Have you ever stopped to really listen to what your body and mind are telling you about your work? In this episode, Galina Marcus shares her career flip story, and it’s full of valuable lessons. She started in the fashion industry in Russia, then moved into marketing in the tech world, but eventually, she made the choice to follow her passion for art. Now, she's not only a visual artist and podcast host of In the Art Scene Podcast but also the founder of the San Diego Art Directory, a nonprofit that supports local artists.

Galina’s story is a reminder to listen to yourself and make changes when necessary, even when it's scary. She talks about the power of following your passions and building a career that truly reflects your values. And along the way, she found real fulfillment by connecting with others in her field and creating a supportive community. Her journey also shows us that it’s never too late to pivot and try something new, even if it means starting from scratch.

Episode Takeaways

• Listen to your body and make changes when necessary, even if it's scary.
• Follow your passions and create a career that aligns with your values.
• Building a community and connecting with others in your field can be incredibly fulfilling.
• Don't be afraid to pivot and try new things, even if it means starting from scratch.

Connect with Galina

• San Diego Art Directory
  • Website: https://sandiegoartdirectory.com/ 
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandiegoartdirectory/
• In the Art Scene Podcast
  • Website: https://intheartscene.com
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/in_the_art_scene/ 
• Galina’s Artwork
  • Website: https://galinamarcus.com/ 
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/galinamarcus_art/

Thanks for tuning in to The Career Flipper!

If this episode made you think, laugh, or feel a little braver about your own flip, do me a favor:

💌 Share it with a friend
⭐ Subscribe or follow wherever you listen
💬 Leave a quick review! It helps other career flippers find our little corner of the internet.

Let’s stay connected:

📲 Instagram: @thecareerflipperpod for all things podcast

💼 LinkedIn: The Career Flipper Podcast

🪑 And if you want to see my career flip furniture flips in real life, follow me at @sandiegofurnitureflipper

Submit your story:

Have a career flip story? Whether you’re in the messy middle or celebrating the other side, I’d love to hear it and maybe even feature you on the show. Submit your story here: thecareerflipper.com.

Want to support the show or work together?

Book me to speak about career change at your next event, collaborate through sponsorships or affiliates or got another idea? Drop me a note at [email protected]

Bonus: If you’re in customer experience or building your own business, check out my online courses. Before I started flipping my life and furniture, I led CX teams and created training that’s helped over 12,000 students worldwide. Learn more at thecareerflipper.com/courses.

🎵 Music Credits

Season 1: Intro & outro music by Audionautix.com

Season 2: Original music by yours truly, Jenny Dempsey, recorded in my home studio

And hey, remember my favorite question: What’s the best that could happen? 💫

Ok, quick question for you: Ever feel like your work and identity are all tangled up?

Today, we’re chatting with Ricky Padgett from Burlington, Vermont. He’s a certified executive and leadership coach, and he’s been there. In this episode, Ricky shares his career flip story—from being a CFO to still doing CPA work, while coaching others to navigate their own big career changes. He talks about how staying true to your values is key when making those big decisions. Plus, he highlights the power of asking for help when you're going through change. Spoiler alert: you don’t have to figure it all out alone! Ricky also opens up about the challenge of separating who you are from what you do—and why it’s so important to give yourself permission to redefine what success looks like for *you.*

And for listeners of The Career Flipper podcast, Ricky’s offering a 20% discount on his coaching program!

Episode Takeaways

• Values play a crucial role in guiding career decisions and can serve as anchors during times of change.
• Asking for help is a superpower that can lead to support, growth, and stronger relationships.
• Untangling one's identity from their work is a challenging but necessary process when making a career flip.
• Giving oneself permission to redefine success and follow a different path is essential for personal and professional growth.

Connect with Ricky

https://www.padgettcoaching.com/

Mention The Career Flipper Podcast for 20% off a 3-month coaching package!

Thanks for tuning in to The Career Flipper!

If this episode made you think, laugh, or feel a little braver about your own flip, do me a favor:

💌 Share it with a friend
⭐ Subscribe or follow wherever you listen
💬 Leave a quick review! It helps other career flippers find our little corner of the internet.

