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July 6th, 2026

150. Geoff Curtis – Communications Executive | Connector | Founder | Philanthropist | Author

  1. 150. Geoff Curtis - Communications Executive | Connector | Founder | Philanthropist | Author Bob Gerst 30:04

Few people talk openly about what happens when a successful career ends and the identity built around it suddenly disappears. In this episode of People in Transition, I sit down with Geoff Curtis, a former Chief Communications Officer with nearly three decades of leadership experience in healthcare, biotech, and corporate affairs.

After the acquisition of the company where he served on the executive team, Geoff faced a challenge many accomplished professionals experience but rarely discuss: who are you when the title and career that defined you are gone?

That experience inspired his book, Embracing Your Own Purgatory, a candid exploration of identity loss, transition, purpose, and reinvention. Rather than offering a neatly packaged success story, Geoff shares lessons learned while navigating the uncertainty between who he was and who he is becoming. His honesty and insights make this conversation especially relevant for anyone facing career disruption, Retirement, Burnout, or a major life transition.

In our conversation, Geoff discusses:

  • Why he chose the word “purgatory” and the value of becoming comfortable being “unfinished”
  • The emotional signs of major transitions and how to recognize them
  • Why constant busyness can mask deeper issues
  • What he means by “You can’t outwork the identity loss problem”
  • How celebrating a quick comeback can sometimes send the wrong message
  • Why “presence” became one of the hidden costs of career success
  • How achievement, self-worth, purpose, and identity become intertwined—and what happens when that connection is disrupted

 Connect with Geoff Curtis:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/geoffreycurtis
Email: [email protected]
Book: Embracing Your Own Purgatory

Thank you for listening to People in Transition. If this conversation resonates with you, please share it with others navigating change. I also welcome your thoughts, reactions, and questions. Your feedback helps continue the conversation and support others facing similar transitions.

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Bob Gerst Mr. Transition Expert

I have had a terrific work life; I started as an auditor and then joined a property management company. I was the first professional HR executive with them. I had the opportunity to create and mature a sophisticated HR service delivery model. Then, I joined Jones Lang LaSalle, a global R/E firm. I was asked to move to Singapore to head up the Asia Pacific Region and helped build an HR team again. I then moved to Las Vegas, first with The Venetian and then with Boyd Gaming. I am now President of my own Company, HR Transitions, and the VP of HR at John I. Haas. I also have taught undergraduate and graduate level programs, including courses at Benedictine University, Heritage University, and the College of Southern Nevada.