How to Successfully Transition Industries: Insights from Tina Morrell
Making a career change—especially into a new industry—can feel daunting.
But for senior executives looking to pivot, the right mindset and strategy can make all the difference. We had the pleasure of interviewing Tina Morrell about her journey from telecommunications to financial services, uncovering key insights for anyone considering a similar move.
Tina Morrell’s career is a testament to adaptability and impact across multiple industries and job families. She began in Telecommunications, mastering product management and development before making a strategic move into Financial Services, driven by a long-held ambition to contribute to the sector. Her journey didn’t stop there.
She went on to apply her expertise in Membership, Transport, and Travel, focusing on Customer Value Propositions (CVP), Customer Strategy, Voice of Customer (VOC), Human-Centered Design (HCD), and Digital.
With each transition, Tina quickly grasped the nuances of new industries, leveraging her deep product knowledge to drive immediate value.
Known for delivering Transformational programs and leading change, Tina thrives on challenges and continuous learning. Her ability to navigate diverse sectors and create meaningful impact makes her a sought-after leader, ready to take on the next opportunity with confidence.
Here are some of the lessons she learned along the way.
1. Leverage Your Network: Learn from Others Who’ve Done It
Tina’s transition began when she saw another leader successfully change industries. Inspired, she reached out to him to understand his process. His advice? Speak to recruiters and clarify exactly what you want.
Key Takeaways:
Seek out mentors or peers who’ve successfully transitioned industries.
Consult with recruiters to understand market opportunities.
Be clear on your career goals before approaching external opportunities.
2. Stay Confident in Your Transferable Skills
One of the biggest challenges in changing industries is overcoming self-doubt and proving your value. Tina recognised she wasn’t an expert in financial services, but she was an expert in product management, pricing, and driving growth—skills that could be applied across industries.
Key Takeaways:
Focus on what you bring to the table, not what you lack.
Recruiters and hiring managers may focus on industry experience, but your functional expertise is just as important.
Stay resilient—don’t let a few setbacks derail your confidence.
3. Take Strategic Risks to Get Where You Want
Tina faced a tough choice: take an external role in her current industry or step back in seniority to enter the industry she truly wanted. She chose the latter, trusting that her skills would help her progress quickly—and within two months, she was promoted back to her previous level.
Key Takeaways:
Sometimes a lateral or even lower move can be the right long-term choice.
Be willing to take calculated risks to enter your desired field.
Progression happens quickly when you prove your impact.
4. Be Excited About Your New Industry
Excitement is contagious. Tina emphasised that demonstrating enthusiasm about the industry shift was critical in winning over hiring managers. Her passion for learning new things and embracing challenges helped her stand out.
Key Takeaways:
Hiring managers want to know why you’re making the jump—show them your genuine interest.
A growth mindset is key to thriving in a new industry.
Every career move is an opportunity to expand your knowledge and skillset.
Watch the Full Interview with Tina & Learn More
Transitioning industries isn’t just about finding the right role—it’s about positioning yourself for long-term success. Watch our full interview with Tina Morrell and others who’ve made the leap, and gain more insights into navigating a successful industry change.
🎥 Watch the full video interviews here: Career Lifecycle Series - Career Transition Guide
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With years of earned trust, Parity specialises in unearthing those perfect truffles—candidates in Product, Transformation, Marketing, Communications, Digital, and Data, who will elevate your organisation while ensuring quality always trumps quantity.
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