Explore every episode of the podcast Career Change Maker | Career Clarity, Career Opportunities, Career Pivots, Burnout, Corporate Job, Portfolio Career
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 339 I No Motivation for Your Next Career Chapter? Try This | 24 Sep 2026 | 00:13:43 | |
Do you know exactly what you want but still aren't moving towards it? Are you frustrated because you know it isn't a lack of discipline? Are you wondering what's actually missing? With my 42nd birthday approaching and my eldest starting high school, I've been in a season of recalibration. I have big goals, but the conviction to consistently move them forward wasn't always showing up, so I paused and looked back to figure out why. In this episode, I share three moments when I achieved something big, the common thread that kept me going, and how you can find that same thread in your own story to close the gap between your goal and taking action. What you will learn:
When motivation dips, our instinct is to push harder. Instead, I encourage you to revisit the milestones in your career and life that you're genuinely proud of and ask what was true for you then that isn't true now. The patterns you spot are the ingredients you need to move forward again.
Getting in shape, living in another country, writing a talk: none of those goals were what kept me going. The fuel was always what those goals would allow me to do and create. I explain why a clear, meaningful why is what turns a goal you want into a goal you actually act on.
Ā Your first answer to "why do I want this?" is usually the surface-level one. I share the Five Whys exercise I use with my clients and walk through an example of a professional wanting to build an additional income stream alongside her career, showing how asking "why" five times uncovers the deeper reason that gives you real conviction. Ready to turn your why into a plan?
And I'd love to hear how your Five Whys exercise goes! Tag me on Instagram @janineesbrand, email me at janine@careerchangemakers.com, or connect with me on LinkedIn. Connect with me Website: www.careerchangemakers.com LinkedIn:Ā Janine Esbrand Instagram: @careerchangemakerspodcast Career Change Makers on Apple Podcasts ******* Work with me Book a Career Expansion Strategy Session and kickstart your journey to redesigning your career in a way that is right for you.Ā | |||
| 338 | From Compartmentalising Your Expertise to Landing Your First Client in 3 Months, with Priscilla Owusu | 17 Sep 2026 | 00:54:54 | |
Have you spent years building up skills and experience that you've never actually connected into a career of your own? Do you feel like a square peg in a round hole in your current role, but you're not sure what the alternative even looks like? Are you sitting on more expertise than you realise, but waiting to feel "ready" or "confident enough" before you do anything with it? If any of that sounds familiar, this episode is for you. I remember the moment my guest today told me she'd been compartmentalising nearly 20 years of experience. Treating the thing she was actually brilliant at as a "side thing," something she did for fun, separate from her "real" career. She is not alone, so many high-achieving women do the same. We do the work, we get the results, and somehow we still don't let ourselves call it what it is. In this episode, I sit down with the brilliant Priscilla Owusu. She is a writer, editor and content strategist with over 20 years in communications.Ā We talk about how she went from feeling stuck and unsure of her next move to building a new client pipeline for her own content strategy business, in just three months.Ā What You Will Learn
If you this conversation leaves you thinking about what your own first next step could look like, I currently have a few spots open for Career Expansion Strategy Sessions - 75-minute 1:1 coaching sessions where you'll get my eyes, ears and thoughts on your career, what you've already built, and how to leverage it to start expanding your career in the way that is right for you.Ā You'll come away with a clear picture of how to start using what's already in your toolkit and an action plan to start making moves.Ā Priscilla Owusu is a writer, editor, and content strategist working primarily with small organisations, charities, and independent consultants. She spent over 20 years in Communications roles across sectors including finance, real estate, and higher education, before leaving in-house work to launch her own consultancy. At the heart of her work is writing and editing: helping clients develop content that communicates clearly and consistently, and earns credibility with the audiences they most want to reach. She also offers content and communications strategy for clients looking to think more broadly about how they show up. You can find her on LinkedIn or at priscillaowusu.co.uk.Ā Connect with Priscilla
Connect with me Website: www.careerchangemakers.com LinkedIn:Ā Janine Esbrand Instagram: @careerchangemakerspodcast Career Change Makers on Apple Podcasts ******* Work with me Book a Career Expansion Strategy Session and kickstart your journey to redesigning your career in a way that is right for you.Ā | |||
| 337 I What To Expect At The Multiple Streams Of Income Intensive (Starts This Week!) | 30 Aug 2026 | 00:10:17 | |
We're just days away from the Multiple Streams of Income Intensive. In this short episode, I'm taking you behind the scenes of exactly what we'll be doing, how to prepare, and what I want you to bring into the room. So if you're one of the 50 joining me, or you're still deciding, this one's for you.Ā Connect with me Website: www.careerchangemakers.com LinkedIn:Ā Janine Esbrand Instagram: @careerchangemakerspodcast Career Change Makers on Apple Podcasts ******* Work with me Book a Career Expansion Strategy Session and kickstart your journey to redesigning your career in a way that is right for you.Ā | |||
| 336 I How To Turn Your "Someday" Career Goals Into A Start Date | 26 Aug 2026 | 00:18:40 | |
Do you keep telling yourself you'll build something for yourself "one day," but that day never actually arrives? Are you waiting for more time, more capacity, or the "right moment" before you let yourself even consider building an additional income stream? And if your only income depended on one employer, one role, one paycheck ā how secure would you actually feel right now? If yes, lean into today's episode.Ā I caught up with a past client recently, someone who came to me after leaving a role she'd been in for 13 years, still figuring out what was next. Back then, she told me she'd love to build something of her own "one day", but the priority was securing her next role first. Someday. Not now.Ā Fast forward to this week, and her update floored me: not only has she built a thriving consulting business on the side, she's just landed a more senior role than the one she left AND negotiated to keep her consulting business running alongside it. It isn't either/or for her anymore. It's both. That conversation is exactly why I wanted to record this episode. Because I hear some version of "I'd love to do that one day" from experienced, brilliant women all the time. I wanted to unpack why now, not someday, is the right time to start. In this episode, I'm breaking down why building before you need it is the real security net, why your existing expertise is more valuable (and more AI-proof) than you're giving it credit for, and how starting small is the actual path to a portfolio career that protects and fulfills you. What You Will Learn - Why Building An Additional Income Stream Is Your Real Security Net In uncertain times with layoffs, redundancies, constant shifts in the job market ā having all of your income tied to one employer is a risk. I talk through why starting to build something of your own now, while things are stable, means you're not scrambling to build from a place of panic later. - Why Your Experience Is More Valuable Than You Realise (Especially With AI On The Rise) With so much conversation about AI disruption, I explain why your judgement, nuance, and years of hard-won expertise are exactly what can't be replicated. Most high-achieving women are sitting on more value than they've ever stopped to fully articulate. - How To Turn Your Own "Someday" Into An Actual Start Date I close with a challenge: pick an actual date. This quarter, next quarter, next year ā whatever it is, get specific. I walk through why building before you're forced to is always the better position to build from. I'm so passionate about this that I'm running a free, two-day live event called the Multiple Streams of Income Intensive on September 2nd and 3rd. Day one, I'll walk you through the exact framework for identifying and starting your first additional income stream. Day two is live hot-seat coaching, where you can bring your own ideas and get coached in real time. If you've been thinking about building something of your own and telling yourself "someday", this is your someday. Sign up for free at careerchangemakers.com/intensive. Connect with me Website: www.careerchangemakers.com LinkedIn:Ā Janine Esbrand Instagram: @careerchangemakerspodcast Career Change Makers on Apple Podcasts ******* Work with me Book a Career Expansion Strategy Session and kickstart your journey to redesigning your career in a way that is right for you.Ā | |||
| 335 I You Don't Need To Quit Your Job To Build Additional Income Streams | 21 Aug 2026 | 00:17:22 | |
