The Career Change Maker | Career Clarity & Career Pivots for Mid-Career Women

If you’re feeling stuck at mid-career, unsure whether to stay, pivot, or start something new this episode is for you. In this case study, I’m joined by my former client Claire, who went from feeling uncertain about her next move after leaving a role of 13 years in education to gaining crystal-clear career clarity and launching her own consulting business in just three months. We talk about what it really takes to get unstuck, how to move from overthinking to aligned action, and why clarity doesn’t have to take years when you approach it strategically. If you’ve been sitting in “what’s next?” mode for longer than you’d like, this conversation will give you both perspective and momentum. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Action Steps: 1️⃣ Get honest about what feels misaligned. Instead of asking “What job should I apply for?” ask “What do I no longer want to tolerate?” 2️⃣ Stop gathering endless information and choose one direction to test. Clarity often comes from action, not analysis. 3️⃣ Define your next 90-day focus. If you had to move forward strategically for the next three months, what would you prioritise? 👉 Book a clarity call at careerchangemakers.com/claritycall and let’s explore your next best step. Connect with Claire and learn more about her work - https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-bartkus/ Send a text 🔗Connect with me LinkedIn: Janine Esbrand Instagram: @careerchangemakerspodcast

In this episode, I’m speaking directly to the introverts and the “just let me do my good work” professionals who feel resistant to the whole “be everywhere, build your personal brand, post every day” narrative. Visibility is important for career progression, whether you want to move up internally or explore opportunities externally. But being visible doesn’t mean becoming someone you’re not. I break down how to approach visibility in a way that feels aligned, strategic, and sustainable, especially if you don’t naturally enjoy being in the spotlight. I share the three-step framework I use with my coaching clients to help them build visibility without compromising their personality or values. If you’ve ever been passed up for opportunities and wondered why less experienced people seem to get ahead, this episode will give you clarity and a practical way forward. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Who, How, WhenAction Steps: Identify Your “Who.” Who specifically needs to see me and understand my value? Choose Your Method. Set Your Cadence. If this episode resonated with you and you’re ready to build a visibility strategy that feels aligned to who you are that’s exactly what we work on inside my one-to-one coaching. Once we’re clear on where you want to go, we design the right visibility plan to get you seen by the right people without forcing you to become someone you’re not. 👉 Book a clarity call at careerchangemakers.com/claritycall and let’s explore your next best step. And if you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating and review. It helps the show reach more ambitious professionals who need this message. Send a text

🎙️ Episode Overview In this solo episode, I’m talking about something I see come up again and again during career transitions: the difference between appearing confident and actually feeling confident. I work with so many high-achieving professionals who look confident on the outside; capable, accomplished, and put together, yet internally they’re second-guessing themselves, especially when they’re navigating interviews, considering a move, or trying to figure out what’s next in their career. In this episode, I unpack why “faking it till you make it” doesn’t work long-term when you’re in transition, and what actually helps you build confidence that supports you as you move towards your next role, opportunity, or career chapter. I also share a recent client example that highlights how confidence grows when you reconnect with your experience, your value, and the evidence of what you already bring to the table. If your confidence has dipped as you think about what’s next or you’re tired of performing confidence rather than truly feeling it, this episode is for you. ✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode 🧭 Action Steps Take stock of your experience:Connect the dots:Build confidence through action:💬 Ready for Support? If you’re in the middle of a career transition and want to feel more confident in interviews, networking conversations, and decision-making, I’d love to support you. 👉🏽 Book a Clarity Call at careerchangemakers.com/claritycall and let’s explore how coaching can help you move forward with confidence as you step into your next career chapter. Send us a text

🎙️ Episode Overview If you’re great at setting career goals but struggle to actually achieve them, this episode is for you. As we reach the end of January and motivation starts to dip, I wanted to have a real conversation about why so many people get stuck between intention and execution, and how you can close that gap. In this episode, I break down the real reasons goals stall. I talk about the danger of taking action without structure, how too much external noise leads to confusion, and why misdiagnosing the problem can keep you spinning your wheels. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Action Steps Pause and audit what you’re doing:Identify the real bottleneck:Create intentional structure:🔗 Book a Career Clarity Call If you’re ready to close the gap between the goals you’ve set and actually achieving them, book a clarity call with me at careerchangemakers.com/claritycall Send us a text

