The Finding Your Freedom Podcast

Kasia Gajos spent 15 years climbing from Deloitte management consultant to senior director at EE telecoms, maintaining high performance throughout a pandemic.

Then her body shut down completely and sleeping for two straight weeks when given medical leave.

​In this conversation, we explore why burnout looks different for high achievers (watch social withdrawal and weekend Netflix binges, not declining work performance), the real cost of consulting's "compulsory drinks" culture, and why belonging matters more than prestige for career satisfaction.

​Kasia shares practical frameworks including the lifeline exercise for spotting energy patterns, how to reclaim 10 hours per week by confronting why you need to be constantly needed, and her reframing that changed everything: your calling isn't about what you do, it's about how you do it.​

Topics covered:

High-achiever burnout recognition and physical symptoms

Why belonging and psychological safety predict job satisfaction

Management consulting culture and the always-on treadmill

Parenthood as catalyst for career change through modelling

Sustainable productivity without leaving your job

linkedin.com/in/kasia-gajos

In this episode, Dave Ascott founder of Ascott Coaching and leadership coach, shares actionable strategies for anyone aspiring to step up from being a high-performing contributor to becoming an effective leader and manager. Also hear about how Dave and I met at the age of 18 a world away in Cuba!

Whether you’re in sales, tech, creative industries, professional services, or any role where taking on leadership responsibility is a challenge, Dave’s insights offer practical tools and perspectives that apply beyond any single industry. Discover frameworks for building strong teams, establishing credibility, and leading with impact.

What you’ll learn:

• How to shift your mindset from execution to effective leadership, whether you’re in a startup or a large organisation

• Key approaches for developing a team culture where others can excel, not just relying on your individual performance

• Tools for managing, coaching, and communicating as a new leader - relevant to managers in all fields

• The common mistakes new leaders face, and how you can avoid them

Note on Audio Quality: Apologies in advance due to a technology glitch, it might sound like Dave is interrupting at times, but this was just a technical issue with the recording that could not be fixed. Thanks for understanding!

Connect with Dave Ascott: Dave’s LinkedIn Profile

This episode is perfect for anyone considering, preparing for, or newly navigating the transition from skilled doer to team leader and for organisations supporting the growth and development of new managers.

Dave’s advice and experience will help you accelerate your journey, avoid common pitfalls, and find your leadership freedom regardless of the sector you’re in.

This episode of the Finding Your Freedom Podcast dives deep into the realities behind professional success and what it truly means to live with purpose and authenticity. Host Nat Baldwin sits down with Stuart, a former high-flyer in international finance, to explore the profound transitions that often come at midlife for high-achieving professionals.

To donate to The Molly Fund - https://gogetfunding.com/the-molly-fund/

Key themes include:

• Authenticity vs. Professional Persona: The conversation exposes the gap many experience between their true selves and the version they present at work, especially in high-pressure corporate environments.

• Grief and Transformation: Stuart shares how the tragic loss of his daughter became a catalyst for personal growth, resilience, and a complete reevaluation of his life and career.

• Purpose Beyond Paychecks: The discussion addresses the search for meaning when financial success no longer brings fulfillment, and how to redefine wealth in terms of service, connection, and personal values.

• Navigating Major Change: Listeners will hear practical strategies for managing anxiety, embracing uncertainty, and building new habits through daily intention-setting and small, consistent actions.

• Transferrable Skills and New Directions: The episode highlights how decades of professional experience can be leveraged in new, more meaningful ways, and why it’s never too late to start over.

• Mental Health and Self-Compassion: Stuart’s journey through therapy and self-acceptance offers hope to anyone struggling with setbacks or questioning their path.

• The Power of Community and Nature: The importance of support networks and time in nature for mental wellbeing is also explored, with actionable challenges for listeners.

  
  

David Garwood & The Solo Path: Finding Freedom Through Bold Choices

In this episode of the Finding Your Freedom Podcast, host Nat Baldwin interviews David Garwood, founder of The Solo Coach and host of The Solo Coach Podcast. Once afraid to spend even a weekend alone, David shares his remarkable journey from a decade-long IT career to becoming an accredited transformational coach and global solo traveler.The Courage to Walk Away

David candidly reveals how he left the security of his IT management role after feeling increasingly disconnected from his work. Despite outward success, he found himself looking out windows during meetings, questioning if this was truly the life he wanted. After experiencing what he describes as "Groundhog Day" for years, David took a bold four-month sabbatical that evolved into a complete career reinvention.

