Hello and Happy 2025 to you! It's been a while between episodes but today we're bringing you a special conversation from our friends over at the Mumbition podcast, featuring our very own Jacqui Ooi. This episode takes you behind the scenes of our work with career-changing women, with lots of great insights and inspiration for anyone on the cusp of a new chapter. Hope you enjoy it!

Welcome to the Mumbition Summer Series! This week, we're excited to feature Jacqui Ooi, the founder of What She Did Next and creator of the Career Change Kickstarter course. Jacqui is dedicated to helping women navigate career changes and build fulfilling careers they love. Through her podcast and courses, she shares inspiring stories and proven strategies to empower women at all stages of their career journeys.

Join the Mums & Co community to connect with amazing women like Jacqui and gain access to fantastic resources and expert support for your business. Visit mumsandco.com.au to join today!

Don't miss this inspiring episode with Jacqui Ooi, and let her journey motivate you to achieve your own career goals. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the conversation!

Find out more about the Career Change Kickstarter course at whatshedidnext.com.au

Credits

Produced by – Lucy Kippist

Edited by – Morgan Sebastian Brown‍‍

Interviewers – Carrie Kwan and Lucy Kippist

‍Guest – Jacqui Ooi

‍Are you ready to join a movement of business owning women? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Mums & Co today.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What do you do when your dream career suddenly loses its shine? Do you give it up for something new – or change the way you’re doing it?

If anyone had a dream career, it was Nina Karnikowski. As a travel writer at the Sydney Morning Herald, and later going freelance, she was off on adventurous travels a dozen times a year.

But in 2019, she went on a trip that would change her forever, coming face to face with the devastating impacts of climate change and leaving her questioning her lifestyle and career choices.

Returning home from that trip, she started saying no to the travel assignments coming her way, and threw herself into learning everything she could about how to live and travel more sustainably.

Nina has since reshaped her career to become a voice for sustainable travel – writing books, doing speaking gigs and leading mindful travel expeditions.

In this episode, Nina talks about what it took to make that shift happen and how 'leading with purpose' in her career decisions has opened up a whole new world of opportunities.

If you've been questioning your career and whether it fits with your values, you'll love this conversation. And if you're looking for more purpose and joy in your career, Nina has some great tips for you!

Nina’s memoir The Mindful Traveller is out now.

CONNECT WITH NINA

Visit her website: ninakarnikowski.com  

Follow her on Instagram: instagram.com/nina_karnikowski

CONNECT WITH US

Interested to make a career change of your own? Sign up to our newsletter or check out our new online courses at whatshedidnext.com.au

Join us on Instagram: instagram.com/whatshedidnextpodcast

Facebook: facebook.com/whatshedidnextpodcast

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/what-she-did-next-podcast

CREDITS

Creator, host and producer: Jacqui Ooi

Audio production: Browntree Productions

What She Did Next acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Land on which this podcast is made, the Wodi Wodi people of the Dharawal nation. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you at a career crossroads and thinking about ‘what’s next’ for you?

Then you’ll want to dive into this mini episode, to find out how our Career Change Kickstarter course can help you!

If you’re feeling the niggle (or roar) of needing a change, but you’re not sure what you want to do next or what steps to take, this course is for you.

Applications are now open for our April program (get in quick!). Join the waitlist on the ‘Our courses’ page at whatshedidnext.com.au to receive the course info.

CONNECT WITH US

Join us on Instagram: instagram.com/whatshedidnextpodcast

Facebook: facebook.com/whatshedidnextpodcast

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/what-she-did-next-podcast

CREDITS

Creator, host and producer: Jacqui Ooi

What She Did Next acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Land on which this podcast is made, the Wodi Wodi people of the Dharawal nation. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you always dreamed of doing something creative? But you’re not sure how to turn that into a career?

For Kris McKee, her early creative interests fell by the wayside as she pursued a more stable career in nursing.

Being a nurse opened up opportunities to travel and live in London, and over 20 years, she worked her way up in a very specialised field.

Despite her success, there was always a sense that something was missing… but she was worried it was too late to make a change.

When COVID struck, it was the push Kris needed to embark on a new career path, exploring her creative talents and discovering joy in working with flowers.

Now she runs her own business, creating beautiful and sustainable floral designs for weddings and events – gradually stepping away from her nursing career as the business grows.

In this episode, Kris talks about the process of unravelling herself from nursing and finally learning to be ok with prioritising her own happiness and wellbeing.

