Get A Shift On: Healthcare Career Change and Business Stories

In this week’s episode of Get A Shift On, I sit downwith Craig Wood, man who redefines resilience.Craig is a former British soldier who lost both legs and ahand in Afghanistan. Fast forward to today, and he’s just completed a 90-day solo sail across the Pacific Ocean - that’s 7,500 nautical miles, breaking two world records in the process.This conversation isn’t just about an epic adventure. It’s about mindset. It’s about what happens when you replace “I can’t” with “Watch me.” Craig shares how small steps, acceptance, and refusing to quit have shaped his life, from recovering in hospital to becoming a professional sailorand now giving back by raising funds for BLESMA and Turn to Starboard, two charities that support injured veterans.If you’ve ever faced fear, doubt, or change, this episodewill remind you that the biggest failure is not trying.Listen now and discover why resilience isn’t about being fearless, it’s about showing up anyway Donate and support Craig’s missionFollow Craig on Socials: Instagram FacebookTikTokYouTube His website can be found here BLESMATurn to Starboard Follow David / Via Nova:⁠⁠David's LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠Via Nova LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠Via Nova Website⁠Free Personal Exit Plan / Work With MeFrustrated at Work? Want to know if you are ready for a career change? Answer these 10 questions and find out!Follow, like, and subscribe for more real stories on career change and how you can create your own exit plan.#CareerChange #Resilience #MindsetMatters #Leadership#Entrepreneurship #WorldRecord#CraigWood #sailing #tripleamputee #military #charity #adventure Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Craig Wood's Journey03:13 Overcoming Adversity: Craig's Military Background06:10 The Transition to Sailing and Family Life09:02 Planning the Solo Pacific Voyage11:41 Acceptance and Resilience in the Face of Challenges17:08 Daily Life at Sea: Lessons Learned22:30 Navigating Challenges: Equipment Failures at Sea27:39 Reflections on Sailing and Life Lessons34:35 The Challenge of Oceanic Sleep39:39 Nutrition at Sea: What to Eat and Drink41:59 The Transition to Land: Cravings and Adjustments43:47 Adapting Sailing Techniques for Amputees51:22 Building Resilience: Teaching Life Lessons to Children01:03:49 End

Most career change stories skip the hard bit.This one doesn’t.In this episode of Get A Shift On, I’m joined by Kevin Matthew, a former secondary school teacher, university lecturer, and education entrepreneur who went on to build multiple businesses across e-commerce, property, and digital travel… and then hit a point where it all nearly collapsed.Kevin’s journey spans education, health, entrepreneurship, burnout, depression, and a complete rethink of what work is actually for. From launching innovative physical-activity programmes in schools, to scaling a nationwide personalised gift brand, to facing the brutal reality of post-COVID business decline — this conversation goes right to the edge of what happens when effort no longer equals security.We talk honestly about:What it feels like when a “successful” business stops workingThe mental toll of carrying financial pressure for your familyWhy traditional employment and the 9–5 model are breaking downHow transferable skills from teaching, education, and leadership actually translate into businessThe difference between working harder and working differentlyWhy many people don’t need another job - they need a second income streamWhat “front-loading effort” really means in modern businessAnd how Kevin and his family are preparing to leave the UK, world-school their children, and redesign life around freedom rather than rota-driven workThis isn’t a get-rich-quick story.It’s a real conversation about resilience, review, rebuilding, and choosing a life that fits.Kevin shares hard-earned lessons about:Building systems instead of burning yourself outWhy reviewing your business matters more than starting itThe truth about network-based and digital business models (without the nonsense)Why younger generations are rejecting traditional career pathsAnd why effort still matters - no matter how you earn your moneyIf you’re a professional who feels capable but stuck…If you’ve outgrown your job but can’t yet see the next step…If you’re carrying the quiet pressure of being the provider…Or if you’re questioning whether the way you’re working is worth the cost.This episode will give you something far more useful than motivation.It’ll give you perspective.Follow KevinKevin's LinkedInKevins InstagramFollow David⁠⁠David's LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠Via Nova Website⁠Free Guides / Work With MeWant to try billboard advertising from £80? Get started with CAASie at https://caasie.co/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=get-a-shift-on&utm_content=referral - 1.5M screens worldwide, pay-per-play.

