it. Take care!