Do you assume that building something of your own means you're eventually supposed to quit your job? Do you find yourself stuck between two options that both feel wrong ā stay exactly where you are, or blow up your entire career and start again? Are you telling yourself you can't start building on the side because you don't have the time or the capacity to do it alongside everything else? I'm so glad you're here. One of the questions I get asked most is how I fit it all in. How do I manage legal work, coaching, podcasting, speaking and consulting, whilst raising a family and running a home?Ā In this episode, I'm challenging the binary idea that you either build something and leave, or you stay exactly where you are. I'm walking you through why your job can actually fund the experiment of building something new, how to start from what you have capacity for rather than every possibility you could chase, why building one stream at a time is what makes a portfolio career feel achievable, and why your first milestone doesn't need to be replacing your salary. What you will learn: Why your job can fund the experiment Your salary isn't the thing standing between you and building something of your own ā it can be the advantage that lets you build it. I share how keeping my day job let me treat my income as capital, funding tens of thousands of pounds in coaching and training over the years, long before my business was generating anything close to that itself. How to start from capacity, not possibility When we ask "what could I build?" in the abstract, it gets overwhelming fast, and overwhelm leads straight to analysis paralysis. I talk through why the better question is "what can I realistically give three to five hours a week to, for the next six months?" and how looking honestly at your week, protecting that time, and treating it as non-negotiable is what actually gets you moving. Why building one stream at a time is what makes this possible I didn't build five income streams. I built one, learned from it, and then built the next. I unpack why sequencing removes the pressure that makes a portfolio career feel like an impossible ecosystem to construct overnight, and why picking a stream closest to what you already know is always your fastest, most energy-efficient starting point. If you're ready to find out what that one thing could be for you, come join me for the Multiple Streams of Income Intensive on the 2nd and 3rd of September. On day one, I'll walk you through exactly how to get started. On day two, we'll have live hot seats, so if you've got questions specific to your industry or background, you can get your own personalised roadmap directly from me. Head to www.careerchangemakers.com/intensive to save your seat ā the link is also in the show notes. Related Episodes You May Enjoy
Connect with me Website: www.careerchangemakers.com LinkedIn:Ā Janine Esbrand Instagram: @careerchangemakerspodcast Career Change Makers on Apple Podcasts ******* Work with me Book a Career Expansion Strategy Session and kickstart your journey to redesigning your career in a way that is right for you.Ā | |||
| 334 I The Truth About Additional Income Streams That No One Tells High Achievers | 13 Aug 2026 | 00:28:56 | |
Have you ever caught yourself rolling your eyes at another "I made five figures in a week" ad and wondered why everyone has seemed to have figured out how to shortcut their way to creating additional streams of income.Ā Your resistance is understandable -Ā you're a high achiever, and high achievers don't move on hype, they move on what actually makes sense. In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on what it really takes to build a portfolio career when you're a seasoned professional, not a beginner with nothing to lose.Ā What you will learn:
I also share the five questions I want you to sit with this week to start uncovering where your career capital already lives. If this episode has you thinking there's more inside your experience than you've been giving yourself credit for, I'd love to help you go deeper. Connect with me Website: www.careerchangemakers.com LinkedIn:Ā Janine Esbrand Instagram: @careerchangemakerspodcast Career Change Makers on Apple Podcasts ******* Work with me Book a Career Expansion Strategy Session and kickstart your journey to redesigning your career in a way that is right for you.Ā | |||
| 333 l Stop Sitting On Your Experience, Make It Start Working For You | 06 Aug 2026 | 00:26:04 | |
When you reflect on key milestones in your life and career, do you only focus on the achievement itself, or do you talk about who you became while reaching it? Most ambitious women are sitting on years of rich, transformative experience that is working far less than it could simply because they haven't learned how to articulate its true depth and impact.Ā In this episode of the Career Change Maker Podcast, I share three pivotal milestones from my own journey to demonstrate how shifting your perspective on your past achievements can transform how others view your expertise. If you want your experience to start working for you instead of constantly feeling like you have to chase new markers, this episode will show you how to pull out the hidden gems in your story.Ā What You Will Learn in This Episode
Resources & Links Mentioned
Related Episodes You May Enjoy
Connect with me Website: www.careerchangemakers.com LinkedIn:Ā Janine Esbrand Instagram: @careerchangemakerspodcast Career Change Makers on Apple Podcasts ******* Work with me Book a Career Expansion Strategy Session and kickstart your journey to redesigning your career in a way that is right for you.Ā | |||
| 332 I From My Coaching Room: Feeling Undervalued at Work? Hereās What That Actually Means | 30 Jul 2026 | 00:12:39 | |
Have you ever been made to feel like you weren't good enough, not because of your results or effort, but because of how someone in your organization views or interacts with you?Ā Do you find that being handed work below your level or being overlooked for major opportunities is slowly eroding your confidence over time?Ā What if being undervalued at work isn't a reflection of your actual ability, but simply evidence that you are sharing your expertise in the wrong room?Ā In this episode, I am taking you inside my coaching room to share a powerful story from a senior, highly experienced client who was feeling stuck and overlooked in her corporate role. When she took the exact same expertise she was using at work and packaged it for external clients, everything shifted. The positive response and paid validation completely restored her confidence and transformed how she showed up across her entire career.Ā Many ambitious women assume that being undervalued inside an organization means they need more training, more credentials, or more time before stepping out into the marketplace. In reality, being undervalued is contextual, not evidential. One room's read on your capabilities is not the final word on the immense value you can bring.Ā Building something on the side isn't just about creating an extra stream of income; it serves as a powerful space to test your ideas, build unshakeable self-belief, and take control of your professional worth.Ā What you will learn in this episode
Ready to gain exclusive insights and stay ahead in your career transition journey? Don't navigate your next steps alone. Join our exclusive email community today to get weekly behind-the-scenes perspectives, practical guidance, and first access to details about our upcoming live events and announcements. Click the link in the show notes to get on the list.Ā
Connect with me Website: www.careerchangemakers.com LinkedIn:Ā Janine Esbrand Instagram: @careerchangemakerspodcast Career Change Makers on Apple Podcasts ******* Work with me Book a Career Expansion Strategy Session and kickstart your journey to redesigning your career in a way that is right for you.Ā | |||
| 331 I Why Building On The Side Makes You Better At Your Day Job | 24 Jul 2026 | 00:16:13 | |
Are you holding back from starting a side project or an additional stream of income because you fear it will ruin your focus at work?Ā Do you worry that building something on the side will make your employer question your commitment or negatively impact your day-to-day performance? Ā What if creating a business outside your 9 to 5 is actually the key to sharpening your skills and making you a highly sought-after professional?Ā In this episode, I share a recent personal experience from a legal consulting project that proved why having a side venture actually enhances your career performance rather than distracting from it. Drawing on the systems and problem-solving skills I developed as a business owner, I was able to build a brand-new operations system that added immense, immediate value to the organisation.Ā Many ambitious women assume that dividing their focus will dilute their impact. In reality, stepping into a training ground outside your full-time role broadens your perspective, refines your resilience, and equips you to solve high-level problems with ease.Ā Building something on the side isn't just a strategy for leaving corporate; it is often the ultimate training ground to help you show up as a leader, stand out in your industry, and thrive where you are.Ā What you will learn in this episode
Ready to gain exclusive insights and stay ahead in your career journey?Ā Don't navigate your career transition alone. Join our exclusive email community today to get weekly behind-the-scenes perspectives, practical nuggets, and first access to exciting upcoming announcements. Connect with me Website: www.careerchangemakers.com LinkedIn:Ā Janine Esbrand Instagram: @careerchangemakerspodcast Career Change Makers on Apple Podcasts ******* Work with me Book a Career Expansion Strategy Session and kickstart your journey to redesigning your career in a way that is right for you.Ā | |||
| 330 I How To Manage Your Time While Building Multiple Streams of Income as a Mid-Career Woman | 16 Jul 2026 | 00:16:48 | |