Let’s stay connected:

📲 Instagram: @thecareerflipperpod for all things podcast

💼 LinkedIn: The Career Flipper Podcast

🪑 And if you want to see my career flip furniture flips in real life, follow me at @sandiegofurnitureflipper

Submit your story:

Have a career flip story? Whether you’re in the messy middle or celebrating the other side, I’d love to hear it and maybe even feature you on the show. Submit your story here: thecareerflipper.com.

Want to support the show or work together?

Book me to speak about career change at your next event, collaborate through sponsorships or affiliates or got another idea? Drop me a note at [email protected]

Bonus: If you’re in customer experience or building your own business, check out my online courses. Before I started flipping my life and furniture, I led CX teams and created training that’s helped over 12,000 students worldwide. Learn more at thecareerflipper.com/courses.

🎵 Music Credits

Season 1: Intro & outro music by Audionautix.com

Season 2: Original music by yours truly, Jenny Dempsey, recorded in my home studio

And hey, remember my favorite question: What’s the best that could happen? 💫

What would you do if you weren’t afraid of failing?

In this episode, we hear from Kendra Roy, an incredible interior designer and general contractor in San Diego, California, about her journey from working a stable job to starting her own business. She opens up about the real challenges she faced—especially in gaining respect as a woman in the construction world—and how building strong relationships became key to her success. Kendra also gets real about the fear and self-doubt that comes with leaving a secure role to chase a new venture and the importance of having a solid support system in place.

If you're considering a career change, Kendra’s advice is to take calculated risks and stay the course, even when things get tough. It's all about perseverance and trusting that you’re on the right path.

Episode Takeaways

• Building relationships and gaining respect are crucial in any industry.
• Having a support system is important for navigating the challenges of starting a new venture.
• Taking calculated risks and pursuing your dreams can lead to personal and professional fulfillment.
• Self-doubt is common, but it's important to remember your unique value and capabilities.
• Perseverance is key in overcoming obstacles and achieving success.

Connect with Kendra

• Kendra Roy Designs main website: https://kendraroydesigns.com/
• Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kendraroydesigns/

Thanks for tuning in to The Career Flipper!

If this episode made you think, laugh, or feel a little braver about your own flip, do me a favor:

💌 Share it with a friend
⭐ Subscribe or follow wherever you listen
💬 Leave a quick review! It helps other career flippers find our little corner of the internet.

Let’s stay connected:

📲 Instagram: @thecareerflipperpod for all things podcast

💼 LinkedIn: The Career Flipper Podcast

🪑 And if you want to see my career flip furniture flips in real life, follow me at @sandiegofurnitureflipper

Submit your story:

Have a career flip story? Whether you’re in the messy middle or celebrating the other side, I’d love to hear it and maybe even feature you on the show. Submit your story here: thecareerflipper.com.

Want to support the show or work together?

Book me to speak about career change at your next event, collaborate through sponsorships or affiliates or got another idea? Drop me a note at [email protected]

Bonus: If you’re in customer experience or building your own business, check out my online courses. Before I started flipping my life and furniture, I led CX teams and created training that’s helped over 12,000 students worldwide. Learn more at thecareerflipper.com/courses.

🎵 Music Credits

Season 1: Intro & outro music by Audionautix.com

Season 2: Original music by yours truly, Jenny Dempsey, recorded in my home studio

And hey, remember my favorite question: What’s the best that could happen? 💫

Ever wondered what it’s like to step away from the comfort of a steady corporate job and dive headfirst into the whirlwind of founding your own startup, where you’re suddenly the one wearing all the hats? 

Meet Tushar Jain from India. He is the founder of Enthu.ai, a software designed to help coach sales and customer service agents, improving overall customer experiences. Tushar didn’t just flip his career once—he’s done it twice. First, he left his stable enterprise job to join a startup in a completely different city. Then, he took the ultimate leap and became a full-time founder of his own tech startup. His journey is all about taking risks, embracing change, and finding the non-financial rewards in entrepreneurship, like more control over his time and being able to spend quality moments with family.

