Hi, I am Henriette, Chief of Staff to the CTO at FINN. FINN offers a flexible car subscription service that simplifies car ownership, providing customers with a fully digital, all-inclusive experience where everything but fuel is covered. This service saves time, reduces costs, and eliminates the hassle of maintenance and hidden fees, making driving as easy as shopping online.

In this article, I’ll share my journey of transitioning from a People-focused role to my current position as Chief of Staff to the CTO. Along the way, I discovered how vital it is to focus on transferable skills, bridging my move from People to a role deeply embedded in the tech world.

When I graduated from high school, I faced a big decision, just like many other students do: choosing a field of study that would shape my future career. While I was initially drawn to technology and considered studying Computer Science, I also found myself deeply curious about understanding people, societies, and businesses. This led me to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Sociology. Later, I complemented this with a Master’s degree in Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship at technical universities in Germany and the Netherlands. Little did I know at the time that this mix of studies would be the foundation for my career, guiding me from working in People roles to fully diving into Tech. This combination equipped me to bridge the gap between people and technology, helping me to communicate effectively with technical and non-technical teams. It enabled me to tackle complex problems from different angles, combining analytical thinking with a human-centric approach. Thus, it optimally prepared me for diving into new topics, structuring uncertainty, and building up processes in People and Tech.

I started my career in business recruiting. At FINN, I naturally moved closer to the Tech department, first focusing on Tech recruiting and then on being an HR business partner in the Tech team. Ultimately, I became a People Experience Lead at FINN. I aligned our People strategy with the overall business objectives. I worked closely with leadership, providing strategic HR guidance and solutions with my team to foster a positive work environment and drive employee engagement. I oversaw performance management and employee relations, ensuring that our People policies and practices support both the employees’ well-being and the company’s goals. Additionally, I acted as a trusted advisor to managers, helping to navigate complex people issues and supporting organizational change initiatives.

In June this year, when I was offered the chance to become Chief of Staff for the CTO, I couldn’t resist. As a Chief of Staff to the CTO, I act as a strategic partner and right-hand to the CTO, helping to drive key initiatives and ensure the Tech organization runs smoothly. I manage cross-functional projects and their stakeholders, facilitate communication within our cross-departmental, mission-based Tech teams, and help prioritize high-impact activities. This role involves streamlining processes, coordinating meetings, and ensuring the Tech vision is effectively communicated internally and externally as well as executed. The change wasn’t easy, but it has been a rewarding experience. It has taught me valuable lessons about being adaptable, using my transferable skills, and understanding how important it is to keep learning in today’s ever-changing job market.

In today’s world, being adaptable is more important than ever. We no longer stay in the same company for 20 years as our parents. Even the profession we start with might not be the one we end up with. Being able to change and use our different experiences is key to staying relevant and making a difference. As you think about your career, remember that your job title is just a label. How you define your purpose and the impact you can have matters. This should guide your career choices.

So, what can make changing roles and fields easier? For me, it boils down to three main things:

  1. Identify opportunities to switch fields and careers,
  2. Recognize transferable skills and similarities to bring to a different field, and
  3. Overcome the challenges of starting something new.

Identify opportunities to switch fields and careers

Before you can transition into something new, you might need to find an opportunity to do so. There are multiple ways of looking for a career change. Your professional network is one of your most valuable resources when considering a career switch. People within your network can offer insights, provide referrals, and even present opportunities that you may not be aware of. Often, career switches happen through connections and word of mouth, so don’t underestimate the power of your network. Further, taking responsibility in cross-functional projects allows you to increase exposure to different stakeholders in various departments and functions. These projects enable you to demonstrate your ability to work across functions and can put you on top of the list when a new position opens up elsewhere because you already built rapport for handling part of the job.

A career switch doesn’t always involve moving up the ladder but rather making a lateral move that positions you for future growth and advancing your knowledge. In my case, I worked closely with the Tech department for 2.5 years as a People Partner, which exposed me to the leadership team and gave me deep insights into how the department functioned. This exposure not only enhanced my understanding of the tech landscape but also played a crucial role in my transition, as I was approached for a new role due to the strong collaboration and rapport I had built over time. Sometimes, a strategic career switch requires gaining new knowledge or skills. Consider pursuing certifications or training programs that align with your career goals. For example, courses in project management, digital transformation, or even basic programming can give you the confidence and credibility you need to make the switch.

Further, roles that require a blend of skills from different disciplines are often perfect for career switchers. When searching for opportunities, look for roles that value the diverse skill set you’ve developed and that also allow you to grow in new areas. Smaller companies or startups often provide more flexibility in roles and responsibilities than larger corporations. They may be more willing to take a chance on someone with a non-traditional background, especially if you bring a unique perspective or skill set. For example, I was able to take over parts of the Chief of Staff responsibility in the early days of FINN before we had a dedicated position, which allowed me to build essential skills and connections within the organization. My transition to working more directly with the Tech team was significantly supported by the dynamic environment of a growing company, which allowed me to explore new areas and leverage my diverse skill set in ways that might not have been possible in a more rigid corporate structure.

