Career Transitions

"Women were given a unique and special gift called intuition. It’s that little voice in our heads, and those butterflies in our stomach that tell us when it’s time to move in a particular direction." — Joi Gordon

Joanne Solomon Wilson ON Career Transitions

Blogger & Angel Investor, Gotham Gal

Q: I don’t feel like this topic is talked about enough in business news. Professionals get laid off, fired, resign or change careers all the time–which can obviously be a difficult transition at first. What was the hardest career transition in your life and how did you grow from it?

A: I have had a variety of changes over the course of my career. There is no doubt that having my role as a mom is probably one of the reasons for so many career changes. It can be difficult in terms of your own self-identity if you find yourself getting off the train to stay home for a few years. ... READ MORE »

Kathy Caprino ON Career Transitions

Founder & President, Ellia Communications, Inc.

Q: Many people become discontent with their current career yet are too afraid or reluctant to make a change. What’s your best advice for women in this situation?

A: As a career and leadership coach, I see this each and every day – women who are highly dissatisfied in their careers but remain stuck, afraid and unwilling to take the leap to consider making a change. I’m truly saddened by this, because in it I recognize myself. This was me for many years in my corporate life. I was ... READ MORE »

Rachel Goldstein ON Career Transitions

President, Agent of Change

Q: Many people become discontent with their current career yet are too afraid or reluctant to make a change. What’s your best advice for women in this situation?

A: The only way you will be happy inside and out is if you find your true calling. I studied the Hoffman Process, which underscores this concept, and I find Tony Robbins and Kabbalah also use this idea of simple open thinking. You need to find your strengths, make a plan, and live out your dream. Success will follow! READ MORE »

Iris Chen ON Career Transitions

President & CEO, "I Have a Dream" Foundation

Q: I don’t feel like this topic is talked about enough in business news. Professionals get laid off, fired, resign or change careers all the time–which can obviously be a difficult transition at first. What was the hardest career transition in your life and how did you grow from it?

A: I fortunately haven’t had to face any tough career transitions. The one ‘glitch’ in my career path was deciding to leave McKinsey several months after I started full-time at the firm (I’d previously spent a summer there). I didn’t plan it that way and would have stayed longer were it not for an unforeseen opportunity that I felt I couldn’t ... READ MORE »

Manisha Thakor ON Career Transitions

Founder & CEO, MoneyZen Wealth Management, LLC

Q: If you had a young sister or a daughter who was a senior in college, anxious about landing her first job or unsure of what she wanted to do, what would your advice be to her?

A: You don't have to get it perfect right out of the gate. There is so much pressure on women - and especially professionally ambitious women - to have it all figured out. The two best career moves of my life came after taking (and subsequently leaving) jobs that were not right for me. With every job you take I think ... READ MORE »

Whitney Johnson ON Career Transitions

Co-founder, Rose Park Advisors

Q: I believe obstacles create opportunities. What was the hardest career transition in your life and how did you grow from it?

A: Leaving Wall Street in 2005 was the hardest transition but I didn’t realize how hard it was immediately. Initially, there was the adrenaline rush of having left my job; I was no longer working 80+ hours, my life was my own. But once it wore off, I realized there were all sorts of perks I had taken for granted, like ... READ MORE »