From the Athletics Track to the Boardroom: How to Navigate a Successful Career Change
Thinking about making a career switch — but finding it hard to step away from what you know? You are not alone. On the latest episode of the HR Hacks and Halos podcast, Jivan Dempsey speaks with former professional athlete and now, senior client success manager in tech sales, Melissa Owusu-Ansah.
You will hear the story of how she ended her former career in the competitive sports arena and took her next steps to become a leading salesperson. In her story, you will see how she effectively tapped into her transferable skills!
Why the Career Change is More Prevalent than Ever
Today’s workforce is arguably the most fluid workforce in human history. Whether it is for personal development, changing passions, or a better work, life integration, many professionals today are changing careers for good. But with change comes uncertainty; and there are uncertainties connected to identity, transferable skills, and starting over.
Melissa’s shift from the athletics track to the boardroom provides meaningful insights for anyone considering an eventual career switch. Here are some informative takeaways from her transition:
Begin with Your “Why”
Melissa’s most important piece of advice is to know your “why” for the change:
“Before you take a big leap …, think long and hard about what your ‘Why’ is. What do you want to change careers for? What is the end game … what do you want to do?”
Articulating your ‘why’ early in the process will help your decision-making process and your focus during the career-change process, whether you are changing professions or working with a culture consultant to find the right company fit.
Identify and Leverage Your Transferable Skills
Perhaps the most pronounced lesson learned from Melissa’s story is the value of transferable skills:
“I realized that the discipline, structure, resilience, and goal setting I learned as a professional athlete were the most transferable skills into the corporate world. Whether you are in a team, leadership role, or working with pressure, it does not matter, these skills should be taken in all professions – even HR change management or culture change consulting.” “For me, success was being about 1 percent, or 2 percent better than the day before.” – Melissa Owusu-Ansah
Don’t Underestimate the Value of Coaching and Mentoring
According to Melissa, she credits her athletic coach for her mindset towards professional development. Today, she still actively works with mentors in her corporate life. She believes a mentor or coach can accelerate your development, help you figure out your best skills, advocate for you, and support you as you navigate challenges when transitioning careers.
Challenge Your Limiting Beliefs – particularly around your confidence!
In her TEDx talk “The SheSuite Athlete,” Melissa shared some enlightening words that had shifted her thinking. Research shows that 90% of women in C-suite positions have played the same level of sport at university. But women only apply for positions, and usually only if they have at least 90% of the job related skills. Men apply for positions, and usually only if they have 50% of the skills. So, shifting and reframing this mentality is important if you’re going to move into new opportunities (note, I said new opportunities) and feel confident at work.
Be Curious and Open to Learning!
Melissa’s love of learning was her secret sauce. For those of you contemplating a career change, she suggests trying new disciplines, having conversations, reading books, or listening to podcasts. The more that you can soak up the more you can be confident in your next move – whether you’re building your skills and services in HR transformation or want to change organisations entirely.
Be Honest with Yourself—And Know When to Move On
Melissa’s first career error was staying too long at a job out of loyalty, even when it ceased to be productive to her growth. She reminds us that we need to be honest with ourselves about what is working and what is not working, and sometimes the best thing to do is leave and embrace other challenges.
Real Stories that Drive Real Learning
Melissa’s journey exemplifies the notion that no matter what you have done in the past—or what may seem disparate—you can draw from it to build your future. Being an athlete, artist, teacher, or engineer has provided you with sets of skills that have value. Acknowledge, define, and carry them into your new career to make you stronger.
Want to Make Your Own Career Transition?
If you were inspired by Melissa’s story and want more practical perspectives on making a career transition, download and listen to the full HR Hacks and Halos episode. Be sure to follow and rate the podcast series. Each episode is loaded with real stories, expert perspectives, and practical HR advice to help you be successful in your HR careers!
Don’t delay. Download the latest episode now and be sure to follow us on your favorite podcast platform. Leave a rating to let others discover these amazing stories!
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3QKPDtD1XzGY8z0R5d46lZ?si=e1ace51e361f44b8
Subscribe to Jivan’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HR.HacksandHalos/videos
Connect with Jivan on LinkedIn and subscribe to the All Change Please newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/changepsychology/