Living

Arianna Huffington's exit shows the wisdom of going out on top

On Thursday, the media magnate announced she'd be stepping down as editor-in-chief of her namesake publication. She's not the only high-powered woman to quit while she's ahead.

Arianna Huffington seemed to have it all: A successful online publication she built from scratch; a side hustle as a bestselling author; an enviable sleep schedule. Even so, on Thursday morning, she announced plans to step down as editor-in-chief of The Huffington Post to head up Thrive Global, a productivity startup. Is she crazy?

Well, no, she’s not. She’s not even unique: Scores of Canadian women are opting out of the harried race to the C-suite in favour of new challenges and more fulfilling, less crushing workloads. And among the upper echelons, CEOs and celebrities are proving that dropping the mic — whether or not they’ve got a back-up plan — is a savvy way to shake up a brand. Below, a few examples of high-profile figures who left while they were hot.

More:
The toxic effects of workplace stress
University boosts salaries of female faculty after ‘systemic’ discrepancy found
Canada’s winning women in Rio

Get Chatelaine in your inbox!

Our very best stories, recipes, style and shopping tips, horoscopes and special offers. Delivered a couple of times a week.
FILED UNDER: