WM TechnologyNEXT Virtual Event

Navigating Career Transitions: How to Know When It's Time to Move On and Take the Next Step
VIRTUAL EVENT

Feeling stuck in your career is more common than you think, but recognizing it is the first step toward transformation. So, how do you know when it’s time to make a move? If you’re waking up with dread, lacking motivation, or seeing limited growth opportunities, these are clear signs. When you're ready to make that leap, the first step is self-reflection: take time to evaluate your skills, passions, and long-term goals. Then, research the job market, network with industry professionals, and update your resume to reflect your strengths. Next, seek out potential mentors and career coaches who can provide guidance and insight. Finally, set realistic goals and timelines for your job search and transition. With a proactive, step-by-step approach, you can turn feeling stuck into the opportunity for a new and exciting career chapter!

Speakers

Rebecca Chabot 

Rebecca Chabot has 25+ years of progressive experience in human resources and leadership, having helped run companies, build HR functions and teams, advise business leaders, coach and develop talent, shape organizational culture, and create more inclusive workplaces. She spent the first 20 years of her career doing this “in house” for various organizations before switching to consulting where she applies those same skills and experiences to a wide variety of clients across the U.S. as a Senior Consultant for ON-RIVER.

Rebecca has supported functional teams in Engineering, Software Development, IT, Operations, Production, Logistics, Skilled Trades, Maintenance, Marketing, Sales, Customer Service, Purchasing, and Finance. Her industry experience spans technology, manufacturing, construction & engineering, private equity, and K-12 education.

Rebecca has her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Detroit Mercy. She is a graduate of Leadership Grand Rapids and Leading by Design’s Lead 24/7 executive leadership program. Rebecca is proud to have been a founding member of TalentFirst’s DE&I working group centered on improving diversity and inclusion in the region.

Rebecca moved to West Michigan in 2000 for a career opportunity and has called Grand Rapids home ever since. She has volunteered with various organizations around the area and currently serves as Board Chair for the Refugee Education Center. In her personal time, you can find her chauffeuring teenagers, walking the dog, enjoying a Grand Rapids restaurant or cocktail lounge, or trying to improve her pickleball skills.

Gaby Gutierrez serves as the Vice President of Global Supply Chain Planning at Amway, where she oversees demand forecasting, supply planning, distribution planning and analytics. In her role, Gaby ensures that Amway Business Owners have seamless access to products while efficiently managing inventories across global markets.

Gaby brings a well-rounded perspective to her position, having gained diverse experience within Amway through roles in Technology, Human Resources, and Program Management. This cross-functional expertise enables her to approach supply chain challenges with a comprehensive understanding of organizational dynamics and a collaborative mindset. Before Amway, Gaby worked at Whirlpool and Irwin Seating Company in the supply chain organizations.

Gaby holds a Bachelor’s degree in Logistics and Distribution from Grand Valley State University and a Master of Science in Supply Chain Management from Michigan State University.

Outside of work, Gaby is an avid learner who enjoys exploring new ideas through podcasts, reading, and YouTube learning. She finds joy in cooking for her family and spending time outdoors, embracing opportunities to connect with nature and recharge.

Suzann Foerster is a seasoned leadership coach with over 25 years of experience guiding C-Suite executives and their teams to success. Known for her compassionately blunt approach, Suzann combines direct honesty with nurturing warmth, creating a foundation of trust that drives personal and professional growth. As the founder of Suzann Foerster Leadership Coaching, she leads a team of six coaches who provide personalized 1-1 coaching, team development, strategic planning, and leadership training programs.

Suzann’s entrepreneurial journey began in 1999, after discovering her passion for empowering others during her early career as a corporate trainer. Most recently, she authored The Wise Warrior Guide, a groundbreaking journal designed to help men explore their emotions, enhance self-awareness, and achieve greater well-being. A trusted advisor to leaders, Suzann challenges her clients to push boundaries, embrace new perspectives, and lead with purpose—because true leadership begins with the courage to grow and the commitment to serve others.

Date: Tuesday, March 11

Time: 6 - 7:30 p.m.

Location: Virtual

Refreshments provided by Amway