From Burnout to Business Owner (Client Case Study) In this episode, I’m sharing a powerful career coaching case study with my client, Maren. After moving from the Netherlands to Sweden and building a “squiggly” career across physiotherapy, admin, tech support, HR tech and customer success, she hit a point of exhaustion and misalignment at work. Maren came to coaching feeling tired, frustrated, and unsure of her next career move. Together, we explored her strengths, values and ideal work life. What started as a search for a new role turned into something bigger: the clarity and confidence to start her own business and design work that truly fits her. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How career coaching creates clarity From self-doubt to self-advocacy at work A practical path from employee to business owner In this episode, we talk about: Maren also shares how coaching helped her avoid taking the long, indirect “multi-stop flight” in her career, and instead take a more direct route to the work and life she actually wanted. Connect with Maren Today, Maren runs Floohi, where she helps small and growing businesses: If you’re a business owner who feels like everything is in your head and your backend is chaos, you’ll love hearing how Maren supports her clients. 👉 Connect with Maren and learn more about Floohi via the links in the show notes. Considering Coaching? If you’re: career changestarting a businessthis episode will give you a real-life example of what’s possible with structured career coaching, accountability, and a clear plan. If you’re ready to explore your next chapter and want support, book a career clarity call. Want to connect and share your thoughts on the episode? Send an email to podcast@careerchangemakers.com Send us a text

If you’ve been feeling like your only options are to stay miserable or burn it all down, this episode is for you. In today’s episode, I’m talking about how all-or-nothing thinking shows up in our careers, particularly for high achievers and why this black-and-white mindset keeps so many capable, talented people feeling stuck, frustrated, and disengaged. I share why this way of thinking actually makes a lot of sense given how you’ve been rewarded throughout your career, and why shifting from making “forever decisions” to treating your career as a series of experiments can unlock clarity, confidence, and momentum. ✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode 🧭 Action Steps Notice the binary language you’re using “If I leave, I’ve wasted everything”“If I don’t know the perfect move, I shouldn’t move at all.”Make decisions for a season, not forever What decision makes sense for this next season of my career?Actively look for the middle ground 🤍 Ready for Support? If you’re navigating the grey area and want support identifying your options, testing what fits, and moving forward with intention, I’d love to help. You can book a Career Clarity Call with me to explore whether my one-to-one coaching programme is the right next step. My work is designed to help you move from feeling unsure and stuck to having clarity, structure, and a sense of ease about what’s next. If this episode resonated, please share it with someone who needs to hear it. The more people who hear the show, the more people I can support in leading their careers with intention. Until next time, take care of yourself 🔗 Get in Touch Want to get in touch or give us feedback? Email us at podcast@careerchangemakers.com Send us a text

As we move through the first full working week of January, many professionals find themselves reflecting on their careers and questioning whether the path they’re on still fits. In this episode, I reflect on my biggest career pivot - stepping off the default legal career track while on maternity leave and how that single decision shaped a fulfilling portfolio career over the last 10 years. This episode is an invitation to rethink rigid career paths, embrace experimentation, and give yourself permission to choose again as your life, priorities, and seasons change. ✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode small, strategic transitions🧭 Key Themes We Explore 🎯 Action Steps don’t🤍 Work With Me If you’re at a crossroads and want support designing a career that fits your life, not just one that looks good on paper, this is exactly the work I do with clients in 1:1 coaching. 👉 Book a Career Clarity Call 🔔 Enjoyed This Episode? If this resonated, share it with a friend who might need permission to choose again in 2026. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and keep moving towards a career that truly fits. Send us a text

