I was a pro tennis player who pivoted to tech in my 30s and rose to the C-suite. Here's my advice for anyone wanting to switch careers.

Louise Allen.

Courtesy of Louise Allen

• Louise Allen started her career as a professional tennis player and is now the CPO at Planview.
• Her athletic background shaped her leadership style and approach to tech industry challenges.
• Allen emphasizes the value of intergenerational teams and transferable skills in career transitions.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Louise Allen, the chief product officer at Planview, who's in her 60s and is based in Austin.