Get A Shift On: Healthcare Career Change and Business Stories

Feeling stuck in a well-paid job you’ve outgrown? This week I share my own , unfiltered journey, from NHS radiographer to small businesses, to show how tiny steps make big shifts.In this week’s episode, I sit down with myself ( David Birchmore) for a solo “Just Me” conversation on identity, reinvention, and what it really takes to build a life you want.

I cover my path from radiographer in the NHS to global med-tech roles, through redundancy and side hustles (yes, even a bouncy castle company) to launching a cleaning business and a mission to help 1,000 people leave jobs they hate.
You’ll learn practical ways to map your transferable skills, run low-risk experiments, reality-check your finances (time vs money), narrow options without overwhelm, and push past self-doubt and outside opinions.

I try to give you straight-talking on validation, market testing, and the first small actions that build your exit plan.Follow, like, and subscribe for more real stories on career change and how you can create your own exit plan

Follow David / Via Nova here:

⁠⁠David's LinkedIn⁠⁠

⁠⁠Via Nova LinkedIn⁠⁠

⁠⁠Via Nova Website⁠

Free Personal Exit Plan / Work With Me

Frustrated at Work? Want to know if you are ready for a career change? Answer these 10 questions and find out!

#CareerChange #Entrepreneurship #Resilience #Redundancy #WorkLifeBalance #SideHustle

Chapters:
00:00 Intro & why this episode
00:08 Episode 29 gratitude & purpose
01:39 First guest shout-out (Dr. Kyle Stewart & watercress)
03:31 Childhood dream of medicine & early pivot
04:44 NHS radiography and reality check
06:52 Corporate med-tech, travel & chasing titles
08:51 Parenthood, priorities & time vs money
10:00 Leaving London for Devon—first big leap
11:28 Lightbulb moment: starting the bouncy castle business
12:43 Redundancy, COVID & launching a cleaning business
14:58 Seeing the bigger mission: helping people
17:00 Goal: help 1,000 people make a career change
18:59 Don’t wait—start with one small step
20:42 You’re not “just a” job title: mapping skills
23:55 Imagination exercise: design your future
25:51 Affordability & lifestyle trade-offs
28:50 Time richness vs salary
30:26 Narrowing options: start with the “no” list
32:23 Overcoming self-doubt & unhelpful opinions
35:59 Validation & market research that actually helps
38:16 Start small, keep going & wrap-up

From corporate life and a café to pet portraits and menopause coaching, Andrea Clare rebuilt on her own terms. This is a practical, human conversation about career change, creativity, and midlife support.

In this week’s episode, I sit down with Andrea Clare - The Creative Pause Coach - who spent 20 years in the corporate world, raised a family, owned a café, and then rediscovered art at 57. 

After a difficult perimenopause, she blended creativity with evidence-based menopause knowledge to help women thrive through her programme “Eat Sleep Pause Create,” and she’s created the Scottish ‘Pause Summit—a holistic wellness day in Glasgow City Centre on Saturday 25 October featuring experts and workshops.

You’ll hear honest lessons on reinvention, how creative practice builds resilience in midlife, and what real business support looks like when you’re changing direction. Expect practical guidance on peri/meno/post-menopause, simple routines that boost confidence and energy, and actionable steps for designing your own exit plan.

Andrea’s Links:

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreaclareart

Website – https://scottishpausesummit.co.uk

Instagram (Andrea Clare Art) – https://www.instagram.com/andreaclareart.uk

Instagram (Scottish Pause Summit) – https://www.instagram.com/scottish_pause_summit

Facebook (Andrea Clare Art) - https://www.facebook.com/andreaclareart

Facebook (Scottish Pause Summit) – https://www.facebook.com/scottishpausesummit

Tickets – https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1353424090889?aff=oddtdtcreator

Follow David / Via Nova

David's LinkedIn⁠⁠

⁠⁠Via Nova LinkedIn⁠⁠

⁠⁠Via Nova Website⁠

Free Personal Exit Plan / Work With Me

Frustrated at Work? Want to know if you are ready for a career change? Answer these 10 questions and find out!

