Navigating Career Transitions: Key Takeaways from NBWL’s Bitesize Session with Rebecca Bird

The Network for Black Women Leaders recently hosted an inspiring Bitesize Session on Navigating Career Transitions, featuring NBWL mentor Rebecca Bird, CEO of BixBe Tech. Rebecca’s story is one of resilience, courage, and adaptability. Transitioning from human resources and administration to I.T. and ultimately founding her own tech company, she offered attendees invaluable insights on making bold career moves and overcoming the fears and challenges that come with change.

Rebecca’s transition into tech from a nearly decade-long career in HR and admin was motivated by a desire to explore her natural flair for fixing things. She shared that approaching a new field requires both openness to learning and readiness to fail. However, she emphasised that the biggest challenge was shifting her mindset and accepting that this shift would bring unique hurdles, including self-doubt and the pressure to prove herself in a new industry.

Rebecca introduced her personal success formula: Opportunity + Preparation = Success. She shared that creating opportunities often requires preparation and proactivity, including taking courses, seeking certifications, and even identifying mentors or allies within a new field. For those considering a career change, Rebecca recommended setting clear goals and building a structured action plan—steps that keep both your direction and motivation intact.

Career transitions often require patience, perseverance, and the ability to stay focused on long-term goals. Rebecca encouraged attendees to adopt a growth mindset and remember that challenges along the way are part of the journey. Resilience, she noted, is built through trial and error, and setbacks should be seen as learning experiences rather than failures. She highlighted the importance of seeking support from peers, mentors, and networks like NBWL, which provide a strong foundation for Black women navigating complex professional landscapes.

Rebecca acknowledged that the fear of the unknown can be daunting, especially when stepping into an industry dominated by technical skills, and men. Her advice? “Embrace your discomfort as a sign of growth.” She urged attendees not to let fear prevent them from pursuing their goals and highlighted that feeling underprepared is natural. Success, she explained, is often about consistently showing up and being open to the possibilities that come with each new role or project.

In addition to her insights on personal resilience, Rebecca spoke about the role of mentorship and advocacy in career advancement. As a mentor herself, she stressed the importance of having someone to guide, challenge, and advocate for you, especially during career transitions. She reminded attendees that mentors provide not only guidance but also a sense of accountability—essential in keeping career goals on track.

During the interactive Q&A, attendees shared their own experiences with career shifts, touching on fears, unexpected obstacles, and the strategies they used to overcome them. Rebecca responded with tailored advice, encouraging them to seek learning opportunities in every role and build a network of support as they advance.

This session served as a powerful reminder of the importance of mentorship, preparation, and resilience in navigating career transitions. For Black women aspiring to advance in their careers, NBWL’s mentoring programme offers the support and network to build confidence, gain guidance, and connect with experienced mentors like Rebecca. Applications for our next mentorship cohort are now open—if you’re ready to take the next step, we’d love to welcome you to our community! Apply to receive mentoring. 

Stay Connected Explore upcoming events with the Network for Black Women Leaders at wrc.org.uk/events, and stay connected with us for more empowering sessions like this one.