Navigating career transitions: Six takeaways from Swati Kamat

With over 30 years in technology and leadership from government service to the private sector and global telecom innovation, Swati has navigated major shifts that required unlearning old systems, adapting to faster, more agile environments, and embracing unfamiliar responsibilities. 

Today at Ericsson, she leads large, diverse teams while championing mentorship initiatives that help people grow, feel supported, and thrive. Her candid conversation was rich with lessons on career transitions, confidence, and resilience insights relevant to professionals at every stage. 

Here are six of the most powerful takeaways from her talk:

1. Embrace change to unlock growth

Swati’s most defining career move came when she left a secure government role to join the private sector. The shift was more than just a change in workplace; it was a complete transformation in pace, culture, and expectations. In the government, meetings were by mostly in person and by prior appointments, and work moved at a measured pace; in the corporate world, she had to adapt to impromptu calls, late-night discussions, and delivering quick turnarounds for global clients. The transition pushed her to learn rapidly, deepen her expertise in technology, and step into leadership on a much larger scale.  

“You can’t rest on your laurels. Every role should offer something new to learn and a chance to build on what you already know.” 

2. Ask for what you want and be ready for it 

Many of Swati’s career leaps came from simply opting and asking for opportunities, even when she wasn’t 100% ready.  

“The worst that can happen is they say no. The best? You get exactly what you wanted — or something even better,” she said. 

Her approach was to identify roles or projects that sparked her interest, then start conversations with the right people about how she could contribute. By voicing her intent and showing how her skills could add value, she positioned herself for chances that might otherwise have passed her by. 

3. Build your support system  

Throughout her career, Swati has relied on a strong network; from family who encouraged her to keep working after having children, to mentors who helped her navigate unfamiliar challenges. She believes success often comes from finding safe spaces to share experiences and gain perspective.

“Behind every professional milestone is a team at home and at work who help you keep moving forward.” 
 
At Ericsson, she sees this in action through Employee Resource Groups and development programs, which bring people together across geographies and roles to exchange ideas, build connections, and grow together.

4. Lead with empathy and curiosity 

During the conversation Swati recalled that as her responsibilities grew, active listening became a critical skill. By taking the time to understand different perspectives before making decisions, she built trust within her teams and created an environment where people felt they belonged.

Swati describes her leadership style as “leading from the front, with empathy and humanness, and with energy and passion.” For her, staying curious and optimistic is essential, and listening is just as important as speaking.

5. Support systems matter

Swati spoke passionately about the need for organizations to support women through life and career transitions. She noted that in India, women often relocate for a spouse’s career or take breaks for childcare, and these moments can disrupt professional momentum. Companies, she said, can make a huge difference through location flexibility, return-to-work programs, and mid-career mentorship. 
 

She pointed to Ericsson’s approach, where flexible work, internal mobility, and inclusive policies enable women to continue building their careers while balancing personal priorities. 
 
“Opportunities aren’t enough, we also need the right support systems to make them possible,” she said. 

6. Seek out mentorship

Swati believes careers aren’t built alone, they are shaped by the people who guide, challenge, and inspire you along the way. Early in her journey, she sought out mentors who helped her navigate tough environments and encouraged her to take leaps she might have hesitated over. 

“My first role in government in Nagpur was in a very tough environment. What helped me through is finding a mentor who guided me at every step to navigate the role. Since then, I have sought mentors at every step and those relationships continue to support me today.” 
 
At Ericsson, she notes, mentorship is made easier through programs that connect employees with leaders across geographies and functions, opening doors to fresh perspectives and shared learning. For her, mentorship isn’t about sitting back and hoping someone will guide you; it’s about taking the first step, starting a conversation, asking thoughtful questions, and being open to feedback that can truly shape your growth.

Swati’s journey is proof that careers are built step by step with courage to take risks, curiosity to keep learning, and the support to stay the course. Her lessons remind us that thriving isn’t about avoiding change, but embracing it.

At Ericsson, leaders like Swati embody these values every day and help create an environment where people are encouraged to take bold career moves, supported through life’s transitions, and given access to opportunities that expand their skills and perspectives. 

Grow your career with Ericsson. Explore more on our careers site.  

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