What do you do if you're an executive transitioning to a different career and facing common challenges?

It isn't only about how transferrable you skills are to the new career but also also how adaptable you are and how willing you are to acquire new ones. Adaptability is a main Leadership trait that fast tracks any new learning required in the new role. Here is what is needed though before being adaptable : attaining a clarity on the gaps that need to be filled, schedule a plan to fill the gaps and endorsing adaptability while the change happens.

Executives transitioning to a new career can take important steps to succeed. They should evaluate skills, interests, and goals to guide the search. Researching options matching goals through informational interviews and job shadowing can provide guidance. Additional training may improve skills and competitiveness. Networking at industry events exposes opportunities. Updating profiles and branding highlights experience and skills for new roles. During the transition, persistence and adaptability to challenges increases success by seeking mentor and coach support. You can follow these steps to increase your chances for a successful and fulfilling career change.

In my experience, a great way to reduce your anxiety or worry is to create a situational awareness overview of your skill set, your competencies, your character strength and your leadership skills. List them in different columns one next to another. Then list the challenges on the left side and rate on a scale from 1 to 5 how confident you are in using these skills to overcome the challenges you listed. 5 being most confident. Now you have a clear picture in your mind, and prioritise your up or re skilling process.

Network extensively, leverage transferable skills, seek mentorship, embrace continuous learning, adapt to new environments, and maintain resilience and perseverance.

When transitioning to a different career as an executive, go back to the basics and get specific. I recommend setting clear, SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Begin by writing a present-tense statement of where you envision yourself in your new field: identify the position you aspire to hold, the impact you wish to make, and the milestones that will mark your progress. This structured approach keeps you focused and motivated and provides a clear framework to measure your success.

When transitioning transitioning to a different career, it's important to approach the process with a strategic mindset. Here are some steps I recommend for executives facing common challenges during such a transition: a) Reflect on your values and what you truly want from your next career. This will help guide your decisions and ensure you're moving towards a role that is fulfilling. b) Conduct thorough research on the new industry or career path you're considering. Understand the skills required, the culture, and how your experience can transfer. c) Network with professionals in the field. They can provide insights, advice, and potentially open doors to opportunities.

For executives in transition and facing networking challenges, here’s what I recommend for purposeful and authentic connections: 1. Center: Reflect on why networking matters to you at this time. Ask yourself: What is important here? What's exciting to me? What do I hope to learn or share? 2. Prepare: Have 1-3 engaging questions ready. For beginners, try: What interests you the most here (at this event, in your role, in our industry, etc.)? Ask with genuine curiosity about their interests. 3. Enjoy: Lastly, amidst any nerves, seek joy in networking. Revisit your initial reflections: What’s exciting here? What fresh perspectives will I encounter? Embrace this opportunity to cultivate genuine connections as you build your network.

Networking is instrumental in transitions and particularly in bigger transitions like a total career shift. Networking will help you know your peers in the industry but also makes you more visible. Provided you do the right networking , exchanging insights is the most enlightening in every transition.

Commit to ongoing and continuous learning. This is an excellent moment to explore curiosities and passions that you might not have previously had time for. Get curious and creative and dive into some new skills and hobbies. Consider writing about these topics publicly to help deepen your understanding, create a supportive community, and establish your authority. This not only demonstrates your adaptability and commitment to potential employers but it can bring fresh energy to your days, while also enhancing your executive experience with fresh, up-to-date expertise, giving you a competitive edge in your new career.

Onboarding a new role is never a straightforward journey and expectations mostly go wrong. There will be days when you feel disheartened with the burden of change in environment, culture, colleagues and responsibilities and other days when you exceed expectations and astound yourself.

After being an executive in a particular field/ industry for a period of time where your knowledge, expertise and the recognition you received came easily, transitioning into a space where those aspects may not flow or come as easily can be unsettling. Having acknowledged that, note that with a change in environment, career etc comes the opportunity for growth, expanded skill sets and networks. You may very well face challenges and make mistakes that quite possibly, would not have occurred in your previous career. The fact is, mistakes are not the Scarlet Letter branding they are made out to be. We all make them but not allow us see them for the valuable opportunities they present for wisdom expansion. Challenges offer transformation.

That's when a familiar foe shows itself again – imposter syndrome. Years of honing a specific skillset can breed self-doubt when venturing into uncharted territory. To bridge this gap, try to reframe your narrative. For example, leverage your leadership experience as transferable capital—the strategic thinking, decision-making, and communication honed in the C-suite are universally valuable. Embrace the growth mindset; this transition is an opportunity to cultivate new expertise. Being able to reframe the situation will empower you to approach the unknown with the same confident adaptability you displayed throughout your executive career.

We need to nurture different parts of ourselves at different stages of our life and career. Figure out what you need this change to give you and set it up in a way that is most likely to mean you achieve success. If you want to start your own business, work out what you need it to bring in, the life-style it can realistically facillitate, do your research and tackle any gaps in thinking, practicalities and confidence.

In my experience working with myself and my clients through transitions, what I have found useful is - Reflecting on experiences, and skills that have given not just outcomes but also joy, a sense of purpose, and loosing track of time - being open and curious to explore opportunities in alignment with who one is at the core - taking time to pause, learn new skills that give joy as well as align with self - take support

While transitioning to a new career, here are some considerations to keep in mind: Emotional Preparation: Acknowledge the emotional impact of leaving a familiar work environment and stepping into unknown territory. Be prepared for moments of uncertainty and self-doubt. Personal Brand Reformulation: Your personal brand plays a vital role in establishing your credibility. Reflect on how aspects of your existing brand can be adapted for your new career. Patience & Persistence: Changing careers often requires time and effort to build new connections, gain industry-specific skills, and find the right opportunities. Catering to these considerations ensures a holistic approach to career transition.