I just needed someone to tell me exactly what to do to change careers. I went from 13 years in supply chain and program management, to my dream role as an Events Manager at a company I love!
This is a real example of one of my clients, who pivoted from 13 years in supply chain and program management to her dream job as an Events Manager at a company she loves.
Here’s her story of breaking free from a career that no longer served her, rediscovering her confidence, and landing multiple job offers—all by leveraging the skills she already had.
Recognizing When It’s Time for a Career Pivot
If I’m honest, I was desperate for a career pivot!
I wouldn’t have said it back then, but I sure felt it. And most importantly, I felt like I’d been set up to fail.
I’d had to take on new responsibilities which increased my workload by 200%.
The math wasn’t mathing.
I only had time to focus on the big picture: keeping the program running, reducing deficits, and saving the company money.
Twice, I was up for a promotion.
Twice, the rug was pulled out from under me.
The first time I was told, “Because of the timing of your pregnancy, you won’t be promoted.”
The second time I was told that “a promotion isn’t on the table right now” since I wasn’t meeting expectations.
It was frustrating that the impossible workload was held against me as a reason to deny my promotion.
Workplace Red Flags That Signal It's Time for a Career Pivot
The biggest red flag was the gender and race inequality. I pointed out to my senior leader that our business line didn't have any women or people of color promoted.
Over the next 3 quarters, there was a person of color promoted - but still no women.
It took a huge toll on my personal life
I was working 60+ hour weeks, answering emails and messages at all hours of the day.
I was trying to be a mom, a wife, and an active member of my community - and I was failing miserably at all of it.
Why My First Career Pivot Attempts Didn’t Work
My confidence was shattered I started to believe that nothing I did was good enough, even though I knew deep down that I was damn good at my job.
I had always been a confident, capable person, but I was becoming someone who second-guessed everything, who couldn’t see her own worth.
I felt stuck in a cycle I didn’t know how to escape, and the longer it went on, the more it chipped away at me.
I’d tried working with 2 other career coaches before
But neither gave me what I needed or wanted.
The first career coach ghosted me
We had a couple sessions, but we only did some surface-level updates to my resume and LinkedIn profile. It wasn’t practical or particularly helpful.
And then… nothing. She just disappeared.
I eventually got her to refund my investment, but it left me feeling burned.
The second career coach was more like a therapist
I didn’t hire a career coach to ask me, “Well, how do you feel about that?”
I wanted actionable steps that will help change careers. I needed someone to say, “Hoku, here’s what you need to do next. Go do this.”
Instead, every coaching session was focused on talking things through and identifying what I wanted - which was helpful to a point - but there was never any clear, practical direction on how to get there.
I didn’t even bother to book the last session, because I knew it would only waste more time.
The Career Pivot Strategy That Finally Worked for Me
I joined the Career Clarity Formula because it gave me the structure and guidance I needed It wasn’t just information - it was someone to push me and hold me accountable.
However, I was super cautious. I remember thinking, "This sounds too good to be true."
At this point I’d been burned a few times, and didn’t really trust anyone at that point. Theresa understood where I was coming from, and instead of trying to “sell” me, she connected me with someone who had already gone through the program.
That conversation changed everything for me.
I didn’t hold back. I asked all the hard questions: What’s the good, the bad, and the ugly? Was it worth it? Did it actually help you get a new job?
We spent nearly two hours on the phone as she walked me through every step of the process.
She said, “I’ve been in my new role for six months, and I’m the happiest I’ve ever been.”
It wasn’t just what she said, but how she said it
I could tell how genuine she was. There was no fluff, no exaggeration.
She described her life before - how heavy and hard it was - and as she talked about her transformation, you could feel the joy and the confidence radiating from her.
At that moment, I thought, "I want that. I want to feel that way!"
She had made a big career pivot, and I realized if she could do it, so could I.
Here’s How the 3 Steps Career Change Formula Helped Me
The Career Clarity Formula helped me learn so much about myself.
Sure, I already knew I wanted to get back into the event industry, but beyond that? I had no clarity.
I didn’t know what I wanted to do, what I was good at, which of my skills could transfer, or even what kind of companies I wanted to work for.
I was just saying, “I love people, I’m good at administrative work, and I want to plan events.” That was it.
How I Leveraged Transferable Skills for a Career Pivot
The first step of the program was Career Clarity—and this changed everything.
I knew I wanted to get back into event planning, but beyond that?
I had no clarity.