AI isn’t coming for your job tomorrow.But the career you’re relying on might not exist in the same way five years from now.In this solo episode of Get A Shift On, I break down what’s really happening as AI, automation and restructuring quietly reshape the job market , and why this moment is the smartest time in decades to build leverage, not panic.I examine:Why AI disruption doesn’t mean mass unemployment, but does mean massive career changeHow redundancy fear can become your permission to pivotWhy side hustles, consulting, coaching and fractional work are exploding right nowThe 7-step Personal Exit Plan I use with clients to move from stuck employee to confident independentHow to use AI as your assistant, not your replacementAnd why the “safe” job you’re protecting isn’t as safe as you thinkThis episode is for you if:You feel stuck in a job you’ve outgrownYou’re worried about redundancy or industry changeYou’re curious about AI but unsure how it fits your futureYou want more control over your income and timeYou’re thinking about starting something before you’re forced toYou’ll also get practical actions you can take this week to:Audit your real-world skillsDefine your ideal working lifeTest your idea before quittingTalk to your employer about flexibilityUse AI for research and contentRemove the fear-based excuses holding you backAI isn’t the villain.Staying stuck while the world shifts is.Follow the show if you refuse to stay stuck.Free tools Escape Readiness QuizVia Nova Personal Exit Plan resourcesFollow David:LinkedInYouTubeIf you want to see how easily you could advertise with CAASIE check out the link below:Get Started

Redundancy has a way of stripping everything back,identity, confidence, purpose. In this episode, former detective and corporate security leader Willie Nicol shares how losing his job became the turning point that forced him to change his mindset, rebuild his life, and find real fulfilment.After 31 years in the police and seven years in corporate security, Willie was made redundant after “working himself out of a job.” Angry, bitter, and burning with resentment, he dismissed coaching as “mumbo jumbo” — until one unexpected three-day course shifted everything.Now a mindset coach specialising in helping burned-out men rediscover confidence, clarity, and direction, Willie explains how reframing internal dialogue, upgrading your “mindset operating system,” and learning to stop self-sabotage can change the course of your life.In this episode, you’ll learn: How redundancy can become a catalyst for real changeWhy your internal dialogue shapes your outcomesHow to shift from fear-driven thinking to empowered action The danger of living on autopilot in work and life Why most people stay stuck, and how to escape itIf you’re trapped in a job that no longer fits, struggling after redundancy, or quietly asking “is this it?”, this conversation will hit home.Follow Willie/ Free Offershttps://willienicolcoaching.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/willienicolcoaching http://facebook.com/WillieNicolLifeCoach/ Book a Call - https://calendly.com/willienicol-lifecoach/30minutechat Stress Management Workbook - https://breakthecycleworksheet.com/ “Get Your Mojo Back 3 Day Challenge” - https://wnc.willienicolcoaching.com/lets-go Follow David / Via Nova here:⁠⁠David's LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠Via Nova Website⁠Free Guides / Work With MeAre You Ready to Escape Your Job and Build Your Own Business? Take the 2-minute Business Escape Readiness Test and discover your personalised action plan! - Business Escape Readiness Test Want to try billboard advertising from £80? Get started with CAASie at https://caasie.co/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=get-a-shift-on&utm_content=referral - 1.5M screens worldwide, pay-per-play.

What happens when you lose it all, the business, the money, the confidence,and have to start again?Ben Walton knows. After nine years running restaurants in London, he shut the doors for good, moved to Brighton with newborn twins, and faced the reality of feeding his family with no business left to run.In this episode, Ben opens up about rebuilding from scratch, from losing friends’ money to finding his first freelance clients, setting prices that felt “grown-up,” and turning those early projects into On A Plate Growth, his food & beverage marketing consultancy.We talk about:- the brutal honesty of starting over after failure- finding momentum when income isn’t guaranteed- why community beats hustle culture- how to build a freelance business that actually works. Ben’s story isn’t about overnight success, it’s about resilience, self-belief, and sustainable growth in the messy middle.🎙️ Listen for real insight, real humour, and the quiet truth about freelancing after failure.Follow Ben:⁠Ben's Website⁠⁠Ben's LinkedIn⁠⁠Ben's Instagram⁠⁠Bloody Bens Instagram⁠⁠On A Plate Growth Instagram⁠⁠Ben's Canteen Instagram⁠Follow David / Via Nova here:⁠⁠⁠David's LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Via Nova Website⁠⁠⁠Free Personal Exit Plan / Work With Me⁠Frustrated at Work? Want to know if you are ready for a career change? ⁠Answer these 10 questions and find out⁠!Want to try billboard advertising from £80? Get started with ⁠CAASie⁠ - 1.5M screens worldwide, pay-per-play.