The Wake-Up Call: Following a bike accident and attending funerals of loved ones, David confronted the fragility of life and realized he needed to make a change before regret set in.

Breaking Free from the "Sunday Blues": David describes how his transformation led him from dreading Monday mornings to waking up excited about his work-a feeling he hadn't experienced in years.

David's journey took him through seven countries including New Zealand, Australia, Vietnam, and Thailand, where he discovered strengths he never knew he possessed:

• How facing his fear of being alone became the catalyst for his greatest growth

• The midnight conversations around campfires that showed him he wasn't alone in feeling lost

• Why downsizing his possessions and living on $4/night in hostels gave him more fulfilment than his previous lifestyle

• The moment he realised his sabbatical had answered his most important question: "Is this the right path for me?"

Throughout the conversation, David shares powerful insights about reconnecting with your true purpose:

• The simple yet revealing exercise that helped him realise his passion lay in people development, not technical problem-solving

• Why imposter syndrome can actually be a characteristic of high achievers

• How learning to trust his intuition transformed his decision-making

• The importance of distinguishing between skills you're good at versus skills that energise you

This episode offers valuable guidance for professionals contemplating their own life changes:

• Why you're not "throwing away" your career when you pivot-you're bringing transferable skills to a new context

• How to recognise when you've "leveled out" in your current role

• The financial realities of making a major life transition

• Why taking even a small step toward change can create momentum

David's story powerfully demonstrates that freedom isn't just about escaping something negative-it's about aligning with your authentic self and creating space for what truly matters.

The Freedom Challenge: David reminds us that "we are all way more capable than we realise," and challenges listeners to lean into the ideas that keep recurring in their thoughts, as these may be signposts to their true calling.

Don't miss this inspiring conversation about redefining success, embracing uncertainty, and finding the courage to create a life that feels truly aligned with who you are.

00:00 Introduction to David Garwood

02:27 David's Early Life and Career Beginnings

04:02 The Turning Point: Leaving University

07:06 The IT Career and Realisations

15:25 The Sabbatical and Solo Travel

20:40 Transition to Coaching

23:39 Challenges and Self-Discovery

32:44 Advice for Career Changers

43:58 Embracing Change in Life and Career

48:03 The Concept of Freedom

55:02 Navigating Financial Challenges

01:05:06 The Freedom Challenge

01:14:29 Final Thoughts and Farewell

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In this special bonus episode of The Finding Your Freedom Podcast, host Nat Baldwin unpacks key themes from the recent interview with Fraser. This episode explores how Fraser's non-linear career journey from traditional law practice to international work in Abu Dhabi and back to Scotland offers valuable insights for high achievers seeking more freedom and purpose in their professional lives.

Redefining Success Through Non-Linear Career Paths

• Fraser's zigzagging career demonstrates that professional achievement doesn't have to follow a traditional ladder

• How diverse experiences can create unique value that traditional paths might miss

• Practical takeaways from Fraser's experience on embracing career changes as strategic choices rather than setbacks

The Power of Sponsorship

• The crucial difference between mentors who guide and sponsors who advocate

• How Fraser's career was shaped by people who believed in him despite his self-doubt

• Identifying potential sponsors in your work environment

• Creating a virtuous circle of sponsorship by paying it forward

Managing Imposter Syndrome

• The universality of imposter syndrome among professionals

• Distinguishing between healthy self-doubt and crippling imposter syndrome

• How Fraser transformed his imposter syndrome into a driving force

• Practical strategies for managing self-doubt, including creating a "success journal"

Recognising When You're on Autopilot

• Warning signs that you might be settling into a comfortable but unfulfilling role

• The importance of conducting regular self-assessments

• How feelings of envy or lack of enthusiasm can signal it's time for change

The Freedom Challenge Results

• Nat shares his experience taking on Fraser's challenge to "send that message"

• The story of reconnecting with an old friend from Cuba after many years

Coming Up Next

• Preview of the next episode featuring David Garwood, "The Solo Coach," who transitioned from IT professional to transformational coach after a life-changing sabbatical

Join Nat Baldwin as he reminds us that freedom isn't just about doing whatever you want-it's about having the time and space to focus on what truly matters to you and living life on your terms.