Episode Takeaways

• Take calculated risks and change your mindset when making career transitions.
• Thoroughly research and validate business ideas before starting a venture.
• Embrace the non-financial gains of entrepreneurship, such as time flexibility and personal growth.
• Lean on your network and ask for help when needed.

Connect with Tushar

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tushj/
• Check out his company + tell them you heard about it on The Career Flipper: https://enthu.ai/

Thanks for tuning in to The Career Flipper!

If this episode made you think, laugh, or feel a little braver about your own flip, do me a favor:

💌 Share it with a friend
⭐ Subscribe or follow wherever you listen
💬 Leave a quick review! It helps other career flippers find our little corner of the internet.

Let’s stay connected:

📲 Instagram: @thecareerflipperpod for all things podcast

💼 LinkedIn: The Career Flipper Podcast

🪑 And if you want to see my career flip furniture flips in real life, follow me at @sandiegofurnitureflipper

Submit your story:

Have a career flip story? Whether you’re in the messy middle or celebrating the other side, I’d love to hear it and maybe even feature you on the show. Submit your story here: thecareerflipper.com.

Want to support the show or work together?

Book me to speak about career change at your next event, collaborate through sponsorships or affiliates or got another idea? Drop me a note at [email protected]

Bonus: If you’re in customer experience or building your own business, check out my online courses. Before I started flipping my life and furniture, I led CX teams and created training that’s helped over 12,000 students worldwide. Learn more at thecareerflipper.com/courses.

🎵 Music Credits

Season 1: Intro & outro music by Audionautix.com

Season 2: Original music by yours truly, Jenny Dempsey, recorded in my home studio

And hey, remember my favorite question: What’s the best that could happen? 💫

What can baking bread and pastries teach you about working in the customer experience tech space? In today’s episode, host Jenny Dempsey introduces you to Luke Jamieson from Melbourne, Australia. He started out as a baker and pastry chef, wrangled some cattle, tried his hand at graphic design, and eventually discovered his true passion in the customer experience (CX) world. Luke shares how curiosity has shaped his journey and reminds us that careers don’t need to follow a straight line—you can find creativity in any job. He also talks about how hands-on experience often trumps academic degrees and why it’s so important to align your work with what truly matters to you.

Episode Takeaways

• Curiosity and openness to new opportunities shape your career.
• Creativity can be found in any job, not just traditionally creative roles.
• You can learn valuable lessons from every experience, no matter how small.
• Finding time for what you love is essential for personal growth.

Connect with Luke

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-jamieson/

His main website: https://www.lukejamieson.live/

Thanks for tuning in to The Career Flipper!

If this episode made you think, laugh, or feel a little braver about your own flip, do me a favor:

💌 Share it with a friend
⭐ Subscribe or follow wherever you listen
💬 Leave a quick review! It helps other career flippers find our little corner of the internet.

Let’s stay connected:

📲 Instagram: @thecareerflipperpod for all things podcast

💼 LinkedIn: The Career Flipper Podcast

🪑 And if you want to see my career flip furniture flips in real life, follow me at @sandiegofurnitureflipper

Submit your story:

Have a career flip story? Whether you’re in the messy middle or celebrating the other side, I’d love to hear it and maybe even feature you on the show. Submit your story here: thecareerflipper.com.

Want to support the show or work together?

Book me to speak about career change at your next event, collaborate through sponsorships or affiliates or got another idea? Drop me a note at [email protected]

Bonus: If you’re in customer experience or building your own business, check out my online courses. Before I started flipping my life and furniture, I led CX teams and created training that’s helped over 12,000 students worldwide. Learn more at thecareerflipper.com/courses.

🎵 Music Credits

Season 1: Intro & outro music by Audionautix.com

Season 2: Original music by yours truly, Jenny Dempsey, recorded in my home studio

And hey, remember my favorite question: What’s the best that could happen? 💫

Are you a sports fan curious about how to make the leap from a corporate desk to the field, reporting on the games you love?