Are you an ambitious UK business owner juggling bookkeeping, tax bills and cash-flow stress? In this episode of Get A Shift On, we’ll fast-track you from financial chaos to clarity, giving you control and confidence as you grow.In this episode of I sit down with Chartered Accountant and Root2Growth founder Rayanne Armand as she shares real-world steps for small business owners and career-changer, covering how to set up Xero correctly, build cash-flow confidence, price your services for profit, and prepare for tax without the last-minute scramble.What you’ll learn • How to break the “I’m not a numbers person” mindset and use your data as a growth engine.• How to move from reactive bookkeeping to real-time accounting and predictable routines.• Proven time-saving strategies and apps for small business finance so you can free up your time.• For founders approaching or exceeding £500k turnover: what financial insight you really need to scale sustainably and price for profit.• How a Virtual Finance Department or trusted advisor becomes part of your team, not just a compliance cost.Rayanne also opens up about her own career transition from corporate firms to founder-life, showing how you can shift from long hours and low margins into a business that serves your life, not the other way around.Links + Resources - Rayanne- Become a Xero Hero – DIY programme: https://www.rayarmand.com- Root2Growth – Done-for-you accounting support: https://www.root2growth.co.ukLinks + Resources - DavidDavid's LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠Via Nova Website⁠Free Personal Exit Plan / Work With MeListen, subscribe and follow Get A Shift On for more insights into career change, business startup, growth strategies and finance made simple.Topics Include:small business accounting uk, business finance tips, xero accounting for entrepreneurs, cash flow for small business, how to start a business uk, pricing for profit, career change startup, accounting made simple, virtual finance department, founder finance routines

What happens when a paramedic on the brink of burnout rebuilds his life, and turns his healing into a global podcast reaching 10 million listeners?In this powerful episode of Get a Shift On, host David Birchmore talks with Martin Hewlett, certified clinical hypnotherapist and creator of the chart-topping Calming Anxiety Podcast. Together, they unpack how Martin transformed PTSD and emotional trauma into a purpose-driven career, blending rewind therapy, mindfulness, and AI-powered podcast strategy to help others find calm.You’ll hear Martin’s refreshingly honest take on how to:Recover from career burnout and trauma without losing your sense of purpose.Use rewind therapy to silence old wounds and rewire the mind for peace.Apply guided meditation, deep breathing, and positive affirmations to conquer anxiety and build unshakable self-belief.Leverage AI tools (ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Notebook LM) to grow a podcast or business organicallyTurn adversity into impact, because reinvention isn’t about escape; it’s about alignment.Martin’s story is part healing, part entrepreneurial awakening, and part masterclass in how AI can democratize podcasting for creators without a marketing budget.Whether you’re a healthcare professional seeking career change, a podcaster chasing growth, or someone ready to reclaim your calm and confidence, this episode delivers practical wisdom, compassion, and a nudge to finally follow your truth.Listen to Calming Anxiety Podcast: Daily Meditation & Sleep Hypnosis for Anxiety Reliefhttps://www.spreaker.com/podcast/calming-anxiety--4110266https://open.spotify.com/show/2BLdPSFfzWaYKiXYV0Nqvo?si=346a219800a94f04https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/calming-anxiety/id1485448436https://www.youtube.com/@CalmingAnxietyFollow David / Via Nova here:⁠⁠David's LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠Via Nova LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠Via Nova Website⁠Free Personal Exit Plan / Work With MeFrustrated at Work? Want to know if you are ready for a career change? Answer these 10 questions and find out!Career change after burnoutParamedic PTSD recoveryHypnotherapy for traumarewind therapy explainedCalming anxiety podcast growthAI podcast SEO strategyUsing AI for podcast marketingGuided meditation for anxiety reliefMindfulness for stress reductionTransitioning from healthcare to entrepreneurshipAI tools for podcastersOvercoming imposter syndromeCareer pivot inspirationBuilding confidence through affirmations#CareerChange #PodcastGrowth #MentalHealthAwareness #AnxietyRelief #Mindfulness #PTSDRecovery #Hypnotherapy #RewindTherapy #CalmingAnxiety #AIForCreators #AIinPodcasting #GuidedMeditation #StressRelief #BurnoutRecovery #EntrepreneurMindset #PurposeDrivenLife #FollowYourTruth #HealthcareToEntrepreneur #GetAShiftOnPodcast #DavidBirchmore #MartinHewlett