If logging into LinkedIn or Instagram at the start of the year has left you feeling behind, overwhelmed, or questioning whether you should be doing more already — this episode is for you. In this episode, I explore why January so often triggers panic action, how social media rewards speed over alignment, and why rushing into goals can actually delay the results you want most. I share why slowing down to gain clarity has become one of the most powerful career strategies I’ve seen — especially for high-achieving professionals in mid-career. If you’re in a season of questioning, recalibrating, or figuring out your next move, this conversation will help you release the pressure to “hit the ground running” and instead move forward with intention. ✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode: panic actionmotiontractionfiguring-it-out seasonaligned next steps🧠 Key Takeaway: You’re not behind, you’re becoming intentional. The season before clarity is not wasted time. It’s where the right decisions are made. 🛠️ Action Steps: How to Move Forward Without Rushing Create space to pause Get curious about what’s not working Take one small, aligned action 🤍 Want Support With Your Next Step? If you’re feeling the urge to make a move but don’t yet have clarity on what that move should be, you don’t need more information — you need space to think it through properly. 👉 Book a Career Clarity Call with me and we’ll explore: you🌿 Monthly Pause & Plan Sessions I also host a complimentary Pause & Plan session once a month for professionals and leaders who want to step away from the noise and plan with intention. Join our next session. 🔗 Work with me in 2026 If you’re in a season of figuring things out and want personalised support, you can explore working with me 1:1 inside my Career Navigator coaching programme. Send us a text

In this episode of the Career Change Maker Podcast, I explore what happens when your career looks successful on the outside, but feels misaligned on the inside. So many high-achieving women reach a point in mid-career where everything appears to be going well - the title, the experience, the trajectory...yet there’s a quiet sense of dissatisfaction that won’t go away. Not because they’ve failed, but because they’ve grown. I talk about why this tension is so common, why it often shows up after years of building momentum, and how staying in roles that no longer fit the season of life you’re in can slowly drain your energy. I also share reflections from my own journey of moving away from private practice as a corporate lawyer, and why permission, not urgency was the turning point for me. If you’ve been asking yourself “Is this it?” or going back and forth about whether you should make a change, this episode will help you pause, listen to the information your body and mind are giving you, and think more intentionally about what alignment looks like now. ✅ What You’ll Learn in This Episode 💡 Action Steps 1. Look Ahead, Not Just Around Ask yourself how you would feel if nothing changed in your career by December 2026. 2. Identify What’s Draining You Get specific about which parts of your work take the most energy — and why. 3. Notice What You’re Tolerating Reflect on what you’re putting up with now that you wouldn’t have accepted in the past. Use these reflection questions: If you’re at a career crossroads and want support gaining clarity, I offer Career Pivot Clarity Calls - one-to-one conversations to help you understand where you are, what’s no longer working, and what your next best move could be. You can book yours using the link in the show notes. Send us a text

🎙️ Episode Overview This week’s episode is an extra-special milestone the 300th episode of the Career Change Maker Podcast, recorded live at Allbright Everywoman. Joined by two powerhouse women, Hannah Awonuga (Founder, Inclusive Foundations Programme) and Alice Olins (Global Head of Learning & Content at Albright Everywoman), Janine leads a deeply insightful conversation on navigating career growth in uncertain times. From Hannah’s journey from global corporate leadership to entrepreneurship while navigating grief, redundancy and reinvention to Alice’s transition from journalism to entrepreneurship and back into corporate leadership, this conversation offers grounded wisdom you can apply no matter where you are in your journey. If you're thinking about your next move, questioning your direction, or preparing for a new career chapter, this episode is full of powerful reminders that nothing is wasted, identity evolves, and you are the CEO of your career. 💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode 1. How to make bold career decisions — even when it’s easier to stay where you are. Hannah shares how she left a well-respected director role at Barclays, not because she disliked it, but because she was thinking long-term. The lesson? "Go when it’s easiest to stay, and stay when it’s easiest to go." 2. Why self-awareness is your greatest career strategy Alice breaks down how carving out intentional time to think about your career, track your patterns, and reflect on what energises you is essential, especially during uncertain times. 3. The importance of having a ‘Personal Board of Directors’ From negotiating salaries to navigating transitions, Hannah shares how having mentors and advisors who are “two or three steps ahead” has been transformational. 4. How to think about your personal brand without boxing yourself in Alice reframes personal brand as strategic storytelling flexible, responsive, and anchored in who you are and where you’re going, not just what you’ve done. 5. Career growth requires communitym not doing it alone From co-working communities to courageous friendships, both guests talk about the power of women supporting women through the messy middle of career change. 🧭 Action Steps Here are three practical steps you can take after listening: Block out one hour a week for “Career CEO Time.” Build (or update) your Personal Board of Directors. Audit your identity anchors. beyond 👉 If you’re already thinking ahead to 2026 and want guidance on shaping your next chapter, I would love to support you. Book a call to explore 1:1 coaching. 🔗 Connect Connect with Alice Olins - Connect with Hannah Awonuga Connect with Janine Esbrand Send us a text