Follow, like, and subscribe for more real stories on career change and how you can create your own exit plan.

#CareerChange #Entrepreneurship #Menopause #WomensHealth #Creativity #Midlife

Chapters

00:00 Andrea Clare's Journey: From Corporate to Creativity

08:57 Understanding Menopause: A Personal Perspective

18:49 The Impact of Menopause on Women and Work

25:45 The Scottish Paws Summit: Empowering Women Through Creativity

33:54 Navigating Menopause: Tips for Women in the Workplace

39:20 Thanks and Close

Shouting into the void on socials? Heidi Medina shows how conversation-first beats algorithms and drives real career change and success.

In this week’s episode, I sit down with Heidi Medina, a 35+ year, 5X entrepreneur and social selling strategist who’s helped 350+ service providers and coaches spark intentional online conversations that connect and sell, without the awkward pitch. 

Now based in Portugal, Heidi frees clients from algorithm-chasing by turning comments and connections into paying work and collaborations through conversation-first marketing. You’ll hear how that approach grew from her own five-business journey, landscaping, cleaning, enterprise social, and more.

You’ll learn a practical framework for writing meaningful comments, why “great post” stalls relationships, and how to redefine conversions (follows, DMs, invites) so your pipeline reflects real human momentum. 

We also cover resilient career change: patient timelines, learning from failure, and why proactive follow-up ends more sales droughts than any content hack.

Follow Heidi:

LinkedIn

Substack

Connect & Collab Networking Event

Follow David / Via Nova here:

⁠⁠David's LinkedIn⁠⁠

⁠⁠Via Nova LinkedIn⁠⁠

⁠⁠Via Nova Website⁠

Free Personal Exit Plan / Work With Me

Frustrated at Work? Want to know if you are ready for a career change? Answer these 10 questions and find out!

 #CareerChange #Entrepreneurship #SocialSelling #ConversationMarketing #LinkedInTips #Networking

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome & “Take Two” intro

00:51 First business at 13: $300 → $1,100 flowers

04:23 From layoff to cleaning biz, then enterprise social & coaching

06:43 Uni vs real-world skills; $60k lessons

10:32 AI, digital safety & what schools miss

13:42 Gen X as the bridge generation

15:23 Craigslist lessons & early online marketing

18:20 Conversation-first marketing vs content-first

20:16 Build trust by talking (not broadcasting)

21:40 Autism, entrepreneurship & why corporate didn’t fit 25:19 People work differently; manage to strengths

28:38 Youth entrepreneurship & changing workplaces

33:50 Human detail vs generic AI content

35:19 A comment framework that actually connects

37:40 Why “Great post” isn’t a strategy

44:35 Better to say nothing than “well done”?

48:14 Stop chasing impressions; chase conversations

50:49 Redefining conversions: follows, DMs, invites

53:35 Ending threads & doing the follow-up

56:31 Top 3 tips for human online conversations

58:47 Career change advice: patience, help, fail forward 1:00:50 Wrap-up & thanks

Made redundant and launched a business the very next day, Aleyx Ward doesn’t wait for permission. In this lively episode she shows how story, not jargon, powers real career change.

In this week’s episode, I sit down with Aleyx Ward, brand storyteller, consultant and host of “Naked at the Top.” Known for turning complex B2B ideas into messages people actually want to hear, she helps founders and leaders show up with clarity, confidence and a little fun; after being made redundant, she registered her company the next day and never looked back.
You’ll learn how to translate strategy into simple, sticky messaging, use personal brand to open doors, and turn setbacks like redundancy into momentum.

We dig into journaling to unblock decisions, using impulsivity as a creative edge, and practical ways to pivot offers, ask for the right advice, and speak with stories that land.

Follow Aleyx:

• LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/aleyxward/
• Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/aleyxfward/
• Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/corestorybrand

Follow David / Via Nova:

⁠⁠David's LinkedIn⁠⁠

⁠⁠Via Nova LinkedIn⁠⁠

⁠⁠Via Nova Website⁠

Free Personal Exit Plan / Work With Me

Frustrated at Work? Want to know if you are ready for a career change? Answer these 10 questions and find out!

