Get A Shift On: Healthcare Career Change and Business Stories

In this inspiring episode of "Get a Shift On," I sit down with Dr Becky Howie, a former GP from Scotland who made a bold transition from the NHS to founding her own business, Maldon Lifestyle Limited.

Becky shares her journey into the world of lifestyle medicine;a field focused on holistic health and disease prevention through lifestyle changes. She is a dedicated health professional with a passion for empowering individuals to lead healthier lives. She has worked as an NHS GP for over 15 years and has developed a special interest in Lifestyle Medicine. She started Maldod Life just over a year ago a business that offers private health care and wellness coaching.

She talks with me about her how her personal experiences and passion for patient-centered care led her to embrace this new path, offering insights into the challenges and rewards of leaving a traditional medical career for a more fulfilling and flexible approach to healthcare and self-employment.

She may no longer be a full time GP but she actively participates in the Scottish Government's National Menopause Network meetings, thus remaining engaged with the latest developments and best practices in women’s health care.

Tune in to this episode to explore the transformative powerof lifestyle medicine and Dr Becky's vision for the future of health and wellness.

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Maldod LIfe - https://maldodlife.co.uk/

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

Chapters

00:00 From GP to Entrepreneur: A Journey of Change

05:46 Balancing Act: Managing a Side Hustle and Family Life

11:00 The Challenges of Transitioning from NHS to Private Practice

14:59 The State of the NHS: A System in Crisis

22:27 Navigating Guilt and Finding Purpose in Private Care

27:54 The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health

30:26 Navigating the Challenges of Digital Life

35:00 Finding Balance in a Tech-Driven World

40:03 Making the Leap: Transitioning Careers

43:20 Financial Planning for Career Changes

46:55 Looking Ahead: Future Aspirations and Goals

In this episode, I sit down with Oli Russell-Cowan, a global brand strategist, founder of Unchartered Territory, and someone I’ve known since our school days. We rewind the clock to our boarding school years and explore how Oli's love for skateboarding, surfing, and taking the unconventional route shaped his career.

Oli opens up about his journey from chasing waves to shaping culturally relevant brands, including time at Liquid Death and building global events platform Rad Season. He talks candidly about launching his own agency, the risks of entrepreneurship, and why understanding people matters more than any marketing funnel.

We dig into team dynamics, how to stay grounded in a world of AI and rapid change, and what it really takes to turn passion into a career without losing your grip on reality (or the market).

If you're navigating a career change, building something from scratch, or just wondering how to make a living doing what you love , you will enjoy this episode.

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Plus here is Unchartered Territory links:

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

00:00 Revisiting Old Friendships

02:25 Career Journey and Life Changes

04:56 The Birth of Rad Season

07:23 The Impact of Liquid Death

09:55 Embracing Rebellion in Marketing

12:21 Lessons from Liquid Death

14:41 Navigating Bad Days

17:03 The Importance of Team Dynamics

19:37 Starting Uncharted Territory

22:16 Lifestyle Marketing Explained

24:40 The Role of AI in Business

27:25 Future Plans for Uncharted Territory

In this episode of 'Get a Shift On', I speak with Christi Urman about her career journey from healthcare to corporate roles, the challenges faced in the healthcare system, and the importance of adaptability in one's career.

We discuss the impact of COVID-19, lessons learned from cancer research, and the significance of perspective in professional growth. We talk about how early jobs can shape career paths in unexpected ways and conclude with reflections on future aspirations and the importance of work-life balance.

Christi is an account manager at LeanTaaS, a leading healthcare technology company that helps healthcare organizations optimize their operations and outcomes. Christi has over 25 years of experience in healthcare related fields, including project management, clinical research, and oncology.Follow Christi here:

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Career Transitions

02:31 Current Role in Healthcare Optimization

05:56 Navigating Challenges in the Healthcare System

09:36 Early Career and Transition to Corporate

13:03 The Impact of COVID-19 on Careers

17:05 Experiences in Cancer Research

18:13 Lessons Learned from Patients

20:13 Embracing Change and Resilience

23:38 Seasonality in Careers

27:23 The Importance of Perspective in Work

31:15 Current Season and Future Aspirations

33:38 Balancing Work and Family Life

39:34 Defining Personal Work-Life Balance

41:29 Navigating Career Transitions

42:09 Cultural Differences: Language and Communication

46:12 Food and Culinary Experiences Across Cultures

In this episode David spoke to Dale Triffitt about his journey from working in supermarkets to founding Groberri, a business focused on providing HR support and leadership training for small businesses.

Dale is the founder of Groberri, a Devon HR and leadership consultancy that cuts through the jargon to deliver down-to-earth support for businesses. With a background in leading teams and a passion for helping managers lead with confidence, Dale works with organisations of all sizes  from hands-on business owners to first-time team leaders, offering practical advice that actually works.

Through Groberri, Dale’s on a mission to improve people’s world's one workplace at a time.

