How to Navigate Career Transitions Successfully

Posted on August 25, 2025 by Andrew Clemence, One of Thousands of Business Coaches on Noomii.

Few things in a career are more challenging, or more defining, than major transitions. Whether it’s stepping into leadership, moving industries, recovering from redundancy, or returning to work after a break, transitions test both your adaptability and your confidence.

In my coaching work and on the Purpose to Performance Podcast, I’ve heard again and again that the difference between a smooth transition and a painful one often comes down to intentionality and mindset. It’s not about avoiding uncertainty, it’s about how you engage with it.

The Nature of Transition

William Bridges, in his classic Transitions Model, distinguished between change (the external event: a new role, a promotion, a redundancy) and transition (the internal process of letting go, reorienting, and embracing a new beginning).

Too often, professionals underestimate the emotional journey of transition. They rush to action without giving themselves space to reflect.

Marina Sancho, Director of Customer Growth at Mentorloop, noted that each move in her career became a moment to pause and reassess.
“Every transition was a checkpoint to ask what I enjoyed, what I was good at, and what I needed to change. Those reflections shaped the direction of my career more than any fixed plan.”

Common Career Transitions

From my podcast guests and coaching clients, five types of transitions stand out:

Promotion to leadership – moving from peer to manager, or from manager to senior leader.
Industry change – applying skills to a new context, often requiring re-branding.
Geographic relocation – adapting to new cultures and business norms.
Redundancy or setback – rebuilding confidence and momentum.
Returning to work – after a career break for family, study, or health.
Each of these transitions brings opportunity — and its own set of fears.

Lessons from Those Who’ve Done It

Let go of fear-driven conservatism.
Jonathan Goring, Executive Director and Head of Operations for the World’s first Giga Project, admitted that in earlier stages of his career he sometimes played it safe, holding onto roles rather than risking a move towards what he truly wanted. With experience, he realised this kind of conservatism was limiting. The real breakthroughs, he reflected, came when he went “all in,” aligning fully with who he was and what he wanted to contribute.
Know when it’s time to move.
For Marina Sancho, the signal was clear: when she was no longer fulfilled or using her strengths, it was time for change.
Turn redundancy into opportunity.
Lynn Scott, Author & Master Certified Leadership Coach, shared how redundancy became her pivot point:
“I was offered redundancy or another role… and it took me about a millisecond to realise I was done. I loved travel, I loved the people, but it was time to move on. For the first time I lifted my head and thought: what do I actually want to do with my life?”
That pause led her to retrain, discover a passion for learning and development, and eventually build her own successful business.

Equip yourself with tools for confidence.
Chiara Massironi, Head of Developer Network @ Twilio & Start-Up Mentor, reflected that while she had read plenty about imposter syndrome, she lacked the tools to handle it. Coaching gave her practical strategies she could use in moments of doubt , when the inner voice said “I don’t belong here.” By pausing, reframing, and applying those tools, she found she could stay confident and communicate effectively instead of spiralling into self-doubt.
Mindset Matters Most

Research on adaptability shows that those who approach transitions with a growth mindset are more likely to succeed. Rather than seeing change as a threat, they see it as a chance to expand.

This echoes what many of my guests shared: success in transitions isn’t about certainty, it’s about curiosity. It’s about reframing a new role, a new sector, or a new country not as a test to pass, but as an opportunity to grow.

A Personal Coaching Perspective

I’ve supported many mid-career professionals through major transitions. A common theme? The moment of identity shift is often the hardest part.

One client moving from a senior operations role into a board-level position struggled with imposter syndrome, doubting whether he truly belonged at the top table. Through coaching, he reframed the transition: rather than asking “Am I ready?”, he asked “How do I need to grow into this role?” That shift unlocked his confidence and helped him thrive.

Practical Strategies for Navigating Transitions

From theory, practice, and podcast wisdom, here are five strategies for your next career transition:

1) Acknowledge the ending – Give yourself space to process what you’re leaving behind before rushing into the new.
2) Revisit your values – Use them as anchors when everything else feels uncertain.
3) Craft a learning plan – Identify the skills and knowledge gaps you’ll need to close quickly.
4) Leverage your network – Seek mentors, peers, and sponsors who can accelerate your adjustment.
5) Build resilience rituals – Sleep, exercise, journaling, and reflection practices keep you grounded.

Questions to Ask Yourself

If you’re navigating a transition now, pause and consider:
- What part of my old identity am I still holding onto?
- What new skills or perspectives will help me thrive in the next chapter?
- Who can I reach out to for guidance, support, or sponsorship?

The Takeaway

Transitions are an inevitable part of any successful career, but they don´t have to be daunting and drifting through them is optional. With reflection, planning and the right support, you can navigate through transitions with poise and confidence.

As my guests reminded me, career transitions aren’t just about moving into something new. They’re about becoming the new version of you, the same but bigger, better and more experienced.

Ready to Navigate Your Next Transition?

I’ve helped numerous senior leaders and mid-career professionals successfully navigate transitions, whether stepping into leadership, pivoting industries, recovering from redundancy, or re-aligning their careers with their values.

Through coaching, I provide the clarity, tools, and accountability to help you make confident decisions and thrive in the next chapter of your career.

If you’re facing change and want a trusted partner to help you turn uncertainty into opportunity, let’s talk.

Andrew Clemence
Business, Leadership & Performance Coach