A few years ago, I had a one-on-one feedback session with a colleague in my team. We had previously worked together at another company, where I was in a customer experience role. Having just joined the organisation, he was surprised to see me assume the role of Director of Operations and asked why I made the shift to operations, a field he thought was completely different from what I had previously handled.

What I have learnt over time is that people often view and define us based on the roles we’ve held in the past. But I’ve always believed and known that I’m more than any single job title. Throughout the years, I’ve taken on diverse roles across the tech industry and nonprofit sector, each one enhancing my skill set and preparing me for broader, more challenging opportunities. My shift into growth operations was not a random decision; it was a purposeful evolution—a natural step in my continuous journey to grow, learn, and make a greater impact in organisations that I support.

Who you are should not just be defined by your past or current roles, nor by the expectations of others. Rather, your skills and capabilities, regardless of your current job title, should shape your sense of self and guide how you reinvent yourself if that becomes a necessity. Reinvention is not just about switching careers; it is about redefining what success means to you and having the courage to pursue it.

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Get reinventing

If you are at a point where you are considering reinventing yourself, it might feel overwhelming at first. Where do you start? How do you make such a significant change? I have been there, and quite frankly, I still am. The good news is that reinvention does not have to happen all at once. By taking thoughtful, deliberate steps, you can set yourself on a path towards a fulfilling new chapter in your career. Here are five steps to get you started:

1. Embrace a Growth Mindset

The first step to reinvention is believing that you can grow and evolve. A growth mindset allows you to see challenges as opportunities and to view failure as a stepping stone to success. It’s about constantly seeking to learn and improve, knowing that you can always expand your skills and capabilities.

2. Identify Your Core Strengths and Passions:

Before you can reinvent yourself, you need to understand what you bring to the table. Reflect on your experiences and identify the skills and passions that have driven your success. These are the building blocks for your next career move. When you align your career with your strengths and passions, you set yourself up for fulfilment and success.

3. Seek Out New Experiences

Reinvention requires stepping out of your comfort zone. Look for opportunities to take on new projects, roles, or even industries that challenge you to grow. These experiences will not only broaden your skillset but also open your mind to new possibilities. Don’t be afraid to take risks; although easier said than done, I find they often lead to the most rewarding outcomes.

4. Build a Network of Support:

Surround yourself with people who inspire and challenge you. Mentors, peers, and even those you manage can provide valuable perspectives and support as you navigate your reinvention. Your network can offer guidance, open doors, and provide the encouragement you need to pursue your new path with confidence.

5. Be Patient and Persistent

Reinvention doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a journey that requires time, effort, and resilience. There will be setbacks and moments of doubt, but persistence is key. So stay focused on your goals, keep learning, and trust the process. Over time, the small steps you take will lead to significant transformations.

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It is not too late to try

Reinventing yourself is not just about changing careers; it is also about evolving both personally and professionally. It means recognising that you are more than any role(s) you’ve held and having the courage to chase what excites and challenges you. If there’s one takeaway from this, let it be this: You are the chief architect of your career, and it’s never too late to create something extraordinary.

Until Next Time,

Bukola Osuntuyi.

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Bukola Osuntuyi is a business operations leader, global team builder and career mentor dedicated to building people and supporting business growth. She empowers aspiring leaders with the mindset and essential tools for success and helps business executives achieve their strategic goals.