David and Dale discuss the importance of HR in fostering a positive workplace culture, the challenges he faced in his career, and how personal struggles shaped his professional path. Dale emphasises the need for authentic leadership and community support for entrepreneurs, and he outlines his future aspirations for Groberri HR, including writing a book on simple leadership and creating a supportive online community for business owners.

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Feeling stuck in your career? Discover if it's time for a change!⁠ ⁠Take my quiz and explore your career potential today!⁠

Chapters

0:00 Introduction to Dale Triffitt and His Journey

03:06 The Role of HR in Small Businesses

06:02 Early Work Experiences and Lessons Learned

12:14 Transitioning to Leadership Roles

18:08 Personal Challenges and Their Impact on Career

24:04 Innovative Approaches in Business and Leadership

29:59 The Shift to Entrepreneurship and Branding

37:00 Breaking Free: The Push to Change Careers

39:37 The Entrepreneurial Spark: Finding New Opportunities

41:53 Trusting Your Gut: Navigating Business Decisions

44:02 Authenticity in Business: Embracing Your Unique Path

46:20 Life-Changing Moments: The Impact of Personal Challenges

51:23 Reigniting Passion: Rediscovering Career Goals

56:49 Overcoming Adversity: The Journey to Sobriety

01:00:24 Taking Action: Launching Growberry

01:04:05 Building a Community: Supporting Everyday Entrepreneurs

01:07:56 Advice for the Stuck: Mapping Your Career Path

In this episode, I’m joined by Chris Fleet, founder and CEO of The Devon Clinic—a Torbay-based charity that puts people before profit. Chris shares his incredible journey from building sites, animal rescue, business owner to charity leader, revealing what it really takes to run a successful not-for-profit organisation in today’s world.

We talk entrepreneurship, which came to Chris at a young age, community impact, and the raw realities of leading charity in a tough environment. Chris also shares valuable advice for anyone starting or running a charity, NPO, or indeed any business ,and it’s gold for any founder looking to do more than just chase profit.

Plus, we spotlight The Devon Clinic’s upcoming Three Peaks Yorkshire Challenge in July, raising vital funds to support their mental health services across Torbay and how you can be part of this challenge and support the team.

Whether you're building a business, a charity or changing lives through in some other way, this one’s for you.

Follow Chris and the Team:

You can help support Chris and indeed contact the team for help using the following link:The Devon Clinic / 01803503000

You can find info about the Yorkshire Three Peaks here.

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Get Help:

Domestic Abuse in Torbay

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Feeling stuck in your career? Discover if it's time for a change! ⁠Take my quiz and explore your career potential today!

In this episode, I speak to Tracey Clay, from Pivotal Partnerships, who shares her unique career journey from a traditional secretary to running her own consultancy. Once Tracey stepped into recruitment she never looked back.

Tracey discusses the evolution of work, the importance of flexibility in career transitions, and the changing dynamics of the workforce. She reflects on her decision to start her own business at 50, the challenges of being a solo entrepreneur, and the significance of building a supportive community.

Tracey emphasizes the need for individuals to take control of their careers and embrace change, while also highlighting the importance of self-reflection and personal development.

Tracey has led national talent strategies, and is a qualified and accredited coach with the Association for Coaching, an Emotional Intelligence Practitioner accredited with RocheMartin. The conversation was fantastic and a real insight. Thank you Tracey.Follow Tracey:Tracey Clay’s career is a brilliant example of how squiggly paths often lead to the most fulfilling work. From her early days in freight sales, retail training, and executive support roles, to coaching gymnasts in her spare time, she’s always had a knack for developing people – even before it became her profession.Tracey's LinkedInPivotal Partnership

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Feeling stuck in your career? Not sure if it's just that Monday feeling?

Discover if it's time for a change!⁠ ⁠Take my quiz and explore your career potential today!⁠

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Career Journeys

01:10 Tracey's Early Career and Aspirations

09:07 Transitioning Through Life and Work

14:05 The Evolution of Work and Flexibility

16:24 Changing Perspectives on Career Paths

19:34 The Importance of Career Development

28:18 Starting a Business at 50

29:33 Navigating Change and Personal Growth

32:34 Embracing Entrepreneurship During Uncertain Times

36:54 The Vulnerability of Going Solo

40:18 Building a Supportive Network

43:48 Finding Freedom and Control in Business

49:12 Visualizing Success and Overcoming Doubts

In this episode, I sit down with health and wellbeing expert Sarah Ariaudo as we chat about our previous roles, both in cancer care, and how she has navigated the stress of clinical work and being a "road warrior!"

Sarah shares her powerful story of leaving the corporate world behind after facing chronic stress and burnout, and how she found her way into wellness, coaching, yoga, and breath work.

We talk honestly about what chronic stress actually looks like and how it wears you down, and what it takes to come back.

Sarah shares with me how simple breath work practices can shift your state, why mindfulness and self-care aren’t luxuries how coaching plays a crucial role in personal development and avoiding burnout.

If you’re in a healthcare or education environment, looking to change career or just trying to be a more present in a chaotic world this episode is ideal!