When psychotherapist Amanda Hitchin lost her job during the pandemic, she didn’t just face redundancy, she faced an identity crisis. After 16 years in education and leadership roles, Amanda’s world suddenly stopped. But that shock became the springboard for something extraordinary: founding Colchester Children’s Counselling, hosting The New Therapist in Town podcast, and earning a spot in the UK’s Top 100 Female Entrepreneurs.In this episode of Get A Shift On, Amanda joins Dave to talk about how a forced ending became the start of everything she’d always wanted. It’s a story about courage, creativity, and the power of saying, “I can’t do it... yet.”Amanda’s journey began in the classroom, teaching and leading safeguarding teams through the chaos of the pandemic. But when redundancy struck, she was suddenly without direction, and without the security she’d built her life around.Instead of retreating, Amanda took her payout and invested in herself. She trained as a psychodynamic counsellor, balancing studies, therapy fees, and bills, all without a student loan. It wasn’t easy. It was growth mindset in action.What started as one rented room turned into a thriving three-room practice with a nine-person team, a unique psychotherapy sensory room, and national recognition for her impact. What she thought was a setback became the permission slip to build a career on her own terms, one rooted in compassion, autonomy, and purpose.Pressure Makes a Diamond – Every challenging season can refine you. Amanda’s toughest teaching years became the foundation for her success in therapy and business.Adopt a Growth Mindset – Replace “I can’t” with “I can’t yet.” Learn, evolve, and treat mistakes as part of mastery.Redundancy Isn’t the End – It can be your launchpad. Amanda used hers to fund a master’s degree and a new life.Outsource the Bits You Hate – Focus your energy on what fuels you. Delegate, automate, and protect your emotional bandwidth.You’re Never Too Old to Retrain – Whether 28 or 58, if there’s something calling you—answer it. The next chapter could be the best yet.Amanda’s story is proof that growth isn’t comfortable, but it’s worth it. Redundancy didn’t end her career; it reignited it. Her journey is a reminder that courage often looks like sending that first text, renting that first office, or admitting you’re ready for something new.🎙️ Listen now to Get A Shift On and discover how Amanda turned uncertainty into empowerment. Follow Amanda:Email WebsiteLinkedIn ​Facebook ​InstagramPodcastFollow David / Via Nova here:⁠⁠David's LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠Via Nova LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠Via Nova Website⁠Free Personal Exit Plan / Work With MeFrustrated at Work? Want to know if you are ready for a career change? Answer these 10 questions and find out!

"I thought leaving corporate meant losing everything — money, identity, even stability. Turns out, it was the start of finding myself again."In this episode, I talk with Doris Walsh, founder of Happy Bunny Coaching, about what really happens after you walk away from a twenty-year corporate career. Doris shares her story of voluntary redundancy during COVID, uprooting her family to Greece, and confronting the uncomfortable question so many of us avoid: What do I want to be when I grow up?!We explore how cultural expectations shaped her parenting and identity, how she learned to let go of perfection, and what freedom actually feels like when you finally stop chasing other people’s definitions of success. Doris opens up about fear, finances, and finding balance as a mother, wife, and business owner, and why, despite earning less now, she’s never felt richer.This isn’t just another “quit your job” story, it’s a conversation about redefining enough, rebuilding confidence, and learning to live with purpose, play, and a whole lot more peace.If this episode sounds familiar, please follow, leave a quick review, and share it with someone who’s may need to it!Follow DorisLinkedInHappy Bunny CoachingFollow David:⁠⁠David's LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠Via Nova Website⁠Free Personal Exit Plan / Work With MeFrustrated at Work? Want to know if you are ready for a career change? Answer these 10 questions and find out!Chapters00:00 The Journey of Career Change07:01 Embracing Personal Growth and Freedom18:49 The Impact of Corporate Life on Parenting30:38 Navigating Financial Concerns and Mindset46:23 The Role of Coaching in Personal Transformation58:23 Happy Bunny Coaching: Helping Others Find Joy01:11:10 End and Close

What happens when a kid from Armagh, told he wasn’t good enough, ends up kicking Exeter Chiefs to Premiership glory, and then has to start all over again after retirement?Gareth Steenson, better known as Steeno, spent 18 years in professional rugby, from his early days in Ulster to becoming the Chiefs’ reliable No.10 during their rise to the very top of English rugby. In this episode I sit down with him as he opens up about the setbacks, sacrifices, and pivotal moments that shaped his career, and what life looks like now he’s swapped the pitch for coaching and business.We talk about leaving home young and chasing opportunities in Rotherham and Cornwall, coping with the loss of his father during a critical season, and finding his place at Exeter just as the club was building towards promotion. Steeno reflects on the highs of lifting trophies, the brutal lows of self-doubt, and the reality of leadership when the game plan falls apart.Off the field, we dig into what resilience really means, how coaching the Irish Women’s Squad is reshaping his view of the game, and why running The Stand Off bar in Exeter taught him as much about teamwork as rugby ever did.If you’ve ever faced rejection, had to reinvent yourself, or wondered what’s next after the career you thought would last forever, Steeno’s story will make you think twice about what resilience, risk, and real success look like.If you enjoyed this episode, do me a favour: hit like, share it with someone who needs to hear it, and subscribe so you don’t miss the next conversation. The more people we reach, the more stories like Steeno’s can inspire someone else to make their next move and be happier in their career. Follow Steeno here:InstagramLinkedInFollow David / Via Nova here:⁠⁠David's LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠Via Nova LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠Via Nova Website⁠Free Personal Exit Plan / Work With MeFrustrated at Work? Want to know if you are ready for a career change? Answer these 10 questions and find out!#GetAShiftOn #InspiringStories #LikeShareSubscribe #CareerTransitions #Rugby #EliteSportChapters00:00 Introduction to Steeno's Rugby Journey01:32 From Soccer to Rugby: Early Beginnings03:10 Schoolboy Rugby and Early Recognition04:21 Transition to Professional Rugby05:31 Career Growth at Exeter Chiefs07:21 The Evolution of Rugby and Player Development10:44 Women's Rugby: Growth and Professionalism14:03 The Role of Technology in Modern Rugby17:11 Adapting to Change: Lessons from Rugby to Life19:43 The Importance of Team Culture and Community24:29 Community and Team Spirit in Rugby25:54 The Journey to Premiership Glory28:19 Leadership and Team Dynamics32:39 Transitioning to Coaching and New Opportunities35:31 Defining Resilience and Leadership39:11 Advice for Life After Sports43:27 Close

