Why Transferable Skills Are Your Secret Weapon — In Business and Beyond

The path to success isn't always a straight line—and that's not a flaw—it's the design.

Rani Alfer's story, featured recently on the Starter Girlz podcast, is a perfect reminder that thriving in business isn't about sticking to one path or one industry—it's about knowing your strengths and taking them with you wherever you go.

Rani didn't start her journey in a boardroom or with an MBA. Her first venture? A college coffee shop. It wasn't built on industry expertise; it was born from passion and curiosity. But what's remarkable is how this "college project," as she calls it, laid the groundwork for a 20-year insurance business, a skincare line (EMK Skincare), and a podcast designed to mentor women in business.

So, how does someone go from coffee to skincare to mentorship and make it all work?

She leveraged transferable skills—powerful, portable strengths like communication, leadership, problem-solving, resilience, and vision. She knew that while industries may differ, the core of how she shows up as a leader, creator, and connector remains the same.

Why This Matters to You

Whether you're launching a side hustle, climbing the corporate ladder, or pivoting into a new career entirely, you have transferable skills. And the more intentionally you identify and use them, the more adaptable—and successful—you become.

You don't have to "start over" every time you shift. In fact, your most significant advantage might already be in your toolkit.

Here are a few key questions to help you identify your own transferable skills:

• What do people consistently compliment or rely on you for?

• (Think: "You're so organized," "You're great with people," or "You always bring calm in chaos.”)

• What skills have helped you succeed in more than one role or project?

• (Communication, systems thinking, strategic planning?)

• What comes naturally to you that others find difficult?

• (These often point to hidden superpowers.)

Once you identify those core strengths, you can apply them with confidence anywhere. That's what Rani did, and it's part of what makes her story so powerful. She didn't wait for someone to tell her she was "qualified." She showed up, entered the room, and used what she already had to create something new.

The Takeaway

You don't need to reinvent yourself every time you pivot—you just need to recognize what you're already bringing to the table.

Whether you're stepping into entrepreneurship or growing your career inside a company, your transferable skills are the bridge to what's next. Honor them, refine them, and let them guide you forward.

Quote Highlight:

"Rather than limiting herself to a single business sector, Rani consistently doubled down on her strengths while exploring new passions."

Ready for your next move?

Take 10 minutes today and write down three skills you know you've used successfully in more than one context. Then ask: Where else could I apply these?

And if you're looking for more inspiration like Rani's story, be sure to catch her full episode on the Starter Girlz podcast.