Pursuing your career dream

As a wellness coach, I’ve had countless conversations that have left a lasting impact on me. But my recent chat with Pippa Winn, a 55-year-old woman who completely transformed her life during mid-life, was truly exceptional. Our conversation, alongside my Secrets from a Coach podcast co-host Laura Thomson-Staveley, reminded me of the power of coaching and the incredible potential for change that lies within each of us, regardless of age or circumstances.

I first met Pippa about three years ago when she was struggling with her corporate career and facing significant health challenges. At that time, she was grappling with imposter syndrome, low self-esteem and a fear of failure that was holding her back from pursuing her dreams. Little did I know that our coaching sessions would be the catalyst for such a remarkable transformation.

During our recent podcast conversation, Pippa spoke about questioning her core beliefs and how she challenged the stories she’d been telling herself. Based on the Japanese concept of Ikigai, she explored what she loved, what she was good at, what the world needed and what she could be paid for. This exercise, combined with journaling and honest self-reflection, helped Pippa uncover her true purpose.

What struck me most was Pippa’s courage in taking that leap of faith. She gave three months’ notice and quit her corporate job without a clear plan, but with a newfound belief in herself and her abilities. Hearing her describe this moment as ‘ripping the band aid off’ made me realise the immense bravery it takes to step out of our comfort zone and pursue a new path.

Pippa’s story is a powerful reminder of why I love what I do. Seeing her transform from someone who felt like a disappointment and was just trying to keep her head above water, to a woman confidently pursuing her dreams in modelling, acting and brand ambassadorship, is truly remarkable. She’s currently scoping out speaking opportunities at conferences or events – and is even considering some based in the US. Her journey exemplifies the idea that it’s never too late to pivot and make a change in your career and life.

One of the most poignant moments of our conversation was when Pippa talked about ‘moving the goalposts’ in a positive way. She started by dreaming small due to her low self-confidence, but as she achieved little wins and grew in self-belief, she allowed her goals to expand. This approach of setting smaller, achievable goals and then gradually raising the bar is an approach I’d encourage everyone to incorporate into their daily lives.

Pippa’s openness about her health challenges, including her battles with cancer and her ongoing ADHD assessment, was deeply moving. It reinforced for me the importance of addressing the whole person in coaching – not just their professional goals, but their personal struggles and triumphs as well. Her ability to view her health setbacks as a ‘gift’ that ultimately led to her transformation is a powerful perspective that I’ll be sharing with other clients facing adversity.

Another key takeaway from our conversation was the importance of authenticity. Pippa’s success in her new career paths stems from her willingness to be herself fully – embracing her age, her body and her unique personality. This serves as a powerful reminder that our uniqueness is our strength, not something to be hidden or changed.

As a coach, it’s not often that we get to see the long-term impact of our work. Hearing Pippa credit our coaching sessions as a turning point in her life was incredibly humbling and rewarding. It reminded me of the ‘Lollipop Moment’ concept from Drew Dudley’s TED Talk – those small interactions that can have a profound impact on someone’s life, often without us realising it.

Pippa’s story has reinvigorated my passion for coaching and reminded me of the transformative power of self-belief and purposeful living. It’s a testament to the fact that with the right mindset, support and willingness to take risks, we can reinvent ourselves at any age and pursue our true passions.

As I reflect on our conversation, I’m filled with a renewed sense of purpose in my own work. Pippa’s journey has inspired me to encourage my clients to dream bigger, to challenge their self-limiting beliefs more fiercely, and to embrace change as an opportunity for growth rather than a source of fear.

In the end, Pippa’s story is not just about career change or finding success later in life. It’s about the courage to be true to ourselves, the power of resilience in the face of adversity, and the transformative impact of living with purpose. As she so beautifully put it, she’s now ‘intentionally living on purpose’. And isn’t that what we all strive for in the end?

As wellness coaches, our job is to help our clients shine their light and enable others to do the same. Pippa’s journey is a shining example of this principle in action, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to have played a small part in her incredible transformation.

Debbie Green is founder and wellness coach at Wishfish Coaching & Development and co-host of Secrets from A Coach podcast. For more information visit: wishfish.org.uk and secretsfromacoach.com. Connect with Pippa Winn at pippawinner.com.

Author: Debbie Green