What happens when a former international journalist swapsfrozen peas, Russian winters, and breaking news… for villains, audiobooks, andcorporate commercials?James Brown swapped the newsroom for the booth and built a thriving voice over business from scratch in his Devon studio. In this episode, he reveals the unfiltered truth about starting a creative business later in life, the wins, the mistakes, and the skills he never knew he’d need.We explore James’s journey from documentary-maker in Russia to voice actor, covering how he navigated family responsibilities, COVID, and the total career pivot that came next. You’ll hear practical strategies for finding work through audition sites and direct marketing, tips for self-directing from a home studio, and why corporate and commercial work became his foundation.We also dive deep into resilience, why having a savingsbuffer matters, and James’s take on AI vs. human creativity and why authentic storytelling will always win. Plus, he shares a glimpse into his latest gaming project, including a chilling live performance as The Lord of Lonelinesshimself. If you’ve ever dreamed of building a business around yourvoice, or any passion, this episode will inspire you to start, adapt, and keep creating. Please like, share and subscribe for more career change andtransition tips, tricks and more...Follow James here:James LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠James Website⁠⁠James Insta⁠Follow David / Via Nova here:⁠⁠David's LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠Via Nova LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠Via Nova Website⁠Free Personal Exit Plan / Work With MeFrustrated at Work? Want to know if you are ready for a career change? Answer these 10 questions and find out!Chapters00:00 Introduction to Career Change and Voiceover Industry04:10 James Brown's Journey: From Consultancy to Voiceover08:33 Experiences in Russia: Journalism and Documentaries16:58 Cultural Insights from Russia: A Unique Perspective25:20 Voiceover Artistry: Crafting Characters and Stories30:41 Crafting Compelling Brand Narratives33:08 The Art of Voice Direction36:09 From Journalism to Voiceover: A Journey40:39 Navigating the Entrepreneurial Landscape45:20 AI's Impact on Voiceover and Creativity49:52 Exploring New Horizons in Voice Acting56:16 End and close

Feeling stuck in a well-paid job you’ve outgrown? This week I share my own , unfiltered journey, from NHS radiographer to small businesses, to show how tiny steps make big shifts.In this week’s episode, I sit down with myself ( David Birchmore) for a solo “Just Me” conversation on identity, reinvention, and what it really takes to build a life you want. I cover my path from radiographer in the NHS to global med-tech roles, through redundancy and side hustles (yes, even a bouncy castle company) to launching a cleaning business and a mission to help 1,000 people leave jobs they hate. You’ll learn practical ways to map your transferable skills, run low-risk experiments, reality-check your finances (time vs money), narrow options without overwhelm, and push past self-doubt and outside opinions.I try to give you straight-talking on validation, market testing, and the first small actions that build your exit plan.Follow, like, and subscribe for more real stories on career change and how you can create your own exit planFollow David / Via Nova here:⁠⁠David's LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠Via Nova LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠Via Nova Website⁠Free Personal Exit Plan / Work With MeFrustrated at Work? Want to know if you are ready for a career change? Answer these 10 questions and find out!#CareerChange #Entrepreneurship #Resilience #Redundancy #WorkLifeBalance #SideHustleChapters:00:00 Intro & why this episode00:08 Episode 29 gratitude & purpose01:39 First guest shout-out (Dr. Kyle Stewart & watercress)03:31 Childhood dream of medicine & early pivot04:44 NHS radiography and reality check06:52 Corporate med-tech, travel & chasing titles08:51 Parenthood, priorities & time vs money10:00 Leaving London for Devon—first big leap11:28 Lightbulb moment: starting the bouncy castle business12:43 Redundancy, COVID & launching a cleaning business14:58 Seeing the bigger mission: helping people17:00 Goal: help 1,000 people make a career change18:59 Don’t wait—start with one small step20:42 You’re not “just a” job title: mapping skills23:55 Imagination exercise: design your future25:51 Affordability & lifestyle trade-offs28:50 Time richness vs salary30:26 Narrowing options: start with the “no” list32:23 Overcoming self-doubt & unhelpful opinions35:59 Validation & market research that actually helps38:16 Start small, keep going & wrap-up