Through the program, I uncovered:
- How I work best
- What I want (and don’t want) in a role
- Which of my skills transfer to a new industry
- The skill gaps I need to work on
- The clarity and confirmation of, “THIS is what I want to do for my career!”
This alone made it worth the money.
It was fascinating to discover why I am the way I am, and how that ties into my career. And when I needed help, Theresa was there to guide me
That’s what I loved about this program: it’s structured and clear, but if you hit a wall, Theresa is there to guide you through it. She doesn’t leave you hanging.
Finally, I had someone in my corner who could see “the real me” and give me the encouragement and practical steps to move me forward.
I realized, everything I’ve done before can apply to my new career
On the surface, working in program management, supply chain management, and procurement seems completely different from the event industry.
But suddenly, it hit me… My program management skills, my ability to collaborate, communicate, and problem-solve under pressure - they all transfer.
I had been building the skills I needed for my dream job all along.
How Career Clarity Transformed My Confidence to Pivot Successfully
By the end of this phase, I had so much more confidence
I knew what I was looking for, the companies I wanted to target, and how to move forward.
I wasn’t just throwing spaghetti at the wall anymore - I had a plan.
And for someone who had been beaten down emotionally and mentally, that structure was everything.
I realized that I have the skills to do this. I’m not “just” one thing - I’m capable of so much more.
How Personal Branding Helped Me Secure My Career Pivot
The second phase, branding, was probably my favorite
I used to hate redoing my resume, but Theresa’s process made it simple and effective. It helped me think differently about my experience and set me up to interview with confidence.
How Networking Made My Career Pivot a Success
But the real game-changer? My LinkedIn profile.
I’ve rewritten my LinkedIn so many times over the years, but this was different.
I finally learned how to showcase my personality and experience in a way that felt authentic and grabbed attention. I started getting compliments all the time.
People would reach out saying, “Your profile is so good! It’s impressive. Can you teach me how to do that?” I can’t, but Theresa can!
It’s not just “all work” either. I added a personal touch to my profile, mentioning my goal of learning to play piano. This has been incredible for sparking connections.
The steps to rewrite our resume were amazing - super easy to follow and made you think in a different way.
It sets you up for future interviews. That alone was worth it.
My Job Search Led to 2 Dream Opportunities!
The last step in the Career Clarity Formula is the job search, and this is where it all comes together.
The turning point came when I started leaning into networking and connections.
Both job offers came from introductions
One was from someone I knew through my Indigenous work who introduced me to a role at a nonprofit I love - a dream company.
The other offer came from a woman in the Career Clarity group who said, “Hey, I know someone at this company. Let me introduce you.”
That role turned out to be my dream job - a program and events role at a company that wasn’t even on my radar.
What’s crazy is that during those conversations, I wasn’t even “interviewing” in the traditional sense.
I was just being myself, learning about the roles, sharing what I could bring to the table.
And suddenly, I had two offers in front of me!
I never thought I’d have to choose between a Dream Company and A Dream Role.
I Landed The Dream Job That Was Everything I’d Wanted
I get to plan events, build programs, manage projects, and collaborate across departments.
What made it even better was that every person I met at this company genuinely cared about people first.
During an informational call, I remember saying, “This sounds too good to be true. What’s the catch?” And they told me, “There’s no catch. This is just who we are.”
The company values work-life balance, community impact, and treating employees like people - not commodities. They value the same things I do.
By the time I made my decision, the joy and excitement I felt made it clear - this was the perfect fit!
Negotiating Salary & Benefits After a Career Pivot
When I got my offer, I immediately went to Theresa for guidance.
The Career Clarity Formula has the negotiation module, and I wanted her personal support to negotiate my base salary and vacation time.
At my previous company, I had over 4 weeks of vacation, and this role started at just 2 and I didn’t want to start over.
We strategized how to position my value, highlight my results, and make the ask confidently.
Theresa helped me phrase everything professionally over email, and in the end, I got exactly what I asked for - the top of the salary range and increased vacation time!
Why Investing in Career Coaching Made My Career Pivot Possible
If you’re on the fence about joining the Career Clarity Formula, ask yourself: Are you happy with your career? Are you fulfilled, or do you wake up stressed, dreading Mondays? If not, why keep living like that?
This program is the best investment you can make in yourself. Theresa gives you the tools, structure, and support to find your dream career, but it’s up to you to take action.