In this week’s episode, I’m joined by creative entrepreneur, writer and past client, Tosin Hunter, for a deeply honest conversation about navigating the messy middle of career change, making an intentional pause, and rebuilding a life and career that genuinely aligns with your values. Tosin spent over a decade in corporate recruitment roles at organisations like EY, UBS and Salesforce — climbing the ladder, getting promoted (even while on maternity leave), and doing everything “right.” But behind the scenes, she was exhausted, burnt out, and increasingly disconnected from the work she was doing. In our coaching journey, she began unpacking what wasn’t working, rediscovering her values, and reconnecting with parts of herself she’d buried for years. That inner work sparked a complete life shift. One that led her to leave corporate, honour her season of motherhood, rediscover her creativity, and eventually build Hunter Digital, the website design studio she now co-leads with her husband. If you’re in the midst of questioning your career, craving more alignment, or feeling the nudge to pause and reassess, this conversation will resonate deeply. 🎙️ Episode Overview You’ll hear: 🌟 What You’ll Learn 1. Your values are data. Misalignment is a message During our coaching work, Tosin realised her values were family, creativity, fulfilment and simplicity… yet none of these were reflected in her day-to-day life. Recognising that misalignment became the catalyst for change. Before looking outward for roles, she started looking inward and that clarity changed everything. 2. A career pause can be productive, powerful and deeply clarifying Stepping away from corporate gave Tosin the time and emotional space to rediscover herself. Through journaling, creativity courses, volunteering and time with her daughter, she unravelled old beliefs and began shaping a life that actually worked for her. Her reminder? You don’t always need the next step. Sometimes you just need space. 3. Nothing is wasted — your experience still counts Tosin shares how easy it was to downplay her corporate achievements, until she realised those same skills ; storytelling, communication, listening, branding are now leveraged in business. Every chapter prepared her for the next. Your past isn’t irrelevant; it’s raw material for what’s next. If you know something needs to change, reach out for coaching Just like Tosin, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Coaching gives you the structure, support and reflective space to: If you’re feeling the nudge, consider this your sign. Reach out and let’s explore how coaching with me can s Send us a text 🎙️ Celebrate 300 Episodes with Us – Join the Live Podcast Recording! We’re bringing the Career Change Maker Podcast to life to mark reaching our 300th episode milestone — and you’re invited! Join host Janine Esbrand and guests for a special live recording and celebration in London, where they’ll be sharing meaningful insights about making purpose-driven career pivots and aligning your career with what matters most.