Do you tell yourself you don't have enough time to build something on the side, on top of everything you're already carrying? Do you find yourself scrolling, waiting, or filling small pockets of your day without ever noticing where that time actually goes? Have you ever started building a business or an additional income stream, only to watch it stall the moment life got busy again? In this practical, behind-the-scenes episode, I share the exact time-blocking method I used to build my coaching and consulting business while working full-time as an in-house lawyer, raising two small children, and being a wife. I started building back in 2016 while on maternity leave, and when I went back to work, I had to figure out how to keep growing what I'd started without dropping the balls that already mattered most. What I learned wasn't about squeezing more into my day. It was about protecting what actually mattered and being intentional with the time I already had. This is the method that's allowed me to release over 320 podcast episodes, build multiple income streams, and attract clients from all over the world, even in the busiest seasons of my life. What you will learn in this episode
Ready to stop waiting for more time to appear and start building with the time you already have? If this resonated and you're navigating a career transition and ready to build on your own terms, come join us inside our email community. You'll get practical, real-world strategy in your inbox every week, straight from me. Join us here. Connect with me Website: www.careerchangemakers.com LinkedIn:Ā Janine Esbrand Instagram: @careerchangemakerspodcast Career Change Makers on Apple Podcasts ******* Work with me Book a Career Expansion Strategy Session and kickstart your journey to redesigning your career in a way that is right for you.Ā | |||
| 329 | Why I Stopped Chasing the Next Milestone (And What I Do Instead) | 09 Jul 2026 | 00:16:43 | |
Are you a high achiever who routinely hits major milestones, only to find yourself instantly moving the goalposts rather than celebrating your success?Ā Do you ever experience a strange sense of flatness or an anti-climax after achieving a long-term dream, wondering why it doesn't feel the way you thought it would?Ā Have you been treating your career path like an automatic conveyor belt, moving to the next demand out of sheer habit or expectation rather than checking if it still serves you?Ā In this transparent and reflective episode, I share a personal story from the exact day I qualified as a lawyer. After a decade of intense study, late nights, and constantly proving myself to tough critics, I expected to feel an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. Instead, I felt an uncomfortable flatness because my mind had already raced ahead to the next rung on the ladder.Ā It is a common trap for ambitious women: we are funneled into traditional paths and autopilot expectations without ever being taught how to pause.Ā This personal shift serves as a powerful reminder that achievements are not just stepping stones to rush past. True career clarity means giving yourself permission to interrupt the pattern, count the cost of your hard work, and intentionally decide whether you actually want to keep climbing or choose a completely different direction.Ā What you will learn in this episode
Ready to redefine success and take full ownership of your career journey?Ā Don't let your next professional step be decided for you on autopilot. If you want to dive deeper into these insights, access behind-the-scenes perspectives, and learn exactly how to navigate career transitions with confidence, join our exclusive email community today. Connect with me Website: www.careerchangemakers.com LinkedIn:Ā Janine Esbrand Instagram: @careerchangemakerspodcast Career Change Makers on Apple Podcasts ******* Work with me Book a Career Expansion Strategy Session and kickstart your journey to redesigning your career in a way that is right for you.Ā | |||
| 328 I From My Coaching Room: How A Client Landed Her First Client In 2 Weeks | 05 Jul 2026 | 00:14:22 | |
Are you working to build an additional stream of income outside your full-time role but struggling to get people to actually book your services?Ā Have you been having initial conversations and sharing what you do, only to find that nobody is moving forward?Ā What if the shift needed to land your very first paying client is far simpler than the complex strategies you are trying to figure out?Ā In today's episode, I am taking you inside my coaching room to share the exact breakthrough a recent client experienced. As a talented writer and communicator, she had deep expertise but spent months struggling to secure bookings from people new to her world.Ā Everything changed in just two weeks after we made one fundamental shift in her approach, resulting in her signing her very first client.Ā I wanted to unpack this specific process because it highlights exactly what is possible when you take the right action in the right order. It is the very same framework I walk my clients through inside the Portfolio Career Academy to help them transition from overthinking to real, tangible execution.Ā Many professionals normalise their years of experience, glossing over the incredible insights and projects that others would gladly pay for. By learning how to package your existing value and activating your awareness, you can transform casual networking conversations into paid engagements.Ā What you will learn in this episode
Ready to build your additional stream of income with intention?Ā The Portfolio Career Academy founding cohort officially starts this September. If you are an ambitious mid-career woman ready monetise your expertise outside of your nine-to-five book your call today to explore if the program is the right fit for you.Ā Connect with me Website: www.careerchangemakers.com LinkedIn:Ā Janine Esbrand Instagram: @careerchangemakerspodcast Career Change Makers on Apple Podcasts ******* Work with me Book a Career Expansion Strategy Session and kickstart your journey to redesigning your career in a way that is right for you.Ā | |||
| 327 I How to Avoid Missing Great Career Opportunities | 26 Jun 2026 | 00:17:00 | |
Are you an ambitious woman who constantly looks for the next big career move while missing the goldmine right in front of you?Ā Do you ever find yourself overthinking opportunities or letting a subtle fear of making the wrong move hold you back from responding?Ā Have you ever wondered how some professionals effortlessly attract high-paying projects and roles without constantly pitching?Ā In this episode, I share how the most transformative career opportunities often find you when you position yourself correctly. I open up about an unexpected message in my Instagram inbox that I nearly ignored, which ultimately turned into thousands of pounds in revenue.Ā It is a powerful reminder that your existing expertise is highly valuable, but you have to be visible for the right doors to open.Ā Many of us treat career growth as a constant search for something completely new, whether that means a new qualification or a new sector. In reality, the biggest breakthroughs come from auditing what you already have and boldly pushing past the fear of showing up.Ā What you will learn in this episode
Ready to build your additional stream of income with intention?Ā The Portfolio Career Academy start date is officially September 7th. If you are a mid-career professional ready to leverage your expertise and launch your first additional stream of income in just 12 weeks, book your call today to explore if the program is the right fit for you.Ā Connect with me Website: www.careerchangemakers.com LinkedIn:Ā Janine Esbrand Instagram: @careerchangemakerspodcast Career Change Makers on Apple Podcasts ******* Work with me Book a Career Expansion Strategy Session and kickstart your journey to redesigning your career in a way that is right for you.Ā | |||
| 326 I BTS: Tough Decisions You Make When Managing Multiple Streams of Income | 19 Jun 2026 | 00:14:24 | |
Are you a high achiever who prides yourself on always following through and making things happen, no matter what?Ā Do you routinely stretch your capacity to the limit, while wondering if "pushing through" is truly the only way to sustain your success?Ā Have you ever felt an uncomfortable tension between a goal you committed to and what your life, health, and values are actually asking of you right now? In this transparent and behind-the-scenes episode, I share a vulnerable update regarding the upcoming Portfolio Career Academy. After mapping out my program launch for the end of June, I made the difficult but intentional decision to push the start date back to September.Ā Yet so many of us treat a change of direction as a flaw rather than a strategic recalibration. We keep driving forward out of habit or fear of what others will think, waiting for the right time to rest rather than recognising that the season has already shifted. What you'll learn in this episode:
Ready to build your additional stream of income with intention?Ā The Portfolio Career Academy start date has officially moved to September 7th. If you are ready to diversify your income and build your own safety net before you need it, book your fitting call today to explore if the program is the right fit for you after the summer. Connect with me Website: www.careerchangemakers.com LinkedIn:Ā Janine Esbrand Instagram: @careerchangemakerspodcast Career Change Makers on Apple Podcasts ******* Work with me Book a Career Expansion Strategy Session and kickstart your journey to redesigning your career in a way that is right for you.Ā | |||
