A-Maze-ing Careers

We have a treat in store for you today on this next episode of A-Maze-Ing Careers. I have admired Deborah from afar as every time we meet up she seems to have navigated herself to another new role in a great organisation. I’ve been consistently impressed with how she did this so asked her to share her story with all of you. Today you’re going to hear about someone who’s courageous, absolutely goes after what she wants and if she has your corner then she will back you to the hilt. Deborah is also going to share some really valuable advice on making a change on limited resources, and as the title suggests don't be put off doing what you want, so definitely listen to the end on this one!

In this episode we meet Pip Clarke, whose career really does feel like a box of chocolates - so many flavours of work frankly we could do a whole episode on each of the stages of her career. Pip now heads up the international sales team at EZRA Coaching, but unsurprisingly given the nature of this podcast her journey has been anything but linear, with possibly the most turns we’ve heard so far.

Steve Harvey's story will be a lesson into the value of understanding your transferable skills and, much like Gary in Let Them Eat Cake or Zoe in From Retail Spreak to Legalese, that a strong work ethic can open doors for you. Steve wasn’t particularly academic and followed an early path that was more vocational until he eventually saw an opening to move from hospitality to retail. With another move still to happen his story continues to show us that it can be impossible to see your end point when you make choices earlier on, but have faith that opportunities will come to light.

Today I’m delighted to introduce you to Gary Lincoln, whose career had a surprising start (involving very early mornings), and a number of false starts including a spell of self-employment, before eventually finding where he’s been for the last 16 years. I’m looking forward to you all hearing not only his story, but also Gary has some great pointers for what has helped him make the career moves he’s made.

This week’s guest is a current colleague of mine, Zoe Edwards. Zoe’s story is a little different to other guests in that she’s only had one big career shift. However within her roles she was able to create and take new directions, and today she is doing a job she wanted to do back at school but didn’t think she ever could.
Like Fi McLay in episode 4, she wanted to do the role she is now doing when she was younger and is better for it now having taken a longer route to get.
She has enjoyed all her learning, “treated it like a hobby” which has really helped her make the most out of it.
Zoe has had some mental health challenges along the way, and whilst we won’t dwell on those today, she is an example of someone who despite that has managed to take up new opportunities and develop professionally.