The Power of the Career Pivot with Stephanie Cantillo

Creating Your Unlimited Journey

In this episode, Michelle talks to Stephanie Cantillo, who highlights key transferable skills that are helpful for those wanting to get into HR: communication, people skills, being open to learning new things, and being organized. Stephanie shares how she transitioned from the field of hospitality into Human Resources and speaks of her love for people, which has always been a grounding factor in her success. She also talks about the importance of networking and building relationships within your community. She explains why she decided to pivot into leadership development and how it has allowed her to use her skills and experience to support others on their professional journey.

Over the past seven years, Stephanie has served in various volunteer leadership roles for SHRM-Atlanta including EVP of Special Programs, New Member Orientation, and North Perimeter RDC Chair. She loves the SHRM-Atlanta community and received the chapter’s Exemplary Volunteer Award in 2018, 2020, and 2021. Stephanie is a collaborative and solutions-focused HR leader with 16 years of experience in Hospitality, Education, and the Non-Profit sector.

With a strong background in Operational Excellence, she is recognized for her ability to streamline and improve processes while driving positive organizational change. In her most recent role as CHRO at Pace Academy, she provided leadership in developing and executing a human resources strategy that supported a progressive K-12 independent school with approximately 300 full and part-time employees. She spent much of her time focusing on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion issues within her school communities. In early July, Stephanie started a new role as a consultant working with a firm that focuses on compensation and helping organizations with total rewards.

Episode Highlights:

11:27 - The willingness to try something new, even if you don't have all the answers, it's okay. HR is so huge and broad. You will never know everything. So, I think some of those key transferable skills are just a desire to be around people, a desire to help, willingness to learn.

17:12 - I would say the same thing for networking. Try different events. Try one that's maybe women in technology. Try one that's focused on marketing professionals. Even if that's not your area or an area you're in currently, that doesn't mean you can't show up and meet some great people.

25:12 - I was able to support the employees with what they were struggling with or what challenges were coming up in their families. In HR, you learn a lot of things about what's happening for folks that aren't always exposed in the workplace. And so, building that trust, building those relationships, really turning around the opinion and perception of HR and what HR could be.

Episode Takeaways:

- Understanding your transferable skills is critical when looking to pivot. Knowing your skills and abilities and how you can leverage them in your next opportunity is important.

- Build your community based on your desired next role/function/industry. Here are tips on what you can do- Join organizations, network with other professionals, and do your research to enhance your expertise in your new career opportunity.

- Shift your mindset from networking as a transaction to building a community as a strategic goal.

- Find your Career Anchors. Your anchors will be the common thread in each new opportunity you pursue.

- Struggling with Self-Doubt? Ask people around you for feedback. Sometimes it is hard to see the greatness that is within you. Ask people in your tribe to remind you of your accomplishments, skills, and talents. Use that feedback when it’s time to update your resume, interview for a role, and apply for the next opportunity.

#giveofyourself

#lovehard

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