Mid-Career Change

Mid-career change can open the door to fresh possibilities, but it can also bring pressure, uncertainty and moments where clarity feels out of reach. In this episode, I’m joined by Nina Stephenson-Camps, founder of Thrive Always, to explore how we can stay grounded and think clearly during times of transition.Nina specialises in what she calls real-time resilience — simple, practical mindset tools you can use right in the moment when stress rises or your confidence wobbles. Drawing on her experience working with global brands like Google and Microsoft, she shares how people can steady themselves mid-meeting, mid-decision or mid-change without losing momentum.We talk about the pressures many mid-career professionals face, including identity shifts, self-doubt, and the mental overload that comes with exploring new directions. Nina introduces techniques such as the one-minute breathing reset, thought reframing and compassionate pausing, helping you bring calm and clarity back into the moments that matter.We also look at how stress blocks creativity — and how a more settled mindset can help you open up new career possibilities.If you’re navigating a change, feeling stretched, or simply wanting practical ways to think more clearly under pressure, this episode offers grounded tools you can use straight away.https://www.thrive-always.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ninastephensoncamps/Thanks for listening! If you need support with your career:call me on 07833 593875email mark@bravocoaching.co.ukvisit www.bravocoaching.co.uk

This episode marks a special milestone — five years since I launched the podcast back in November 2020. What began as a small experiment during uncertain times has grown into something much bigger: a space for real conversations, practical guidance, and inspiration for anyone navigating their career at mid-life.In this anniversary episode, I’m reflecting on the journey so far, what I’ve learned, and the insights that have come from over 100 episodes and 40+ guest interviews.Here’s what you can expect in today’s show:Lessons from five years of podcasting — from the importance of consistency, to how conversations can shape and change us, to the surprising ways podcasting has helped me develop my voice and write my first book.Five big career insights — the themes that come up again and again in coaching, interviews, and listener stories. These include why clarity comes from action, the hidden power of your network, and why confidence isn’t something you’re born with but something you build.Pathways through the podcast — how I’ve grouped episodes into themes like Taking Stock, Unlocking Career Potential, and Navigating Mid-Career Change, so you can easily find what’s most useful for you.What’s next — my plans for the podcast, my upcoming book Write Your Career, and how the themes of journalling, reflection, and practical action are shaping the next stage of my work.Five years in, the podcast is reaching more listeners than ever before, and I want to thank you for being part of that journey. Whether you’ve listened since Episode 1 or only recently discovered the show, I hope this anniversary reflection inspires you to think about your own career path — and what might be next for you.Thanks for listening! If you need support with your career:call me on 07833 593875email mark@bravocoaching.co.ukvisit www.bravocoaching.co.uk

What if just a few minutes with a pen could change how you see your career?In this episode, I share one of my favourite journaling tools: the Career Highlight Reel. The idea is simple—write down the moments when you’ve felt most alive, proud, or energised in your work. They might be big achievements or small everyday wins, but when you capture them, patterns and strengths start to appear.I first tried this when I was feeling stuck, and it gave me clarity about the kind of work that brought me energy—and the confidence to take new steps. I now use it with clients, and it consistently helps them reconnect with what they do best.Whether you’re exploring a change, growing in your current role, or just needing a boost, the Highlight Reel is a powerful way to see your career differently.Grab a pen and try it for yourself.Thanks for listening! If you need support with your career:call me on 07833 593875email mark@bravocoaching.co.ukvisit www.bravocoaching.co.uk

Being laid off is one of the hardest experiences a professional can face. It’s not just about losing a job or a paycheck — it’s about losing stability, identity, and a sense of direction. The shock can feel overwhelming, and the emotions that follow often mirror the stages of grief.In this episode of Mid Career Change, I sit down with Steve Jaffe, author of The Layoff Journey: From Dismissal to Discovery. Over a 25-year career in advertising and marketing, Steve experienced four layoffs. Each time, he had to face the emotions head-on: denial, pain, negotiation, depression, and eventually acceptance, reconstruction, and renewal. His new book offers a compassionate and practical roadmap through these stages, helping people move from setback to possibility.We talk about why layoffs strike so deeply at our sense of self, why it’s normal to feel anger or shame, and how to begin regaining confidence when the ground beneath you feels uncertain. Steve shares powerful insights from his own story, including how he reframed each layoff as a reset button — an opportunity to reflect on what mattered most and to reimagine the future.What I especially valued in this conversation is Steve’s mix of empathy and practical wisdom. He reminds us that while job loss is painful, it doesn’t define us. He offers strategies for coping with the immediate shock, protecting your self-worth, and taking the first steps towards renewal. And he makes the case that, even in the messy middle of transition, there is always the possibility of growth.If you’ve been laid off, are supporting someone who has, or simply want to build resilience in uncertain times, this episode will give you both comfort and direction.🔗 You can find Steve’s book and learn more about his work at thestevejaffe.comThanks for listening! If you need support with your career:call me on 07833 593875email mark@bravocoaching.co.ukvisit www.bravocoaching.co.uk

Discover the transformative power of writing as a tool for career clarity. The host shares personal experiences from his journey, emphasizing how journaling helped him navigate career crossroads. Learn techniques like free writing and prompts that can lead to new insights. Influential works from thinkers like Elizabeth Gilbert and Julia Cameron shape his approach. The highlight is a quick exercise to identify five words that encapsulate your ideal career, sparking reflection and direction for future decisions.

Join Josh Fineman, a coach and founder of beMoreMensch, as he shares his compelling journey from finance to facilitating men's growth and connection. He discusses the common struggles men face in their 30s and 40s, like feelings of isolation and the search for purpose. Josh emphasizes the transformative power of community, honest dialogue, and journaling for clarity. Discover how subtle shifts, rather than grand transformations, can lead to greater fulfillment in life and work.

Explore the internal challenges that often impede career changes, including fears of regret and doubts about self-worth. Discover practical coaching tools designed to help you confront these hurdles. Learn to ask the right questions, connect with your wiser self, and take small, low-risk steps toward a more fulfilling career. Even if you're feeling stuck or uncertain, this conversation emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and gradual progress in your career journey.

Lindsey Hall, a divorce and intimacy coach with a background in finance, shares her journey of transformation after leaving corporate life. She dives into navigating emotional changes like divorce and co-parenting, emphasizing the importance of self-discovery and setting boundaries. Lindsey offers practical strategies for rebuilding confidence and maintaining connections during life transitions. Her insights highlight the power of seeking support and having honest conversations, making this discussion invaluable for anyone feeling stuck or overwhelmed in their career.

Ever feel like your job just doesn't fit anymore? A personal story from an awards dinner reveals how one can suddenly realize they've outgrown their role. Explore five key signs that suggest it might be time for a change, like feeling underused or disconnected from your purpose. This discussion encourages listeners to pay attention to their feelings and curiosity about new paths. Plus, find out about practical steps to take if you're feeling stuck, including a handy guide to help you decide whether to stay or go.

Mairead Ramonet, a confidence and mindset coach, empowers high-achieving professionals navigating career transitions. She discusses the 'success hangover,' where external achievements clash with internal satisfaction. Mairead highlights signs of being 'secretly stuck' and emphasizes the importance of emotional alignment in career decisions. Listeners learn practical mindset shifts to reconnect with clarity and confidence. The conversation encourages embracing change as a natural evolution rather than a crisis, offering steps to redefine success on personal terms.