Get A Shift On: Healthcare Career Change and Business Stories

In this episode of 'Get a Shift On', I speak to another David! David Crawford from Drakewalls Marketing as he shares his journey from being a musician t running his own marketing agency and all that goes with a career change, indeed career development like that.

We discuss the challenges of starting a business, the importance of having a solid marketing strategy, and the balance between practical experience and formal qualifications.

David emphasises the need for self-belief and confidence in overcoming rejection, while also exploring the evolution of marketing in the digital age.

David also provides valuable tips for aspiring entrepreneurs on how to effectively start their own businesses and navigate the marketing landscape.

David's BioDavid grew up in Edinburgh and following his passion for music, moved to London in 2007. After working as an in-house Marketing Manager David went on to setup Drakewalls Marketing as well as establishing two 6-figure ecommerce businesses with his wife, Lucy. Away from work David has a passion for the outdoors and can often be found paddleboarding his way round the Devon coast. 

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David Crawford

Drakewalls Marketing

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⁠⁠⁠⁠Via Nova Website⁠⁠⁠

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 Change and Marketing Journey

03:42 From Music to Marketing: A Unique Transition

06:44 Building a Marketing Agency: The Early Days

09:49 The Importance of Self-Belief in Business

12:38 Handling Rejection and Building Confidence

16:03 The Value of Practical Experience Over Qualifications

19:04 Adapting to Changes in Marketing Strategies

21:58 Old School vs. New School Marketing Techniques

24:58 Creative Marketing Campaigns: Thinking Outside the Box

27:47 Understanding Your Audience: The Key to Success

30:41 Starting Your Own Business: Essential Tips

33:51 Navigating the Challenges of Entrepreneurship

40:36 Starting a Business: Key Mistakes to Avoid

43:18 Maximizing Google Ads: Strategies and Tips

46:27 Building a Business on a Budget: Real-Life Insights

49:42 Drake Walls Marketing: Services and Final Thoughts

49:53 End Credits

In this episode I speak with John Lamerton an ex civil servant and now successful entrepreneur, lifestyle business owner and author. We explore his journey of career change, the importance of mindset, and the role of desire in achieving success.

We discuss the challenges of transitioning from a secure job to entrepreneurship, the necessity of self-education, and the significance of taking action. and we look at the 5 magic ingredients needed.

We chat through th need for a supportive environment, understanding one's target market, and the balance between financial needs and personal fulfillment and what you are willing to do to achieve this...or not!

Ultimately, the conversation highlights the importance of freedom in work and life, and the continuous journey of self-discovery and growth.

I highly recommend John's books to anyone who is looking at career change or starting their own business!

Follow John:

John's LinkedIn

⁠Big Idea⁠

⁠Get his books here⁠

Follow David / Via Nova here:

⁠⁠⁠David's LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠Via Nova LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠Via Nova Website⁠⁠

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 Intro

00:49 From School to Civil Service: A Career Journey

07:08 The Birth of an Entrepreneur

16:15 Reflections on Success and Wealth

18:27 The Illusion of Success

22:22 Redefining Success and Freedom

24:37 The Shift in Priorities

27:11 The Wake-Up Call

29:33 Generational Perspectives on Work

36:01 Navigating Support and Doubt

36:47 Transitioning from Employment to Entrepreneurship

39:40 The Role of Fear in Decision Making

42:16 Discovering Passion Through Marketing

44:43 The Importance of Desire and Drive

47:06 Shifting Perspectives on Financial Success

49:28 Triggers for Career Change

51:54 Finding Freedom in Entrepreneurship

54:39 The Weight of Responsibility in Business

57:17 Balancing Work and Life

01:00:18 Reflections on the Entrepreneurial Journey

01:03:03 Embracing Freedom in Work and Life

01:06:02 The Power of Action Over Procrastination

01:09:10 Creating a Productive Environment

01:12:50 Identifying Key Actions for Progress

01:17:25 Starting Small: The Importance of First Steps

01:22:48 Balancing Financial Needs with Personal Goals

01:24:43 Thank You

This week I spoke with John Lamerton, author, entrepreneur and ex-civil servant about his path to a career change.

The full episode will be released next week but here is a little teaser ...

Follow John:

Big Idea

Get his books here

Follow David / Via Nova here:

⁠⁠David's LinkedIn⁠⁠

⁠⁠Via Nova LinkedIn⁠⁠

⁠⁠Via Nova Website⁠

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 with Don Armand, an ex-Exeter Chiefs and England rugby player, who shares his journey from professional sports to business.