In this episode of The Career Flipper podcast, host Jenny Dempsey chats with Chris Hayre, a CBS LA Sports anchor and reporter and creator of the Los Angeles Chargers weekly podcast about his transition from corporate marketing with the Los Angeles Lakers to sports media. They dive into the importance of setting clear goals, overcoming obstacles, and having a strong support system. Chris shares his journey of taking risks, building confidence, and discovering joy in the process of career flipping. He also offers insightful advice for anyone thinking about a career change, reminding us to stay connected to our "why" and enjoy the journey!

Connect with Chris

• X: https://x.com/chrishayre
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrishayre/
• Also referenced in the episode, shout out to Ty: https://www.instagram.com/tynowell/

Thanks for tuning in to The Career Flipper!

If this episode made you think, laugh, or feel a little braver about your own flip, do me a favor:

💌 Share it with a friend
⭐ Subscribe or follow wherever you listen
💬 Leave a quick review! It helps other career flippers find our little corner of the internet.

Let’s stay connected:

📲 Instagram: @thecareerflipperpod for all things podcast

💼 LinkedIn: The Career Flipper Podcast

🪑 And if you want to see my career flip furniture flips in real life, follow me at @sandiegofurnitureflipper

Submit your story:

Have a career flip story? Whether you’re in the messy middle or celebrating the other side, I’d love to hear it and maybe even feature you on the show. Submit your story here: thecareerflipper.com.

Want to support the show or work together?

Book me to speak about career change at your next event, collaborate through sponsorships or affiliates or got another idea? Drop me a note at [email protected]

Bonus: If you’re in customer experience or building your own business, check out my online courses. Before I started flipping my life and furniture, I led CX teams and created training that’s helped over 12,000 students worldwide. Learn more at thecareerflipper.com/courses.

🎵 Music Credits

Season 1: Intro & outro music by Audionautix.com

Season 2: Original music by yours truly, Jenny Dempsey, recorded in my home studio

And hey, remember my favorite question: What’s the best that could happen? 💫

Feeling stuck in your career, or are you keeping an open mind? In this episode, Frank Winters from Schenectady, NY, shares his incredible career flip. After 35 years as New York State's Geographic Information Officer (GIO) and holding leadership roles like Executive Director of the Geospatial Advisory Council, Frank decided to pivot. Now, as the owner of WintersGeo Inc., he's all about public speaking workshops, communication coaching, and geospatial consulting.

Frank dives into the power of following your "North Star," making decisions that open new doors, and embracing curiosity to grow. His story is all about finding fulfillment through work that truly clicks with who you are.

He’s also the author of 10 Little Rules for Sharing Your Story, runs public speaking workshops, and even coaches a youth mountain bike team. 

Episode Takeaways

• Follow your North Star and make decisions that open new doors.
• Embrace curiosity and continuous learning to grow in your career.
• Find fulfillment through work that aligns with your values and brings you joy.
• Leave the world a better place by making a positive impact in your work and interactions.
• Approach feedback with curiosity and a growth mindset.

Connect with Frank

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frank-winters-gio/

Buy his book, 10 Little Rules for Sharing Your Story: https://10littlerules.com/ 

Thanks for tuning in to The Career Flipper!

If this episode made you think, laugh, or feel a little braver about your own flip, do me a favor:

💌 Share it with a friend
⭐ Subscribe or follow wherever you listen
💬 Leave a quick review! It helps other career flippers find our little corner of the internet.

Let’s stay connected:

📲 Instagram: @thecareerflipperpod for all things podcast

💼 LinkedIn: The Career Flipper Podcast

🪑 And if you want to see my career flip furniture flips in real life, follow me at @sandiegofurnitureflipper

Submit your story:

Have a career flip story? Whether you’re in the messy middle or celebrating the other side, I’d love to hear it and maybe even feature you on the show. Submit your story here: thecareerflipper.com.

Want to support the show or work together?

