Squiggly Careers – CEO Shell-Shedding Moments: Learning How to Let Go & Lead Differently

Guest: Logan McClure Davda, CEO of TED
Host: Sarah Ellis
Date: February 6, 2026

Overview

In this special episode celebrating the launch of the new book Learn Like a Lobster, Sarah Ellis interviews Logan McClure Davda, CEO of TED. They delve into what it means to experience “shell-shedding moments”—those pivotal, often uncomfortable times in one’s career when letting go, adapting, and growing are necessary. Logan shares personal stories and practical wisdom on transition, leadership, and resilience, offering insights valuable for listeners at any career stage.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Becoming CEO and Early Reflections

[02:17 – 04:42]

• Logan introduces herself as the new CEO of TED, an organization known for TED Talks but significantly broader in scope.
• She describes her journey: stepping into the role three and a half months ago, previously serving as TED's Head of Impact, returning after a stint at the Obama Foundation.
• Her daily work is highly varied—balancing external partnerships and internal strategic challenges, and a lot of collaborative, creative work.
  • “It’s a mix of everything.” – Logan [04:09]

2. The “Shell-Shedding” Metaphor

[04:42 – 05:55]

• Sarah explains the central metaphor: lobsters must shed their shell to keep growing—a process that is “energy-zapping” and leaves them vulnerable but results in growth.
• The conversation is framed around identifying similar moments in professional life, especially for people in high-impact roles like the CEO.

3. Personal Shell-Shedding: Leaving the Obama Foundation

[05:55 – 09:18]

• Logan reflects on a major career transition—leaving her “dream job” at the Obama Foundation.
  • She felt deep responsibility for unfinished work and her team: “I really felt like I was leaving the work half finished and I was in the middle of selecting the second class of fellows.” [06:48]
• Internal struggles included guilt, fear of failure, and concerns about perception.
• It was her husband’s advice that crystallized her decision:
  • “You are always going to be the person who’s looking out most for your career and your well being. And if this feels like you think it might be right, then it probably is and it’s worth taking that risk.” [07:55]
• She notes many high performers stay too long in roles out of ego and empathy—a lesson in knowing when to let go.
  • “It’s not in service of the organization you’re at to stay too long, let alone yourself.” [08:44]

4. Ongoing Nature of Growth

[09:18 – 11:04]

• Sarah observes that growth isn’t a single event: “I still think I’m shedding parts of that shell. And I think that’s quite reassuring for people to hear...for us it’s not a sort of one and done process.” [09:46]
• Logan relates, noting that even now, she’s in active transition as she leaves behind old roles and assumes new leadership responsibilities.

5. Unlearning, Trust, and Leadership as CEO

[11:04 – 14:24]

• Logan discusses shifting from “doing” to creating “spaciousness”: trusting and empowering others, rather than jumping in herself.
  • “I’m really confident and excel in the doing and in many ways I can’t personally be doing as much doing in the CEO.” [11:35]
• She describes a recent example: struggling to bring the board into strategic work because of fear of disagreement.
  • She realized: “If that’s going to be their reaction, if that’s the worst, I need to get that input now so that we can move forward.” [13:45]
• Working with a coach and talking things out are crucial tools for Logan’s own reflective process.

6. Letting Go and Vulnerability

[14:24 – 16:38]

• Sarah and Logan discuss how recognizing what you’re clinging to makes it easier to let go.
  • “If you can figure out what is it that I’m holding on to, then it often becomes easier to figure out, well, what would it take to let go of it?” – Sarah [14:24]
• Shell-shedding is different for everyone—some struggle with perfectionism, others with caring too much.

7. Building Resilience and Support Networks

[16:38 – 17:21]

• Logan emphasizes the importance of a supportive team, whether called a “personal board of directors” or otherwise.
  • “I've always called it my team. The people cheering me on in life.” [16:49]
• The transformative influence of coaching and intentional relationship-building are highlighted.

8. Proactive Relationship-Building

[17:21 – 18:57]

• Sarah shares the tendency for people to prioritize work relationships over developmental ones.
• She encourages listeners to invest in the right kind of personal and professional support before difficult transitions arise.

9. Logan’s Advice for Navigating Vulnerable Transitions

[18:57 – 20:01]

• Logan’s top advice for those in the midst of a difficult transition:
  • “Name the moment and the challenge to the person that I’m kind of most afraid to name it to, so that I don’t feel like I’m carrying it alone...naming it and sharing it...shares it in many ways.” [19:37]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On leaving jobs as a high-performer:
  • “Most of us do stay in jobs too long because it’s really hard to leave, especially high performers and type A personalities.” – Logan [08:31]
• On ongoing growth:
  • “I still think I’m shedding parts of that shell.” – Logan [09:42]
• On trusting others as a leader:
  • “I can’t personally be doing as much doing in the CEO.” – Logan [11:35]
• On facing difficult conversations:
  • “Name the moment and the challenge to the person that I’m kind of most afraid to name it to.” – Logan [19:37]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [02:17] Introduction to Logan, becoming CEO of TED
• [05:55] Major shell-shedding moment: leaving the Obama Foundation
• [11:04] Transitioning to CEO and the importance of “spaciousness”
• [13:45] Fear of board feedback and reframing vulnerability
• [16:38] Building resilience and support (“your team”)
• [18:57] Logan’s advice for others in difficult transitions

Conclusion

Logan McClure Davda brings candor and reflection to the realities of leadership transitions—demonstrating that even at the highest levels, vulnerability, self-doubt, and the need for trusted support never really go away. Her stories and strategies, grounded in real experience, offer accessible tools for listeners facing their own “shell-shedding” moments. The episode encourages investing in your support system, reframing vulnerability as a leadership strength, and embracing continuous growth.