Coco Chanel’s Complicated Legacy; Framework for Pivoting Careers
A biography, a framework
We hosted investor, entrepreneur and Stanford lecturer Heidi Roizen in Oxford along with Network Capital members and students from the university. It was a memorable session.
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Today’s newsletter has two parts: an analysis of Coco Chanel’s career and a framework for mid-career transitions. Chanel pivoted her career several times, including a notable shift at 71, but this piece isn’t about focusing on her story alone. Draw your inferences from her example, and let’s move forward.
Part 1
Until last week, I had no idea that Coco Chanel had also been a Nazi spy. She grew up in extreme poverty, and after her mother died when she was just 12, Chanel was sent to a convent orphanage. It was there that she learned to sew—a skill that would later shape her entire career.
Chanel began her journey aiming for fame as a singer in Parisian cabarets performing as “Coco”, but her true calling emerged in fashion. With support from her lover, Étienne Balsan, she opened a hat shop and gained access to Parisian high society. Soon, she introduced women to casual sportswear made from jersey fabric—typically reserved for men’s underwear. This was a refreshing alternative to restrictive fashions and captured the spirit of modern, independent women.
Her move into fragrance with Chanel No. 5 set a new standard. Working with perfumer Ernest Beaux, she crafted a blend of aldehydes and florals in a sleek, minimalist bottle. Its unique name and understated style made it an instant icon. As her brand grew, Chanel introduced the iconic Chanel suit, and even expanded into Hollywood, designing for film stars and boosting her global influence.
Her brand survived The Great Depression but in 1940, she closed her fashion house and moved into the Hôtel Ritz in Paris, where she lived throughout the Nazi occupation. During this time, she had a romantic relationship with Hans Günther von Dincklage, a German intelligence officer. Chanel reportedly used this connection to engage in espionage activities for the Nazi regime, allegedly participating in “Operation Modellhut,” which aimed to negotiate with the British on behalf of Germany.
Chanel’s wartime actions have significantly tarnished her reputation. While some argue that she acted out of self-preservation, others believe her motivations were more self-serving, including an attempt to regain control of her perfume business from Jewish partners, the Wertheimer family.
After the Second World War, Chanel faced social ostracism in France. She lived in exile in Switzerland until 1954 when she made a dramatic return to the fashion world. At age 71, she relaunched her fashion house with a new collection, reintroducing the classic Chanel suit. Her comeback was initially more successful in America than in France, where her wartime activities were less scrutinized.
She kept iterating and improvising right until her death. Chanel was a complex character. Nothing justifies her links with the Nazis. Today’s broader piece isn’t about Chanel’s moral character but about pivoting carers.
Part 2
Bhanu Potta explains how mid-career professionals can make bold career transitions.
Mastering the Mid-Career Pivot: How to Identify, Plan, and Execute a Bold Career Transition
For mid-career professionals, the path to success is often filled with both opportunities and challenges. With 5 to 15 years of work experience, many find themselves at a crossroads—contemplating a career transition but unsure of which direction to take. The uncertainty, coupled with the fear of making the wrong move, creates risks that can impact both professional and personal lives.
As a Coach and Mentor, I’ve seen this scenario play out with countless mentees who struggle not only with identifying the right career track but also with the planning and execution of the transition itself. This article aims to guide you through this complex process and help you navigate your career transition with clarity and confidence.
But, as Winston Churchill once said, “To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often.” The key is not just in the decision to change but in knowing how to navigate that change successfully. This article offers a structured guide for professionals looking to identify the right career to transition into, and how to plan and execute that transition while engaging the critical support of family and friends.
Step 1: Reflect on Your Why
The first step to any successful career transition is self-reflection. Before jumping into the “what” and “how,” take a step back and ask yourself, Why do I want to make this transition?
Are you seeking more fulfillment? Do you feel a mismatch between your skills and your current job? Or perhaps you see future industries growing and want to ride the wave? Simon Sinek, in his book Start with Why, emphasizes that successful transitions are driven by a clear sense of purpose. Without a clear “why,” it’s easy to find yourself in a new career that’s just as unsatisfactory as the one you left.
Take time to jot down:
• Your key strengths and areas of expertise
• Activities that bring you joy and a sense of fulfillment
• Core values that guide your life and work
• Long-term personal and professional goals
These will serve as your North Star, helping you focus on the right options for your transition.
Step 2: Explore Career Options that Align with Your Strengths and Values
Once you have clarity on your “why,” the next challenge is to identify career paths that align with your strengths, interests, and values. This can be daunting, especially with the vast number of choices available. Many professionals struggle at this stage because they either focus too narrowly or too broadly.