Follow, like, and subscribe for more real stories on career change and how you can create your own exit plan.

#CareerChange #Entrepreneurship #PersonalBranding #BrandStorytelling#B2BMarketing #Resilience

Chapters 

00:00 From Aspiring Journalist to Marketing Professional

03:22 The Impulsive Leap to Australia

06:10 Navigating Career Changes and Redundancy

08:50 The Birth of Core Story

11:24 Embracing Impulsivity in Business

14:01 Reflections on Career Longevity and Change

23:27 The Birth of a Business Idea

26:16 Embracing Change and Impulsivity

28:46 Coping with Setbacks

30:56 The Art of Journaling

34:01 Navigating Business Operations

36:27 Exciting New Projects

37:28 The Joy of Public Speaking

39:10 Crafting Your Personal Story

41:04 Book Recommendations and Life Lessons

42:57 Future Aspirations and Travel Dreams

44:43 Podcast Insights and Human Stories

45:55 End

What happens when a global product lead swaps drum kits for defence? Jules Tabberer shares the real, messy truth about career change, purpose, and saying yes to risk.
In this week’s episode, I sit down with Jules Tabberer, a global product manager who spent 13 years at Roland before making a bold changet from music to defence. Now in the Met Office’s Defence team and serving as an RAF Reservist, Jules shows what reinvention looks like when purpose leads the way.
You’ll learn how to translate creative and commercial skills across industries, test a pivot while protecting family and finances, and build resilience through service. Expect practical takeaways on finding purpose, managing high-travel roles, and the mindset shifts that turn uncertainty into momentum.

Jules' Links:

• LinkedIn: LinkedIn

• Instagram: Instagram

• Facebook: Facebook

• 505 San RAF Reserves: Facebook

• RAF reserves (Facebook): Facebook

• RAF reserves (Instagram): Instagram

• Royal Air Force (Instagram): Instagram

• Royal Air Force (Facebook): Facebook

Follow David / Via Nova:

• David’s LinkedIn: LinkedIn

• Via Nova LinkedIn: LinkedIn

• Via Nova Website: Website

• Free Guides / Work With Me: Start here

• Career Change Quiz: Answer these 10 questions

Follow, like, and subscribe for more real stories on career change and how you can create your own exit plan.

#CareerChange #Entrepreneurship #ProductManagement #MilitaryReserves #DefenceTech #Resilience

Chapters:
00:00 Jules Tabberer: A Journey Through Careers
03:46 From Music to Product Management at Roland
09:02 The Global Experience: Travel and Challenges
13:51 Transitioning to the Met Office
19:58 Joining the RAF Reserves: A New Chapter
24:05 The Journey of a Reservist
27:06 Experiencing Deployment: A New Perspective
29:33 The Importance of Purpose in Career
34:04 Overcoming Challenges and Finding Empowerment
41:00 Advice for Those Stuck in a Career Spiral
43:14 Looking Ahead: Future Aspirations in the Reserves
45:38 End Credits

This special edition of Get a Shift On takes you on a fast-paced journey through the highs, lows, and turning points of real career change.No theory. No sugar-coating. Just the voices of people who have been there, leaving behind safe jobs, making tough sacrifices, and building new lives on their own terms.From the moment they knew they had to walk away, to the challenges that tested their resolve, to the freedom and fulfilment they’ve found on the other side, these are the raw, unfiltered stories of transformation.Featuring highlights from past guests including doctors, entrepreneurs, creatives, and leaders who took the leap, this episode is a snapshot of what it really takes to change your career, and your life.Whether you’re dreaming of your own exit plan or already halfway through it, this is your reminder: change is possible, and it’s worth it.

Follow David / Via Nova here:

⁠⁠David's LinkedIn⁠⁠

⁠⁠Via Nova LinkedIn⁠⁠

⁠⁠Via Nova Website⁠

Free Personal Exit Plan / Work With Me

Frustrated at Work? Want to know if you are ready for a career change? Answer these 10 questions and find out!

