The Art Of Leaping: How To Strategically Reinvent Your Career With Ilana Golan And Leap Academy

Master the art of career transitions with personalized strategies and expert guidance

Ready to master the art of leaping in your career? Professionals are no longer tied to a single path for decades; instead, the smart ones are embracing change, seeking new challenges, and continuously reinventing themselves. This is “leaping”—making intentional and strategic career transitions for professional growth. No one understands this better than Ilana Golan, founder of Leap Academy, an internationally recognized platform that has helped thousands of professionals across four continents leap into new phases of their careers with confidence.

“I founded Leap Academy to help people unlock their full potential,” Ilana shares. “The traditional paths—whether it’s MBAs or executive training programs—don't meet professionals where they are. They don't address the specific needs of individuals who are ready to make a leap but don't know exactly how to do it. That's where we come in.”

Reinvention: The Key to Career Longevity

In her own career, Ilana Golan has been the epitome of someone who knows how to leap. As the first female commander in charge of training F-16 pilots in the Israeli Air Force simulator, Ilana shattered barriers in a male-dominated field. Later, she pivoted to the tech industry, working in companies like Intel and with various startups, climbing up the career ladder all the way to the executive ranks. However, it was a major professional setback—when a co-founder took over her startup and left her with nothing—that truly sparked her drive to create a solution for others facing similar career obstacles.

“That moment was a turning point for me,” Ilana recalls. “I realized that while I had all the credentials, I was missing the support system and the tools to rebuild my career. It wasn't just about landing the next job; it was about rediscovering my identity and creating a strategy for long-term success. I was driven and wanted to become the best version of myself but didn't know where and how.”

This experience of navigating through personal and professional setbacks led to the creation of Leap Academy. Their goal is helping professionals not only find new opportunities but also build the confidence and skills needed to leap into leadership roles, start new ventures, or make significant career changes. It's about reinventing oneself in a way that feels aligned and intentional.

The Leap Academy Formula: Confidence, Branding, and Network

Leap Academy has a holistic approach to career development. It's not just about resume building or job placement; it's about creating a robust personal brand, cultivating a network, and honing leadership skills. 

“75% of our clients come to us not knowing what's next for them,” Ilana says. “People are expected to have all the answers, but in reality, many professionals are unsure of their direction. There are so many options for making a living these days and many professionals are more "generalists". So how can you choose what’s next? We focus on guiding them through a deep reflection of their strengths, passions, and what they want to be known for. Once they have that clarity, the leap becomes possible.”

The academy's unique recipe is incredibly effective. In just four years, Leap Academy clients have collectively generated over $80 million in promotions, new jobs, salary negotiations, venture capital raises, and mergers and acquisitions. Alumni of the program have gone on to secure leadership roles at companies like Google, Facebook, Amazon, and Salesforce, while others have launched successful startups or raised millions for their businesses.

“One of our biggest accomplishments is seeing how our clients' success ripples out to positively impact their families, teams, and even broader communities,” Ilana notes. 

The Power of Intentional Leaping

Leaping is more than just a career change—it's about making thoughtful and strategic decisions. Leap Academy emphasizes the importance of being intentional with every step, from identifying personal goals to aligning with opportunities that truly resonate with one's values and vision. 

“We don't just teach theory—we share actionable strategies,” Ilana explains. “The tools clients need to overcome the challenges that have been holding them back. Whether it’s imposter syndrome, lack of clarity, limited personal brand or networking hurdles, we're there to support them every step of the way.”

Through Leap Academy's podcast, professionals can dive deeper into these concepts. Featuring candid conversations with CEOs, industry leaders, and career experts, the podcast offers valuable insights into the real challenges and triumphs of those who've successfully made leaps in their careers.

Navigating Career Transitions in a Post-COVID World

The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges to the job market, but it also created opportunities for reinvention. Ilana launched Leap Academy in 2020, right as the pandemic disrupted industries worldwide. Despite the uncertainty, she doubled down on her mission to help professionals navigate these turbulent times.

“It was clear that people needed us more than ever,” Ilana reflects. “We offered free help to executives in corporations like Lyft who were suddenly without jobs. What was a crisis became proof of concept for us”

Leap Academy's impact during this period was profound. Ilana received the Best CEO Award in 2020 for her work in helping thousands of professionals and corporations pivot during the pandemic. Since then, the academy has continued to grow, earning awards like the Fastest Growing Company in America by Inc.5000 and Startup of the Year for 2023.

Empowering Your Next Leap

Whether you're looking to climb the corporate ladder, switch industries, or start your own business, the art of leaping requires intentionality, strategy, and support. With Leap Academy's proven methodology, professionals are not just landing new jobs—they're transforming their careers and lives.

“The future belongs to those who are willing to leap,” Ilana says. “At Leap Academy, we're here to make sure you don't just land—but soar.”

For more insights from career leaders, check out the Leap Academy podcast or to get started with your leap, visit leapacademy.com.

Image Credit: Ilana Golan

This post was authored by an external contributor and does not represent Benzinga's opinions and has not been edited for content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice.