Career Clarity with Athletes: A 2ndwind Podcast with Ryan Gonsalves

171 - Laura Sidall Gave Up a Corporate Career to Chase Sport at 34, and Built a 10-Year Career in Triathlon


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Laura Sidall didn’t grow up dreaming of world championship podiums. In fact, by the time she started triathlon, she was already deep into a corporate career as an engineer. But something inside her kept whispering, what if you gave sport your all? How good could you be?

So at 34, she left the comfort of her steady salary, moved countries, and bet on herself.

This episode is a raw and powerful conversation about risk, reinvention, and resilience. Laura opens up about what it really takes to succeed as a late starter in pro sport, from hitting her physical peak in her 40s to navigating identity loss after retirement.

If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s too late to start again, this one’s for you.

What You’ll Hear:

  • How Laura transitioned from Shell engineer to full-time athlete at 34
  • Why structure, rest, and recovery were harder to master than training itself
  • The identity crisis of retiring after a decade of elite racing
  • Navigating ambition, ego, and the pressure to "do enough"
  • The grief of letting go and learning to begin again without a finish line
  • What she's learning in her next chapter: giving back, speaking up, and redefining success
  • Why women in sport still need louder, braver advocates, and how she’s showing up for that

Want to Go Deeper?

This isn’t just a story about triathlon. It’s a story about courage, curiosity, and rewriting the rules when everyone thinks it's too late to start.

Laura’s story reminds us that starting over doesn’t mean you failed. Sometimes it’s the bravest next chapter you’ll ever write.

 💼 Want Career Clarity for Your Next Step?

Visit www.2ndwind.io  to book a consultation and explore resources for career transitions.

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Career Clarity with Athletes: A 2ndwind Podcast with Ryan GonsalvesBy Ryan Gonsalves