The Interval launches 12-week program for C-suite leaders in transition

The Interval has launched Design Your Next Chapter, a 12-week virtual cohort for senior executives navigating career transitions. The program opens Sept. 16 and is designed to help C-suite leaders move from identity reset to next-step planning with peer support.

Why it matters: - Voluntary C-suite departures are at their highest level since 2021, according to ExecVex. - More than half of those leaders are likely to leave their roles within two years, according to Gartner. - McKinsey research shows nearly three-quarters of U.S. leaders feel unprepared for what comes next, and fewer than one in three say their organizations offer enough support. - Research from Spencer Stuart and Russell Reynolds finds nearly half of executive transitions fall short within the first 18 months. - The Interval is pitching structured peer support as a way to improve the odds of a successful transition.

What happened: - The Interval launched Design Your Next Chapter, a first-of-its-kind structured peer-powered program for C-suite executives navigating intentional career transitions. - The program is a 12-week virtual cohort built from two years of member insights. - The launch is aimed at senior leaders who need help during the space between executive roles, not just help landing the next one. - The virtual program begins Sept. 16 and ends Dec. 2, 2026. - Membership is by application and open to C-suite executives, founders and senior leaders in transition. - More information is available at The Interval community.

The details: - Design Your Next Chapter moves participants through three phases over 12 consecutive weeks. - The first phase focuses on identity and reorientation. - The second phase centers on exploring opportunities through values, strengths and emerging purpose. - The final phase shifts to structure, including affinity groups, peer-to-peer resources and ongoing access to The Interval community. - The program is available to Interval members at no additional cost. - Jill Nykoliation and Kari Cardinale designed the coursework and will serve as lead facilitators. - Shelley Huff, co-founder and CEO of The Interval, said the program is meant to help leaders make the right next decision rather than simply land the next job. - Nykoliation is an executive coach and faculty in residence at MEA Wisdom School. - Cardinale is a master facilitator and community builder focused on executive learning experiences. - Guest speakers will appear throughout the program as adjunct programming.

Between the lines: - The launch reflects a growing market for support around executive identity shifts, not just job searches. - The program is built around the idea that many senior leaders need time to define who they are now before deciding where they go next. - The Interval is positioning peer connection and reflection as part of the transition process, not an optional add-on. - The structure also suggests demand for a more guided alternative to traditional networking during career pauses.

What's next: - The first cohort starts Sept. 16 and runs through Dec. 2, 2026. - The Interval is directing interested leaders to apply for membership before joining future programming. - Guest speakers and peer resources are expected to continue supporting participants beyond the core 12-week curriculum.

The bottom line: - The Interval is betting that senior executives want more than a job-search service when they leave the C-suite. It is offering a structured transition program built around clarity, community and next-step planning.