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No Plan, No Problem: How to Switch Careers and Still Succeed
In this episode of Work It Like a Mum, I’m joined by Nicola Stevenson, Branch Manager at Jewson Orkney. Her career path is anything but traditional — from banking, to whisky distilling, to running a builders’ merchant — all while raising a family in the remote but stunning Orkney Islands.
We chat about:
- What it’s really like to live and work on a remote Scottish island
- Nicola’s bold career pivots — and what she’s learned from each one
- How she landed a management role with zero prior experience in the industry
- Island-life perks (and quirks): from Navy boat rides to surprise royal visits
- The truth about imposter syndrome, leading a 17-person team, and learning to switch off
It’s a refreshingly honest chat about figuring it out as you go, backing yourself, and saying “yes” — even when you're not 100% sure how it’ll pan out.
Key Takeaways:
🚀 You don’t need a plan — just the guts to say yes and figure it out.
🌴 Island life is magical and messy — close-knit, remote, and full of surprises.
💬 Imposter syndrome? Totally normal. Feel it, but don’t let it stop you.
🤝 Lead by doing. Get stuck in, stay hands-on, and back your team.
🌿 Switching off is a skill. Sometimes you need to physically leave to truly rest.
If you’ve ever thought about changing careers, chasing a slower pace of life, or wondered whether you’re just winging it — this one’s for you.
Show Links:
Connect with Nicola on LinkedIn here
Visit Jewson’s website here
Connect with our host, Elizabeth Willetts here
Support the show
Sign up for our newsletter and never miss an episode!
Follow us on Instagram.
Join over 1 million customers and counting who are saving money on their household bills with Utility Warehouse. Discover how much you can save here.
And here's your invite to our supportive and empowering Facebook Group, Work It Like a Mum - a supportive and safe networking community for professional working mothers. Our community is full of like-minded female professionals willing to offer support, advice or a friendly ear. See you there!
View all episodes
By Elizabeth WillettsIn this episode of Work It Like a Mum, I’m joined by Nicola Stevenson, Branch Manager at Jewson Orkney. Her career path is anything but traditional — from banking, to whisky distilling, to running a builders’ merchant — all while raising a family in the remote but stunning Orkney Islands.
We chat about:
- What it’s really like to live and work on a remote Scottish island
- Nicola’s bold career pivots — and what she’s learned from each one
- How she landed a management role with zero prior experience in the industry
- Island-life perks (and quirks): from Navy boat rides to surprise royal visits
- The truth about imposter syndrome, leading a 17-person team, and learning to switch off
It’s a refreshingly honest chat about figuring it out as you go, backing yourself, and saying “yes” — even when you're not 100% sure how it’ll pan out.
Key Takeaways:
🚀 You don’t need a plan — just the guts to say yes and figure it out.
🌴 Island life is magical and messy — close-knit, remote, and full of surprises.
💬 Imposter syndrome? Totally normal. Feel it, but don’t let it stop you.
🤝 Lead by doing. Get stuck in, stay hands-on, and back your team.
🌿 Switching off is a skill. Sometimes you need to physically leave to truly rest.
If you’ve ever thought about changing careers, chasing a slower pace of life, or wondered whether you’re just winging it — this one’s for you.
Show Links:
Connect with Nicola on LinkedIn here
Visit Jewson’s website here
Connect with our host, Elizabeth Willetts here
Support the show
Sign up for our newsletter and never miss an episode!
Follow us on Instagram.
Join over 1 million customers and counting who are saving money on their household bills with Utility Warehouse. Discover how much you can save here.
And here's your invite to our supportive and empowering Facebook Group, Work It Like a Mum - a supportive and safe networking community for professional working mothers. Our community is full of like-minded female professionals willing to offer support, advice or a friendly ear. See you there!