***Join us for our 300th Episode Celebration*** On Thursday 27th November, we will be coming together to celebrate reaching this amazing milestone with a Live Podcast Recording & Networking Event. I would love to see you there. Grab your ticket. There are only 15 seats left available. __________ 🎙️ Episode Overview In this powerful conversation, Patricia and Janine explore what it really means to grow beyond a prestigious title and step into work that aligns with who you are becoming. Prestige often feels safe—law, tenure, the senior role everyone recognises on LinkedIn, but real growth begins when the title no longer fits the person wearing it. This episode unpacks why nothing is wasted in your career: every season, every skill, every chapter becomes transferable capital for what’s next. Together we explore identity beyond job titles, how to adopt an entrepreneurial mindset inside and outside organisations, and why success must be rooted in values rather than status. If you’ve outgrown a role, feel pulled toward new impact, or are navigating a career chapter that no longer aligns, this conversation will help you reframe your experience, re-anchor your direction, and move with clarity. What You’ll Learn in This Episode 1. Why redefining success is essential once you’ve “made it.” We discuss how reaching the top of a traditional path can reveal misalignment — and why that discomfort is powerful data pointing toward your next chapter. 2. How to separate identity from job title. You’ll learn how to honour your past work without letting it limit future possibilities, and how to reintroduce yourself by impact rather than labels. 3. The mindset and practices that help you navigate career transitions with confidence. From transferring your toolkit to adopting an entrepreneurial operating system, this episode shows you how to make evidence-based decisions, iterate without self-judgement, and build a career anchored in values. Action Steps 1. Audit your definition of success. Ask yourself: “Does this measure meaning or just status?” Rewrite your success metrics based on values, impact, and desired rhythms of work. 2. Create your “portable skills” inventory. List the cognitive, strategic, and relational skills you’ve built that are transferable across industries and roles. This becomes your confidence and positioning tool. 3. Separate your ‘what’ from your ‘how.’ Get clear on what you truly want next—impact, income range, type of work—before worrying about the logistics. Treat the “how” as a solvable project once the vision is set. Connect with us Connect with PatriciaVisit Patricia's website Connect with Janine ✨ Let’s Work Together ✨ If you're in a season of career transitio Send us a text 🎙️ Celebrate 300 Episodes with Us – Join the Live Podcast Recording! We’re bringing the Career Change Maker Podcast to life to mark reaching our 300th episode milestone — and you’re invited! Join host Janine Esbrand and guests for a special live recording and celebration in London, where they’ll be sharing meaningful insights about making purpose-driven career pivots and aligning your career with what matters most.

In today’s episode, I’m diving into a powerful yet often overlooked question that can make or break your preparation for career-defining conversations — whether it's an interview, a performance review, or a high-stakes pitch. This episode was inspired by a recent conversation with one of my coaching clients who is navigating the Career Change Maker Process. As we discussed an upcoming chat she had with a recruiter, one simple question shifted everything for her and I believe it can do the same for you. What you'll learn: If you want to show up fully prepared and leave a lasting impression in your next important conversation, this episode is a must-listen. Action Step: Before your next career conversation, ask yourself: What do I want them to know about me, my experience, and my expertise by the end of this conversation? Then prepare with that focus in mind. Links & Resources: The One ThingGrab the book Apple Podcasts SpotifyWork with Me Join the 1:1 coaching waitlist to get started in November Connect with Me: @careerchangemakerspodcast careerchangemakers.com Send us a text 🎙️ Celebrate 300 Episodes with Us – Join the Live Podcast Recording! We’re bringing the Career Change Maker Podcast to life to mark reaching our 300th episode milestone — and you’re invited! Join host Janine Esbrand and guests for a special live recording and celebration in London, where they’ll be sharing meaningful insights about making purpose-driven career pivots and aligning your career with what matters most.

***Join us for our 300th Episode Celebration*** On Thursday 27th November, we will be coming together to celebrate reaching this amazing milestone with a Live Podcast Recording & Networking Event. I would love to see you there. Grab your ticket. There are only 30 seats available. ______ In this powerful episode, I am joined by fellow career coach Michelle Schafer, who also specialises in career transition and leadership development. Together, they explore why mastering difficult conversations at work is a critical skill for professional growth and long-term fulfilment. Michelle shares her personal journey from experiencing job loss twice to building a thriving coaching practice — and how those experiences shaped her belief that real career advancement begins with courageous conversations. 💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 🧭 Action Steps: Reflect:Initiate:Connect:✨ Memorable Quote: Michelle Schafer 🔗 Connect with Michelle: LinkedIn:Michelle SchaferWebsite:mshafercoaching.cafree chapterCultivating Career Growth: Navigating Transitions with Purpose🔗 Connect with Janine LinkedIn:Janine EsbrandCareer Change Makers waitlist Send us a text 🎙️ Celebrate 300 Episodes with Us – Join the Live Podcast Recording! We’re bringing the Career Change Maker Podcast to life to mark reaching our 300th episode milestone — and you’re invited! Join host Janine Esbrand and guests for a special live recording and celebration in London, where they’ll be sharing meaningful insights about making purpose-driven career pivots and aligning your career with what matters most.