From corporate life and a café to pet portraits and menopause coaching, Andrea Clare rebuilt on her own terms. This is a practical, human conversation about career change, creativity, and midlife support.In this week’s episode, I sit down with Andrea Clare - The Creative Pause Coach - who spent 20 years in the corporate world, raised a family, owned a café, and then rediscovered art at 57. After a difficult perimenopause, she blended creativity with evidence-based menopause knowledge to help women thrive through her programme “Eat Sleep Pause Create,” and she’s created the Scottish ‘Pause Summit—a holistic wellness day in Glasgow City Centre on Saturday 25 October featuring experts and workshops.You’ll hear honest lessons on reinvention, how creative practice builds resilience in midlife, and what real business support looks like when you’re changing direction. Expect practical guidance on peri/meno/post-menopause, simple routines that boost confidence and energy, and actionable steps for designing your own exit plan.Andrea’s Links:LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreaclareartWebsite – https://scottishpausesummit.co.ukInstagram (Andrea Clare Art) – https://www.instagram.com/andreaclareart.ukInstagram (Scottish Pause Summit) – https://www.instagram.com/scottish_pause_summitFacebook (Andrea Clare Art) - https://www.facebook.com/andreaclareartFacebook (Scottish Pause Summit) – https://www.facebook.com/scottishpausesummitTickets – https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1353424090889?aff=oddtdtcreatorFollow David / Via NovaDavid's LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠Via Nova LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠Via Nova Website⁠Free Personal Exit Plan / Work With MeFrustrated at Work? Want to know if you are ready for a career change? Answer these 10 questions and find out!Follow, like, and subscribe for more real stories on career change and how you can create your own exit plan. #CareerChange #Entrepreneurship #Menopause #WomensHealth #Creativity #MidlifeChapters00:00 Andrea Clare's Journey: From Corporate to Creativity08:57 Understanding Menopause: A Personal Perspective18:49 The Impact of Menopause on Women and Work25:45 The Scottish Paws Summit: Empowering Women Through Creativity33:54 Navigating Menopause: Tips for Women in the Workplace39:20 Thanks and Close

Shouting into the void on socials? Heidi Medina shows how conversation-first beats algorithms and drives real career change and success.In this week’s episode, I sit down with Heidi Medina, a 35+ year, 5X entrepreneur and social selling strategist who’s helped 350+ service providers and coaches spark intentional online conversations that connect and sell, without the awkward pitch. Now based in Portugal, Heidi frees clients from algorithm-chasing by turning comments and connections into paying work and collaborations through conversation-first marketing. You’ll hear how that approach grew from her own five-business journey, landscaping, cleaning, enterprise social, and more.You’ll learn a practical framework for writing meaningful comments, why “great post” stalls relationships, and how to redefine conversions (follows, DMs, invites) so your pipeline reflects real human momentum. We also cover resilient career change: patient timelines, learning from failure, and why proactive follow-up ends more sales droughts than any content hack.Follow Heidi:LinkedIn Substack Connect & Collab Networking Event Follow David / Via Nova here:⁠⁠David's LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠Via Nova LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠Via Nova Website⁠Free Personal Exit Plan / Work With MeFrustrated at Work? Want to know if you are ready for a career change? Answer these 10 questions and find out! #CareerChange #Entrepreneurship #SocialSelling #ConversationMarketing #LinkedInTips #NetworkingChapters:00:00 Welcome & “Take Two” intro 00:51 First business at 13: $300 → $1,100 flowers 04:23 From layoff to cleaning biz, then enterprise social & coaching06:43 Uni vs real-world skills; $60k lessons 10:32 AI, digital safety & what schools miss 13:42 Gen X as the bridge generation 15:23 Craigslist lessons & early online marketing 18:20 Conversation-first marketing vs content-first 20:16 Build trust by talking (not broadcasting) 21:40 Autism, entrepreneurship & why corporate didn’t fit 25:19 People work differently; manage to strengths 28:38 Youth entrepreneurship & changing workplaces 33:50 Human detail vs generic AI content 35:19 A comment framework that actually connects 37:40 Why “Great post” isn’t a strategy 44:35 Better to say nothing than “well done”? 48:14 Stop chasing impressions; chase conversations 50:49 Redefining conversions: follows, DMs, invites 53:35 Ending threads & doing the follow-up 56:31 Top 3 tips for human online conversations 58:47 Career change advice: patience, help, fail forward 1:00:50 Wrap-up & thanks