| 325 I How To Build Additional Income Streams as a Mid-Career Woman In 2026 | 12 Jun 2026 | 00:17:33 | |
Are you a high-achieving corporate woman showing up every day to a role that is your only source of income?Ā Have you spent 15 to 20 years building a massive reservoir of expertise, yet you haven't stopped to figure out how to maximise its value?Ā Have you been wondering what it would actually look like to diversify your income without having to burn down your current career or start entirely from zero? Ā In this episode, I pull back the curtain on her own 10-year journey of building multiple income streams alongside her corporate work. I share how I navigated everything from accidental opportunities to an unexpected physical injury that forced me to quickly recalibrate her revenue levers.Ā Building a portfolio career is not about adding more hustle or overwhelm to your already packed schedule. It is about learning how to strategically leverage the track record you already possess ,so you can put yourself firmly back in the driving seat of your professional life.Ā Ā What you'll learn in this episode:
Ready to take ownership of your career? If you are ready to stop being passive and want to learn the exact playbook and tools to manage a successful portfolio career, applications are open for the Portfolio Career Academy.Ā We begin at the end of this month. Head over to careerchangemakers.com/pca to view the details and book a fitting call today.Ā Connect with me Website: www.careerchangemakers.com LinkedIn:Ā Janine Esbrand Instagram: @careerchangemakerspodcast Career Change Makers on Apple Podcasts ******* Work with me Book a Career Expansion Strategy Session and kickstart your journey to redesigning your career in a way that is right for you.Ā | |||
| 324 | What If the Career You've Been Chasing Is No Longer the One You Actually Want? | 04 Jun 2026 | 00:19:00 | |
What If the Career You've Been Chasing Is No Longer the One You Actually Want? Are you a mid-career woman who has ticked every box on the success checklist, only to find yourself wondering whether this is really it?Ā Have you been carrying a definition of success that your younger self set, but haven't stopped to ask whether it still fits who you are today? In this episode, Janine opens with a surprisingly moving story about dropping her son off for his first school trip abroad. He ran off to join his friends without a backward glance, and in that moment she realised how much had shifted without her fully noticing. It became a powerful mirror for what so many mid-career women experience: we change, quietly and gradually, but we rarely give ourselves permission to let our careers change with us. Yet so many mid-career women never give themselves permission to move into what comes next. We keep showing up to a version of our careers that no longer fits, waiting for the fulfilment to return rather than recognising that the season has already shifted.Ā What you'll learn in this episode:
Ready to build your portfolio career?Ā Apply for the Portfolio Career AcademyĀ kicking off at the end of June! Connect with me Website: www.careerchangemakers.com LinkedIn:Ā Janine Esbrand Instagram: @careerchangemakerspodcast Career Change Makers on Apple Podcasts ******* Work with me Book a Career Expansion Strategy Session and kickstart your journey to redesigning your career in a way that is right for you.Ā | |||
| 323 I How To Get Your Employer's Support To Build On The Side | 28 May 2026 | 00:17:19 | |
Are you worried about what happens if your employer finds out about your side business?Ā Are you ready to stop letting fear hold you back and start turning your 15 or 20 years of experience into an impactful asset?Ā Have you been wondering whether a portfolio career could be your next move, but you're feeling stuck on how to navigate the corporate boundaries?Ā Ā Instead of the negative response I had braced myself for, they ended up inquiring about my return-to-work course and paying me to pilot it internally!Ā What you'll learn in this episode:
Ready to build your portfolio career?Ā Join the waitlist for the Portfolio Career Academy launching at the end of June! I will be sharing exclusive details about the program, how it works, and opening up our founding member cohort to those on the waitlist first.Ā Connect with me Website: www.careerchangemakers.com LinkedIn:Ā Janine Esbrand Instagram: @careerchangemakerspodcast Career Change Makers on Apple Podcasts ******* Work with me Book a Career Expansion Strategy Session and kickstart your journey to redesigning your career in a way that is right for you.Ā | |||
| 322 | What Is A Portfolio Career? And Why You Should Build One. | 21 May 2026 | 00:24:56 | |
Could your years of experience be worth more than your salary suggests? Are you at a point in your career where the ladder no longer feels like the only way up? Are you curious about what it would mean to stop putting all of your expertise into one organisation and start using it in ways that work for you? Have you been quietly wondering whether a portfolio career could be your next move but not sure where to begin? In this episode, I share the moment that changed everything for me - coming back from a mission trip in East Africa and sitting at my desk realising the contrast between the impact I'd just been making and the work I was returning to. I didn't want to burn down what I'd built. So instead, I built on the side. And that decision changed everything. A portfolio career isn't a leap into the unknown. It's a smarter way to use what you've already got.
Connect with me Website: www.careerchangemakers.com LinkedIn:Ā Janine Esbrand Instagram: @careerchangemakerspodcast Career Change Makers on Apple Podcasts ******* Work with me Book a Career Expansion Strategy Session and kickstart your journey to redesigning your career in a way that is right for you.Ā | |||
| 321 | You Don't Have a Career Problem, You Have a Visibility Problem | 14 May 2026 | 00:10:53 | |
Have you been feeling that restless, unsettled feeling at work and assuming the answer is a new job, a new industry, or starting over somewhere fresh? ⢠How to tell whether you have a role problem or a visibility problem Connect with me Website: www.careerchangemakers.com LinkedIn: Janine Esbrand Instagram: @careerchangemakerspodcast Career Change Makers on Apple Podcasts ******* Work with me Book a Career Expansion Strategy Session and kickstart your journey to redesigning your career in a way that is right for you. | |||
| 320 | You've Built a Successful Career But Don't Want Your Boss's Job. Here's What's Next | 07 May 2026 | 00:11:35 | |
Are you feeling like your ambition has outgrown the four walls of your organisation? ⢠Your expertise is already an asset: How to identify what you're already doing, saying and solving - and see it as the foundation for building beyond your role. ⢠Building your safety net: Why creating other income streams and visibility outside your organisation isn't a luxury - it's an insurance policy for your career. ⢠Starting small and building smart: Why one speaking opportunity, one piece of content, or one conversation outside your organisation is genuinely all it takes to begin.Ā "Your ambition hasn't disappeared - it's just outgrown a single track. Now it's time to redirect it." Ready to Start Building? ā¢Ā I'm opening up 10 spots for ambitious mid-career women who are ready to create additional income streams using the expertise they already have. We get started at the end of June. Head to LinkedIn, find me @Janine Esbrand, and send me a message with the word START to find out more. Connect with me Website: www.careerchangemakers.com LinkedIn:Ā Janine Esbrand Instagram: @careerchangemakerspodcast Career Change Makers on Apple Podcasts ******* Work with me Book a Career Expansion Strategy Session and kickstart your journey to redesigning your career in a way that is right for you.Ā | |||
| 319 | Why High-Achieving Mid-Career Women Get Passed Over For Promotions (And How AI Can Fix It) with Orlando Haynes | 30 Apr 2026 | 00:39:09 | |
Are you doing great work but struggling to get the recognition or opportunities you know you deserve? Do you find yourself going into reviews or conversations without clear proof of the impact youāve made? Are you curious about how to take real ownership of your career and position yourself for whatās next? In this episode, I sit down with Orlando Haynes, a talent acquisition leader turned founder, to explore what it really takes to build and communicate your career value. He shares how a pivotal moment in his own career made him realise that doing the work is not enough if you cannot prove it. We talk about the importance of documenting your achievements, learning how to speak the language of performance, and why taking action now is more powerful than waiting until you feel fully ready. Orlandoās journey from corporate recruiting to building an AI-powered platform is a powerful reminder that your experience is never wasted. Every role, every lesson, and every step youāve taken can become the foundation for something bigger when you choose to leverage it. What You'll Learn:
āIt doesnāt matter what you do. It matters what you can prove.ā Connect with Orlando Haynes Get a 14 day FREE TRIAL of Career Capital with the code 'JANINE14' Connect with me Website: www.careerchangemakers.com LinkedIn:Ā Janine Esbrand Instagram: @careerchangemakerspodcast Career Change Makers on Apple Podcasts ******* Work with me Book a Career Expansion Strategy Session and kickstart your journey to redesigning your career in a way that is right for you.Ā | |||
| 318 | How To Avoid Being Blindsided By Redundancies Or Layoffs | 24 Apr 2026 | 00:14:50 | |
Are you feeling anxious about your career as the economic landscape shifts beneath your feet?