Don discusses his early life in Zimbabwe, the challenges of transitioning from rugby to a business career, and the importance of leadership and personal development.

He emphasises the significance of taking action, navigating change, and the role of mentorship in personal growth.

Don also reflects on the impact of identity on career transitions and the importance of surrounding oneself with the right influences.

The conversation concludes with Don's aspirations for the future and his desire to create a lasting legacy through his work.

Follow Don:

Identity Human Website

Sampsonarmand

LinkedIn Don

Follow David / Via Nova here:

⁠David's LinkedIn⁠

⁠Via Nova LinkedIn⁠

⁠Via Nova Website

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 Background and Early Life

08:40 Transition to South Africa and Schooling

14:34 Leadership and Management Insights

17:51 The Moth and The Spider

19:43 Building Blocks of Character in Sports

22:42 Temperament vs. Personality: Understanding Ourselves

24:31 Childlike Wonder: Embracing Imagination and Curiosity

25:52 Authenticity and Vulnerability: The Journey Within

30:26 Building Walls

31:31 Imagining the Future

32:42 Fear and Love

34:29 The Power of Overconfidence in Learning

38:26 Overconfidence and Learning

40:40 Career Changes: The Role of Confidence

42:24 Gift of Service

44:17 Nature's Balance: The Super Chickens Analogy

45:53 Identity and Career Transitions

50:06 The Impact of Injury on Identity

52:46 Influences and Mentorship

59:18 Navigating Influences in Business

01:01:03 Taking Action and Managing Down Days

01:07:25 Defining Purpose and Legacy

In this episode, I discuss (with a script, yes) the various paths to changing careers, emphasising the importance of taking action and being intentional about career transitions.

I outline five primary paths:

1. The Side Hustle

2. Career Break

3. Redundancy

4. End of an Era, and

5. Quitting

I explore each path exploring with practical advice, real-life examples, and insights into managing the emotional and financial aspects of career change.

I conclude with encouragement to embrace change and take proactive steps towards a fulfilling career.

Are you considering a career change?

Take the quiz here!

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David's LinkedIn

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Via Nova Website

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Career Change Paths

02:14 Exploring the Side Hustle

04:38 The Career Break Option

06:57 Understanding Redundancy as an Opportunity

10:56 Navigating the End of an Era

14:09 The Decision to Quit

17:47 Closing Thoughts on Career Change

In this episode, Karen Simpson from My Primary and Secondary Tutor shares her journey from being a teacher to becoming a successful tuto, entrepreneur and business owner with David.

Karen discusses the challenges and motivations behind her career transition, the guilt associated with leaving the teaching profession, and the importance of having a clear 'why' for making such a significant change.

She emphasises the need for support and mentorship, the financial considerations involved in transitioning careers, and the acceptance of one's identity as a business owner.

Karen and David also reflect on the perceptions of tutoring within the education system, the parallels with healthcare and other public sector jobs and finally Karen's aspirations for the future.

Follow Karen:LinkTree

Find out more about the personalised tutoring Karen and her team offer: My Primary and Secondary Tutor

Follow Me:

LinkedIn - David Birchmore

For more info about Career Change and Transition, visit my website: Via Nova

Also find this episode on YouTube | Get a Shift On

Chapters

00:00 The Unexpected Journey into Tutoring

02:58 From Student to Teacher: A Lifelong Dream

04:37 Navigating Career Breaks and New Opportunities

06:33 The Transition from Teaching to Tutoring

08:47 Passion Ignited

09:28 Finding the Right Moment to Leave Teaching

10:54 Understanding Motivation and Overcoming Guilt

13:12 Building a Business: The Challenges and Rewards

16:13 Creating a Legacy in Education

17:11 The Guilt of Leaving

20:08 The Business Community

20:56 Exploring Identity and Professional Roles

21:26 Transitioning from Teacher to Business Owner

25:04 The Impact of Awards and Recognition

28:05 Navigating Career Transitions and Financial Considerations

31:04 Skills Assessment and Business Planning

35:35 The Importance of Support and Mentorship

36:59 Adapting Plans and Embracing Change

42:35 The Drive Behind Business Success

42:59 Others Seeing Negative Traits

45:15 Embracing Self-Motivation and Visibility

46:27 Navigating Overwhelm in Business

49:30 Facing Fears in Business Transitions

51:58 Seeking Guidance and Building Networks

53:43 Overcoming Negative Perceptions in Education

55:51 The Importance of Collaboration in Education

59:27 Vision for the Future and Legacy

01:03:05 Learning to Say No and Focus on Goals

01:04:51 Key Takeaways for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

It's half term here, so in this episode of 'Get a Shift On', host David interviews three of his children about their thoughts on work, careers, and life.