Made redundant and launched a business the very next day, Aleyx Ward doesn’t wait for permission. In this lively episode she shows how story, not jargon, powers real career change.In this week’s episode, I sit down with Aleyx Ward, brand storyteller, consultant and host of “Naked at the Top.” Known for turning complex B2B ideas into messages people actually want to hear, she helps founders and leaders show up with clarity, confidence and a little fun; after being made redundant, she registered her company the next day and never looked back. You’ll learn how to translate strategy into simple, sticky messaging, use personal brand to open doors, and turn setbacks like redundancy into momentum.We dig into journaling to unblock decisions, using impulsivity as a creative edge, and practical ways to pivot offers, ask for the right advice, and speak with stories that land.Follow Aleyx:LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/aleyxward/Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/aleyxfward/Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/corestorybrandFollow David / Via Nova:⁠⁠David's LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠Via Nova LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠Via Nova Website⁠Free Personal Exit Plan / Work With MeFrustrated at Work? Want to know if you are ready for a career change? Answer these 10 questions and find out! Follow, like, and subscribe for more real stories on career change and how you can create your own exit plan.#CareerChange #Entrepreneurship #PersonalBranding #BrandStorytelling#B2BMarketing #ResilienceChapters 00:00 From Aspiring Journalist to Marketing Professional03:22 The Impulsive Leap to Australia06:10 Navigating Career Changes and Redundancy08:50 The Birth of Core Story11:24 Embracing Impulsivity in Business14:01 Reflections on Career Longevity and Change23:27 The Birth of a Business Idea26:16 Embracing Change and Impulsivity28:46 Coping with Setbacks30:56 The Art of Journaling34:01 Navigating Business Operations36:27 Exciting New Projects37:28 The Joy of Public Speaking39:10 Crafting Your Personal Story41:04 Book Recommendations and Life Lessons42:57 Future Aspirations and Travel Dreams44:43 Podcast Insights and Human Stories45:55 End

What happens when a global product lead swaps drum kits for defence? Jules Tabberer shares the real, messy truth about career change, purpose, and saying yes to risk.In this week’s episode, I sit down with Jules Tabberer, a global product manager who spent 13 years at Roland before making a bold changet from music to defence. Now in the Met Office’s Defence team and serving as an RAF Reservist, Jules shows what reinvention looks like when purpose leads the way.You’ll learn how to translate creative and commercial skills across industries, test a pivot while protecting family and finances, and build resilience through service. Expect practical takeaways on finding purpose, managing high-travel roles, and the mindset shifts that turn uncertainty into momentum.Jules' Links:LinkedIn: LinkedInInstagram: InstagramFacebook: Facebook505 San RAF Reserves: FacebookRAF reserves (Facebook): FacebookRAF reserves (Instagram): InstagramRoyal Air Force (Instagram): InstagramRoyal Air Force (Facebook): FacebookFollow David / Via Nova:David’s LinkedIn: LinkedInVia Nova LinkedIn: LinkedInVia Nova Website: WebsiteFree Guides / Work With Me: Start hereCareer Change Quiz: Answer these 10 questionsFollow, like, and subscribe for more real stories on career change and how you can create your own exit plan.#CareerChange #Entrepreneurship #ProductManagement #MilitaryReserves #DefenceTech #ResilienceChapters:00:00 Jules Tabberer: A Journey Through Careers03:46 From Music to Product Management at Roland09:02 The Global Experience: Travel and Challenges13:51 Transitioning to the Met Office19:58 Joining the RAF Reserves: A New Chapter24:05 The Journey of a Reservist27:06 Experiencing Deployment: A New Perspective29:33 The Importance of Purpose in Career34:04 Overcoming Challenges and Finding Empowerment41:00 Advice for Those Stuck in a Career Spiral43:14 Looking Ahead: Future Aspirations in the Reserves45:38 End Credits

This special edition of Get a Shift On takes you on a fast-paced journey through the highs, lows, and turning points of real career change.No theory. No sugar-coating. Just the voices of people who have been there, leaving behind safe jobs, making tough sacrifices, and building new lives on their own terms.From the moment they knew they had to walk away, to the challenges that tested their resolve, to the freedom and fulfilment they’ve found on the other side, these are the raw, unfiltered stories of transformation.Featuring highlights from past guests including doctors, entrepreneurs, creatives, and leaders who took the leap, this episode is a snapshot of what it really takes to change your career, and your life.Whether you’re dreaming of your own exit plan or already halfway through it, this is your reminder: change is possible, and it’s worth it.Follow David / Via Nova here:⁠⁠David's LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠Via Nova LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠Via Nova Website⁠Free Personal Exit Plan / Work With MeFrustrated at Work? Want to know if you are ready for a career change? Answer these 10 questions and find out!Chapters00:00 Introduction00:12 The Moment You Know Things Must Change05:04 Taking the Leap10:23 The Reality of Change13:33 What's Possible14:23 Defining Moments14:31 Journey from Clinical to Corporate14:37 Visualizing Success and Overcoming Doubts14:40 End Credits

