This year marks one of the most defining transitions of my career. I stepped onto the other side of the table executive recruiting within the CRE industry. From the outside, it may have looked like a big leap, but what surprised me most wasn’t how different the work is- it’s how natural and aligned the shift has felt.
And I’ve realized I’m not alone. Many people in our industry are feeling a similar pull: curiosity about new paths, a desire for greater alignment, or simply wondering what’s next. Here are the five biggest lessons this transition has taught me- lessons that may resonate wherever you are in your own career journey.
1. Your experience is more transferable than you think.
The skills I built in CRE- strategic analysis, relationship management, negotiation, and understanding how owners and operators think translated seamlessly into executive search. Your background doesn’t limit you; it actually gives you a unique edge in your next chapter.
2. Clarity is a catalyst.
The moment I got honest about what I wanted, more alignment, more impact, more autonomy and creativity..everything shifted. When your values are clear, the right path becomes so much easier to recognize.
3. You are responsible for your own career growth.
Your career only moves when you do. Don’t wait for someone to tap you on the shoulder, promote you, or open the next door. No one will advocate your career move than you will. Move with intention and take ownership of the direction you want to go. And honestly, that applies to your personal life too.
4. The right people accelerate your evolution.
Connections matter. Reaching out, networking, following up, and staying curious are the things that open doors. Mentors, peers, and leaders who support you can shape your confidence and your trajectory. Their influence made my transition possible and now, working in recruiting, I see every day how the right relationships and teams drive culture, growth, and long-term success.
5. Momentum comes from taking small, consistent steps.
A career shift doesn’t happen overnight. It happens through small actions: conversations, learning, asking questions and exploring options. Every step compounds. Once you start moving, clarity has a way of meeting you halfway.
A Final Thought
Career transitions change you. They sharpen your values, stretch your comfort zone, and push you toward work and a life that actually fits. We spend so much of our lives at work shaping our days, our energy, and our sense of purpose- it’s too much time to spend in roles that don’t truly align. As I step into this next chapter, I’m excited to help others find roles, teams, and environments that feel aligned with where they’re headed next. Let’s connect!
Cheers!
