Career Relaunch®

Making a major geographical move can certainly be exciting but also disruptive, jarring, and disorienting. Becoming a new parent is such a privilege but also life-altering in a way that creates both benefits and challenges. Nicole Webb, a journalist and news reader turned media consultant and author, describes what she experienced when moving from Australia to Hong Kong and eventually China while adjusting to her life as a new mother. She'll discuss how she managed to adapt and thrive in the midst of tremendous professional and personal change. I'll also share my own thoughts on the importance of just starting somewhere when you're trying to figure out ways to turn your side interests into an actual business.

Government defense intelligence officer turned web developer and founder Julia Taylor shares her thoughts on building a helpful community, thinking outside of the box, and creating your first website. I also share some thoughts on the importance of being okay with taking imperfect actions and my own challenges I faced building my first website.

Civil engineer turned software developer explains the importance of feeling like you fit into your workplace and the role culture plays in your day-to-day job satisfaction. I'll also share my own thoughts on how culture has had an impact on me during my own professional pivots.

Beyond the humanitarian crisis resulting from the invasion of Ukraine, the war there has also taken a huge toll on talented Ukrainians who have had their careers and professional lives fall apart too. Roman Havrysh, owner of the Aimbulance marketing agency in Ukraine and lecturer at Kyiv Mohyla Business School, fled Kyiv after the war began. He describes his story of trying to remain afloat both personally and professionally amid the destruction and tragedy there. We'll talk about what's happened to his agency, team, and own perspectives on his professional future there. I'll also share my thoughts on resilience during times of crisis.

Corporate lawyer turned author and founder Eloise Skinner describes her professional awakening catalysed by the pandemic in episode 81 of the Career Relaunch® podcast. We talk through the challenges of balancing multiple career endeavours, the strong link between our professional jobs and personal identities, and the importance of honoring your own values and interests no matter what others think.

Tattoo artist turned marketing manager Brad Stewart shares his perspectives on managing the judgments of others and overcoming the stigma of not having a traditional career or education when entering a new industry. During the Mental Fuel® segment, I share my thoughts on how I decide whether to take on or ignore the opinions of others.

Bommy Lee, a journalist turned communications head of a life sciences venture capital firm, shares her career insights on the power of professional relationships when relaunching your career, the importance of reconsidering your earlier career choices, and why being content with where you are doesn't necessarily mean you'll happy with where you're headed. During the Mental Fuel® segment, I address a listener’s question about how to figure out your next career move when no particular direction jumps out to you.

Teacher turned marketer Alex Spencer of Prezzybox shares her perspectives on the importance of climbing the right career ladder in episode 78 of the Career Relaunch® podcast. She explains how taking a temporary hit to her salary was worth it to her in the long run because it ultimately gave her the chance to do work she found more meaningful. We also discuss the true measures of your professional success and satisfaction (hint--it's not just salary!) and the importance of being selective and specific when communicating your ambitions to others.

Tax consultant turned data scientist Erika Russi shares her story of managing a medical condition while trying to change career directions. We discuss how your health can affect your career choices, how imposter syndrome is inevitable when starting a new role, and why slowing down is okay and necessary at times. I also describe my own tendencies to overwork and why hustling all the time isn't necessarily the healthiest habit in the long run.

Tommy Kelly shares his story of relaunching his career as a nuclear power plant engineer to sparkling drinks company founder. We discuss what it takes to let go of a stable job and how to turn a small idea into so much more. I also discuss a few of the more challenging emotional barriers to overcome during career transitions.

Marketer turned voiceover artist, model, and actress My Ly explains why you should always give yourself the opportunity to try new things out. We discuss the trade-offs of full-time employment versus self-employment versus contract work and the reasons why it's never too late to bravely explore different careers interests.

Marketer turned oncology nurse Pam Katz describes what it takes to start over in your career after a 20 year track record in another industry. We discuss the ups and downs of going back to school mid-career and what it means to do more fulfilling work.

Youssef Salameh, restaurant owner turned realtor describes the emotions and realities of walking away from a career you once loved to pursue something totally different. We discuss why walking away from your career is so hard even when you know something needs to change. I also address a listener question about how to balance practicality with aspiration when thinking about your next career move.

Flight attendant turned coder Christine Snow shares her story of walking away from her 7-year career as a flight attendant to explore other interests. We discuss how you can tell whether now is the right time to make a change in your career and also talk through some common hurdles, both emotional and practical, that stand in the way of starting something new. Afterwards, I address a listener question about the other parts of your life you may want to reevaluate when you’re rethinking your career.

Commercial airline pilot turned heavy goods vehicle truck driver Aaron Leventhal shares his story of dealing with personal loss, managing career upheaval, and finding a way to pivot toward something else. I also share examples of disappointing turns in my own career along with my three strategies of handling setbacks. If you’ve been dealt a blow in your own career for whatever reason, I hope you find this episode reassuring, inspiring, and most of all, a reminder you’re not alone.