If you’ve been struggling to give yourself permission to make a change in your career, you’ll love Kris’s story. And if you’ve ever considered a move into floristry, she has some great tips for you!

CONNECT WITH KRIS

Visit her website: krismckeefloraldesign.com 

Follow her on Instagram: instagram.com/kris.floraldesign

CONNECT WITH US

Interested to make a career change of your own? Sign up to our newsletter or check out our new online courses at whatshedidnext.com.au

Join us on Instagram: instagram.com/whatshedidnextpodcast

Facebook: facebook.com/whatshedidnextpodcast

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/what-she-did-next-podcast

CREDITS

Creator, host and producer: Jacqui Ooi

Production support: Perk Digital

What She Did Next acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Land on which this podcast is made, the Wodi Wodi people of the Dharawal nation. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you want to make a difference in the world without leaving your corporate career? Are you passionate about using your skills for good?

This has been a driver for Malini Raj throughout her working life, as she’s built a successful career in financial services.

Malini started out on a more traditional path in investment banking. But she soon discovered a passion for working with people and creating positive change… which steered her into the social impact space.

Today Malini has a multifaceted career, working as Head of Community Engagement at a large bank and lending her skills to an array of not-for-profit boards. She’s also a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, not to mention a long-time volunteer.

In this episode, Malini talks about how she reshaped her corporate career to align with her values and be a voice for change – through a series of career transitions, rather than a big leap.

If you’re wanting a more purposeful career or curious about stepping into a board role, you’ll love this conversation.

CONNECT WITH MALINI

Follow her on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/malini-raj

CONNECT WITH US

Interested to make a career change of your own? Sign up to our newsletter or check out our new online courses at whatshedidnext.com.au

Join us on Instagram: instagram.com/whatshedidnextpodcast

Facebook: facebook.com/whatshedidnextpodcast

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/what-she-did-next-podcast

CREDITS

Creator, host and producer: Jacqui Ooi

Production support: Perk Digital

What She Did Next acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Land on which this podcast is made, the Wodi Wodi people of the Dharawal nation. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you been rethinking your career after becoming a mum? Do you want to explore what else could be out there for you?

For Steph Jacobs, the transition to motherhood was a real turning point in her career… and after having two sons of her own, she became fascinated by the world of early childhood.

It was a big leap from her previous career, working in HR, but the more she explored, the more her interest grew.

Steph ended up retraining while her youngest was still in preschool and returned to work in 2018, as an early childhood educator.

She’s since gone on to discover a deep passion for working with neurodivergent children and has recently taken a new role in the early intervention space.

In this episode, Steph talks about the steps she took to navigate her career transition and what she's learned about the career change process that could help other women.

If you’re rethinking your career or interested in exploring the early childhood sector, you’ll love this conversation.

STEPH’S RECOMMENDATIONS

Visit the Early Childhood Australia website: earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au

Find out more about Necessity Kids: necessitykids.com.au

CONNECT WITH US

Interested to make a career change of your own? Sign up to our newsletter or check out our new online courses at whatshedidnext.com.au

Join us on Instagram: instagram.com/whatshedidnextpodcast

Facebook: facebook.com/whatshedidnextpodcast

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/what-she-did-next-podcast

CREDITS

Creator, host and producer: Jacqui Ooi

Production support: Perk Digital

What She Did Next acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Land on which this podcast is made, the Wodi Wodi people of the Dharawal nation. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you in a career that has an expiry date? And soon, you’ll have to figure out ‘what’s next’ for you?

This was the case for Anna-Liza Mopio-Jane, who started out as an athlete in the world of swimming, going all the way to the Beijing Olympics representing Papua New Guinea.

But after more than 12 years competing internationally, she retired from the sport in 2015… and has retrained as an accredited counsellor.

Now running her own practice in Brisbane, she’s using her new skills to give back to the sporting world and support her fellow athletes.

In this episode, Anna-Liza talks about how she made her career change into counselling and her best tips for others who might be thinking about a similar move. She also talks about the other role that’s keeping her busy right now, as a guest presenter on ABC TV’s That Pacific Sports Show.

If you’re figuring out your next career move (or a fan of women’s sport!), you’ll love this conversation.

