Empowering Career Transitions: Ben Bergon’s Career Shift and Leadership Insights at Chobani

If there's a team or there's a person here that are doing what you want to do, see if there's any way that you can help support their team and be able to demonstrate the skills and the capabilities, it's better than a job interview.

Navigating a career transition can be daunting, but Ben Bergon's journey at Chobani offers a roadmap filled with practical insights and inspirational leadership principles. Whether you're considering a career change or advocating for employee development within your organization, Bergon's story provides actionable steps and valuable lessons. Here are key takeaways from Ben Bergon's career shift from accounting to human resources and learning and development, along with leadership insights that can empower your career transitions.

Advocate for Yourself

Before initiating a career change conversation, demonstrate exceptional commitment to your current role through dedication, excellence, and a proactive attitude. Cultivate strong relationships with leaders and peers for smoother transitions. Be reliable, meet deadlines, and maintain transparent communication. Prepare for the conversation by outlining your reasons, goals, and how the transition aligns with the company's objectives. It should be tough yet honest, emphasizing clarity and alignment with your manager.

Leverage Leadership Support

Effective leadership goes beyond team needs to foster individual growth. Leaders empower employees in their current roles and support transitions to new roles, even if it means losing them from the team. At Chobani, the culture strongly supports employee growth. Align your career transition goals with your company's values and culture to gain support.

Embrace Talent Mobility

Bergon suggests achieving talent mobility through a formal talent marketplace or a culture that supports role exploration within the company. Volunteer for your desired team to showcase your capabilities and interest. Career progression involves broadening skills, gaining diverse experiences, and deepening expertise across roles. Establishing clear career tracks for both individual contributors and leaders ensures strategic alignment with strengths and interests.

Foster Inclusive Work Environments

Bergon stresses the importance of supporting LGBTQ employees. At Chobani, inclusivity goes beyond specific months like Pride Month, involving continuous team collaboration. Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) play a crucial role in fostering belonging, reducing loneliness, and providing support and professional development opportunities, aligning with the company's commitment to all employees.

Lead with Curiosity and Empathy

Creating a learning culture means fostering curiosity and empathy. Leaders should encourage teams to ask questions, seek feedback, and pursue personal and professional growth, benefiting both individuals and the organization. At Chobani, leadership development includes behavioral science-based internal and external training. Implement similar programs for lasting impact and personalized learning experiences.

By embodying these principles, you not only empower yourself but also contribute to a culture that values and supports career development and transitions. Whether you're a leader seeking to develop your team's potential or an individual looking to make a career change, Ben Bergon's story provides a valuable template for success.

Be sure to listen to the full episode on the Talent Development Hot Seat Podcast!

Ben Bergon (he/him) is deeply passionate about helping others. He is currently a Sr. Manager of Learning & Development at Chobani, where he focuses on providing challenging and fulfilling career journeys through an employee driven, robust career growth and development framework. He spent the first chapter of his own career as a Certified Public Accountant working at KPMG and then at Chobani helping them prepare for an Initial Public Offering. His transition into Learning & Development was a product of his relentless pursuit of passion and purpose. He also leads the LGBTQ+ & Allies Employee Resource Group at Chobani and strives to continue to establish Chobani as one of the best places to work for LGBTQ+ employees.

Ben is also the Chairmen of the Board of Compassion Animal Project, a nationwide 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides financial assistance for life-saving treatments for pets and helps keep families together. When he's not working Ben can either be found on a hike at a national park, a concert somewhere in NYC, in the kitchen cooking for family and friends, or playing fetch with his 'dog-like' kitten Grover.

Ben Bergon
Ben Bergon

Listen to the podcast episode here:

Join us at the Talent Development Think Tank Conference!

Screenshot 2024-06-17 at 10.46.29 AM

Tired of attending boring industry conferences?

Then make sure you grab your ticket for Talent Development Think Tank 2024.

It’s happening on November 6-7, 2024 at the Aloft Orlando Lake Nona. And it’s officially the Least Boring Talent Development Conference you’ll ever attend (and the most impactful).

Here’s why you need to be at Talent Development Think Tank 2024. You’ll get:

  • The latest industry trends/insights to help attract, develop and retain the best people in your organization
  • Examples of best practice and proven strategies so you get can results faster (and avoid common pitfalls)
  • Networking with industry peers, experts & thought leaders so you can build valuable connections that will help you excel in your current role (and your future career)

You’ll also hear from leading experts and thought leaders in the talent development space. Including Vayner Media’s Chief Heart Officer Claude Silver.

About Andy Storch

Andy Storch is an author, consultant, coach, speaker and facilitator on a mission to get the most out of life and inspire others to do the same. He is the author of the book, Own Your Career Own Your Life, which is designed to help professionals stop drifting and take control of their futures. Andy is also the host of three podcasts, including The Talent Development Hot Seat; Own Your Career; and My NFT Journey. He is the co-founder and host of The Talent Development Think Tank Conference and Community as well as the host of the Talent Development Virtual Summit. Andy has consulted and taught strategy, sales, leadership, finance, and innovation to business leaders all over the world including companies like Salesforce.com, Oracle, Google, Toyota, State Farm, Red Bull, Deloitte, EY, KPMG, HP, Sony, Cisco, Tiffany & Co and others. Andy holds an MBA from the University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business where he served as President of the MBA program and a BS from the University of Florida (Go Gators!) His purpose is to love and support his family and to impact the world by inspiring people to stop drifting, take control and live life with Intention. He is a husband and father of two kids and lives in Orlando, Florida, USA.