In this episode of the Career Change Maker Podcast, I explore what it means to redefine career success across different life seasons. From your 20s to your 40s and beyond. So many ambitious professionals find themselves questioning their path not because they’ve failed, but because they’ve grown. Whether you're stepping into motherhood, supporting ageing parents, or simply feeling out of alignment, this conversation will help you give yourself permission to pause, reflect, and pivot. I share my personal journey of shifting from corporate law to coaching, and why success needs to evolve with your changing values, energy, and capacity. If you're feeling unfulfilled in your work or wondering if it's "too late" to make a change this episode is your reminder that it’s okay to want something different now. ✅ What You’ll Learn in This Episode 💡 Action Steps 1. Reflect on Your Current Season - Ask yourself what success looks like now—not based on old goals or outdated definitions. 2. Identify Value Shifts - Get clear on what matters most to you right now (e.g. flexibility, impact, presence, legacy). 3. Release or Renegotiate - Consider what roles, responsibilities, or expectations may need to shift in order to honour your new definition of success. Use Reflection Questions: ✨ Let’s Work Together ✨ If you're in a season of career transition and you're ready to create a path that's fully aligned with who you are now, I'd love to support you. Through my 1:1 coaching programmes, I help ambitious professionals make bold but intentional career moves without sacrificing their lifestyle, income, or sense of self. 👉 Join the waitlist for 1:1 coaching with me 📚 Resources Janine EsbrandCareer Change Maker WebsiteSend us a text

🎙️ Episode Overview In this episode of the Career Change Maker Podcast, I dive into the often-overwhelming process of making career decisions - especially for ambitious women facing a sea of possibilities. I explore why more time doesn't always mean more clarity and share how gathering the right kind of data can lead to confident, informed decisions. I introduce a three-part framework - internal, experiential, and market data - to help you move beyond indecision and toward meaningful action. Whether you’re considering a career pivot or feeling stuck where you are, this episode will guide you in aligning your next move with who you are and what truly matters. If you’ve been caught in analysis paralysis or waiting for “the right time” to act, this conversation is your nudge to start exploring intentionally - with strategy and self-awareness. ✅ What You’ll Learn in This Episode 💡 Action Steps Collect Internal DataTest Through ExperienceResearch the Market: ✨ Let’s Work Together ✨ If you’re ready to make your own transition with clarity and confidence, I’d love to support you. Through my coaching programmes, I help ambitious professionals and emerging leaders take ownership of their career journey, strengthen their leadership, and create meaningful impact. 👉 Join the waitlist for 1:1 coaching with me. 📚 Resources Connect with Janine on LinkedIn:Janine Esbrand Career Change Maker Website Send us a text Send us a text

🎙️ Episode Overview In this episode of the Career Change Maker Podcast, I’m joined by the amazing Shannon Russell, a former TV producer turned entrepreneur and now author of Start Your Second Act: How to Change Careers, Launch a Business, and Create Your Best Life. Shannon shares her journey from working in a “dream job” in New York and Los Angeles to realising she wanted more balance, freedom, and presence with her family. We talk candidly about the messy middle of career transitions, how to recognise your transferable skills, and why your why is the anchor that keeps you steady through change. If you’ve been contemplating a pivot but fear the sacrifice or uncertainty, this conversation will show you that it’s possible to reinvent yourself, strategically and successfully, in your second act. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✅ How Shannon transitioned from TV production to running her own business. ✅ The journalling method she used to uncover her transferable skills. ✅ How to create a financial and mental runway for a career change. ✅ The power of knowing your why when people question your choices. Action Steps 💡 Journal your own skill inventory — write down everything you do in your role and circle what could be transferable elsewhere. 💡 Map your financial runway: define your “enough” number and how long you could sustain yourself while building something new. 💡 Anchor your why: write it down and keep it visible for moments when doubts or outside opinions feel overwhelming. ✨ Let’s Work Together ✨ If you’re ready to make your own transition with clarity and confidence, I’d love to support you. Through my coaching programmes, I help ambitious professionals and emerging leaders take ownership of their career journey, strengthen their leadership, and create meaningful impact. 👉 Book a call with me here to explore your next steps. 📚 Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode Shannon’s website:secondactsuccess.coBook:Start Your Second Act: How to Change Careers, Launch a Business, and Create Your Best LifeConnect with Shannon on LinkedIn:Shannon RussellConnect with Janine on LinkedIn:Janine Esbrand Career Change Maker Website Send us a text