Chapters00:00 Introduction00:12 The Moment You Know Things Must Change05:04 Taking the Leap10:23 The Reality of Change13:33 What's Possible14:23 Defining Moments14:31 Journey from Clinical to Corporate14:37 Visualizing Success and Overcoming Doubts14:40 End Credits

In this week’s episode of Get A Shift On, I sit downwith Craig Wood, man who redefines resilience.

Craig is a former British soldier who lost both legs and ahand in Afghanistan. Fast forward to today, and he’s just completed a 90-day solo sail across the Pacific Ocean - that’s 7,500 nautical miles, breaking two world records in the process.

This conversation isn’t just about an epic adventure. It’s about mindset. It’s about what happens when you replace “I can’t” with “Watch me.” Craig shares how small steps, acceptance, and refusing to quit have shaped his life, from recovering in hospital to becoming a professional sailorand now giving back by raising funds for BLESMA and Turn to Starboard, two charities that support injured veterans.

If you’ve ever faced fear, doubt, or change, this episodewill remind you that the biggest failure is not trying.

Listen now and discover why resilience isn’t about being fearless, it’s about showing up anyway

Donate and support Craig’s mission
Follow Craig on Socials:

Instagram

Facebook

TikTok

YouTube

His website can be found here

BLESMA

Turn to Starboard

Follow David / Via Nova:

⁠⁠David's LinkedIn⁠⁠

⁠⁠Via Nova LinkedIn⁠⁠

⁠⁠Via Nova Website⁠

Free Personal Exit Plan / Work With Me

Frustrated at Work? Want to know if you are ready for a career change? Answer these 10 questions and find out!
Follow, like, and subscribe for more real stories on career change and how you can create your own exit plan.

#CareerChange #Resilience #MindsetMatters #Leadership#Entrepreneurship #WorldRecord

#CraigWood #sailing #tripleamputee #military #charity #adventure

Chapters

 00:00 Introduction to Craig Wood's Journey

03:13 Overcoming Adversity: Craig's Military Background

06:10 The Transition to Sailing and Family Life

09:02 Planning the Solo Pacific Voyage

11:41 Acceptance and Resilience in the Face of Challenges

17:08 Daily Life at Sea: Lessons Learned

22:30 Navigating Challenges: Equipment Failures at Sea

27:39 Reflections on Sailing and Life Lessons

34:35 The Challenge of Oceanic Sleep

39:39 Nutrition at Sea: What to Eat and Drink

41:59 The Transition to Land: Cravings and Adjustments

43:47 Adapting Sailing Techniques for Amputees

51:22 Building Resilience: Teaching Life Lessons to Children

01:03:49 End

In this week’s episode, I sit down with Mel, the founder of Body Remedies, who shares her inspiring journey from life on the frontlines as a paramedic to creating a thriving holistic wellbeing business.

After two decades in the NHS, a single life-altering incident pushed her to rethink her future, and ultimately, take the leap into entrepreneurship.

We look into the challenges of leaving a secure career, the emotional rollercoaster of starting something new, and how Mel transformed her passion into a sustainable business.

If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to change careers and back yourself, this episode offers insights, raw honesty, and practical tips you won’t want to miss.

Follow, like, and subscribe for more real stories on career change and how you can create your own career exit plan.

Follow Mel:

Bowen Remedies Website

Bowen Remedies Insta

Mel's LinkedIn

Follow Dave / Via Nova:

⁠⁠David's LinkedIn⁠⁠

⁠⁠Via Nova LinkedIn⁠⁠

⁠⁠Via Nova Website⁠

Free Personal Exit Plan / Work With Me

Frustrated at Work? Want to know if you are ready for a career change? Answer these 10 questions and find out!Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Body Remedies and Mel's Journey

02:48 Transition from Paramedic to Holistic Therapy

05:43 The Impact of Stress and Personal Experiences

08:29 The Bowen Technique Explained

10:56 Building a Business and Overcoming Challenges

13:49 The Role of Networking and Word of Mouth

16:34 Future Aspirations and Work-Life Balance

19:02 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

#CareerChange #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #HealthAndWellbeing #WomenInBusiness #HolisticHealing #nhs

In this week’s episode of Get A Shift On, I sit down with Louise McGuill, a former senior assistant headteacher who made the bold leap from education into entrepreneurship. Louise opens up about the reality of leaving a 16-year teaching career, the challenges of finding transferable skills, and how motherhood became the unexpected catalyst for change.