Recognize transferable skills and similarities

Assessing what you can bring to the table might help you build confidence to jump into a career change. At first glance, People and Tech roles might seem very different, but if you look closer, you’ll find they have some important things in common that can make the change easier. My decision to take on the Chief of Staff role was easier to wrap my head around when I realized that the skills I developed in my People roles would be useful in Tech. Both People and Tech roles are supportive functions within an organization. Their main goal is to help the business succeed and ensure the company and its employees do well. Both fields are solution-driven and focused on making things simpler and more efficient. I am motivated by finding solutions, simplifying things, and improving efficiency. I knew that changing roles wouldn’t reduce my impact on FINN’s goals and success—it might even increase it.

In People, managing relationships with various stakeholders is a daily task. You’re often the bridge between employees and leadership, ensuring communication flows smoothly, and addressing everyone’s needs. This skill is important for a Chief of Staff role, where you manage and coordinate between different departments, ensuring the leadership team is aligned with the broader organization. Understanding the needs of stakeholders and aligning them with business objectives is crucial, whether in People or in supporting a CTO.

Clear and effective communication is at the heart of People work, whether drafting policies or resolving conflicts. As Chief of Staff, communication becomes even more critical. You ensure that the Tech vision is communicated across the organization, that meetings are productive, and that projects are understood and executed correctly.

Conflict resolution is a significant part of the job in People. Whether mediating disputes or addressing performance issues, you develop a keen ability to navigate sensitive situations and find equitable solutions. In a Chief of Staff role, you might resolve disagreements within the leadership team or between departments.

Strategic thinking in People often involves a lot of planning and organizational design. These experiences directly translate to the strategic nature of a Chief of Staff role. You develop and implement strategies, ensure alignment across the organization, and anticipate potential challenges. Further, in both roles, a high level of organization is required to juggle tasks. The ability to prioritize and keep things running smoothly is a shared requirement in both roles.

Overcome challenges of starting something new

While it’s important to recognize that you have the skills to work in a new role, actually making the change and facing the challenges that come with it is another story. Transitioning into a new field is a journey starting from the basics in some areas and embracing the unknown. Here’s what I’ve learned along the way:

  • The perception that tech is more complicated: There’s often a belief that Tech is harder than People or other business roles, simply because it’s more technical. While the challenges are different, both fields require a deep understanding of complex systems, whether they are human or technological. When you first move into Tech, it’s normal to feel like you don’t fully understand everything. Tech can be complex, and the learning curve can be steep.
  • Starting from scratch: You’ll need to learn the basics in some areas. This can be intimidating, especially if you’ve been in your career for a while. However, it’s also an opportunity to learn, grow, and experience that steep learning curve again.
  • Re-defining yourself: Moving into a new role means you re-define your professional identity. This can be exciting and daunting as you create a new space for yourself in the Tech world.

When I moved into Tech, I struggled with the feeling that I didn’t belong in a technical role. I don’t have a Tech background, my coding skills are limited to maybe some HTML with a lot of help from Google, and I worried that people wouldn’t take me seriously. However, I am gradually building confidence. I am still dealing with these challenges, but I’ve found that these strategies have been helpful:

  • Use your network: Your professional network can be a great resource during this transition. Reach out to colleagues in Tech, attend industry events, and join online communities to build connections and learn from others.
  • Be curious and ask questions: Curiosity is your best friend during this transition. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, no matter how simple they seem. The more you learn, the more confident you’ll become, and the more the big picture makes sense.
  • Tackle imposter syndrome: You might feel like an imposter when you are new to a field, especially when you have less experience than in your previous job. But remember that everyone starts somewhere. Focus on your growth and progress instead of comparing yourself to others.
  • Manage expectations: Set realistic expectations for yourself, understand that mastering a new role takes time, and be patient with your learning process.

Over time, I’ve realized that my experience in People roles gives me a unique perspective that adds value to our Tech Leadership team. Having a diverse background is incredibly valuable in the Tech industry. The skills and perspective you bring from a different background can offer fresh ideas and solutions that might not be obvious to those with a traditional background in the field. Your experiences in various fields, roles, and companies aren’t obstacles—they’re strengths that can make a big impact. Our career paths are rarely straightforward, despite what we might have been told.

I encourage you to share your stories or ask questions about making a similar transition. Whether you’re just starting out or already transitioning, your experiences can inspire and guide others on their journey.