Mid-Career Change

138: Exploring Independent Work in Mid-Career

In this episode of Mid Career Change, I’m joined by Michael Tabirade for a thoughtful conversation about what happens when a familiar career path no longer fits in the same way. Michael spent many years in senior public sector leadership roles, working on large-scale transformation programmes across health and government, before moving towards more independent, portfolio-style work. We talk about the identity shift that often comes with leaving big roles, the mindset changes involved in stepping away from employment, and how to begin exploring independent ways of working without rushing or burning out.This episode is for anyone in mid-career who’s quietly questioning whether there might be a different way to work – one that offers more autonomy, balance, and alignment with what matters now.We explore:·     The emotional reality of stepping away from established roles·     Letting go of titles and rebuilding professional identity·     Designing a portfolio-style working life that supports wellbeing·     Common blind spots when moving towards independent work·     Simple, practical first steps you can take while things are still unclearIf you’re feeling curious rather than certain, and drawn to change without wanting to make a dramatic leap, this conversation will give you space to think – and permission to start gently.Michael's YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@michaeltabirade?si=8umywRtGuktLp4SlConnect with Michael on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeltabirade/Thanks for listening! If you need support with your career:call me on 07833 593875email mark@bravocoaching.co.ukvisit www.bravocoaching.co.uk

137. Three Questions to Help You Rethink Your Career

In this episode of the Mid-Career Change podcast, I explore three gentle signs that something in your working life might be asking for attention — and what those signs are really telling you.January is often a moment of clarity. With a bit more distance from your usual routines, you start to notice things you might have brushed aside during a busy year. But recognising these signs doesn’t mean you need to make a big career change. More often, they’re early signals worth listening to — hints that something wants to grow, shift, or come into focus.In this short, reflective episode, I share three of the most common signs I see in my coaching work:• Something feels “off” — a sense that a task, expectation, or part of your role is no longer in step with who you are.• You’re craving more energy or meaning — noticing where you feel most alive in your work, and where you don’t.• You’re imagining other futures — those small, curious “what if?” questions that surface when your identity is starting to stretch.For each sign, I offer a simple writing prompt from my new 30-day course, Write Your Career, to help you interpret what the sign is pointing toward. These questions aren’t about pressure or dramatic decisions. They’re about clarity — about hearing yourself more clearly and reconnecting with what matters.Whether you’re feeling stuck, quietly restless, or simply sensing that something in your working life might need attention, this episode gives you a gentle, practical way to explore what’s going on beneath the surface.And if you’d like to work through these prompts more deeply, the Write Your Career course is available now at the January launch price of £49, with or without one-to-one coaching.Thanks for listening! If you need support with your career:call me on 07833 593875email mark@bravocoaching.co.ukvisit www.bravocoaching.co.uk

136. Looking Ahead to 2026: New Book, New Course, New Direction

In this episode, we’re looking ahead to 2026 and what the new year will bring. I share an update on the projects I’m most excited about — including the publication of my new book, Write Your Career, which launches in April, and the fully-developed 30-day Write Your Career course, now available at a special January price.I talk through what’s changed, what’s improved, and how the course and book fit together to support anyone wanting more clarity, direction, or momentum at the start of the year. I also explain the new coaching-supported option, designed to give people more structure and guidance as they work through the material.To finish, there’s a short Coaching Moment focused on the value of simply getting started — why small beginnings often matter more than big plans, and how you can use that idea to shape your next steps in 2026.If you’d like to explore the course or coaching options, you’ll find everything at www.bravocoaching.co.ukThanks for listening! If you need support with your career:call me on 07833 593875email mark@bravocoaching.co.ukvisit www.bravocoaching.co.uk

135. Looking Back at 2025: A Year of Growth and Change

As we reach the end of the year, this episode is a chance to pause and look back at what 2025 has brought. It’s been a year of milestones for me — from publishing Mid-Career Change in January, to celebrating five years of the podcast, to running the pilot for my new Write Your Career course.I share what I learned from launching the book, the conversations that stood out on the podcast this year, and how the show has continued to grow in both listeners and engagement. I also talk about what the pilot group taught me about the Write Your Career course, and how their feedback has shaped the full version launching in January.To round off the episode, I guide you through a short Coaching Moment using the Highlight Reel technique — a simple exercise to help you capture three meaningful moments from your year and recognise what they reveal about your strengths.If you’d like support with your career planning as we head into 2026, you can find details about my coaching and courses at www.bravocoaching.co.uk.Thanks for listening! If you need support with your career:call me on 07833 593875email mark@bravocoaching.co.ukvisit www.bravocoaching.co.uk

134. Career Transitions, Confidence and Community

In this episode, I’m joined by Career and Leadership Transitions Specialist Suzanne Penny, who brings more than 20 years of experience in outplacement, recruitment and people development — along with her own lived experience of redundancy and reinvention.Suzanne and I first spoke back in 2023 for the Association for Coaching podcast, and so much has evolved for both of us since then. Today we reconnect to explore the realities of mid-career change: the moments that shake your confidence, the small steps that make the biggest difference, and why no one should navigate transition alone.We talk about the emotional impact of redundancy, what really helps people rebuild clarity and confidence, and the practical ways to move forward when you’re feeling misaligned or unsure. Suzanne also shares powerful stories of clients she’s supported — including members of her new community space, created to take the loneliness out of redundancy.Together, we explore themes of wellbeing, resilience, and the importance of pausing before rushing into what’s next. We also dig into the rise of purpose-driven work, the changing world of hybrid careers, and how mid-career professionals can leverage their experience, strengths and values to shape a meaningful next chapter.Whether you’re going through change yourself or supporting others through it, this conversation offers reassurance, perspective and plenty of practical ideas. Suzanne’s message is clear: you’re not starting from scratch — you’re starting from experience.If you’re navigating uncertainty, wondering what’s next, or craving a sense of community during transition, this one’s for you.https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzannepennyexecutivecoach/https://www.suzannepenny.com/Thanks for listening! If you need support with your career:call me on 07833 593875email mark@bravocoaching.co.ukvisit www.bravocoaching.co.uk