Episode Highlights

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

01:15 Redefining Success: Non-Linear Career Paths

08:22 The Power of Sponsorship

11:53 Battling Imposter Syndrome

15:39 Recognizing Autopilot and Embracing Change

17:02 Fraser's Freedom Challenge: Send That Message

20:58 Conclusion and Sneak Peek of Next Episode

Music copyright - feeling happy today [upbeat happy beat]bysnoozy beats

In this episode of the Finding Your Freedom Podcast, host Nat Baldwin speaks with Fraser, whose legal career has taken him from the suburbs of Glasgow through high-stakes legal work in the UK and Middle East, and eventually back to Scotland. Fraser shares his non-linear career path and the valuable lessons he's learned along the way.

A Non-Traditional Legal Career Path

• Fraser's journey from training in real estate law to in-house counsel, private practice, international work, and back again

• How his "zigzagging" career created unique value and perspective that a traditional path might have missed

• The story of his unexpected move to Abu Dhabi with Clifford Chance and later transition to the events industry

Embracing Opportunity and Adventure

• The pivotal moment when Fraser chose adventure over settling down in Edinburgh

• Working for Abu Dhabi's strategic events company handling Formula One concerts and major sporting events

• The chaos and excitement of last-minute concert changes when the Foo Fighters cancelled

Navigating Imposter Syndrome

• Fraser's candid reflections on feeling under-qualified throughout his career

• Why a bit of self-doubt can be productive when it doesn't prevent you from taking risks

• The importance of pushing through self-imposed barriers and qualifications

The Value of Sponsorship

• The difference between mentors who guide and sponsors who advocate

• How having someone who believes in you can transform your performance

• Creating a virtuous circle by paying it forward to others in your career

Redefining Success and Freedom

• Fraser's decision to return to Scotland for family reasons despite financial incentives to stay abroad

• The realisation that "you don't live life on paper" when making major life decisions

• Defining freedom as having time to focus on what you truly value

The Freedom Challenge

• Fraser challenges listeners to "send that message" - reach out to someone who could change your trajectory

• How one email changed the course of his career and ultimately his life

Join Nat Baldwin for this insightful conversation about embracing change, making the most of diverse experiences, and finding the courage to shift gears when your values and priorities evolve.

Episode Highlights

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:30 Meet Fraser: A Unique Legal Journey

02:11 Early Life and Education

03:32 First Steps in the Legal Profession

05:19 Navigating Career Challenges

07:33 Transition to Corporate Law

14:52 The Move to Abu Dhabi23:04 Life and Work in Abu Dhabi

28:05 Concert Chaos and Quick Contracts

30:32 Middle Eastern Lifestyle Reflections

34:13 Returning to the UK: Family and Career Decisions

38:27 Career Advice and Personal Reflections

47:38 The Concept of Freedom50:15 Final Thoughts and Career Insights

Music copyright - feeling happy today [upbeat happy beat]bysnoozy beats

In this special bonus episode of the Finding Your Freedom Podcast, host Nat Baldwin unpacks five transformative lessons from his conversation with Steve Barrett, who left a 30-year corporate career to build a coaching business in Spain.

Redefining Success Beyond Material Wealth

• Steve traded his six-figure salary, designer suits, and Jaguar for a simpler life in Spain

• "We live in the smallest house on the street. I drive a Fiat Panda, and I've never been happier"

• True fulfilment comes from alignment with deeper purpose, not climbing the corporate ladder

Finding What's Meaningful to You

• Steve discovered his purpose was helping others grow and develop

• Purpose isn't always a lightning bolt moment-sometimes it emerges slowly during periods of reflection

• Ask yourself: What makes you lose track of time? What achievements still make you proud years later?

Embracing Change and Uncertainty

• Despite experiencing bankruptcy and divorce, Steve finds energy in change rather than fearing it

• "I don't worry too much about the future anymore. The future's not a given, is it?"

• Sometimes accepting uncertainty creates more stability than clinging to false security

The Power of Focusing on Strengths

• Steve uses the Gallup strengths approach in his coaching practice

• Success comes more easily when you leverage natural talents rather than fixing weaknesses

• Teams thrive when members bring complementary strengths-Steve's big-picture thinking balances his wife's present-focused approach

Overcoming the Fear of Regret

• Steve calls regret "the most toxic thing you can have in your life"

• When facing decisions, ask: "What would my 80-year-old self say?"