Connect with me Website: www.careerchangemakers.com LinkedIn:Ā Janine Esbrand Instagram: @careerchangemakerspodcast Career Change Makers on Apple Podcasts ******* Work with me Book a Career Expansion Strategy Session and kickstart your journey to redesigning your career in a way that is right for you.Ā | |||
| 317 | The Two Days That Accidently Changed My Career | 16 Apr 2026 | 00:15:51 | |
Are you feeling stuck in your career but not quite ready to walk away from everything you've built?Ā Do you find yourself wondering if there's a way to pursue what lights you up without throwing your success out the window?Ā Are you curious about what it really looks like to reinvent yourself gradually, on your own terms? In this episode, I share my own story of how a two-day coaching seminar cracked open a door I didn't even know was there. I explore why curiosity is one of the most underrated career tools you have, how I built a coaching practice, podcast, and leadership programmes alongside my legal career, and why you absolutely do not need to make a huge leap to start moving toward something more fulfilling. I was a successful corporate lawyer - and by all measures, things were going well. But something kept pulling at me. A seminar, a spark of curiosity, and one small step at a time led me to a career I never could have planned but wouldn't trade for anything. The best part? I didn't have to give up everything I'd worked for to get there. What You'll Learn:
"You don't have to make a huge leap. Open the door a little, follow your curiosity, and see where it leads." Connect with me Website: www.careerchangemakers.com LinkedIn:Ā Janine Esbrand Instagram: @careerchangemakerspodcast Career Change Makers on Apple Podcasts ******* Work with me Book a Career Expansion Strategy Session and kickstart your journey to redesigning your career in a way that is right for you.Ā | |||
| 316 I What It Really Looks Like to Build a Career Around Your Values with Tara Chklovski | 09 Apr 2026 | 00:27:18 | |
Are you feeling stuck in your current role but not quite ready to hand in your resignation?Ā Do you find yourself wondering whether the career you've built truly reflects what matters most to you?Ā Are you curious about what it really looks like to build a career around your values, and how one woman did exactly that on a global scale? In this episode, I sit down with Tara Chklovski, founder of Technovation, to explore what it really looks like to build a career driven by purpose and impact. We cover how social norms shape the careers women feel able to pursue, why confidence is a skill that can be cultivated, and how aligning your work with your values can create a ripple effect far beyond your own life. Whether you're navigating a transition or simply craving more alignment, this episode will inspire you. Tara Chklovski, founder and CEO of Technovation, is reshaping opportunities for young women in technology. Inspired by her experiences growing up in India and working as an aerospace engineer, she developed a widely-adopted education model that combines mentorship, hands-on learning, and entrepreneurship to prepare girls to thrive in tech.Ā Named by Techcrunch as āteaching the next generation of AI innovators,ā she has built Technovation into a movement reaching 400,000+ people across 160+ countries. Her research shows that AI education for girls could unlock a $200 billion opportunity for the world economy. Through Technovation and The AI Forward Alliance (TAIFA), sheās preparing 25 million young women to lead in AI innovation and tackle global challenges. What You'll Learn:
"Build a career around your values, and the impact you create will reach far beyond what you can imagine." Invest in Yourself and Your Career:
Connect with me Website: www.careerchangemakers.com LinkedIn:Ā Janine Esbrand Instagram: @careerchangemakerspodcast Career Change Makers on Apple Podcasts ******* Work with me Book a Career Expansion Strategy Session and kickstart your journey to redesigning your career in a way that is right for you.Ā | |||
| 315 | 3 Ways To Stay Motivated When Your Corporate Job Is Draining You | 02 Apr 2026 | 00:14:46 | |
Are you struggling to stay motivated when your corporate job is leaving you feeling drained and depleted?Ā Do you find yourself wondering whether the problem is your job ā or whether you've simply lost your sense of purpose?Ā Are you looking for practical ways to reconnect with your motivation without throwing everything away and starting over? In this episode, I share three powerful strategies to help mid-career women stay motivated, even when their corporate role feels misaligned or exhausting. I dive into why staying motivated isn't just about loving every moment of your job, but about reconnecting with what drives you at a deeper level. I explore the importance of anchoring back to your personal why, shifting your focus from what you're losing to what you're gaining, and expanding your impact beyond your day-to-day role, so you can stay motivated and build momentum no matter what season of your career you're in. What You'll Learn:
"Reconnecting with your why is one of the fastest ways to stay motivated, even when the day-to-day feels hard." Invest in Yourself and Your Career:
Connect with me Website: www.careerchangemakers.com LinkedIn:Ā Janine Esbrand Instagram: @careerchangemakerspodcast Career Change Makers on Apple Podcasts ******* Work with me Book a Career Expansion Strategy Session and kickstart your journey to redesigning your career in a way that is right for you.Ā | |||
| 314 I How To Protect Your Peace In Your Corporate Job | 26 Mar 2026 | 00:17:36 | |
Are you feeling stuck in your current role but not quite ready to hand in your resignation?Ā Do you find yourself drained by the daily grind, wondering if thereās a way to find more fulfillment without starting from scratch?Ā Are you curious about how small, strategic shifts in your perspective and habits can lead to a massive transformation in your work-life balance? In this episode, I share three practical, high-impact strategies for mid-career women who want to improve their work experience right where they are. We dive into why the answer isn't always to leave your company, but rather to redesign your current reality to better align with your strengths and values. I explore the power of "energy audits" and "job crafting," explaining how these tools can help you reclaim your time and joy. Whether you are navigating a transition or simply looking for more peace in your professional life, this episode provides the roadmap to becoming the architect of your own career satisfaction. What Youāll Learn:
Invest in Yourself and Your Career:
Connect with me Website: www.careerchangemakers.com LinkedIn:Ā Janine Esbrand Instagram: @careerchangemakerspodcast Career Change Makers on Apple Podcasts ******* Work with me Book a Career Expansion Strategy Session and kickstart your journey to redesigning your career in a way that is right for you.Ā | |||
| 313 I How To Advance In Your Career Using AI with Ben Husser | 19 Mar 2026 | 00:41:14 | |
Are you a new manager feeling technically competent but completely unequipped to lead a team? Do you worry that you lack the "executive presence" needed to thrive in high-pressure leadership roles? Are you curious about how AI can actually support your human growth rather than just automating your tasks? In this episode, Iām joined by Benjamin Husser, CEO of Ignitus, to discuss how AI is being used to democratise high-level coaching. We dive into the gap many new managers face when transitioning from technical experts to people leaders and explore how "real-time augmentation" can provide the support you need at the exact moment you need it. Ben shares the journey of building an AI coaching platform rooted in human expertise, explaining why AI should never replace traditional coaching, but how it can serve as a powerful "accelerator" for the 90% of managers who currently donāt have access to professional development support. Ben Husser is Ignitus' CEO, and a former Chief of Staff to tech CEOs (ex-Tripadvisor, ex-Euronews). Over a decade advising senior leaders, heās run executive committees, led strategic initiatives across three continents, and helped raise Ā£100M+ from investors. Now, drawing on the mentorship that shaped his career, heās on a mission to make great mentoring accessible to all. WhatĀ Youāll learn:
Invest in Yourself and Your Career:
Connect with Ben
Connect with me Website: www.careerchangemakers.com LinkedIn:Ā Janine Esbrand Instagram: @careerchangemakerspodcast Career Change Makers on Apple Podcasts ******* Work with me Book a Career Expansion Strategy Session and kickstart your journey to redesigning your career in a way that is right for you.Ā | |||
| 312 I Why Your Default Thinking Is Limiting Your Career Opportunities | 12 Mar 2026 | 00:18:31 | |
Feel like youāve been spending months trying to figure out your next career move, but havenāt actually made any progress? Are you frustrated by the gap between knowing you want a change and actually taking the steps to make it happen? Do you worry that youāre "too old," "not experienced enough," or that a move might sacrifice your financial security? In this episode, Iām sharing why strategy might not be your problem and why your default thinking is the issue. Many professionals stay stuck on the "career couch" because of unconscious "background code" that limits what they believe is possibleĀ and therefore holds them back from career opportunities. Ā Using my own journey to the TEDx stage as a roadmap, Iām digging into the cognitive psychology model that you can use to increase your career opportunities and thrive.Ā Youāll learn: How to rewrite your mental scripts How to ditch procrastination and start redesigning your career. Ā Invest in Yourself and Your Career:
