From flying first class and bossing over a $200 million portfolio to helping young people with disabilities get jobs? 

Rebecca Galambos came to a point where she jumped off the career merry-go-round to find meaningful purpose. 

​​

Tell us about your switch (and why) 

"My switch went from being a leader at global technology

companies, to becoming an entrepreneur as a consultant

in change management that aims to improve our society.

There are many advantages to working (and living) at

global technology companies. Everything goes very fast,

and you are there where "everything happens".

The creativity, the investments in AI and Quantum.

I felt lucky to be in the thick of it, at the decision tables,

like being invited to the coolest party.

But everyone has ADHD, everyone drives at 190 km/h.

In the end, the disadvantage was the lack of time.

There was no time for life outside the company.

As a single mother, it ended up being way too

stressful."

 

What was the turning point? 

I felt a lack of personal purpose. So, I started working with a startup (Digital Futures) and my switch began when I started helping young people from different socio-economic, ethnic backgrounds as well as young people with different neuropsychiatric disabilities get jobs in technology. Helping young people with these challenges was incredibly positive and meaningful for me personally. I went from leading a large team to being in charge myself and building a sales organization. It's been a few years, but it was the beginning of my switch. I still sit as an advisor to the board, but now I run a digital change project that works with people living with breast cancer. 

 

Why was it important for you to make a switch?

"I matured a lot in my last leadership roles. I felt that I didn’t use all my skills in those jobs, I was more steering on autopilot. Leadership can be quite lonely but mostly it was enough to have a better purpose for my business results. 

What is more impressive: The responsibility for a portfolio of over 200 million US dollars or to place and help a hundred young people with various disabilities with jobs? 

It depends on who you ask…"

 

What has been the biggest challenge with your switch? 

"Setting boundaries, saying no.  And maybe a little bit my ego. I am no longer the manager of large teams. I don't fly first class. But the more you practice setting boundaries, the easier it becomes. And my ego...Well, she can take a hike."
 

What do your surroundings say? 

"My family and children think it was about time. My 83-year-old mother does worry about what will happen if I don't get new clients. Mothers should worry, though. My friends are so happy. I can join yoga classes after work, dinners, long weekends. Life doesn't wait for me. Everyone thought it was time for change. It's about quality of life. "

 

Many people dream of making a switch, while for many it feels awkward to take the step - what is your best advice for those who want to but don't dare? 

"Make a project plan on how to make the switch and what is needed to make it successful. Take good advice from your network. Develop a plan B if it doesn't work. What is the worst that could happen?"

 

Why do you think more and more women choose to make a switch in mid-life? 

"I think it is a combination of wanting to push one's own limits. In England we still feel a strong patriarchy in the workplace, pay gap between the sexes, the woman still takes the main responsibility for home and children.  Switching to a new career or changing the rhythm of work gives us a chance to take back control of our lives. But to succeed, we must believe in ourselves and let go of the "imposter syndrome". We deserve our place at the decision-making table."