• Reframe setbacks as stories rather than failures

Nat concludes by sharing his experience with Steve's "Freedom Challenge," an exercise in envisioning your best life across three dimensions: experience, growth, and contribution. The episode ends with a preview of an upcoming conversation with Fraser, whose career path zigzagged from law to international work in Abu Dhabi and back to Scotland.

00:00 Introduction and Recap of Last Episode

00:36 Unpacking Five Big Ideas from Steve's Journey

01:49 Lesson 1: Redefining Success Beyond Material Wealth

05:10 Lesson 2: Finding What’s Meaningful to You

08:33 Lesson 3: Embracing Change and Uncertainty

10:15 Lesson 4: The Power of Focusing on Your Strengths

11:50 Lesson 5: Overcoming the Fear of Regret

13:30 Steve's Practical Advice and Freedom Challenge

15:02 Host's Personal Experience with the Freedom Challenge

21:43 Conclusion and Teaser for Next Episode

In this powerful episode of the Finding Your Freedom Podcast, host Nat Baldwin interviews Steve Barrett about his remarkable journey from a 30-year career in corporate retail to becoming a purpose-driven coach in sunny Spain. Steve shares how personal loss and a growing dissatisfaction with his high-pressure career led him to completely transform his life.

Steve candidly discusses walking away from the security of a six-figure salary and the corporate hamster wheel to pursue a coaching business aligned with his true values. After decades of chasing promotions, status, and driving 1,000 miles weekly in his corporate role, Steve experienced a profound awakening following his father's passing and a divorce that forced him to reevaluate what truly matters.

The Turning Point: "I remember going through my father's personal possessions after he died. Seeing things about money worries and regrets about dreams he never fulfilled sparked something inside me. I asked myself, 'Am I really happy with the life I've got?' And the answer was no."

Steve reveals how his most fulfilling career moments weren't about personal achievements but about developing others:

• How he discovered his core purpose: "to make things better" through helping others reach their potential

• Why positive psychology and focusing on people's natural talents creates more sustainable success

On Coaching Philosophy: "Coaching isn't just about the actions you walk away with. The really powerful stuff in coaching is when you get that moment of silence because a penny's just dropped in someone and they're like, 'My God, I've just really learned something about myself.'"

Steve shares practical wisdom about navigating major life transitions:

• Why downsizing to a small traditional townhouse in Spain enabled his dream lifestyle

• How aligning with your purpose creates genuine satisfaction that material possessions never could

• The importance of taking that first step toward change, even when the plan isn't perfect

• Why regret is "the most toxic thing you can have in your life"

This episode offers particularly valuable guidance for high-achieving professionals contemplating their own transformations:

• How to recognize when you're "running up the wrong staircase" in your career

• The power of visualizing your "best life imaginable" and working backward to create actionable steps

• Why material success (promotions, status, possessions) often fails to deliver lasting fulfillment

• Practical strategies for navigating the uncertainty that comes with major life changes

• How to redefine success beyond financial metrics and align with your authentic purpose

• The importance of partnerships and surrounding yourself with complementary strengths during transitions

Steve's journey demonstrates that even after decades in a successful corporate career, it's never too late to pivot toward greater meaning and purpose. His experience offers a roadmap for professionals feeling trapped in the "hamster wheel" of societal expectations.

The episode concludes with Steve challenging listeners to envision their best life imaginable.

Don't miss this inspiring conversation about redefining success, finding courage to change, and discovering that true freedom comes from within.

00:00 Introduction to Finding Your Freedom Podcast

00:30 Steve Barrett's Transformative Journey

02:16 Life Before the Big Change

06:02 The Turning Point: Personal Loss and Reflection

08:07 Embracing a New Life and Career

14:07 The Power of Strengths-Based Coaching

22:30 The Essence of Coaching and Its Impact

27:50 Navigating Change and Uncertainty

28:23 Finding Passion and Comfort in Chaos

29:53 Aligning with Your Purpose

31:17 Embracing Simplicity and Adventure

33:18 Visualising and Planning Your Best Life

36:15 Navigating Change and Stress

44:29 Financial Lessons and Downsizing

49:30 Defining Personal Freedom

51:44 Freedom Challenge and Final Thoughts

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