Book me to speak about career change at your next event, collaborate through sponsorships or affiliates or got another idea? Drop me a note at [email protected]

Bonus: If you’re in customer experience or building your own business, check out my online courses. Before I started flipping my life and furniture, I led CX teams and created training that’s helped over 12,000 students worldwide. Learn more at thecareerflipper.com/courses.

🎵 Music Credits

Season 1: Intro & outro music by Audionautix.com

Season 2: Original music by yours truly, Jenny Dempsey, recorded in my home studio

And hey, remember my favorite question: What’s the best that could happen? 💫

What can we learn from micro-pivots, those little hop, skips and cookie crumbs we take and leave on the path as we navigate our career?

In this episode, we meet Rob Connelly from Charleston, South Carolina, who went from VP of Sales in the manufacturing industry to starting his own business as a workplace trauma coach. Rob’s journey started with helping turn around his cousin’s window and door business, which sparked his love for problem-solving and team development. Over the years, he’s made several micro-pivots, testing out different industries and roles, all while finding the work that truly aligns with his values and passions.

Rob opens up about the power of reflecting on your values, being honest with yourself, and how side jobs and hobbies can help you explore new interests before making a full leap. He’s proof that sometimes, multiple career flips are exactly what you need to grow personally and professionally. 

If you're feeling stuck or looking for inspiration to make your next move, Rob's story is full of takeaways on designing a fulfilling work life, especially when it comes to addressing and healing from workplace trauma.

Connect with Rob

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-connelly/

Turnstile Coaching: https://turnstilecoaching.com/professional-coaching/

Rob’s Music: https://robconnellymusic.com/

Thanks for tuning in to The Career Flipper!

If this episode made you think, laugh, or feel a little braver about your own flip, do me a favor:

💌 Share it with a friend
⭐ Subscribe or follow wherever you listen
💬 Leave a quick review! It helps other career flippers find our little corner of the internet.

Let’s stay connected:

📲 Instagram: @thecareerflipperpod for all things podcast

💼 LinkedIn: The Career Flipper Podcast

🪑 And if you want to see my career flip furniture flips in real life, follow me at @sandiegofurnitureflipper

Submit your story:

Have a career flip story? Whether you’re in the messy middle or celebrating the other side, I’d love to hear it and maybe even feature you on the show. Submit your story here: thecareerflipper.com.

Want to support the show or work together?

Book me to speak about career change at your next event, collaborate through sponsorships or affiliates or got another idea? Drop me a note at [email protected]

Bonus: If you’re in customer experience or building your own business, check out my online courses. Before I started flipping my life and furniture, I led CX teams and created training that’s helped over 12,000 students worldwide. Learn more at thecareerflipper.com/courses.

🎵 Music Credits

Season 1: Intro & outro music by Audionautix.com

Season 2: Original music by yours truly, Jenny Dempsey, recorded in my home studio

And hey, remember my favorite question: What’s the best that could happen? 💫

Have you ever felt like your career path just wasn’t the right fit, even after putting in years of effort? 

In this episode, you’ll meet Danielle Lewis, a Texas native who’s been living in Barcelona, Spain for 12 years. Career flipping is practically in her DNA, and she shares her journey of making bold choices to shape her own path. Danielle started out as a nutritionist, but soon realized it wasn’t her calling. After several career flips—from moving abroad and teaching English to working in customer support and product management—she’s now in the middle of yet another transition. After taking some time off, Danielle decided to pursue software development and is currently enrolled in a bootcamp. Throughout her journey, she’s wrestled with feelings of guilt, shame, and fear of judgment. 

Episode Takeaways

• It's okay to change careers and pursue different paths if you're not fulfilled
• Feelings of guilt and shame are common when making career changes, but it's important to prioritize your well-being
• Taking time off to rest and reflect can help in unraveling your thoughts and making decisions
• Courage and creativity are necessary when pursuing unconventional career paths
• It's important to listen to your own desires and not worry too much about what others think

Connect with Danielle

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adaniellel/

Thanks for tuning in to The Career Flipper!

