Lisa Su, the CEO of Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), attributes a pivotal career question to her professional trajectory: “What do you want to be when you grow up?” This introspective query, posed by mentors early in her career, became a recurring theme that guided her decisions and leadership approach.

Early Influences and Career Decisions

During her tenure at Texas Instruments and IBM in the mid-1990s, Su was fortunate to have mentors who encouraged her to reflect on her long-term aspirations. This reflection led her to realize a passion for leadership and innovation. When she joined AMD in 2012, the company faced significant challenges, including intense competition and financial instability. Applying the same guiding question, Su evaluated AMD’s core strengths and potential, steering the company towards high-performance computing rather than entering the crowded smartphone chip market.

Strategic Leadership at AMD

As Chief Operating Officer in 2014, Su made strategic decisions that would shape AMD’s future. Recognizing the company’s expertise in high-performance computing, she focused on developing powerful CPUs and GPUs, leading to innovations like the Zen architecture. These decisions not only revitalized AMD’s product line but also restored investor confidence. Under her leadership, AMD diversified its portfolio, supplying chips for gaming consoles and data centers, and formed strategic partnerships, including a significant shift to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company for chip production.

Impact and Recognition

Su’s leadership transformed AMD from a struggling entity into a formidable competitor in the semiconductor industry. Her emphasis on aligning company goals with core competencies and long-term vision has been instrumental in this turnaround. Her approach underscores the importance of self-reflection and strategic alignment in leadership.

Thinking about a career change—but worried it means going back to square one? You’re not alone.

Whether you’ve been laid off, feel stuck, or are simply craving something new, career transitions are becoming more common than ever. The good news? You don’t have to toss your experience out the window to start fresh. You just need to know how to reposition what you already bring to the table.

Here’s how to pivot your career with purpose—and keep your momentum in the process.

1. Don’t Dismiss Your Past Experience

A career pivot doesn’t mean your old skills are irrelevant. In fact, your transferable skills—like communication, project management, strategic thinking, or leadership—might be exactly what sets you apart in your next industry.

Start by identifying what skills, tools, or achievements you can carry over. What have you done that shows you can learn quickly, lead people, or solve problems? Those strengths apply anywhere.

2. Rebrand Your Résumé (and LinkedIn)

Your résumé shouldn’t just reflect where you’ve been—it should point toward where you’re going. This means:

• Highlighting relevant achievements for your new field

• Using language that matches the job descriptions you’re targeting

• Including a headline or summary that reflects your new direction

On LinkedIn, your headline and “About” section are prime real estate. Use them to show your value in the next chapter, not just the last one.

3. Fill the Gaps With Intention

You don’t need a new degree to pivot. But you may need to bridge the gap with:

• A certification or short course

• A freelance project

• A volunteer role in your target field

These experiences can show initiative and add credibility—especially when you’re transitioning into something new.

4. Talk About Your Pivot With Confidence

When explaining your pivot, focus on the “why” and the value you bring. Instead of saying, “I’ve never done this before,” say:

• “I’ve led X types of projects that align closely with [new field].”

• “I’ve always been drawn to [industry] because of [personal reason or mission].”

Make the connection clear for hiring managers—they’re more open to pivots than you think, especially when you can tell a compelling story.

5. Be Patient With the Process

Career changes take time. It might mean more interviews, more networking, and some short-term discomfort. But if you stay consistent and keep building your brand in the direction you want to go, the right opportunity will align.

Final Thought

You’re not starting over—you’re starting smarter. Every role you’ve had, every challenge you’ve tackled, and every skill you’ve built is part of your foundation. With the right strategy and mindset, your next career move can be a launchpad—not a reset.

Knowing your worth is one thing. Communicating it clearly and confidently in the workplace? That’s the next level—and it’s where many talented professionals get stuck.

Advocating for yourself isn’t about bragging or demanding attention. It’s about making sure your contributions, needs, and goals are visible—especially in a fast-moving job market where visibility often leads to opportunity.

Whether you’re trying to land a promotion, negotiate a raise, or get more meaningful assignments, here’s how to start speaking up for yourself—without overthinking it or feeling like a burden.

1. Get Clear on What You Want

Before you start the conversation, know your goal. Are you asking for more responsibility? Looking for growth? Need clarity around expectations? Self-advocacy starts with self-awareness. The clearer you are about what you want, the easier it is to express it in a way that aligns with your role and the company’s goals.

2. Keep Receipts—and Share Them

Document your wins. When you complete a big project, exceed a target, or get great feedback, write it down. Not just for your résumé, but for real-time conversations. Don’t assume your manager sees everything you’re doing—especially in hybrid or remote environments.

When the time is right, speak to your impact: “I helped streamline X process, which saved the team 20 hours this month.” Framing it around value—not just effort—makes a difference.

3. Practice Assertive, Not Aggressive Communication

There’s a big difference between being assertive and being pushy. Assertive communication is clear, direct, and respectful. Use “I” statements. Try something like:

• “I’d like to explore opportunities to grow into a team lead role. Can we talk about what that path could look like?”

• “I’ve noticed I’ve taken on X and Y responsibilities—can we revisit my compensation or title to reflect that shift?”

It’s not rude to ask. It’s professional.

4. Request Feedback—and Actually Use It

One of the most powerful ways to advocate for yourself is by asking for feedback. It shows initiative, growth mindset, and a willingness to improve. And when you act on that feedback? It becomes the foundation for your next ask—whether it’s for a promotion, a raise, or more leadership.

5. Know When to Move On

If you’ve consistently advocated for yourself, delivered value, and still aren’t being seen, heard, or supported—it might be time to explore new opportunities. Self-advocacy also means protecting your peace and choosing an environment where you can truly grow.

Final Thought

You don’t need to be the loudest person in the room to make an impact. You just need to speak up with intention, clarity, and confidence. Because when you advocate for yourself, you’re not just advancing your own career—you’re modeling what healthy, empowered leadership looks like.