CONNECT WITH ANNA-LIZA

Visit her website: annalizamopiojane.com

Follow her on Instagram: instagram.com/annalizamopiojane

Follow her on YouTube: youtube.com/@Anna-LizaMopio-Jane

CONNECT WITH US

Interested to make a career change of your own? Sign up to our newsletter or check out our new online courses at whatshedidnext.com.au

Join us on Instagram: instagram.com/whatshedidnextpodcast

Facebook: facebook.com/whatshedidnextpodcast

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/what-she-did-next-podcast

CREDITS

Creator, host and producer: Jacqui Ooi

Production support: Perk Digital

What She Did Next acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Land on which this podcast is made, the Wodi Wodi people of the Dharawal nation. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you fallen out of love with a career that once inspired you? Do you want to feel that spark of excitement in your work life again?

This is where Melissa Di Marco found herself after 12 years in the hairdressing industry, but she didn’t know what else she could do.

Putting her CV out into the world, she hit a raft of rejections – but she did land a job in a tea shop.

Being introduced to the world of tea opened up a whole new interest for her and she has since become a certified tea master and tea blender.

Today, Mel is the founder and creative force behind TeaEsk, an award-winning tea brand that prides itself on being ethically made and sustainably packaged.

From starting out in her home kitchen, she now has nearly 100 stockists across Australia and a successful online store – and she recently took the big step of opening her first shopfront.

In this episode, Mel talks about how she navigated such a big career transition and what it’s taken to make her mark in an industry that was completely new to her. If you're looking for career change tips and business inspiration, you will love this conversation!

CONNECT WITH MEL

Visit her website: www.teaesk.com.au

Follow her on Instagram: www.instagram.com/teaesk

CONNECT WITH US

Interested to make a career change of your own? Sign up to our newsletter or check out our new online courses at whatshedidnext.com.au

Join us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/whatshedidnextpodcast

Facebook: www.facebook.com/whatshedidnextpodcast

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/what-she-did-next-podcast

CREDITS

Creator, host and producer: Jacqui Ooi

Production support: Perk Digital

What She Did Next acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Land on which this podcast is made, the Wodi Wodi people of the Dharawal nation. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you love the idea of packing up your life to go travelling? Just stepping off the daily treadmill and seeing where it takes you?

That’s exactly what Evie Farrell did back in 2016 and her travel buddy was her young daughter, Emmie.

As a solo mum, Evie had been struggling to balance her busy corporate career with spending enough time with Emmie and she decided an overseas adventure together was the answer.

But what was intended to be a year-long trip away, exploring Asia, has turned into a whole new way of living and working.

Gaining a huge following on her Instagram account, Mumpack Travel, a raft of unexpected opportunities came her way.

And now Evie runs her own travel company called Mumpack Trips, providing fun and thoughtful travel experiences for women, and for mums and kids, in some of her favourite countries like Vietnam, Cambodia and Malaysia.

In this episode, Evie talks about how she created this life and career of travel for herself – and her best career change tips for other women. If you love to travel or are simply feeling the need for a different kind work life, you will love this conversation.

CONNECT WITH EVIE

Visit her website: mumpacktravel.com or mumpacktrips.com.au

Follow her on Instagram: www.instagram.com/mumpacktravel or www.instagram.com/mumpacktrips

CONNECT WITH US

Interested to make a career change of your own? Sign up to our newsletter or check out our new online courses at whatshedidnext.com.au

Join us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/whatshedidnextpodcast

Facebook: www.facebook.com/whatshedidnextpodcast

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/what-she-did-next-podcast

CREDITS

Creator, host and producer: Jacqui Ooi

Production support: Perk Digital

What She Did Next acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Land on which this podcast is made, the Wodi Wodi people of the Dharawal nation. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you thinking about making a career change? But you’re not sure ‘what’s next’ for you?

Join host Jacqui Ooi for Season 5 of What She Did Next, as she chats with women across Australia who’ve changed up their careers in all sorts of interesting ways – to create more freedom and flexibility, explore their creative interests and do work that feels more meaningful.

Whether you want to redesign your career in some way or completely change industries, these stories are for you.

We hope you hear something in these conversations that inspires your next move.

Season 5 will drop on Wed 2 August, with new episodes released fortnightly.

CONNECT WITH US

Sign up to our newsletter or check out our new online courses at https://whatshedidnext.com.au/

Join us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatshedidnextpodcast/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whatshedidnextpodcast

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/what-she-did-next-podcast

CREDITS

Creator, host and producer: Jacqui Ooi

Production support: Perk Digital

What She Did Next acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Land on which this podcast is made, the Wodi Wodi people of the Dharawal nation. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.