In this week’s episode, I sit down with Mel, the founder of Body Remedies, who shares her inspiring journey from life on the frontlines as a paramedic to creating a thriving holistic wellbeing business. After two decades in the NHS, a single life-altering incident pushed her to rethink her future, and ultimately, take the leap into entrepreneurship.We look into the challenges of leaving a secure career, the emotional rollercoaster of starting something new, and how Mel transformed her passion into a sustainable business. If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to change careers and back yourself, this episode offers insights, raw honesty, and practical tips you won’t want to miss.Follow, like, and subscribe for more real stories on career change and how you can create your own career exit plan.Follow Mel:Bowen Remedies WebsiteBowen Remedies InstaMel's LinkedInFollow Dave / Via Nova:⁠⁠David's LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠Via Nova LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠Via Nova Website⁠Free Personal Exit Plan / Work With MeFrustrated at Work? Want to know if you are ready for a career change? Answer these 10 questions and find out!Chapters00:00 Introduction to Body Remedies and Mel's Journey02:48 Transition from Paramedic to Holistic Therapy05:43 The Impact of Stress and Personal Experiences08:29 The Bowen Technique Explained10:56 Building a Business and Overcoming Challenges13:49 The Role of Networking and Word of Mouth16:34 Future Aspirations and Work-Life Balance19:02 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs#CareerChange #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #HealthAndWellbeing #WomenInBusiness #HolisticHealing #nhs

In this week’s episode of Get A Shift On, I sit down with Louise McGuill, a former senior assistant headteacher who made the bold leap from education into entrepreneurship. Louise opens up about the reality of leaving a 16-year teaching career, the challenges of finding transferable skills, and how motherhood became the unexpected catalyst for change.We talk in depth about her journey from long school hours to building her own copywriting business, the power of mindset, and why community is crucial when starting over. Louise also shares practical advice on creating an exit plan and the importance of retraining without fear. If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s possible to walk away from a career you’ve outgrown, this conversation is for you.Follow, like, and subscribe for more real stories on career change and how you can create your own exit plan.Louise's Bio and Links:Louise teaches service-based entrepreneurs how to own their audience, nurture real relationships, and grow steady leads with a simple sustainable email system…that isn’t going to leave them drowning in overwhelm.A mum to 2 wildling girls. And, expert teacher, leader and curriculum developer for the last 18 years. She now uses her unique skills to unpick the most complex tasks and break them down into manageable, achievable steps that lead seamlessly to success. LinkedinJoin her Flock🦩here: https://subscribepage.io/BkhJxG Follow David / Via Nova here:⁠⁠David's LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠Via Nova LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠Via Nova Website⁠Free Personal Exit Plan / Work With MeFrustrated at Work? Want to know if you are ready for a career change? Answer these 10 questions and find out!#CareerChange #Entrepreneurship #CopywritingLife #TeacherToEntrepreneur #BusinessGrowth #CareerShift

In this deeply personal episode, I sit down with Tess Lovely, an amazing midwife, mother and raw authenticity, where she shares her incredible journey from midwife to entrepreneur. Tess opens up about how her career has changed and been rocked at its core, forcing her to confront her mental health, question everything, and ultimately pivot toward building her business, Birth From Within.We look into the gritty truths of parenting, the overlooked role of fathers in birth, and why support groups aren't just a “nice to have,” they’re essential for maternal mental health and personal growth. Tess shares how she found empowerment in the chaos, healed old wounds, and stepped into her most authentic self, proving that women can create miracles, both in the delivery room and in their own lives.If you’ve ever felt stuck in a soul-sucking job, suffocated by expectations, or terrified to take a leap into something new, Tess’s story is for you. This conversation is about midwifery, business, career change, mental health, parenting, and above all, having the grit to follow your heart, even when you can't see the path in front of you. Expect tears, laughter, blunt honesty, and a whole lot of inspiration. "Life is too damn short not to chase what makes your heart sing."Follow Tess:LinkedInInstagram FacebookFollow David/ Via Nova :⁠David's LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠Via Nova LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠Via Nova Website⁠Free Personal Exit Plan / Work With MeFrustrated at Work? Want to know if you are ready for a career change? Answer these 10 questions and find out!Chapters00:00 Introduction to Tess Lovely and Her Journey02:01 Tess's Midwifery Career and Personal Challenges04:50 Transitioning from NHS to Entrepreneurship07:15 The Importance of Authenticity and Self-Care09:30 The Three Peaks Challenge: Grit and Determination12:17 Navigating Family Dynamics and Financial Pressures14:32 Overcoming Workplace Trauma and Finding Happiness17:05 The Journey to Authenticity and Self-Discovery23:01 Transitioning to Birth Education23:51 Antenatal Education and Support26:15 Addressing Baby Loss and Birth Trauma27:45 The Role of Dads in Pregnancy29:42 Empowering Women Through Birth Keeping31:44 The Importance of Emotional Wellbeing35:22 Connecting Pregnancy and Business37:57 Empowering Families and Support Systems42:06 Advice for Those Seeking Change