MEMBER TIP:

Navigating Career Transitions: Challenges & Strategies for Women in Leadership 

Kristi Royse, CEO, KLR Consulting

Why Women’s Career Transitions Matter

International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate progress while acknowledging the unique challenges women still face in advancing their careers. Whether stepping into leadership, pivoting industries, or seeking greater influence, women often encounter obstacles that require strategic navigation.

The Leadership Transition Gap

Despite progress, women remain underrepresented at the highest levels of leadership. Why?

• Breaking Through the Invisible Barriers – Leadership potential is often judged differently for women.
• Balancing Visibility & Authenticity – Many women struggle with being seen as both competent and likable.
• Negotiating with Confidence – Studies show women negotiate less often than men for promotions and pay increases.
• Building the Right Network – Women often focus on relationships but may hesitate to leverage them for career growth.

Strategies for Moving Forward

1. Invest in a Coach

A mentor or executive coach helps you navigate career shifts with clarity and confidence. Coaching provides a sounding board for key decisions and accelerates leadership development.

2. Develop Your Executive Presence

Confidence, communication, and decisiveness are critical for leadership. Proactively seek opportunities to present, lead meetings, and engage with senior leaders.

3. Create a Strategic Career Plan

Don’t just think about your next role—think two to three steps ahead. What leadership skills do you need to develop now?

4. Build & Leverage Your Network

Your network is your greatest career asset. Be intentional about reaching out, seeking advice, and positioning yourself for opportunities. One powerful way to do this is by finding a Power Partner—someone who challenges and supports you as you navigate career transitions.

Finding a Power Partner Through FWSF 

The Financial Women of San Francisco (FWSF) provides a unique platform to connect with like-minded professionals, mentors, and sponsors. Here’s how you can leverage this network to find a power partner:

• Attend FWSF events to meet women at different career stages and build meaningful relationships.
• Engage in mentorship opportunities to gain insights from those who have navigated similar transitions.
• Join a committee or leadership role to enhance visibility and credibility.
• Be intentional—seek out someone whose strengths complement yours and commit to supporting each other’s growth.

Career Transition Reflection & Planning Exercise 

Objective: This exercise will help you assess your career position, strengths, and opportunities to take the next step with confidence.

Step 1: Self-Reflection 

Take a few moments to reflect on your current career path using these prompts:

1. Where You Are Now: 

• • What aspects of your current role energize you?
  • What aspects drain you?
  • How does your current position align with your long-term goals?

2. Strengths & Skills:

• • What are three strengths you consistently bring to your work?
  • When do you feel most confident in your abilities?
  • How would colleagues or mentors describe your leadership style?

3. Gaps & Growth Areas:

• • What skills or experiences do you need to develop to reach your next career goal?
  • What challenges have held you back from advancing?
  • What feedback have you received that could help you grow?

4. Leadership Mindset & Influence:

• • What’s one belief or habit you need to shift to step into a bigger leadership role?
  • How comfortable are you with self-advocacy, negotiation, and visibility?
  • What actions can you take to be more intentional in your career progression? 
    
    

Step 2: Career Transition Planning

1. Your Next Role: Define your ideal next step (title, responsibilities, industry)
2. Key Connections: List three people who can support or advise you.3.
3. Development Plan: Identify one action you’ll take in the next 30 days.4.
4. Power Partner Commitment: Identify someone you trust (mentor, colleague, FWSF member) to serve as your career accountability partner.
   
   

Step 3: Accountability & Commitment

• One-word focus for the next three months: (Example: Confidence, Visibility, Influence)
• Who will hold you accountable? Share your goal with a mentor, coach, or power partner.

Final Thought

Leadership transitions aren’t just about a title change—they’re about stepping into your full potential. Be proactive, seek support, and take ownership of your career path. The more intentional you are, the more you’ll shape your future, rather than letting it shape you.

Want to go deeper? Investing in coaching, mentorship, and career development programs can accelerate your success. Take the next step today!

From Connections Newsletter (Member Tips): March 2025

––––––––––––––––––––––

The suggestions of the contributor do not constitute professional advice and are intended for general informational and educational purposes only.  Nothing contained herein is intended to be or should be used as a substitute for professional advice, and readers should not act or rely on this information without seeking specific guidance directly from a qualified professional.

The opinions and information expressed in this blog/post/webpage are solely those of the contributor and do not necessarily reflect the views of FWSF. FWSF is not responsible for any errors or omissions in this content or any damages resulting from its use.