The conversation explores their aspirations, the importance of enjoying life, and the challenges adults face in their jobs.

The children provide insightful perspectives on happiness, opportunities, and the value of lifelong learning, culminating in valuable life tips for listeners.

Chapters

00:00 Dreams and Aspirations

02:54 The Importance of Happiness in Work

06:00 Defining Success and Life Tips

07:20 Dreams and Aspirations

08:23 Understanding Work and Money

09:59 Advice for Adults

10:55 Top Tips for Life

11:31 Introduction to Career Aspirations

12:51 Poppy's Business Philosophy

15:04 Opportunities and Job Satisfaction

17:36 Advice for Career Transitions

19:47 Poppy's Life Tips

Links:

Via Nova Website

David's LinkedIn

Via Nova LinkedIn

In this conversation,Dr Kyle Stewart, a GP and entrepreneur, shares his journey of balancing a medical career with his entrepreneurial venture, Watercress Research Ltd.

He discusses the challenges and rewards of both fields, the importance of transferable skills, and the resilience required to navigate the failures.

Kyle elaborates on the scientific research behind watercress and its potential health benefits, as well as the financial and personal sacrifices involved in starting a business. He emphasises the value of building a support network and offers advice for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to change career.

Dr Kyle Stewart is a GP in South Devon and CEO / co-founderof Watercress Research Ltd (WRL), a phytochemical research company in Exeter, Devon. WRL is specifically interested in the clinically useful biochemistry of watercress. In January 2024, WRL launched the Prof & Doc watercress skincare range demonstrating efficacy and excellent feedback in a range of skin ailments. This is due to the inherent anti- inflammatory and urease-inhibiting enzymes in watercress. 

The watercress extract used (Watercress Active) is producedin a bespoke biorefinery which was designed, built and commissioned by the WRL team. There are international (UK, EU, US, Canada) patents pending. 

Find Out More at:⁠https://watercressresearch.com/⁠To buy these amazing watercress products visit:⁠www.profanddoc.com⁠

Follow the team on LinkedIn :

https://www.linkedin.com/company/profanddocwatercress⁠

Information about the NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Scheme can be found at:

https://nhscep.com/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Kyle Stewart

02:37 The Journey from Medicine to Entrepreneurship

05:41 The Tough Career Decisions

07:39 Making Extra Money

08:16 Balancing General Practice and Business

09:24 Doing Something Alongside the Day Job

09:59 Transferable Skills

12:32 Forgotten Skills

14:01 Resilience and Learning from Failure

15:07 Imagining a Different Career

16:36 Innovations and Challenges in Watercress Research

18:27 Resilience

19:29 Launching Prof and Doc Products

21:36 Watercress Project

25:01 Innovative Watercress Research and Applications

29:33 Sustainable Practices and Zero Waste Initiatives

31:43 Navigating Financial Challenges in Entrepreneurship

36:43 Peer Support and Networking in Business

41:23 Embracing Uncertainty and the Entrepreneurial Journey

45:09 Taking the First Steps Towards Entrepreneurship

47:46 Product Overview and Market Presence

49:17 Warp Up

In this episode of 'Get a Shift on', David discusses the significance of creating a personal exit plan for career change. He emphasises the importance of having a strategy when transitioning careers, highlighting the need for self-assessment of skills and taking actionable steps towards change.

The conversation encourages listeners to reflect on their skills, seek feedback from others, and take small, deliberate actions to facilitate their career transitions.

Website

LinkedIn

Sick of feeling trapped in a job that no longer feel right?

In this first episode of Get a Shift On, David Birchmore shares his own career shift and how this podcast will help you make yours. Whether you want a complete career change or just more freedom in your current role, you’ll get real advice, expert insights, and stories from those who’ve done it.

It’s time to stop overthinking and start taking action—tune in now!

Find out more using the links below;

Website

LinkedIn