To overcome this hurdle, consider the following:
Skills Transferability: Look at your existing skills. Many of them—such as project management, leadership, communication—are highly transferable across industries. Research industries or roles where your skills would be an asset.
Industry Research: Stay updated on emerging trends in the global job market. What are the industries on the rise? Tech, health, sustainability, and AI-based roles are examples of sectors experiencing rapid growth. Cross-reference these with your interests and skills.
Informational Interviews: Connect with people who are already working in the fields you’re exploring. These informal conversations can offer invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities of different career paths.
Step 3: Develop a Transition Plan
Having identified potential career paths, it’s time to create a transition plan. Career transitions are rarely smooth or immediate. They require meticulous planning, upskilling, and the patience to navigate short-term challenges for long-term gains.
Here are the key components of a solid transition plan:
Timeline and Milestones: Set realistic timelines for each phase of your transition. This could involve upskilling, networking, applying for roles, or even testing the waters with freelance or part-time opportunities.
Skill Gaps: Identify any new skills or certifications needed for your desired career and start working on acquiring them. Online platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and edX are great resources for building new capabilities.
Networking and Mentorship: Build relationships with professionals in your new field of interest. A mentor can help guide you through the transition, offering advice on what to prioritize and how to navigate challenges.
As Thomas Edison famously said, “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” Planning your career transition with clear steps and milestones ensures you are prepared for opportunities when they arise.
Step 4: Enlist Support from Family and Friends
Career transitions can be demanding—not just for you, but for those around you. A major change in your career often affects family dynamics, finances, and even relationships. It’s essential to communicate openly and regularly with your loved ones about your decision to transition careers. Their support can be critical in making the journey smoother.
Here’s how you can involve them in the process:
Set Expectations: Explain the potential impact of your transition on family life. This includes financial adjustments, changes in work-life balance, or even the possibility of relocating.
Request Emotional Support: Let your loved ones know how they can provide emotional support. Whether it’s a listening ear, encouragement during tough times, or celebrating small victories along the way, their role is vital to your resilience.
Invite Their Input: Sometimes, those closest to us see things we don’t. Asking for their input on your career decisions could help you make more informed and balanced choices.
As Paulo Coelho wrote in The Alchemist, “When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.” The same applies to family and friends—they will become part of that ‘universe’ that helps you succeed.
Step 5: Execute with Confidence
Execution is often where professionals falter, not because of a lack of preparation but due to the fear of failure and uncertainty. To execute your career transition with confidence, you need to embrace both the unknown and the discomfort that comes with change.
Here’s how you can successfully take that leap:
Set Achievable Goals: Break your transition into small, manageable steps rather than trying to tackle everything at once. Focus on what you can accomplish in the short term, such as building a network in your new field, completing a course, or updating your resume. Achieving these small wins builds momentum and keeps you motivated for the bigger challenges ahead.
Stay Flexible: Career transitions are rarely linear. Be prepared for detours and setbacks along the way. You may not land your dream job immediately, but every experience, including rejections, is an opportunity to learn and refine your approach. Flexibility allows you to adjust without losing sight of your ultimate goal.
Resilience Over Perfection: As Brené Brown emphasizes, “Courage is not the absence of fear; it’s the ability to take action despite fear.” Many people get caught up in seeking perfection, waiting for the “right” time or the “perfect” job offer. Instead, focus on progress. Execute your plan knowing that mistakes will happen, but they are part of the process.
Lean on Your Support Network: This is where the support of family, friends, and mentors plays a critical role. During challenging moments, your support network will remind you of your reasons for transitioning and provide the encouragement you need to persevere. Don’t hesitate to share your wins and setbacks with them—doing so fosters a collaborative effort toward your success.
Measure and Reflect: Regularly track your progress. Reflect on what’s working and what needs adjustment. Are you gaining the skills and experience required for your new career? Are there gaps in your network? Taking the time to measure your progress ensures that you stay on course and make informed adjustments when necessary.
Celebrate Milestones: Career transitions are long journeys, so it’s essential to recognize and celebrate milestones along the way. Whether it’s completing a new certification, acing a job interview, or making meaningful connections in your new industry, celebrating these wins will keep your morale high and maintain your confidence.
Courage to Act
The path to career transition is one filled with self-discovery, learning, and growth. With the right preparation, a solid plan, and unwavering support from those around you, the journey can be deeply rewarding. As Steve Jobs once said, “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” This journey is your opportunity to find the career that aligns with both your passion and purpose, but it requires the courage to act.
By executing with confidence, embracing resilience, and engaging your support network, you can successfully transition to a career that reflects your true self—one step at a time.