As women, we juggle so much, and it’s easy to settle for less. But you don’t have to. I had doubts and imposter syndrome too, but with Theresa and a group of supportive women, I found my dream job.
If you’re still unsure, talk to someone who’s been through it - like me. I’ll tell you the truth: it works. You deserve to love your career. So stop waiting and just do it.
I went from being beaten down and not believing I could make the move, to getting multiple job offers. That alone - finding my dream job - made it worth every penny!
Hoku’s Career Pivot Wins:
1. Pivoted to her dream career
Hoku successfully transitioned from supply chain and program management into event planning and program development - her dream job.
2. Rediscovered confidence and self-worth
She realized her transferable skills and immense value in a new industry.
3. Landed multiple job offers
By leveraging networking and intentional strategies, Hoku received offers for both a dream job and a dream company, giving her the power to choose.
4. Negotiated salary like a pro
Hoku confidently negotiated her salary to the top of the range and increased her vacation time, securing the benefits she deserved.
5. Aligned career with personal values
She found a role at a company that prioritizes people, work-life balance, and community impact - perfectly aligning with her values.
6. Engages all her top interests
Hoku now thrives in a role that combines her love for building programs, planning events, and working with people.
7. Joined a supportive and people-focused culture
She found a company where employees are valued as people first, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.
8. Built a supportive network
Through the program, Hoku connected with like-minded women who supported her journey and helped her land her dream role.
9. Gained clarity and structure in her job search
Hoku used a clear, step-by-step approach to identify her ideal roles, target companies, and present herself with confidence.
About Career Coach
After years of feeling unfulfilled in my career and not knowing what I’m meant to do or how to find it without starting over... I finally figured out what I'm here to do! And found a career that makes me excited to wake up and go to work every day. And I know that one day, I'll look back on my career with joy and satisfaction, knowing that I did something that truly mattered.
How did I find it?
By getting crystal clear on what I'm meant to do.
Getting this clarity is easier than you think, and I love guiding my clients through the discovery process... and empowering them to find their ideal career.
Connect with me on LinkedIn, listen to the Career Clarity Unlocked Podcast, or schedule your free 30-minute career clarity consultation.
FAQs About Making a Career Pivot
1. How do I know if a career pivot is right for me?
If you’re feeling unfulfilled, undervalued, or constantly burned out, it may be time for a pivot. Ask yourself if your current role aligns with your strengths, interests, and long-term goals. If not, exploring a new path could be the best move for you.
2. Do I have to start over in a new industry?
Not necessarily! Many of your existing skills are transferable to a new career. The key is identifying what carries over and how to position yourself strategically. Hoku didn’t start from scratch—she leveraged her program management skills to transition into events.
3. What are the biggest mistakes people make when pivoting careers?
Some common mistakes include:
- Applying to random jobs without a clear strategy
- Ignoring networking and relying solely on job boards
- Undervaluing transferable skills
- Failing to tailor a resume and LinkedIn profile to the new industry
- Not preparing for salary negotiations
4. How can I pivot careers without taking a pay cut?
By focusing on transferable skills, networking strategically, and branding yourself effectively, you can transition into a new career without sacrificing salary. In fact, many career pivots result in a pay increase when positioned correctly.
5. Where do I start if I’m ready to pivot careers?
The first step is career clarity—understanding what you want and how your skills align with a new path. From there, focus on networking, personal branding, and targeted applications.
Need help with your career pivot? Let’s create a strategy that gets you into your dream role—without the guesswork. Start today!
Making a Career Pivot Is Possible!
Hoku’s story proves that a career pivot doesn’t mean starting over—it’s about strategically leveraging the skills you already have to move into a role that aligns with your passions and values.
If you’re feeling stuck, undervalued, or burnt out, ask yourself:
- Do I feel fulfilled in my current role?
- Am I using my strengths in a way that excites me?
- Am I waking up motivated—or just surviving?
If any of these questions resonate with you, it may be time for a career pivot.
The good news is that you don’t have to figure it out alone. With the right strategy, support, and clarity, you can:
- Identify transferable skills that position you for success
- Build a strong personal brand that attracts opportunities
- Navigate a career transition with confidence
- Secure a higher salary and better benefits
Hoku did it, and so can you. If you’re ready to explore your next steps, start by gaining clarity on what you truly want and taking intentional action toward it. A fulfilling career is within reach—you just have to take the first step.
More Tools to Help You Navigate Your Career Change
👉 Ready for career clarity in record time? Request a free consultation with me today.Â