Related Episode: Episode 304: 'Why All-Or-Nothing Thinking Is Keeping You Stuck' Connect with me Website: www.careerchangemakers.com LinkedIn:Ā Janine Esbrand Instagram: @careerchangemakerspodcast Career Change Makers on Apple Podcasts ******* Work with me Book a Career Expansion Strategy Session and kickstart your journey to redesigning your career in a way that is right for you.Ā | |||
| 311 I Why Traditional Advice Is No Longer Relevant For Mid-Career Women | 05 Mar 2026 | 00:16:50 | |
Are you still following a career blueprint that was designed for a world that no longer exists? As we navigate 2026, the traditional "rules" of professional growth are being rewritten, yet so many mid-career women are still holding themselves back by trying to play an outdated game.Ā In this episode, Iām diving deep into why the career advice we were given a decade ago is actually sabotaging our progress today. I share why "staying the course" can sometimes lead to stagnation and how you can shift your perspective to navigate this new landscape with confidence. From the rise of AI to the strategic power of the "job hopper" label, itās time to stop settling for a career that fits your past and start redesigning one that fuels your future.Ā What Youāll Learn in This Episode:
Action Steps:
Ready to Redesign Your Career? If youāre feeling the tug to move but aren't sure how to navigate the current market, Iām here to help you get unstuck.Ā š Book a clarity call at careerchangemakers.com/claritycall and letās map out your next best step together.Ā Connect with me Website: www.careerchangemakers.com LinkedIn:Ā Janine Esbrand Instagram: @careerchangemakerspodcast Career Change Makers on Apple Podcasts ******* Work with me Book a Career Expansion Strategy Session and kickstart your journey to redesigning your career in a way that is right for you.Ā | |||
| Welcome To The Career Change Maker Podcast! Top Podcast For Mid-Career Women Redesigning Whatās Next | 26 Feb 2026 | 00:01:52 | |
The Podcast for Ambitious Mid-Career Women Redesigning Whatās Next ***Top 1.5% Global Careers Podcast*** Are you navigating a mid-career transition and wondering whatās next? Have you built a successful corporate career but realised you donāt want your bossās job? If youāre ambitious but no longer willing to burn out for another promotion, youāre in the right place. Iām so glad youāre here. This podcast helps high-achieving mid-career women gain career clarity and confidently design their next chapter,Ā whether that means evolving inside corporate, exploring a portfolio career, or building a hybrid path. If youāre ready to stop default climbing and start making strategic, aligned decisions about your future, this podcast will give you the insight and tools to move forward with confidence.Ā Hello, Hello! Iām Janine Esbrand, corporate lawyer turned career strategist and executive coach. For years, I had my eye on the corporate partner title. I kept my head down, worked the long hours, and chased the next big deal because thatās what success was supposed to look like. Until I became a mother. And I realised I didnāt want to build a life around my career, I wanted to build a career around my life. So I stepped off the default corporate path and designed a portfolio career that allows me to work on my terms, create meaningful impact, and show up fully, both professionally and personally. Now I help ambitious mid-career women do the same. If youāre ready to gain clarity, challenge the default ladder, and design an aligned, sustainable career that reflects who you are now, not who you used to be, this podcast will give you the strategy, mindset and tools that you need.Ā So grab your notebook, pour your hot drink of choice, and letās design whatās next.Ā Connect with me Website: www.careerchangemakers.com LinkedIn:Ā Janine Esbrand Instagram: @careerchangemakerspodcast Career Change Makers on Apple Podcasts ******* Work with me Book a Career Expansion Strategy Session and kickstart your journey to redesigning your career in a way that is right for you.Ā | |||
| 310 I Feeling Guilty About Making A Career Move? Try This Reframe | 26 Feb 2026 | 00:11:44 | |
Are you considering a career move but feeling held back by guilt? Whether itās leaving a role you worked years to attain or walking away from an industry that looks "perfect" on paper, the weight of loyalty and identity can be paralysing. In this episode, I dive deep into why we feel guilty about wanting more and how to shift your perspective to embrace the evolving seasons of your career. Drawing from my own transition from corporate law to in-house practice after becoming a mother, I talk about how to move from a place of "should" to a place of intentional alignment. What Youāll Learn in This Episode:
Action Steps:
Do you find yourself relating to this episode and need some guidance? š Book a clarity call at careerchangemakers.com/claritycall and letās explore your next best step. Connect with me Website: www.careerchangemakers.com LinkedIn:Ā Janine Esbrand Instagram: @careerchangemakerspodcast Career Change Makers on Apple Podcasts ******* Work with me Book a Career Expansion Strategy Session and kickstart your journey to redesigning your career in a way that is right for you.Ā | |||
| 309 I Career Clarity After 13 Years in the Same Organisation with Claire Bartkus | 19 Feb 2026 | 00:34:54 | |
If youāre feeling stuck at mid-career, unsure whether to stay, pivot, or start something new this episode is for you. In this case study, Iām 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 doesnāt have to take years when you approach it strategically. If youāve been sitting in āwhatās next?ā mode for longer than youād like, this conversation will give you both perspective and momentum. What Youāll Learn in This Episode:
Action Steps: 1ļøā£ Get honest about what feels misaligned. 2ļøā£ Stop gathering endless information and choose one direction to test. 3ļøā£ Define your next 90-day focus. š Book a clarity call at careerchangemakers.com/claritycall and letās explore your next best step. Connect with me Website: www.careerchangemakers.com LinkedIn:Ā Janine Esbrand Instagram: @careerchangemakerspodcast Career Change Makers on Apple Podcasts ******* Work with me Book a Career Expansion Strategy Session and kickstart your journey to redesigning your career in a way that is right for you.Ā | |||
| 308 I How To Be More Visible As An Introvert | 12 Feb 2026 | 00:09:04 | |
In this episode, Iām speaking directly to the introverts and the ājust let me do my good workā professionals who feel resistant to the whole ābe everywhere, build your personal brand, post every dayā narrative. Visibility is important for career progression, whether you want to move up internally or explore opportunities externally. But being visible doesnāt mean becoming someone youāre not. I break down how to approach visibility in a way that feels aligned, strategic, and sustainable, especially if you donāt naturally enjoy being in the spotlight.Ā I share the three-step framework I use with my coaching clients to help them build visibility without compromising their personality or values. If youāve 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 Youāll Learn in This Episode:
Action Steps:
If this episode resonated with you and youāre ready to build a visibility strategy that feels aligned to who you are thatās exactly what we work on inside my one-to-one coaching. Once weāre 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 youāre not. š Book a clarity call at careerchangemakers.com/claritycall and letās explore your next best step. And if you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating and review.Ā Ā It helps the show reach more ambitious professionals who need this message. Connect with me Website: www.careerchangemakers.com LinkedIn:Ā Janine Esbrand Instagram: @careerchangemakerspodcast Career Change Makers on Apple Podcasts ******* Work with me Book a Career Expansion Strategy Session and kickstart your journey to redesigning your career in a way that is right for you.Ā | |||
| 307 I Why Surface Level Confidence Isnāt Enough For Career Progression | 05 Feb 2026 | 00:14:00 | |
šļø Episode Overview In this solo episode, Iām 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 theyāre second-guessing themselves, especially when theyāre navigating interviews, considering a move, or trying to figure out whatās next in their career. In this episode, I unpack why āfaking it till you make itā doesnāt work long-term when youāre in transition, and what actually helps you build confidence that supports you as you move towards your next role, opportunity, or career chapter.Ā 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 whatās next or youāre tired of performing confidence rather than truly feeling it,Ā this episode is for you. ⨠What Youāll Learn in This Episode
š§ Action Steps
