In this episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Steve Duke. He shares how redundancy prompted him to take a career break, allowing him to reassess and discover his true professional passions. Steve's story is a testament to the power of sabbaticals in shaping successful careers and creating a life you love. We discuss amongst other topics:
The impact of redundancy and the decision to take a sabbatical
Insights gained during his career break
Transitioning back into the workforce
Strategies for others considering a career break
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Background
01:20 Steve's Sabbatical Story and Motivation for Taking a Sabbatical
05:12 Challenges of Figuring Out What You Want
07:36 Planning and Preparing for the Sabbatical
09:05 Challenges and Mindset on the Road
12:54 Exploring Interests and Prototyping Life
17:11 Maintaining Routine and Discipline
20:01 Reflections on the Sabbatical Experience
25:45 The Power of Deep Conversations and Listening
29:21 Memorable Story: Following the Violin Music
32:06 Cutting the Trip Short: Making Decisions Based on Your Desires
41:31 Finding Job Satisfaction in the Mental Health Space
44:52 Journaling and Following the Breadcrumbs
49:33 Saying Yes to New Experiences and Exploration
52:25 Creating a Life with More Freedom and Fulfillment
Guest bio: Steve Duke is the Founder of the Hemingway Group, a consultancy supporting mental health startups who want to scale their impact. Steve's impressive career history includes valuable experience as a McKinsey consultant, Head of Marketing at LetsGetChecked and former executive at Wayflyer, having joined as one of the first ten employees and playing a pivotal role in scaling the business to unicorn status within three years. For more details and to get in touch with Steve visit his LinkedIn profile here
Additional resources:
The Hemingway Group - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-hemingway-group-mental-health/
The Hemingway Report - https://hemingwayau.substack.com/
Two Roads Podcast - https://stephenduke8.podbean.com/
Other episodes you may enjoy:
Get in touch: If you are interested in sharing your sabbatical story, we would love to hear from you. Buzz us a DM on Instagram - @Sabbatical_Stories or reach out on LinkedIn - Bex Thomas.
Career transition, sabbatical and career break coaching:
As a career transition, sabbatical, and career break coach, I inspire, challenge, and support people like you to create a life that feels deeply aligned with your values, dreams, and authentic self.
Whether you’re craving a new direction, a chance to pause, or the courage to pursue what really matters, I’m here to guide you toward your own version of success on your terms.
Together, we’ll break free from societal blueprints, rewrite the rules, and design a future you’re excited to wake up to.
Learn more here
💫 Ready to make the most of your time away from work
Download my free guide, "5 Ways to Maximise Your Career Break", packed with practical tips and soulful insights to help you pause with purpose and return with clarity.
Whether you're dreaming, planning, or already on sabbatical, this is your essential companion.
👉 Grab your free copy here
With special thanks to:
Aunty B at the Flaxen, our amazing, talented and patient producer whose expertise helps make this podcast shine.
Joanna Cooke, whose soulful blend of smooth vocals we are lucky enough to use throughout the show. Listen and connect with Joanna via your favourite medium:
Website - https://joannacooke.co.uk
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/joannacooke
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/joanna.cooke/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/joannacookemusic/