What's the Biggest Transformation You've Made in Your Professional Life?

In the journey of professional growth, certain transformations stand out as pivotal—changes that redefine not just careers but also lives. These moments of reinvention often mark the turning points that lead to enhanced leadership and personal growth.

As part of this issue’s focus on transformation, we asked four accomplished HR executives this question: Reflecting on your career, what’s one transformation you made in your professional life that made the most impact on your career or life?

A Break for Balance: Hitting the ‘Pause’ Button Can Spark a Reset

SHERI BRONSTEIN, CHRO AT BANK OF AMERICA

I was the head of HR for Bank of America’s global markets and banking lines of business during a period when my two children were fairly young. By 2015, I recognized that after 15 years, I needed a break to spend time with my family and recharge.

I opted to take a step away from work for a few months, which was a little unheard of in our industry at that time. While I had leadership’s support, I knew the perception of such a decision presented risk. During my time off, our CEO called to say that when I was ready to return, he wanted me to take on the CHRO role.

For me, the experience [of stepping away] was life-changing. Hard work and grit are still deeply important values that I value in myself and others. But people can’t keep going on and up without, at times, having a brief pause to stop and reflect.

In my role as CHRO, our team was proud to oversee the development and launch of our global sabbatical program. It allows teammates to take four to six weeks away from work after 15 or more years of service. They choose to do a variety of things with their time: volunteer, connect with family, travel, start a new hobby, or just rest. They return to work refreshed and ready to continue their career with us—a win-win.

Shedding the Mask: How a Decision to Be Authentic Created a Ripple Effect

SUSIE JAMERSON, CHIEF PEOPLE OFFICER AT ADVENTHEALTH

For the first 15-plus years of my career, I put a lot of energy into “playing the perfect role” in every interaction. I wanted to follow the rules, fit in, and have it all together.

Then, one day, I had a professional awakening. I realized I wasn’t fully showing up authentically me and, therefore, not bringing my best self into the workplace. I was playing it safe to fit in, but I wasn’t showing my colleagues my heart and soul. I decided to step into this space of authenticity and transparency. I shared my vulnerabilities and showed up more authentically.

That honesty and humility ended up creating a safe space for others to show up more real themselves. It created a deeper bond with my colleagues, and it inspired others to shed layers of themselves so they could bring their best self to work, as well.

This awakening was the most transformative moment in my career. It empowered me to be a better leader, a better colleague, and to become a catalyst that inspired change in others. I believe it is critical to remain professional, diplomatic, and kind in all interactions, but we can do that while showing up as a real human and sharing our soul with others.

The Courage to Ask: Don’t Fear Stating Your Career Goals

HEATHER JONES, VICE PRESIDENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES AT KELVION FOR THE AMERICAS REGION

During a pivotal career conversation about my advancement, my manager told me I would need to become an HR business partner [HRBP] first if I wanted to become an HR vice president one day. At the time, I was working in talent management—a field I loved—but I had aspirations of eventually leading my own team. After receiving this feedback, I set a professional goal for myself, but I was hesitant to share it with others.

About six months later, I found myself in a one-on-one meeting with my CHRO, where she mentioned struggling to fill an HRBP position. I casually shared that I’d someday like to become an HRBP. She paused for a moment, looked at me, and told me I should apply. I remember laughing in surprise. I was new to the organization, and the last thing I wanted was to seem “too ambitious.”

We briefly discussed my career goals, and she again encouraged me to apply. That unplanned conversation about my aspirations completely shifted the course of my career. And yes, I got the job.

As my career progressed, I moved into leadership roles, and I stopped worrying about being perceived as too ambitious. At every step, I made it a personal mission to mentor, coach, and sponsor others’ careers. Today, as VP of HR, my focus is on shaping strong organizational cultures and empowering employees to succeed.

My journey has taught me the importance of being bold, of not being afraid of sharing my ideas, and advocating for myself. After all, I have never had an issue advocating for my team. I learned that sharing my goals and asking for what I want was the first step in creating a community of support.

The 10% Rule: Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone to Build Skills, Resilience

JINAH CHERNIVEC, CHIEF HUMAN RESOURCES AND RISK OFFICER AT GOODWILL-EASTER SEALS MINNESOTA

Early in my career, a mentor shared a simple but profound piece of advice: To grow as a leader, you must consistently push yourself to do something at least 10% outside your comfort zone.

At the time, this advice seemed straightforward, yet it has become the foundation for some of the most impactful transformations in my professional and personal life. By embracing discomfort and taking on challenges that I initially hesitated to face, I developed the resilience, confidence, and leadership skills that propelled my career.

One pivotal moment came when I was offered the chance to lead a high-stakes project with significant visibility. Initially, I was intimidated. I doubted whether I had the expertise or the presence to lead such an initiative. However, recalling my mentor’s advice, I immersed myself in the role, asking questions, seeking feedback, and committing to showing up fully engaged every day.

The experience was transformative. Not only did I successfully deliver the project, I also discovered my ability to inspire and guide a team through complex challenges. This success fueled my confidence to take on increasingly ambitious roles, such as leading cross-functional collaborative teams.

I have applied this advice to foster growth in my personal life pursuing challenges that push both my mind and body beyond what I once thought possible, including running marathons and hiking mountains. Beyond physical challenges, I’ve also embraced opportunities for personal and community growth by serving on boards and volunteering in community projects. These endeavors have not only expanded my skill set but also deepened my resilience, broadened my perspective, and enriched my sense of purpose.