117. What Writing My First Book Taught Me About Mid-Career Change

04/23/25 • 10 min

In this episode of Mid-Career Change, I’m sharing what I learned from writing my first book—and how those lessons apply to making a career shift in midlife.

Since publishing Mid Career Change: A Guide for Hope, Clarity, and Action in January, I’ve been thrilled with the response. Sales have been steady, and I’ve had the opportunity to discuss the book as a guest on several other podcasts. But beyond the sales and conversations, the process of writing and publishing the book was a transformational journey in itself—one that mirrors the experience of changing careers in so many ways.

Writing a book, much like a career change, requires:

Making a clear decision to start, even when self-doubt creeps in.
Having a plan but staying flexible when things don’t go as expected.
Overcoming resistance, including moments of lost motivation and imposter syndrome.
Asking for help—whether from beta readers, mentors, or people who’ve been through it before.
Putting yourself ‘out there’ in a way that can feel vulnerable but is ultimately rewarding.

I share the highs and lows of the writing process—from feeling inspired while writing in the Spanish sun to battling self-doubt when motivation waned. I also talk about how seeking feedback made the book stronger and why taking small, consistent steps was the key to getting it done—just as it is when making a career transition.

If this episode resonates with you, check out my book Mid Career Change: A Guide for Hope, Clarity, and Action on Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com. It’s filled with practical insights, real-life stories, and exercises to help you navigate career change with confidence.

I hope this episode gives you encouragement, whether you’re thinking about a career shift or working on a big goal of your own. Enjoy the episode, and let me know what you think!

Thanks for listening!

If you need support with your career:
call me on 07833 593875
email [email protected]
visit www.bravocoaching.co.uk

In this episode of Mid-Career Change, I’m sharing what I learned from writing my first book—and how those lessons apply to making a career shift in midlife.

Writing a book, much like a career change, requires:

Making a clear decision to start, even when self-doubt creeps in.
Having a plan but staying flexible when things don’t go as expected.
Overcoming resistance, including moments of lost motivation and imposter syndrome.
Asking for help—whether from beta readers, mentors, or people who’ve been through it before.
Putting yourself ‘out there’ in a way that can feel vulnerable but is ultimately rewarding.

I hope this episode gives you encouragement, whether you’re thinking about a career shift or working on a big goal of your own. Enjoy the episode, and let me know what you think!

Thanks for listening!

If you need support with your career:
call me on 07833 593875
email [email protected]
visit www.bravocoaching.co.uk

Previous Episode

116. Building Resilience for Mid-Career Change with Russell Harvey

In Episode 116 of the Mid-Career Change podcast, I speak with Russell Harvey, executive coach, public speaker, and Managing Director of The Resilience Coach.

Russell has over 20 years of experience helping professionals build resilience and navigate career challenges with clarity and confidence.

This episode explores why resilience is more than just “bouncing back.” Russell shares practical strategies for mid-career professionals, including:

Identifying your strengths and aligning them with your values.
Using optimism to overcome fear during transitions.
Developing clarity and purpose to make confident career decisions.

Russell also shares real-life client stories, like a director who transformed their career by aligning their work with their core values.

If you’re feeling stuck or ready to pivot, this episode is packed with insights to help you take control of your career trajectory and thrive amidst uncertainty.

Thanks for listening!

If you need support with your career:
call me on 07833 593875
email [email protected]
visit www.bravocoaching.co.uk

Next Episode

118. Delight in the Limelight – Speaking with Confidence with Linda Ugelow

In this episode, I’m joined by Linda Ugelow — a speaking confidence coach and author of Delight in the Limelight. Linda helps professionals overcome the fear of being seen and heard, whether on stage, in meetings, or in front of a camera.

We explore a powerful idea: that fear isn’t something to crush or push through — it’s a messenger. And often, those of us going through mid-career change are stepping into greater visibility at work, which brings old fears and self-doubt to the surface.

Linda shares why traditional advice like “just do it scared” often falls short, and what to do instead. We discuss the deeper roots of speaking anxiety, the importance of healing the inner critical voice, and how past experiences shape our present fears.

You’ll also hear practical advice on dealing with impostor syndrome, handling mistakes while speaking, and feeling more confident in front of an audience.

Whether you want to raise your profile, lead with more confidence, or stop dreading presentations and speaking opportunities, this conversation offers insight and encouragement.

If you’re ready to step into the limelight — and maybe even enjoy it — this episode is for you.

Thanks for listening!

If you need support with your career:
call me on 07833 593875
email [email protected]
visit www.bravocoaching.co.uk