In a fast-changing business world, professionals are told to adapt or risk being left behind. Jun Roy, a Certified Management Consultant and the CEO of Regenerative Transformation Institute, didn’t just adapt—he rebuilt his career multiple times, across industries and functions, with purpose and perspective.
“My career has been characterized by several career shifts. Some of them were bold, but most were calculated,” Roy told Financial Adviser.
His first major shift came in 1996, when he stepped out of his comfort zone in HR to lead the Region 1 Sales team of a pre-need company. “Though I wasn’t that successful, I gained valuable field sales experience,” he said. The experience wasn’t about achieving instant success—it was about embracing discomfort to grow professionally.
In 2013, Roy made another significant move—this time into Corporate Performance Management, focusing on Strategic Planning, Risk Management, and Quality. “This shift enabled me to gain valuable hands-on experience in leading such highly strategic non-HR functions,” he said.
By 2020, he took on a leadership role at Nomura Research Institute (NRI), a global think tank and consulting firm, where he served as OD Consulting Head. The exposure to a global consulting environment gave him new perspectives on transformation and strategy.
But his boldest move came in 2024, when he left corporate life behind to start his own consulting firm, the Regenerative Transformation Institute. “That was the biggest leap—saying goodbye to corporate security to build something that aligned with my purpose,” Roy shared.
Through each of these transitions, Roy said the main challenge was learning how to adapt quickly. “My primary challenge has always been on how to quickly adapt and succeed in the new environment which would require learning different skillsets.”
His advice to professionals seeking longevity in their careers? Be proactive and stay relevant. “Future-proofing one’s career is about staying relevant and value-adding,” Roy explained. “Today’s professionals need to go out of their comfort zone, learn new things, and embrace emerging change.”
That includes learning digital skills, understanding AI trends, and investing time in sustainability education. Roy also encourages joining professional organizations or communities to expand your horizons.
His story proves that reinvention doesn’t mean starting over—it means moving forward with purpose. “Adaptability, curiosity, and lifelong learning—those are the real foundations of a sustainable career,” he said.
