What if everything you've been told about career success is completely wrong?
In this inaugural episode of Successful AF, host Jess West sits down with arts professional Chloe Hodge for a raw conversation about career change confidence, ditching the prestige trap, and finding fulfilling work that aligns with your values.

Chloe's career transition from struggling on £8.55/hour at the Royal Academy to running international arts projects in Ukraine showcases female entrepreneurship in creative fields. She shares honest insights about creative career advice, why she chose passion over high-paying graduate schemes, and how trusting your instincts can lead to professional fulfillment.

Perfect for listeners seeking confidence tips for major life decisions and career motivation to pursue meaningful work.

• Guest Name: Chloe Hodge
• Bio: Program Director running artist projects and architectural heritage restorations in Ukraine during the full-scale invasion. Creative industry professional with experience across prestigious London institutions including the Royal Academy of Arts. Holds a Master's in Curating from the Royal College of Art.

Episode Outline

1. Building Career Confidence: The £8.55 Decision That Changed Everything
   • Why Chloe chose purposeful work over lucrative graduate schemes
   • Confidence tips for following your instincts over financial security
2. Creative Industry Reality Check: From Prestige to Breakdown
   • What it's really like working at "dream" institutions
   • Recognizing when success on paper doesn't equal personal fulfillment
   • The danger of seeking external validation in creative careers
3. Female Entrepreneurship: Redefining Success on Your Own Terms
   • How Chloe redefined success throughout her career journey
   • Professional development through meaningful relationships and projects
4. Career Transition Breakthrough: From Breakdown to New Beginnings
   • The conversation that gave her permission to make a career change
   • Overcoming financial barriers in creative industries
   • Confidence building strategies for naturally introverted professionals
5. Purpose-Driven Work: Leading Projects in a War Zone
   • Female leadership in international creative projects
   • How crisis brings out the best in workplace culture
   • Work-life balance lessons from a broken ankle

Key Takeaways for Career Success

• Trust your intuition - even when it doesn't make logical sense
• Prestige doesn't equal happiness or professional fulfilment
• Sometimes you need the "wrong" job to appreciate meaningful work
• Career success means integrity, supportive relationships, and purpose
• Financial barriers in creative industries are real but not insurmountable
• Authenticity beats trying to fit into the wrong environment

Love this episode? Hit subscribe and leave us a review! And if you know someone who's redefining success on their own terms, nominate them at [email protected] - we're always looking for incredible people to feature.

Connect with Jess:

Instagram: @kalicoaching.co

Website: www.kalicoaching.co.uk