Follow Sarah:Sarah Ariaudo is an executive health and wellness expert with 15+ years of experience in workplace well-being and strengths-based leadership. Certified in positive psychology, health coaching, and breathwork, she helps leaders and teams build resilience, foster trust, and enhance performance. Using Strengths assessments and proven techniques, Sarah empowers organizations to unlock potential, cultivate connection, and create thriving, high-performing cultures.

www.sarahariaudo.comFollow David / Via Nova here:

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Feeling stuck in your career? Not sure if it's just that Monday feeling?

Discover if it's time for a change! ⁠Take my quiz and explore your career potential today!Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:37 Journey from Clinical to Corporate

06:05 Understanding Stress and Its Sources

09:02 Reflections on Clinical Work and Stress

11:49 The Road Warrior Experience

14:46 The Impact of Yoga on Well-being

17:19 Becoming a Yoga Instructor

20:27 Current Coaching and Yoga Practices

24:31 The Transformative Power of Breath Work

27:46 Getting Started with Breath Work and Meditation

30:49 Overcoming Resistance in Coaching

32:53 The Unique Approach of Sarah Ariaudo

35:04 Books and Their Impact on Healing

42:03 Future Plans and Retreats

In this episode, I speak with Paul Banks about his career change journey from retail to launching his own business, Javelin Content.

We explore the realities of career change and entrepreneurship, digging into why video content and personal branding matter more than ever in today’s marketing landscape.

Paul shares the ups and downs of content creation, how he navigated uncertainty, and what it really takes to step into a new direction professionally.

We also touch on the role of neurodiversity in the workplace, the importance of self-discovery, and why waiting for the “perfect time” to make a change might be holding you back.

If you're thinking about your own professional growth or considering a career change, this conversation offers insight without the sugar-coating.

Follow Paul here:

Paul Banks is the founder of Javelin Content Management, a company that helps podcast hosts, coaches, and B2B consultants repurpose their long-form content into high-converting digital assets. With a sharp focus on visibility and consistency, Paul’s team transforms just 30 minutes of content into 200–300 unique pieces every month — making it easy for busy entrepreneurs to stay top-of-mind without burning out.

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YouTube

Weekly Newsletter, The Content Classroom

Podcast – Marketpulse: Pros & Pioneers

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Feeling stuck in your career? Discover if it's time for a change! ⁠Take my quiz and explore your career potential today!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Paul and Javelin Content

01:00 Paul's Journey: From Software Engineer to Content Creator

05:53 The Power of Video Content in Marketing

11:01 Javelin's Unique Approach to Content Creation

16:10 Overcoming Challenges in Video Production

19:33 Networking and Career Transitions

22:20 Breaking Point: The Journey to Change

26:37 Identifying Transferable Skills

29:30 The 2% Club: Seeking Help and Taking Action

32:02 Leveraging LinkedIn for Networking

36:07 Embracing Neurodiversity as a Superpower

43:02 Living with Purpose: Impressing Your Younger and Older Self

In this episode of Get a Shift On, I discuss my mission to help 1,000 people quit unhappy jobs & figure out what’s next!I emphasize the importance of job satisfaction and mental health, and share some of my personal journey. I also discuss the development of my framework for helping people do this, the Personal Exit Plan which is designed to guide people through the process of career change.

I also explain why I offer this service for free, aiming to empower individuals without the burden of financial pressure.

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Feeling stuck in your career? Discover if it's time for a change! ⁠Take my quiz and explore your career potential today! 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Career Transition

00:26 The Mission to Help Others

03:23 The Personal Exit Plan

07:06 Empowering Career Change

08:27 Conclusion and Call to Action

In this episode of 'Get a Shift On', I speak with Justine Mitchell-Pearce, an HR professional who transitioned from pub management to corporate HR and eventually started her own business.

Justine shares her career journey, the challenges she faced, and the importance of finding the right coaching and support to help aide in personal and professional growth.

We discuss the changing perceptions of HR, the emotional toll of redundancy, and the value of experience in navigating the workplace. Justine emphasises the need for proactive HR practices and the importance of investing in oneself for career success.

Justine is an HR professional with over 25 years’ experience across a wide range of multi million pound industries. With a wealth of experience in providing HR services to small and medium businesses and organisations across SW Devon and Cornwall, Justine has a clear understanding of the priorities for SMEs and supports businesses through proactive HR solutions.Follow Justine:

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Feeling stuck in your career? Discover if it's time for a change! ⁠Take my quiz and explore your career potential today! Chapters

00:00 Justine's Journey: From Pub Management to HR

05:03 Navigating Challenges: Health Issues and Business Coaching

09:55 The Role of HR: Breaking Stigmas and Empowering Businesses

14:50 Personal Growth: Understanding Menopause and Its Impact

20:05 Resilience in Redundancy: Turning Setbacks into Opportunities

22:05 Navigating Redundancy: A New Beginning

25:31 The Leap into Franchising: A Personal Journey

28:29 The Importance of Coaching and Mentorship

32:24 Investing in Yourself: The Value of Coaching

38:10 Top Tips for Transitioning from Corporate to Franchise

41:29 Changing Attitudes: The Future of Work and HR