If this episode made you think, laugh, or feel a little braver about your own flip, do me a favor:

💌 Share it with a friend
⭐ Subscribe or follow wherever you listen
💬 Leave a quick review! It helps other career flippers find our little corner of the internet.

Let’s stay connected:

📲 Instagram: @thecareerflipperpod for all things podcast

💼 LinkedIn: The Career Flipper Podcast

🪑 And if you want to see my career flip furniture flips in real life, follow me at @sandiegofurnitureflipper

Submit your story:

Have a career flip story? Whether you’re in the messy middle or celebrating the other side, I’d love to hear it and maybe even feature you on the show. Submit your story here: thecareerflipper.com.

Want to support the show or work together?

Book me to speak about career change at your next event, collaborate through sponsorships or affiliates or got another idea? Drop me a note at [email protected]

Bonus: If you’re in customer experience or building your own business, check out my online courses. Before I started flipping my life and furniture, I led CX teams and created training that’s helped over 12,000 students worldwide. Learn more at thecareerflipper.com/courses.

🎵 Music Credits

Season 1: Intro & outro music by Audionautix.com

Season 2: Original music by yours truly, Jenny Dempsey, recorded in my home studio

And hey, remember my favorite question: What’s the best that could happen? 💫

What challenges could come up when you turn your passion into a business? 

In this episode, your host Jenny Dempsey chats with Ashley and Tony Ross, the dynamic duo behind Cucina de Pizza in San Diego, California. They share their incredible journey of leaving behind their careers in real estate and law enforcement to dive headfirst into the pizza business. Ashley and Tony started by perfecting their pizza recipes and using Instagram to build a loyal following, one delicious slice at a time.

But the road wasn’t always smooth. They faced challenges and setbacks, but their resilience and commitment to delivering a top-notch product and exceptional customer service kept them going. Now, Cucina de Pizza is known for its creative and mouthwatering toppings like biscuits and gravy, barbecue chicken, jalapeño popper, and a variety of veggie options.

Ashley and Tony’s story is a testament to the power of taking risks and pursuing your dreams, no matter how unconventional the path may seem. Tune in to get inspired and maybe even get a little hungry!

Episode Takeaways

• Take risks and expect rejection when pursuing a career flip.
• Document your journey and learn from both successes and failures.
• Focus on providing a quality product and outstanding customer service.
• Use social media, like Instagram, to build a following and connect with potential customers.
• Embrace challenges and setbacks as opportunities for growth and improvement.
• Offer unique and delicious options to stand out in the market.
• Believe in yourself and your product, even in the face of imposter syndrome.
• Stay positive and learn from every experience, both positive and negative.
• Connect with your community and build a loyal customer base.
• Follow your passion and take the leap to pursue your dreams.

Connect with Cucina di Pizza

• https://www.instagram.com/cucinadipizza/

Thanks for tuning in to The Career Flipper!

If this episode made you think, laugh, or feel a little braver about your own flip, do me a favor:

💌 Share it with a friend
⭐ Subscribe or follow wherever you listen
💬 Leave a quick review! It helps other career flippers find our little corner of the internet.

Let’s stay connected:

📲 Instagram: @thecareerflipperpod for all things podcast

💼 LinkedIn: The Career Flipper Podcast

🪑 And if you want to see my career flip furniture flips in real life, follow me at @sandiegofurnitureflipper

Submit your story:

Have a career flip story? Whether you’re in the messy middle or celebrating the other side, I’d love to hear it and maybe even feature you on the show. Submit your story here: thecareerflipper.com.

Want to support the show or work together?

Book me to speak about career change at your next event, collaborate through sponsorships or affiliates or got another idea? Drop me a note at [email protected]

Bonus: If you’re in customer experience or building your own business, check out my online courses. Before I started flipping my life and furniture, I led CX teams and created training that’s helped over 12,000 students worldwide. Learn more at thecareerflipper.com/courses.

🎵 Music Credits

Season 1: Intro & outro music by Audionautix.com

Season 2: Original music by yours truly, Jenny Dempsey, recorded in my home studio

And hey, remember my favorite question: What’s the best that could happen? 💫