š¬ Ready for Support? If youāre in the middle of a career transition and want to feel more confident in interviews, networking conversations, and decision-making, Iād love to support you. šš½ Book a Clarity Call at careerchangemakers.com/claritycall and letās explore how coaching can help you move forward with confidence as you step into your next career chapter. Connect with me Website: www.careerchangemakers.com LinkedIn:Ā Janine Esbrand Instagram: @careerchangemakerspodcast Career Change Makers on Apple Podcasts ******* Work with me Book a Career Expansion Strategy Session and kickstart your journey to redesigning your career in a way that is right for you.Ā | |||
| 306 I Closing the Gap Between Goal Setting and Actually Achieving | 29 Jan 2026 | 00:18:37 | |
šļø Episode Overview If youāre 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.Ā What Youāll Learn in This Episode
Action Steps
š Book a Career Clarity Call Connect with me Website: www.careerchangemakers.com LinkedIn:Ā Janine Esbrand Instagram: @careerchangemakerspodcast Career Change Makers on Apple Podcasts ******* Work with me Book a Career Expansion Strategy Session and kickstart your journey to redesigning your career in a way that is right for you.Ā | |||
| 305 I From Career Confusion to Launching an Unexpected Business with Maren Sorber van Halteren | 22 Jan 2026 | 00:39:14 | |
From Burnout to Business Owner (Client Case Study) In this episode, Iām sharing a powerful career coaching case study with my client, Maren. After moving from the Netherlands to Sweden and building a āsquigglyā 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 Youāll Learn in This Episode
In this episode, we talk about:
Maren also shares how coaching helped her avoid taking the long, indirect āmulti-stop flightā in her career, and instead take a more direct route to the work and life she actually wanted. Connect with MarenĀ Today, Maren runs Floohi, where she helps small and growing businesses:
If youāre a business owner who feels like everything is in your head and your backend is chaos, youāll love hearing how Maren supports her clients. š Connect with Maren and learn more about Floohi via the links in the show notes. Considering Coaching? If youāre:
this episode will give you a real-life example of whatās possible with structured career coaching, accountability, and a clear plan. If youāre ready to explore your next chapter and want support, book a career clarity call.Ā Want to connect and share your thoughts on the episode? Send an email to podcast@careerchangemakers.com Connect with me Website: www.careerchangemakers.com LinkedIn:Ā Janine Esbrand Instagram: @careerchangemakerspodcast Career Change Makers on Apple Podcasts ******* Work with me Book a Career Expansion Strategy Session and kickstart your journey to redesigning your career in a way that is right for you.Ā | |||
| 304 I Why All-Or-Nothing Thinking Is Keeping You Stuck | 15 Jan 2026 | 00:09:50 | |
If youāve been feeling like your only options are to stay miserable or burn it all down, this episode is for you. In todayās episode, Iām talking about how all-or-nothing thinking shows up in our careers, particularly for high achieversĀ 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 youāve been rewarded throughout your career, and why shifting from making āforever decisionsā to treating your career as a series of experiments can unlock clarity, confidence, and momentum. ⨠What Youāll Learn in This Episode
š§ Action Steps
š¤ Ready for Support? If youāre navigating the grey area and want support identifying your options, testing what fits, and moving forward with intention, Iād 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 whatās next. If this episode resonated, please share it with someone who needs to hear it. Until next time, take care of yourselfĀ š Get in TouchĀ Want to get in touch or give us feedback? Email us at podcast@careerchangemakers.com Connect with me Website: www.careerchangemakers.com LinkedIn:Ā Janine Esbrand Instagram: @careerchangemakerspodcast Career Change Makers on Apple Podcasts ******* Work with me Book a Career Expansion Strategy Session and kickstart your journey to redesigning your career in a way that is right for you.Ā | |||
| 303 I What Happens When You Stop Following the āSafeā Career Track | 08 Jan 2026 | 00:15:24 | |
As we move through the first full working week of January, many professionals find themselves reflecting on their careers and questioning whether the path theyāre on still fits.Ā 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 Youāll Learn in This Episode
š§ Key Themes We Explore
šÆ Action Steps
š¤ Work With Me If youāre 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. š Book a Career Clarity Call š Enjoyed This Episode? If this resonated, share it with a friend who might need permission to choose again in 2026. Donāt forget to subscribe, leave a review, and keep moving towards a career that truly fits. Connect with me Website: www.careerchangemakers.com LinkedIn:Ā Janine Esbrand Instagram: @careerchangemakerspodcast Career Change Makers on Apple Podcasts ******* Work with me Book a Career Expansion Strategy Session and kickstart your journey to redesigning your career in a way that is right for you.Ā | |||
| 302 I The Hidden Cost of January Urgency | 02 Jan 2026 | 00:18:11 | |
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 ā 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 Iāve seen ā especially for high-achieving professionals in mid-career. If youāre in a season of questioning, recalibrating, or figuring out your next move, this conversation will help you release the pressure to āhit the ground runningā and instead move forward with intention. ⨠What Youāll Learn in This Episode:
š§ Key Takeaway: Youāre not behind,Ā youāre becoming intentional. The season before clarity is not wasted time. Itās where the right decisions are made. š ļø Action Steps: How to Move Forward Without Rushing
š¤ Want Support With Your Next Step? If youāre feeling the urge to make a move but donāt yet have clarity on what that move should be, you donāt need more information ā you need space to think it through properly. š Book a Career Clarity Call with me and weāll explore:
šæ 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. š Work with me in 2026Ā If youāre 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.Ā Connect with me Website: www.careerchangemakers.com LinkedIn:Ā Janine Esbrand Instagram: @careerchangemakerspodcast Career Change Makers on Apple Podcasts ******* Work with me Book a Career Expansion Strategy Session and kickstart your journey to redesigning your career in a way that is right for you.Ā | |||
| 301 I When Your Career Looks Good on Paper but Feels Wrong in Real Life | 18 Dec 2025 | 00:12:00 | |
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 thereās a quiet sense of dissatisfaction that wonāt go away. Not because theyāve failed, but because theyāve 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 youāre 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 youāve been asking yourself āIs this it?ā 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. ā What Youāll Learn in This Episode
š” Action Steps 1. Look Ahead, Not Just Around 2. Identify Whatās Draining You 3. Notice What Youāre Tolerating Use these reflection questions:
If youāre 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, whatās no longer working, and what your next best move could be. You can book yours using the link in the show notes. Connect with me Website: www.careerchangemakers.com LinkedIn:Ā Janine Esbrand Instagram: @careerchangemakerspodcast Career Change Makers on Apple Podcasts ******* Work with me Book a Career Expansion Strategy Session and kickstart your journey to redesigning your career in a way that is right for you.Ā | |||
| 300 I Navigating Career Growth In Uncertain Times with Alice Olins & Hannah Awonuga | 03 Dec 2025 | 00:42:23 | |
šļø Episode Overview This weekās episode is an extra-special milestoneĀ 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 Hannahās journey from global corporate leadership to entrepreneurshipĀ while navigating grief, redundancy and reinvention to Aliceās 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. 1. How to make bold career decisions ā even when itās 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? 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,Ā especially during uncertain times. 3. The importance of having a āPersonal Board of Directorsā From negotiating salaries to navigating transitions, Hannah shares how having mentors and advisors who are ātwo or three steps aheadā has been transformational. 4. How to think about your personal brand without boxing yourself in Alice reframes personal brand as strategic storytellingĀ flexible, responsive, and anchored in who you are and where youāre going, not just what youāve 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. Here are three practical steps you can take after listening:
š If youāre 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 with Alice Olins -Ā Connect with Hannah AwonugaĀ Connect with Janine Esbrand Connect with me Website: www.careerchangemakers.com LinkedIn:Ā Janine Esbrand Instagram: @careerchangemakerspodcast Career Change Makers on Apple Podcasts ******* Work with me Book a Career Expansion Strategy Session and kickstart your journey to redesigning your career in a way that is right for you.Ā | |||
| 299 I How Slowing Down Helps You Build A More Intentional Career with Tosin Hunter | 17 Nov 2025 | 00:54:04 | |