We talk in depth about her journey from long school hours to building her own copywriting business, the power of mindset, and why community is crucial when starting over. Louise also shares practical advice on creating an exit plan and the importance of retraining without fear. If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s possible to walk away from a career you’ve outgrown, this conversation is for you.

Follow, like, and subscribe for more real stories on career change and how you can create your own exit plan.

Louise's Bio and Links:

Louise teaches service-based entrepreneurs how to own their audience, nurture real relationships, and grow steady leads with a simple sustainable email system…that isn’t going to leave them drowning in overwhelm.

A mum to 2 wildling girls. And, expert teacher, leader and curriculum developer for the last 18 years. 

She now uses her unique skills to unpick the most complex tasks and break them down into manageable, achievable steps that lead seamlessly to success. 

LinkedinJoin her Flock🦩here: https://subscribepage.io/BkhJxG Follow David / Via Nova here:

⁠⁠David's LinkedIn⁠⁠

⁠⁠Via Nova LinkedIn⁠⁠

⁠⁠Via Nova Website⁠

Free Personal Exit Plan / Work With Me

Frustrated at Work? Want to know if you are ready for a career change? Answer these 10 questions and find out!#CareerChange #Entrepreneurship #CopywritingLife #TeacherToEntrepreneur #BusinessGrowth #CareerShift

In this deeply personal episode, I sit down with Tess Lovely, an amazing midwife, mother and raw authenticity, where she shares her incredible journey from midwife to entrepreneur.

Tess opens up about how her career has changed and been rocked at its core, forcing her to confront her mental health, question everything, and ultimately pivot toward building her business, Birth From Within.

We look into the gritty truths of parenting, the overlooked role of fathers in birth, and why support groups aren't just a “nice to have,” they’re essential for maternal mental health and personal growth. Tess shares how she found empowerment in the chaos, healed old wounds, and stepped into her most authentic self, proving that women can create miracles, both in the delivery room and in their own lives.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in a soul-sucking job, suffocated by expectations, or terrified to take a leap into something new, Tess’s story is for you.

This conversation is about midwifery, business, career change, mental health, parenting, and above all, having the grit to follow your heart, even when you can't see the path in front of you.

Expect tears, laughter, blunt honesty, and a whole lot of inspiration. "Life is too damn short not to chase what makes your heart sing."

Follow Tess:

LinkedIn

Instagram

Facebook

Follow David/ Via Nova :

⁠David's LinkedIn⁠⁠

⁠⁠Via Nova LinkedIn⁠⁠

⁠⁠Via Nova Website⁠

Free Personal Exit Plan / Work With Me

Frustrated at Work? Want to know if you are ready for a career change? Answer these 10 questions and find out!Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Tess Lovely and Her Journey

02:01 Tess's Midwifery Career and Personal Challenges

04:50 Transitioning from NHS to Entrepreneurship

07:15 The Importance of Authenticity and Self-Care

09:30 The Three Peaks Challenge: Grit and Determination

12:17 Navigating Family Dynamics and Financial Pressures

14:32 Overcoming Workplace Trauma and Finding Happiness

17:05 The Journey to Authenticity and Self-Discovery

23:01 Transitioning to Birth Education

23:51 Antenatal Education and Support

26:15 Addressing Baby Loss and Birth Trauma

27:45 The Role of Dads in Pregnancy

29:42 Empowering Women Through Birth Keeping

31:44 The Importance of Emotional Wellbeing

35:22 Connecting Pregnancy and Business

37:57 Empowering Families and Support Systems

42:06 Advice for Those Seeking Change