🎙️ Episode Overview In this episode of the Career Change Maker Podcast, I dive into the idea of a September reset — a chance to treat this time of year like a second new year for your career and personal growth. I share lessons from my own recovery journey after rupturing my Achilles, where I’ve had to lean into resilience, patience, and consistency. Even when progress felt invisible, I realised the importance of acknowledging the small wins that build strength over time. If you’ve been feeling stuck, off track, or in need of a boost, this episode will help you embrace September as the perfect moment to refocus, reset, and move forward with clarity. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ Why September is a powerful time to reset and refocus your career. ✅ The hidden value of consistency, even when results aren’t immediately visible. ✅ How recovery and resilience can teach you to embrace growth in challenging seasons. Action Steps: 💡 Reflect on one career or personal goal that you want to reset and refocus on this month. 💡 Identify where you’ve been putting in unseen effort — and celebrate that progress. 💡 Commit to one consistent action you’ll take this September to build momentum. ✨ Let’s Work Together ✨ If you’re ready to refocus your career and want support in navigating your next steps with clarity and confidence, I’d love to help. Through my coaching experiences, I work with ambitious professionals and emerging leaders to build momentum, strengthen their leadership, and create careers that feel fulfilling and impactful. 👉 Learn more and apply to work with me HERE. Resources: Work with Janine Join our Career Navigator Substack communityFollow Janine Esbrand on InstagramConnect with Janine Esbrand on LinkedInSubscribe to Janine Esbrand's YouTube Channel Send us a text

🎙️ Episode Overview In this episode of the Career Change Maker Podcast, I’m joined by Elizabeth Lotardo, Author of Leading Yourself, employee engagement consultant, and LinkedIn Learning instructor who has taught over two million people how to lead themselves. Elizabeth shares the surprising findings from her extensive research into what drives true employee engagement and why the real key isn’t the conditions you work in, but the skills and mindsets you develop to engage yourself no matter the circumstances. We explore practical strategies for cultivating radical accountability, shifting from output-based to input-based goals, and finding meaning even in challenging situations. What You’ll Learn in This Episode The skillset behind engagementMindset shifts that make a differencePractical tools to lead yourselfAction Steps Audit your mindsetBreak down your goalsPractise daily self-leadershipConnect with Elizabeth Lotardo: elizabethlotardo.com Elizabeth LotardoConnect with Janine Work with JanineCareer Change Maker WebsiteJoin the Career Navigator weekly email seriesSend us a text

Description 🎙️ Episode Overview In this episode of the Career Change Maker Podcast, I explore The Power of the Pause and why slowing down is one of the most underrated productivity tools for leaders. I share a client story that highlights how stepping back can create space for clarity and momentum, and I open up about my own season of recovery where I’ve experienced first-hand the benefits of slowing all the way down as a business leader and mum. I also reflect on a recent girls’ trip that became a surprising leadership lesson in the value of fun, environment shifts, and surrounding yourself with the right people. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ A Pause is a Strategy, Not a Setback: Why intentional breaks can actually move you forward faster. ✅ Leadership Lessons From Stepping Away: How my girls’ trip highlighted the power of fun, environment, and connection. ✅ Clarity Comes in the Quiet: Why the best decisions often come when you stop forcing them. Action Steps: 💡 Identify one area of your work or life where taking a pause could bring more clarity. 💡 Schedule a micro-pause (daily) or macro-pause (quarterly) to reset and refocus. 💡 Reflect on who you are surrounding yourself with and whether they energise or drain you. Resources: Work with JanineCareer Change Maker WebsiteJoin the Career Navigator weekly email seriesFollow Janine Esbrand on InstagramConnect with Janine Esbrand on LinkedInSubscribe to Janine Esbrand's YouTube ChannelSend us a text