In this weekās episode, Iām 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 ā climbing the ladder, getting promoted (even while on maternity leave), and doing everything āright.ā 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 wasnāt working, rediscovering her values, and reconnecting with parts of herself sheād 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 youāre in the midst of questioning your career, craving more alignment, or feeling the nudge to pause and reassess, this conversation will resonate deeply. šļø Episode Overview Youāll hear:
š What Youāll 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 inwardĀ 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 donāt always need the next step. Sometimes you just need space. 3. Nothing is wasted ā your experience still counts Tosin shares how easy it was to downplay her corporate achievements, until she realised those same skills ; storytelling, communication, listening, brandingĀ are now leveraged in business. Every chapter prepared her for the next. Your past isnāt irrelevant; itās raw material for whatās next. If youāre feeling the nudge to get support, consider this your sign to reach out and letās explore how coaching with me can support your next chapter. š Connect with Tosin
Connect with me Website: www.careerchangemakers.com LinkedIn:Ā Janine Esbrand Instagram: @careerchangemakerspodcast Career Change Makers on Apple Podcasts ******* Work with me Book a Career Expansion Strategy Session and kickstart your journey to redesigning your career in a way that is right for you.Ā | |||
| 298 I Leaving Dream Jobs & Redefining Success with Patricia Ortega | 07 Nov 2025 | 00:42:18 | |
šļø 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 safeālaw, 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 whatās next.Ā 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 youāve 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. 1. Why redefining success is essential once youāve āmade it.ā 2. How to separate identity from job title. 3. The mindset and practices that help you navigate career transitions with confidence. 1. Audit your definition of success. 2. Create your āportable skillsā inventory. 3. Separate your āwhatā from your āhow.ā Connect with usĀ Connect with me Website: www.careerchangemakers.com LinkedIn:Ā Janine Esbrand Instagram: @careerchangemakerspodcast Career Change Makers on Apple Podcasts ******* Work with me Book a Career Expansion Strategy Session and kickstart your journey to redesigning your career in a way that is right for you.Ā | |||
| 297 I The ONE Question You Need to Ask Before Your Next High Stakes Conversation | 31 Oct 2025 | 00:10:39 | |
Episode OverviewĀ In todayās episode, Iām diving into a powerful yet often overlooked question that can make or break your preparation for career-defining conversations ā 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:Ā
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:
Links & Resources:
Work with Me Connect with Me:
Connect with me Website: www.careerchangemakers.com LinkedIn:Ā Janine Esbrand Instagram: @careerchangemakerspodcast Career Change Makers on Apple Podcasts ******* Work with me Book a Career Expansion Strategy Session and kickstart your journey to redesigning your career in a way that is right for you.Ā | |||
| 296 I The Role Of Difficult Conversations In Unlocking Career Opportunities with Michelle Schafer | 24 Oct 2025 | 00:41:23 | |
Episode Overview
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 ā and how those experiences shaped her belief that real career advancement begins with courageous conversations.Ā š” What Youāll Learn in This Episode:
š§ Action Steps:
⨠Memorable Quote: āItās not your forever place. Youāre not going to feel stuck forever ā there are always choices and steps you can take.ā ā Michelle Schaferš Connect with Michelle:
š Connect with JanineĀ
Connect with me Website: www.careerchangemakers.com LinkedIn:Ā Janine Esbrand Instagram: @careerchangemakerspodcast Career Change Makers on Apple Podcasts ******* Work with me Book a Career Expansion Strategy Session and kickstart your journey to redesigning your career in a way that is right for you.Ā | |||
| 295 I The Role Of Life Seasons In Shaping Career Growth And Direction | 17 Oct 2025 | 00:18:31 | |
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 theyāve failed, but because theyāve 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 itās okay to want something different now. ā What Youāll Learn in This Episode
š” Action Steps 1. Reflect on Your Current Season - Ask yourself what success looks like nowānot 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:
______________________________________________________________________________ ⨠Letās 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. š Join the waitlist for 1:1 coaching with me š Resources
Connect with me Website: www.careerchangemakers.com LinkedIn:Ā Janine Esbrand Instagram: @careerchangemakerspodcast Career Change Makers on Apple Podcasts ******* Work with me Book a Career Expansion Strategy Session and kickstart your journey to redesigning your career in a way that is right for you.Ā | |||
| 294 I Youāre Not Confused Youāre Avoiding A Career Decision | 09 Oct 2025 | 00:11:37 | |
šļø 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.Ā If youāve been caught in analysis paralysis or waiting for āthe right timeā to act, this conversation is your nudge to start exploring intentionally - with strategy and self-awareness. ā What Youāll Learn in This Episode
š” Action Steps
⨠Letās Work Together ⨠If youāre ready to make your own transition with clarity and confidence, Iād 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. š Join the waitlist for 1:1 coaching with me.Ā š ResourcesĀ
Connect with me Website: www.careerchangemakers.com LinkedIn:Ā Janine Esbrand Instagram: @careerchangemakerspodcast Career Change Makers on Apple Podcasts ******* Work with me Book a Career Expansion Strategy Session and kickstart your journey to redesigning your career in a way that is right for you.Ā | |||
| 293 I You Do Not Need To Start Over To Create A New Career Path with Shannon Russell | 03 Oct 2025 | 00:39:48 | |
šļø Episode Overview
Shannon shares her journey from working in a ādream jobā 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 youāve been contemplating a pivot but fear the sacrifice or uncertainty, this conversation will show you that itās possible to reinvent yourself, strategically and successfully, in your second act. What Youāll Learn in This Episode ā
How Shannon transitioned from TV production to running her own business. Action Steps š” Journal your own skill inventory ā write down everything you do in your role and circle what could be transferable elsewhere. ⨠Letās Work Together ⨠If youāre ready to make your own transition with clarity and confidence, Iād 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. š Book a call with me here to explore your next steps. š Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode
Connect with me Website: www.careerchangemakers.com LinkedIn:Ā Janine Esbrand Instagram: @careerchangemakerspodcast Career Change Makers on Apple Podcasts ******* Work with me Book a Career Expansion Strategy Session and kickstart your journey to redesigning your career in a way that is right for you.Ā | |||
| 292 I The Best Career Decisions Are Not Always Made At The Start Of The Year | 22 Sep 2025 | 00:12:16 | |
šļø Episode Overview In this episode of the Career Change Maker Podcast, I dive into the idea of a September reset ā 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 Iāve 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 youāve 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 Youāll Learn in This Episode: Ā ā
Why September is a powerful time to reset and refocus your career. Action Steps: š” Reflect on one career or personal goal that you want to reset and refocus on this month. ⨠Letās Work Together ⨠If youāre ready to refocus your career and want support in navigating your next steps with clarity and confidence, Iād 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. š Learn more and apply to work with me HERE.Ā Resources:Ā
Connect with me Website: www.careerchangemakers.com LinkedIn:Ā Janine Esbrand Instagram: @careerchangemakerspodcast Career Change Makers on Apple Podcasts ******* Work with me Book a Career Expansion Strategy Session and kickstart your journey to redesigning your career in a way that is right for you.Ā | |||
| 291 I Struggling With Career Direction? Start By Leading Yourself At Work with Elizabeth Lotardo | 14 Aug 2025 | 00:34:14 | |
šļø Episode Overview In this episode of the Career Change Maker Podcast, Iām joined by Elizabeth Lotardo,Ā Author of Leading Yourself, employee engagement consultant, and LinkedIn Learning instructor who has taught over two million people how to lead themselves. Ā Elizabeth shares the surprising findings from her extensive research into what drives true employee engagement and why the real key isnāt 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 Youāll Learn in This Episode
Action Steps
Connect with Elizabeth Lotardo:
Connect with JanineĀ
Connect with me Website: www.careerchangemakers.com LinkedIn:Ā Janine Esbrand Instagram: @careerchangemakerspodcast Career Change Makers on Apple Podcasts ******* Work with me Book a Career Expansion Strategy Session and kickstart your journey to redesigning your career in a way that is right for you.Ā | |||