Host: Julie Williams, MSc – Executive Coach and Founder of Lighting Fires Guest: Hannah – Former police officer, mother, and carer

Episode Overview:

In this deeply honest episode of The Lighting Fires Podcast, supported by Henley Business School, Executive Coach Julie Williams talks with Hannah about the challenging journey of navigating shifting identity through profound loss and life changes. Hannah shares her experience of moving beyond the roles she once defined herself by; Hannah the copper, Hannah the mum, Hannah the carer, and finding ways to remember who she is when everything else feels unsettled.

They explore how creativity became a vital lifeline amid personal turmoil, and how reconnecting with core values empowered Hannah to make courageous choices, including stepping away from a stressful work environment during the toughest period of her life.

This episode offers powerful reflections on grief, not only for those we lose, but also for futures we had imagined, and how values can guide us toward new beginnings.

Key Topics in This Episode:

• Navigating identity when your life roles shift dramatically

• Using creativity as a tool for healing and self-connection

• Coping with grief from the loss and decline of loved ones

• Recognising the importance of core values in decision-making

• Walking away from unhealthy work situations with clarity and courage

• Finding meaning and freedom amidst uncertainty

Julie's Top Coaching Tips from this Episode:

• Reappraising your values to inform your decisions for each new chapter of your life.

• Exploring each role you've done to date, working out what you've enjoyed, and looking at transferable skills to help you tease out what's your next career move.

• The mantra of no idea is a stupid idea can really liberate your creative thinking.

• What you can do to look forward even when times are hard. Identifying something that has meaning or purpose for you and perhaps makes a difference to others.

Henley Business School

Interested in a career in coaching? Find out about the Professional Certificate in Executive Coaching at Henley Business School here.

Be sure to mention the Lighting Fires Podcast if you do contact Henley Business School.

Connect with Julie Williams:

Website: www.lightingfires.co.uk Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: Julie Williams MSc

If you found this episode helpful, please leave a 5 star rating and review to help others find these real stories and coaching insights.

Artwork by Ian Guppy Music by Penguin Music via Pixabay Produced by Perri Hurley